Whether you're a Little Monster or a Belieber, rejoice! Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber have appeared on the same album for the first time. Songs for Japan is a charity compilation for earthquake- and tsunami-ravaged Japan.
In a collaboration between major labels EMI, Sony, Universal and Warner, 38 artists - including legends like Elton John, rock bands like the Foo Fighters, country acts like Lady Antebellum and pop icons like Pink and Bruno Mars - have waived their royalties for the songs on this album. Proceeds will go to the Japanese Red Cross Society to help fund relief efforts and rebuild the devastated areas.
The double CD is a wonderful mix of modern hits and classic tracks. However, it doesn't feature any original music, except for Starsmith's remix of Lady Gaga's Born This Way.
Still, the album is a great compilation of inspiring tracks, ranging from slow, reflective jazz to upbeat, energetic pop. It kicks off with a call for listeners to Imagine (John Lennon), people uniting together in the face of tragedy to give the victims a Shelter from the Storm (Bob Dylan), even from Miles Away (Madonna).
With lyrics such as 'This road we're on, you know it might be long/But my faith is strong' in Better Life, Keith Urban paints a picture of a better tomorrow. And like the rising sun depicted on the Japanese flag, the final track, Sunrise, by Norah Jones, suggests that after the storm has passed, there can be a fresh beginning, bringing hope to the victims.
