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The Reverend Shawn Amos Says Goodbye to “2017” In New Single & Lyric Video
Following the summer release of his single and music video “Ain’t Gonna Name Names,” American roots artist, The Reverend Shawn Amos, presents the second song from his upcoming album, The Reverend Sha wn Amos Breaks It Down . “ 2017” will be released worldwide November 17, 2017 on iTunes, Spotify and all digital music sellers via Amos’ own Put Together Music imprint (via distributor AWAL).
“2017” is one in a series of what Amos calls “21st century freedom songs,” inspired by the gospel-born protest songs of the 1960s American civil-rights movement. Recorded in Memphis’ Royal Studios with surviving members of Al Green’s lauded 1970s rhythm section, “2017” calls listeners to “Open up our hearts and brains/Think about what our children’s eyes have seen/In the year 2017.” The song also features vocals from Memphis-based vocal group, The Masqueraders.
The track was co-produced by Amos and album producer, James Saez who also mixed. Amos says his forthcoming album, The Reverend Shawn Amos Breaks It Down , is meant to “remind of us our commonality and our brotherhood,” says The Rev. “I’ve been listening to a lot of music from the Staples Singers, Freedom Singers, and other ‘60s blues, folk and gospel acts. Music meant to stir our conscience. We’re living in similar times; we need songs to help us stand up.”
With a string section reminiscent of B.B. King’s “The Thrill Is Gone” and Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On”, “2017” is a timely commentary on our divided discourse — and a heartfelt plea to listen to our better angels. The song is accompanied by a multi-laired photo collage lyric video which speaks literally and metaphorically to events of the past year.
Recording Personnel: The Reverend Shawn Amos (lead vocals), Michael Toles (guitar), Leroy Hodges, Jr. (bass), Steve Potts (drums), Charles Hodges (keys), Harold Thomas (vocal), Robert “Tex” Wrightsil (vocal), Lester Lands (vocal), Bobby Griffen (vocal), Chris Anderson (string arrangement)
BIOGRAPHY http://www.shawnamos.com/bio
WEBLINKS: Artist Website: www.shawnamos.com FB Musician: https://www.facebook.com/therevamos/ TW: @therevamos
LABEL: PUT TOGETHER MUSIC SINGLE RELEASE DATE: NOVEMBER 17, 2017 DISTRIBUTION: AWAL FCC CLEAN
LYRICS
People listen to what I'm sayin' It's time to accept the truth That the times have changed
We've got to open up our hearts and brains If we want to keep inside The freedom lane
People I know this ain't the best we can be We've got to think about what our children's eyes have seen In the year 2017
We've got to open up our hearts and brains Open up our hearts and brains Think about what we preach and say Think about what our children's eyes have seen In the year 2017
This is a war waged with thought control No tanks or planes just thought control Open up your hearts and brains If you want to keep inside the freedom lane
Hate and fear ain't no vaccine We've got to think about what our children's eyes have seen In the year 20...20...17
2017... 2018... 2019...
How long, how long? How long, how long?
Hindsight’s 20/20 Hindsight’s 20/20 2017
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