Mavis Staples Unveils ‘We Get By’: A New Album Celebrating Resilience and Hope

World,' on November 7. The album features a rendition of Kevin Morby's 'Beautiful Strangers' and collaborations with a host of acclaimed musicians.">

Mavis Staples Announces New Album, ‘Sad And Beautiful World,’ Featuring Star-Studded Collaborations

Published: August 27, 2025 05:00 AM PST

Legendary Vocalist Mavis Staples is preparing to unveil her latest studio album, titled ‘Sad And Beautiful World,’ slated for release on November 7th. The forthcoming album promises a compelling blend of soulful vocals and insightful songwriting, further cementing Staples’ status as a true icon of American music. This release comes amid a renewed appreciation for legacy artists and their continued relevance in contemporary music discussions.

A Collaborative Spirit

The album, produced by Brad Cook – known for his work with Bon Iver, Waxahatchee, and Nathaniel Rateliff – boasts an extraordinary array of guest artists. Staples has invited a collective of celebrated musicians to contribute, including Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt, Jeff Tweedy, Derek Trucks, Katie Crutchfield, MJ Lenderman, and Justin Vernon. Such extensive collaboration speaks to Staples’ enduring influence and the respect she commands within the music industry. According to Billboard,collaborative albums have seen a 20% increase in streaming numbers over the past three years,demonstrating a growing audience appetite for such projects.

Morby on Staples’ Rendition of “Beautiful Strangers”

A particularly noteworthy inclusion is Staples’ interpretation of “Beautiful Strangers,” originally penned by Kevin Morby. Morby expressed profound admiration for Staples’ rendition,calling it the “greatest moment and highest honour” of his career. He emphasized her unique ability to personalize a song, stating that her version surpasses even the original. This highlights the power of artistic interpretation and the revitalizing effect a seasoned performer can have on existing material.

Track Listing Reveals Album’s Scope

The tracklist for ‘Sad And Beautiful World’ offers a glimpse into the album’s thematic and musical range:

Track Number	Song Title
1	Chicago
2	Beautiful Strangers
3	Sad And Beautiful World
4	Human Mind
5	Hard Times
6	Godspeed
7	We Got To Have Peace
8	Anthem
9	Satisfied Mind
10	Everybody Needs Love

The comprehensive tracklist indicates a diverse exploration of themes ranging from social commentary to personal reflection, all delivered through Staples’ distinctive vocal style.

Did You Know? Mavis staples began her career singing with her family’s gospel group, The Staple Singers, in the 1950s, becoming a prominent voice in the Civil Rights Movement.

pro Tip: Pre-ordering the album frequently enough grants access to exclusive content, such as bonus tracks or early access to music videos.

fans can pre-order ‘Sad And Beautiful World’ now, anticipating a release that promises to be among the most impactful of the year.

The Enduring Legacy of Mavis Staples

mavis Staples’ career spans over seven decades, and she remains a vital force in music. Her ability to connect with audiences across generations is a testament to the timeless quality of her artistry. Staples’ work frequently enough reflects social and political themes,making her music a powerful vehicle for change. Her influence extends beyond music, having served as an inspiration for countless artists and activists.The continued relevance of artists like Staples emphasizes the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mavis Staples’ New Album

• What is Mavis Staples’ new album called? Mavis Staples’ new album is called ‘Sad And Beautiful World.’
• When will ‘Sad And Beautiful World’ be released? The album is scheduled for release on november 7th.
• who produced ‘Sad And Beautiful World’? The album was produced by Brad Cook.
• Which artists are featured on the album? The album features collaborations with Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt, Jeff Tweedy, Derek Trucks, Katie Crutchfield, MJ Lenderman, and Justin Vernon.
• Where can I pre-order ‘Sad And Beautiful World’? You can pre-order the album at this link.
• What genre is Mavis Staples’ music? Mavis Staples’ music is primarily rooted in Gospel, but incorporates elements of Soul, R&B, and Folk music.
• Why is Kevin Morby excited about Mavis Staples covering his song? Morby considers it a high honor and believes Staples has made the song entirely her own, even surpassing the original version.

What are your thoughts on the collaborative nature of modern music? Do you think revisiting existing songs through the lens of legendary artists like Mavis Staples enhances their impact?

