Don’t count contemporary music out yet. While you may think it’s as shallow as can be, what with references to hotline bling’s and anacondas and all, music can be altruistic and romantic at the same time, too.
If you’re guilt-tripping that the world is hungry and weeping while you’re kicking back with a champagne on your wedding day, don’t worry. You can at least wash your hands off it by playing some do-gooder music.
Here’s a rundown of the love songs that also want to bring about social good.
“One”
Originally composed to benefit AIDS research, this U2 song has sound tracked many a cause. Whether you like the original or the revamped one featuring Mary J. Blige, you’ll love this tune whether it’s performed by a wedding band in the reception or a protester during a climate change march. Not coincidentally, Bono named his charity organisation after this song.
“Never Had a Dream Come True”
Lyrics-wise, it could have been just another pop song fit for a wedding. But listen closely and you could see the stamp of charity all over this mushy hit. “Never Had a Dream Come True” was S Club 7’s contribution to BBC’s Children in Need charity.
“Love Can Build a Bridge”
Cher, Chrissie Hynde, Neneh Cherry and Eric Clapton pooled their star power together to bring this song to life for Comic Relief. The single paid off well, crowning the UK charts with no trouble at all.
“That’s What Friends Are For”
Who doesn’t know this song? In the mid-1980s, this star-studded ballad was inescapable. Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, and Gladys Knight banded together to cover this Rod Stewart song for the American Foundation for AIDS Research. If you’re a couple who just got out of the friend zone, this is the ideal song to slow-dance to on your wedding day.
“Perfect Day”
A random group of recording artists turned this Lou Reed classic into a rousing rally for Children in Need. Lou himself sidles by for some vocals, alongside Bono and David Bowie, among others of Britain’s best. Kids in need were deservingly relieved by some $3 million in outpouring from the public after the song hit number one on the UK charts. If nothing else, the song is perfect for your wedding.
“Come Together Now”
2004 marked a horrible moment in history, when hundreds of millions perished in a deadly tsunami that washed ashore several countries around the Indian Ocean. “Come Together Now,” a benefit single for the tragedy, features music stars, past and present, such as John Legend, Joss Stone, The Game, Patti LaBelle, and Natalie Cole. It also seems to work well as a wedding song: “After all is said and done / we are meant to be as one.”
“People Like Us”
Kelly Clarkson has cut many a wedding-worthy song, from “A Moment Like This” to “My Life Would Suck Without You,” but this one goes in deeper, as it was made for charity. Kidpower, an organization that fights bullying, is the lucky beneficiary. When you think about it, we marry people because of shared experience, and for better or worse, that may include being victimised by bullies. “People like us, we’ve gotta stick together / Keep your head up, nothing lasts forever.” Preach, Kelly.
“Angel”
Sarah McLachlan’s hit song “Angel” transcends occasion. You could use it as effectively for a funeral as a wedding. Heck, it even works well as a charity song. It once soundtracked a memorable ad for deserted pets by ASPCA.
“Mama”
A cut off the Spice Girls’ multiplatinum-selling debut album, “Mama” should be a good song to play during the groom-mother dance portion. The gals contributed this song to Comic Relief.
“Just Stand Up”
A supernova gathering of female artists that include Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Melissa Etheridge, and Miley Cyrus recorded this musical manifesto against cancer. “If the mind keeps thinking youve had enough / But the heart keeps telling you ‘don’t give up’ / who are we to be questioning, wondering what is what? / Don’t give up, through it all, just stand up.” They’re fighting words, indeed, but they’re essentially wedding vows, too.
“Sing”
A few years before “Just Stand Up,” Annie Lennox had the prescience to summon the sassiest of her female peers for her chosen charity, the Treatment Action Campaign for HIV/AIDS. For a song aptly titled “Sing,” Annie tapped a celebrity Rolodex of megastars that include Madonna, Gladys Knight, Céline Dion, Faith Hill, Shakira, Beverley Knight, k.d. lang, P!nk, and Bonnie Raitt. Trust us; it’s a great song for a bridal shower party.
