Amanda Shires Shares New Song Our Problem With Cyndi Lauper, Jason Isbell, Peaches And More
Friday, 22 January 2021
Written by Jon Stickler
Photo: Alysse Gafkjen
Amanda Shires has released a new version of her pro-choice song, The Problem.
Renamed Our Problem, the track is a new version of the country-folk artist's moving 2020 duet with husband and fellow musician Jason Isbell, commemorating the 48th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade. It was written from the perspective of a couple facing a difficult decision.
The updated roots-oriented ballad doesn't deviate far from the original with most of the arrangements retained apart from the addition of a diverse cast of guest vocalists, including Cyndi Lauper, Angie Stone, K.Flay, Lilly Hiatt, Linda Perry, Morgane Stapleton, Nona Hendryx, Peaches, and Valerie June. There's also an altered second verse which now follows a woman discussing with friends the decision to seek an abortion.
Guitarist Isbell takes a backseat role vocally this time around while Sheryl Crow joins on bass. Shires said:
"I’m very grateful to have so many of my sisters joining me for Our Problem. The issue of women’s rights and reproductive health affects us all. Our Problem represents women of all generations, musical genres, and communities. Music has the power to bridge gaps and bring people together and I hope that Our Problem reminds you that we are all in this world together and that we can be there for one another no matter what. You are never alone and I'M ON YOUR SIDE."
At the end of 2020, Shires dropped a reinterpretation of Genesis' That’s All. Jason Isbell and and the 400 Unit, meanwhile, have rescheduled their UK and Ireland dates to autumn in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He'll also tour North America with Lucinda Williams in the summer.
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