Unsong: We Are the World by U.S.A. for Africa (Side B) - 352

2025-03-03

Well, here we are again, back in the trenches of musical altruism, digging through the chaos and cocaine fumes of We Are the World. In our final part of this double header, we examine the actual recording process—a night filled with megastars, massive egos, and the creeping existential dread of Bob Dylan. We cover: Lionel Richie’s unexpected side hustle as a musical firefighter, putting out diva-induced blazes. Quincy Jones' increasing exasperation as some of the greatest voices in music fai...

Well, here we are again, back in the trenches of musical altruism, digging through the chaos and cocaine fumes of We Are the World. In our final part of this double header, we examine the actual recording process—a night filled with megastars, massive egos, and the creeping existential dread of Bob Dylan.

We cover:

Lionel Richie’s unexpected side hustle as a musical firefighter, putting out diva-induced blazes.
Quincy Jones' increasing exasperation as some of the greatest voices in music fail to hit their notes.
Michael Jackson going off the deep end with Sheyla-Sheyla (which is absolutely, 100% real).
Stevie Wonder offering to guide Ray Charles to the loo, leading to perhaps the only acceptable "blind leading the blind" joke in history.
Prince skipping the whole thing to eat Mexican food down the road.
Cindy Lauper causing technical difficulties by jingling like a Christmas tree made entirely of cheap jewellery.
Diana Ross possibly being the most accidentally terrifying sweetheart of all time.

Also: did this song actually make a difference? Or was it just the moment that finally convinced Michael Jackson he was the second coming? We get into all of that, while trying to decide whether the song is a masterpiece or just a very elaborate Pepsi advert.

00:00 Podcast Introduction and Banter
01:12 Podcast Admin and Patreon Promotion
04:42 Recording 'We Are the World': Setting the Scene
04:47 Quincy Jones and the Ensemble Choruses
07:03 Challenges and Tensions in the Studio
13:49 Prince's Absence and Sheila E's Disappointment
17:23 Final Takes and Notable Moments
25:14 Reflections and Aftermath
30:27 Michael Jackson's Missionary Phase
31:37 The Concept of an Artist's Imperial Moment
32:45 The Role of MTV and Charity Singles
34:09 Critiques and Controversies of Charity Campaigns
35:20 Bandaid vs. USA for Africa: Distribution and Impact
37:56 Political Complexities of Ethiopian Famine
44:08 Mismanagement and Consequences of Aid
47:02 USA for Africa's Long-Term Development Approach
49:53 Cultural Impact and Legacy of Charity Singles
52:39 Conclusion: Achievements and Lessons Learned