Mavis Staples: Still Standing Tall, Still Singing Truth to Power

Honestly, you just don't get voices like Mavis Staples anymore. And it’s not merely about the sound itself, though that's certainly a force to behold; it’s the sheer weight of history, the unyielding spirit, the unwavering commitment to justice that pours from every note. At an age where many would be content to rest on their considerable laurels, Mavis, bless her heart, continues to forge ahead, gifting us with music that feels both anciently wise and utterly, devastatingly current.

Her latest offering, “If All I Was Was Black,” really, it's more than just an album — it's a profound statement, a testament to her lifelong mission. This isn't some nostalgic trip down memory lane, a gentle echo of past glories. Oh no, not Mavis. This record, produced with her now-familiar collaborator Jeff Tweedy, buzzes with an urgent, palpable energy, taking aim squarely at the injustices and racial tensions that, in truth, still plague our world. And it’s quite a thing to witness, you could say.

Think about it: from her early days with The Staple Singers, a family that didn’t just sing gospel but lived it, advocating for civil rights alongside Martin Luther King Jr., Mavis has always been a conduit for change. But here, on tracks like the titular “If All I Was Was Black,” she isn’t just remembering; she's reacting. The song itself is a gut punch, a direct confrontation with the systemic issues that persist. It’s raw, unflinching, yet somehow, still deeply soulful.

The collaboration with Tweedy, for once, feels more essential than ever. He understands how to frame that magnificent, weathered instrument of hers – her voice, I mean – not to smooth out the edges, but to highlight their magnificent texture, the gravel and grit that speak volumes of experience. The instrumentation, often spare but always potent, creates a backdrop that allows Mavis’s message to resonate without distraction. You hear a little funk, a little blues, a lot of soul; it’s all there, beautifully interwoven.

But the album isn’t just protest; it’s also solace, a call to unity. Consider “Build a Bridge” or “We Go High” — these aren’t just catchy tunes; they’re anthems of resilience, offering a glimpse of hope even amidst the turmoil. Mavis isn’t just pointing out the darkness; she’s also showing us a path towards the light, with that unmistakable conviction in her voice that just says, “We can do better.” It’s a powerful, powerful thing, honestly, to hear.

So, what does it all mean for us, the listeners? It means Mavis Staples, a true living legend, is still here, still fighting, still inspiring. “If All I Was Was Black” isn't merely an addition to her discography; it’s a vital, relevant chapter, reminding us that the struggle for equality is ongoing. And her voice, perhaps more vital now than ever, continues to be a guiding light, a persistent, beautiful roar for justice. Long may she sing.