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Rating: It is a double thread that runs through this excellent album.
The first is that of Mavis Staples: gospel, soul, the struggle, Dr. King (Martin Luther King), and her splendid voice.
The second is that of Ry Cooder: the production, his talent, his music, and his extraordinary being.
The union of these two "threads" intertwines like the warp and weft, forming a unique and inimitable sonic tapestry. This "sonic tapestry" provokes and transmits signals that stimulate even those more latent "areas" of our brain, thus creating new sensations and new emotions we thought were lost.
Mavis Staples is a 67-year-old black singer and a gospel legend. She possesses one of the most beautiful voices in soul music, one of the most precious voices in contemporary music. She was a solo singer for many years with the Staple Singers alongside her father Roebuck Pops. She records this, which is probably the most beautiful album of her career. She defines it almost as a miracle, as it was not planned and was mostly recorded live, thanks naturally to the experience and professionalism of Ry Cooder. The title of the album "We'll Never Turn Back" recalls the civil rights struggle period. The lyrics of her songs talk about struggle, emancipation, ideals. They invite people to come together to talk, socialize, to stay united against those who want to exploit them, to remain free against those who want to oppress them, for a better life and a better world.
"It's been almost 50 years since then / How much longer will it have to last? / We must change things now / Why are we still being treated so badly today?"
Mavis's songs are gospel, soul, folk, and blues. Her voice intense and energetic, emits a mixture of anger and emotion, of strength and religion (even now, she goes to the Baptist church to sing on Sundays). Staples is talented; she knows how to transmit incredible pathos with her voice, and with her words, she knows how to restore meaning to black music. In the choirs, she is helped by none other than the Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who, as South Africans, know something about this field.
Once again, Ry Cooder's presence on this CD is crucial. This time, however, unlike his last work "My Name is Buddy" (an excellent album but more interested in lyrics than in music), Ry addresses the same aforementioned themes, but finally lets us hear good music, his music. His very personal sound makes him unique. It is the Ry Cooder we like, who knows how to transmit his magical vibrations.
Among the various compositions, all of a good level, two are particularly excellent. "My Own Eyes" and "I'll Be Rested", which, coincidentally, are also the only two signed by Ry Cooder. Is it a coincidence?
"With this album / I hope to find the same feelings / the same spirit / the same message as before / and to contribute to a once again positive change"
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