Amid A Nation Deeply Divided, A Song Sounds A Clarion Call of Hope With One Word: 'Better'
It stamps this time in American history with a voice, commentary and insight reminiscent of Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke and the Mighty Clouds of Joy, in a way that is timeless, profound and unforgettable.
By John W. Fountain
EVERY ONCE IN A while, there comes a song for such a time as this—blended in pure sweet musicality with simple but profound lyrics that speak from the soul of the writer to the listeners’ with a message both inspirational and deeply moving.
Chris Crain’s latest release, “Better”—featuring Grammy Award-winning artist Mark Kibble (Take 6)—is such a song.
Its blend of harmony, deeply rooted in a perfect mix of the sounds of Mississippi Delta Blues and home-cooked Southern Gospel with a healthy heaping of unadulterated Soul, are apparent from the very first notes.
The hum of the Hammond organ and sprightly, but soft and silky, lead guitar chords combine to encapsulate and also transmit the tenor of these times while also transporting listeners back to a different time in America:
To the Deep South. To the Civil Rights Movement and the historic and African Americans’ great stride toward freedom. To a time of civil unrest and turmoil, though punctuating by its uplifting melody, tone and lyrics the dream still of building a better, brighter America.
“Better” is both a soundtrack for these times and a sermon of effervescent hope.
“Better” tells us, in no uncertain terms, that there is hope. That things will get better, though urging, imploring, reminding us that we all must do our part to make this world a better place.
Narrated by Crain—lead singer—the song commences with a voice both timeless and captivating as it moves seamlessly from sultry high tenor to at times falsetto, accentuated by the background vocals (arranged by Kibble) that flow like a melodic river—a sound reminiscent of the classic honeysweet harmonies of Take 6.
CRAIN AND KIBBLE’S COLLABORATION isn’t serendipitous but rather carefully crafted. And it is evidence of the existence of artistic gift and expression baked simply to pure perfection.
Neither artist is novice. Both have an extensive catalogue. This work is simply a reflection of each of them continuing in the way of creating the kind of music from the heart and soul that reaches the heart and soul.
Indeed “Better” is, in one sense, spiritual. The Hammond pipes gently in the background intermittently, ushering the song’s call for reflection, for social and individual renewal and revival. For change. By love and brotherhood. By unity. Rather than division.
One cannot ignore that “Better” emerges amid the backdrop of a nation that now stands deeply divided between political parties, race and even class. Amid a crisis of homelessness in America, amid the lingering aftermath of COVID-19, of social and economic uncertainty, of wars overseas and of growing civil unrest here. Better rises above the fray with a clarion call of hope, unity and peace for all of humanity as part of a steadily rising call blowing like a refreshing summer wind.
Better is uplifting. It is soul-stirring, prophetic and poetic. And it stamps this time in American history with a voice, commentary and insight reminiscent of Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke and the Mighty Clouds of Joy, in a way that is timeless, profound and unforgettable.
It is a song for such a time as this.
“Better” will be released Aug. 20, and available on all digital platforms and on Chris Crain’s website: https://www.chriscrain1music.com/home
Email: Author@johnwfountain.com
Better Lyrics:
“I’ve been through some rough times.
And I’ve seen a life of pain.
I’ve heard wise men say,
‘That good don’t always win.’
But I know
There’s a God
And I believe
Things will work out
Why don’t we love one another?
Why do we hurt each other?
Can’t you see we’re all just the same in Him?
You should find love
Seek love
Give love
Time is truly changing
And the world is filled with so much greed
False teachers.
Crooked preachers
Politicians
Superstitions
We can change
We can change
If it don’t make a difference,
Then it don’t make sense.
Can’t you see we’re all just the same in Him.
You should find love, seek love, give love.
Time is truly changing.
And the world is filled with so much greed
False teachers.
Crooked preachers
Politicians
Superstitions
We can change
We can change
If it don’t make a difference, it don’t make sense.
(“Better” written by Chris Crain)
