We Are the World (album)


We Are the World is a 1985 album that contains USA for Africa's "We Are the World", a superstar charity recording for famine relief efforts in Ethiopia. The album was released on April 23, 1985 by Columbia Records.
In addition to the title track, the album includes nine previously unreleased songs by donating artists, including Prince, Chicago, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Tina Turner and others. In addition, "Grace", by Quincy Jones, is not included in this album but appeared as the B-side of the title track when it was released a month earlier.
The album also includes another famine relief fundraising song, "Tears Are Not Enough", which was performed by Canadian supergroup Northern Lights.
Prince and The Revolution recorded "4 the Tears in Your Eyes" for the album. A rare live version of the song, done for Live Aid, was included on Prince's The Hits/The B-Sides.
Chicago's contribution, "Good for Nothing", would be the last song released with bass player Peter Cetera's lead vocals before he left the band. It was later included on the band's comprehensive 2003 compilation, The Box.

Reception

The album sold over 3 million copies. According to Billboard on April 27, 1985, it reached number one in 2 weeks, something only formerly accomplished by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

Track listing

;Side one
  1. USA for Africa – "We Are the World" – 7:02
  2. Steve Perry – "If Only for the Moment, Girl" – 3:44
  3. The Pointer Sisters – "Just a Little Closer" – 3:53
  4. Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band – "Trapped" – 5:11
;Side two
  1. Northern Lights – "Tears Are Not Enough" – 4:21
  2. Prince & The Revolution – "4 the Tears in Your Eyes" – 2:45
  3. Chicago – "Good for Nothing" – 3:35
  4. Tina Turner – "Total Control" – 3:38
  5. Kenny Rogers – "A Little More Love" – 2:54
  6. Huey Lewis and the News – "Trouble in Paradise" – 4:34

    Charts and certifications

Weekly charts

Certifications and sales

Production credits