Amnesty International's Instant Karma collection is part of the ongoing effort to raise global awareness of the necessity of stopping genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan. It's logical to use a collection of covers of classic John Lennon songs as Lennon would likely be in the forefront of the effort if he were still living. The good news is this collection works both to raise the necessary awareness and as a quality tribute to John Lennon's music.
Digging Into the Emotion Behind the Songs
Instant Karma works best where the artists seem to capture the upfront, frequently raw, emotion in John Lennon's work. Christina Aguilera applies her gutbucket blues vocal style, recently on display in tribute to James Brown at the Grammy Awards, to deliver a wrenching version of the primal scream-inspired "Mother." Avril Lavigne sonically recaptures the sense of awe in the words of "Imagine" too often missed in other interpretations. Green Day continue to rock with the sense of importance they rediscovered on their American Idiot masterpiece on their take on "Working Class Hero."
Resurrecting Forgotten John Lennon Songs
Some lesser-known John Lennon classics are delivered impeccably as well. Electronic music masters Postal Service present a minimalist, but tremendously moving, "Grow Old With Me." Ben Harper's idiosyncratic version of "Beautiful Boy" is gorgeous. One of the best cuts on the whole 2-disc album is the closer. Regina Spektor finds both the remembrance of doubt and celebration of confidence in the future in her impeccable vocals on "Real Love," the song which the remaining 3 Beatles made into a posthumous group hit.
Top Tracks on Instant Karma
- Christina Aguilera - Mother
- Avril Lavigne - Imagine
- Green Day - Working Class Hero
- Postal Service - Grow Old With Me
- Regina Spektor - Real Love
Pop and Rock Music Making an Impact
Although there are a few low moments here, the overall quality of recordings is high, and few causes are more deserving of support than the prevention of mass slaughter of innocents. Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur follows a now long tradition of pop and rock musicians using their time and energy to bring awareness and needed financial proceeds to make our world a better place. This project deserves our support.
