Mavis Staples – ‘Sad and Beautiful World’ album review: A legacy of gospel activism
It is easy to view the American civil rights movement as a relic of history, contained within black-and-white photographs and memories of figures like Malcolm X or Angela Davis. In reality, though, that period of political struggle wasn’t all that long ago. Thankfully, we still have the incredible voice of Mavis Staples to remind us of that fact.
The Skinny: At this point, you shouldn’t need me to tell you just how incredible Staples’ voice truly is. It has been well over half a century since her inaugural solo releases, and even longer since her stunning gospel activism alongside The Staple Singers.
Now, though, at the age of 86, Staples’ voice is imbued with the emotion of experience, of a life spent witnessing and spotlighting the everyday injustices of her surrounding world. Even in her twilight years, the vocalist shows little willingness to mellow out.
Instead, Sad and Beautiful World offers a portrait of hope for the future, while simultaneously placing a focus on the changing landscape of society that Staples has witnessed over the course of her discography – or, in many ways, how that society has remained the same.
Her emotionally affecting call for activism and peace, particularly on tracks like ‘We Got To Have Peace’, feel particularly pertinent when looking at the current state of the United States, with federal troops mobilised against their own citizens and horrific racial and religious discrimination returning to the norm. In that sense, Sad and Beautiful World is much more than a mere collection of Staples’ incredible gospel and soul-soaked mastery; it is a reminder of what has been before and what the future could be.
The Verdict: Musically, Sad and Beautiful World is as flawlessly compelling as a multitude of Staples’ previous efforts, but it also boasts entirely new layers of emotion, activism, and experience. Not only does it reaffirm the vocalist’s prolific and enduring musical talents, but it also acts as a stunning reminder of the power of musical activism and unity.
Defining song: ‘Beautiful Strangers’
Release date: November 7th, 2025 | Producer: Brad Cook | Label: Anti Records
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