How does Mavis Staples’ history of social commentary influence the themes explored in ‘We Get By’?

A Legacy of Soul and Social Commentary

Mavis Staples, the iconic gospel and soul singer, has announced the release of her new album, We Get By, on August 27, 2025. This latest offering continues staples’ decades-long tradition of blending powerful vocals with socially conscious lyrics, offering a message of hope and perseverance in challenging times. The album, produced by Ben Harper, is already generating critically important buzz within the music community and among fans of American roots music. We Get By represents not just a new collection of songs,but a continuation of Staples’ vital role as a voice for the voiceless.

Exploring the Themes of ‘We Get By’

We Get By delves into themes of resilience, community, and the enduring human spirit. Staples doesn’t shy away from addressing tough realities, but consistently frames them within a context of hope and the possibility of positive change.

Here’s a breakdown of key thematic elements:

Social Justice: Staples has always been a champion for civil rights, and this album continues that legacy. Songs address contemporary issues of inequality and injustice.

Hope and Perseverance: Despite acknowledging hardship, the album’s overarching message is one of optimism and the power of collective action.

Community strength: The importance of supporting one another and building strong communities is a recurring motif throughout We Get By.

Spiritual grounding: Rooted in her gospel background, Staples infuses the album with a sense of faith and spiritual resilience.

Ben Harper’s production and Musical style

the collaboration between Mavis Staples and Ben Harper is a significant aspect of We Get By. Harper, known for his own blend of folk, blues, and soul, brings a nuanced and sensitive approach to the production.

Key elements of the album’s musical style include:

Roots Music Foundation: The album is firmly grounded in American roots music traditions – gospel, blues, folk, and soul.

Organic Instrumentation: Harper prioritizes organic instrumentation, featuring live performances and minimal studio manipulation.

Harmonic Richness: Staples’ signature vocal harmonies are prominently featured, creating a rich and layered soundscape.

Subtle Arrangements: The arrangements are deliberately understated, allowing Staples’ voice and the lyrical content to take center stage.

Standout Tracks and Lyrical Depth

While the entire album is a cohesive work, several tracks are already being highlighted for their lyrical depth and musical impact.

“We Get By”: The title track is an anthem of resilience, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and collective strength.

“Brothers and Sisters”: A powerful call for unity and understanding, urging listeners to bridge divides and embrace empathy.

“Never Give Up”: A deeply personal song reflecting Staples’ own life experiences and unwavering faith.

“Change”: A direct address to the need for social and political change, delivered with Staples’ characteristic passion and conviction.

Mavis Staples’ Enduring Influence

Mavis Staples’ career spans over seven decades, and her influence on American music is undeniable. From her early work with The Staple Singers to her critically acclaimed solo albums, she has consistently pushed boundaries and challenged conventions.

Consider these key milestones:

1. the Staple Singers (1950s-1970s): Pioneering gospel and soul group known for their civil rights anthems like “Respect Yourself.”
2. Solo Career (1977-Present): A string of successful solo albums, earning numerous awards and accolades.
3. Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2018): Recognition of her significant contributions to music.
4. Continued activism: Staples remains a vocal advocate for social justice and equality.

The Importance of Supporting Legacy Artists

Supporting artists like Mavis Staples is crucial for preserving American musical heritage. Her work not only entertains but also inspires and challenges listeners to create a more just and equitable world. Purchasing We Get By, attending her concerts, and sharing her music are all ways to show recognition for her enduring legacy. The album serves as a reminder of the power of music to heal,inspire,and unite.

Benefits of Listening to ‘We Get By’

Beyond the musical enjoyment,We Get By offers several benefits to listeners:

Emotional Uplift: The album’s message of hope and resilience can provide emotional support during challenging times.

Social Awareness: The lyrics encourage critical thinking about social issues and inspire action.

Spiritual Connection: The album’s gospel roots can foster a sense of spiritual grounding and connection.

Cultural Enrichment: Experiencing Mavis Staples’ music is a valuable contribution to one’s understanding of American musical history.

Where to Find ‘We Get By’

We Get by is available for purchase and streaming on all major music platforms, including:

Spotify

Apple Music

Amazon Music

Physical copies (CD and Vinyl) are available through [record label website/retailers].