John Legend and the Roots - Wake Up!

It's only fitting that Philadelphia R+B mainstays John Legend and The Roots would choose "Wake Up Everybody" as the lead single and centerpiece of their upcoming collaboration Wake Up! (September 21, Columbia). Originally recorded 35 years ago by Philly soul legends Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes (featuring Teddy Pendergrass), the song was not only a huge commercial hit, it served as a closing chapter to one of the most significant eras of American music: the marriage of distinctive soul music and potent political message. "When these songs were written, people were more spiritually in tune," says Roots drummer/musical director Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson. “It was fresh from the civil rights era and there was a feeling of hope that maybe, yes, someday we will all be free. In 2010, not so much."

With the exception of the excellent new Legend song "Shine", Wake Up! resurrects ten classic (and some rare) R+B tracks from the 60's and 70's that address the social issues of that period but still, says Legend, "sound so relevant now. On most of them you wouldn't change a lyric." We were knocked out when we saw a live preview of the new album in Philadelphia a few weeks ago with highlights including the Les McCann/Eddie Harris anti-war anthem "Compared to What" and Bill Wither's scathing "I Can't Write Left Handed". Other tracks for Wake Up! include “Wholly Holy” by Marvin Gaye, “Little Ghetto Boy” by Donny Hathaway and Baby Huey and the Babysitters’ “Hard Times." Recommended. ("Hard Times" video after the jump...)

John Legend & The Roots - "Our Generation" (from Wake Up! -- from Levi's Pioneer Sessions. Free download)

John Legend & The Roots - "Wake Up Everybody" (Live Version -- from Wake Up!)