Est. 1998
The landmark charity single “We Are the World” is returning to a new generation of listeners with a newly enhanced release celebrating its 40th anniversary. First recorded in 1985, the song has been meticulously remastered and is now available in Spatial Audio and high resolution formats. The update brings renewed clarity and presence to one of the most recognisable anthems in popular music, giving audiences the chance to hear it with greater depth and detail than ever before. Alongside the audio upgrade, the original music video has also been restored and enhanced, offering a sharper and more vibrant look at the historic recording session.
The original project remains one of the most ambitious collaborations in music history. Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by Quincy Jones, the session brought together more than forty major artists across genres, including Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Cyndi Lauper, and others. Their aim was to use their collective influence to raise awareness of the Ethiopian famine and drive global support for humanitarian relief. The single became the fastest selling record the industry had ever seen and ultimately raised more than 100 million dollars for famine aid. It also became a cultural milestone that demonstrated the power of artists uniting behind a shared cause.
Four decades later, the song’s message still resonates. The new remaster highlights the emotion and urgency in each vocal performance, while Spatial Audio places listeners inside a more immersive sound field that feels closer to the original session. High resolution formats reveal added nuance in Quincy Jones’s production, preserving the richness of the recording and uncovering details that may have gone unnoticed before. The restored music video provides an equally compelling historical document, showcasing the energy, camaraderie, and purpose that defined the night of its creation.
The anniversary release invites audiences to rediscover the impact of “We Are the World.” By streaming, watching, and sharing the updated versions, listeners can take part in the ongoing legacy of a song that captured global attention and inspired millions. Forty years on, its central idea remains unchanged, that music can bring people together, shift awareness, and spark meaningful action across the world.
