Various Artists -The Compassion Project: Songs for Animal, Human, and Earth Justice (Album Review)

In today’s review, we will chance upon a type of album we’ve never encountered before on this platform- a compilation album with a cause. The album is called ‘Various Artists -The Compassion Project: Songs for Animal, Human, and Earth Justice (Album Review)’.

It is presented by the label Artists & Activists Records, with 21 original songs that speak to the heart of our shared humanity, the rights of animals and the urgent need to protect our planet. The album also unites artists from across the globe who use their voices to champion compassion, justice and hope.

It can be seen as an album in its presentation, but it’s more than an album. It’s a collective movement for change. Each song on this release was selectively curated for its ability to speak to compassion. With themes ranging from animal liberation, human rights, climate action and even spiritual transformation, this project is a sonic tribute to the power of music as a tool for transformation. The goal is to ignite conversation, deepen empathy and inspire direct action through music.

The record label responsible for the compilation is a purpose-driven label based in Austin, Texas dedicated to presenting music as a force for good. The label produces and promotes original works that shine a light on issues often left in the shadows- factory farming, systemic injustice, environmental collapse- and elevates the voices of those fighting for a kinder world. The label is also strongly committed to amplifying those whose music aligns with compassion and conscience.

The songs on this release include:

• Sylvie’s Songs Feat. Bryon Harris – Heart Break Like Mine
• Kim Smith – Human
• hopdot – Before We All Go Under
• Daniel Redwood – Vegan Heart
• Rocky Michaels – Our Time is Now
• SwiftTimmy – Trees
• Daniel Redwood – Sanctuary
• Happy Curmudgeons – Be Kind
• Edge – Start All Over
• Brooke Reuss – Stand Up (Reloaded)
• Danny Hamilton – It’s What You Want
• Sometimes Julie – I Won’t Go Quietly
• Paul Floyd – I Don’t Think You Wanna Know
• William Robertson – One Day Chicks
• Mel Fromm Jr. – One Heart One Planet We’ll Be Alright
• DeDe Lopez – Universal Law
• Mel Fromm Jr. – Let’s Unite for the Love of the Earth Now
• Stephanie Westdal – Common Chain
• SwiftTimmy – If You Wait Too Long
• Danny Hamilton – Until We All Rise

As a compilation album, I’d say most of the tracks on here are pretty eclectic and make for a very interesting combination of tracks that all fall under the lyrical content of concern, empathy, musings about injustice, and the life of other beings. It can vary from simple, acoustic based tracks that remind you of Unplugged sessions to funky tunes that can definitely get the crowd going. There are also some instances of rock tracks within this album, to deliver a message that packs a punch.

In this smorgasbord there’s definitely room for everyone to find something that they’ll eventually love, I’d say. It does seem unfair to comment on the quality of musicality or point out mastering issues within certain tracks as I am well aware that the release has intent behind it, not necessarily just to be a musical body of work. The lyrics within all of these songs are highly compelling and will definitely make you think about some of the issues it targets, propelling you to take a stance and feel empowered to cement a change in this world.

In terms of musicality I will be honest and say that the quality of the tracks aren’t necessarily too high, even though the compilation itself boasts a variety of genres. There is not much musical variability within the notes or the presentation of the songs, but I am pretty sure that in a composition where the lyrics and intent sets forward the total potential of a general instrumental has to be behind.

I can definitely see environmentalists and niche vegan circles playing this album as it helps them to represent their community and their beliefs, and educate others on some of the principles they stand by. Some of them are genuinely important as our ecosystem is extremely fragile and biodiversity and conservation is often overlooked. Hopefully, this release will make you more aware of such issues and spark a conversation about it.

SCORE/Good: The Compassion Project: Songs for Animal, Human, and Earth Justice is an interesting compilation album with tons of songs with meaningful lyrics with the intent for you to question ecological injustice and consider the plight of our species, and many other species. It has a variety of styles and songs within the release, so listen along and you’ll definitely find a track you resonate with.

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