The Greatest Night in Pop

This is everything I want from a documentary. It was both informative and entertaining, and it gave me a brief glimpse into something raw and real. It effectively captures the feeling of being in that recording studio on that specific night in the company of the biggest names in music at the time - the exhilaration but also the pressure and tension felt by everyone in the room (Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Quincy Jones, Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Diana Ross, the list goes on and on). I felt like I got to know each of these artists a little bit better because of their raw emotions and vulnerability that were on display in the footage.

I wasn't alive when "We are the World" was released in 1985. However, I distinctly remember when the 25th anniversary rendition was released in 2010 and being instantly enthralled by the sheer power of so many iconic voices united for one important cause. I've watched that video over and over, and I get the same visceral feeling every time. This documentary adds depth and context to that feeling, and I now have even more appreciation for the original song.

My kids were 5 and 10 when We Are the World was released. They couldn't get enough of it probably because Michael Jackson was a big part of it and they knew the money was going to feed kids in Africa. This behind the scenes account of how Harry Belafonte inspired Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson, and Quincy Jones to make it happen is beautiful and funny with some very personal commentary by many of the dozens of artists who did the marathon recording. Their effort seems like something that would never happen today even though we surely could use the love and selflessness they embodied the night they gathered in one studio to record the song. The reflections by Richie, Bruce Springsteen, Smokey Robinson , Cindy Lauper and others make this a special film. It's a little long but worth sticking with it.

I started watching knowing nothing about the behind the scenes. I knew there was a bunch of famous artists, I knew about the french parody and I definitely remembered Bruce Springsteen's weird face while singing.

I was instantly fascinated by the whole thing, it's a great watch, a lot of fun facts I loved to hear about. It's the kind of story that's so absurd it shouldn't have worked out but in the end it did.

There are some heartwarming moments, the Belafonte bit was beautiful or whenever they would cheer after someone sang. Most of them seemed genuinely excited to be there and the doc makes you feel like a witness to it all.

However I do wish there were more speakers, they should have reached out to more singers, I would have loved to see footage of the singers talking about the project afterwards.

It also makes you question why those songs don't happen anymore, can you imagine Beyonce and Taylor Swift coming together to raise money to a cause?

And then I remembered that most artists nowadays won't set foot outside North America and Europe when they go on their "world tours" so I'm feeling bittersweet about it all but it's still a great watch.

I can't recall the last time I watched a film from beginning to end without taking a break or even thinking of taking a break. And this has nothing to do with the quality of the ultimate product, although the film made me appreciate "We Are the World" far more than I did at the time of its creation. The experience of seeing how this event was created, assembled and carried out was mesmerizing, engrossing and tremendously moving.

The film enlarged, exponentially, my knowledge and understanding of the individuals who participated in creating the song and video. For example, I appreciate, for the first time, the scope of Lionel Ritchie's talent, which extends far beyond singing. Wrangling pop stars is more difficult than herding house cats, but Ritchie proved to be a master of the art. He was the film's star, with Stevie Wonder and Quincy Jones close behind. The scenes showing Stevie's interactions with Ray Charles and Bob Dylan were, at the same time, hilarious and moving.

The film also enhanced my appreciation of the level of talent that participated in the project. As a contemporary of most of the participants, I realize now that they were a lot more talented than I might have thought back in the 1980s.

From a technical standpoint, condensing a ten-hour all night recording session into the last hour of a ninety minute film was no mean feat. The editing of tons of archival material into a coherent narrative was masterful. If Netflix can mount more retrospective documentaries of similar events from the late twentieth century, I would welcome the endeavor.

If I have one criticism, it is that I wanted to know more about the selection process, about the artists who elected not to participate, and about the one, Waylon Jennings, who walked out. Madonna was mentioned once. And maybe Waylon was there because he lost a bet to his pal Willie, and of course Prince was Prince. But Waylon and Willie were the only representatives of a genre that IS music to millions of Americans. Were any others asked?

But on the whole, the film was an Oscar level documentary and should be recognized as such.

The documentary is Chefs kiss. I love Michael Jackson's songs and We Are The World is no exception. It's so catchy and I love harmonizing along with the artists. I enjoyed this documentary. I had always wanted to see something like it. To go behind the scenes, and it did not disappoint. From the song creation process - which is something I always wonder about as a music listener, to the retakes to the teamwork to the balancing of egos. I appreciated the no-holds-barred , honest interviews and I'm so grateful they took videos that night. I resonated with what Diana Ross voiced ie she didn't want that night to be over. I didnt want the Docu to be over either. When it began, you could tell they were all nervous, but as it went on, it became everybody's favorite project and everybody brought their A game. Lionel Richie as a narrator is so good. Great sense of humour and sharp memory. You could see from the documentary that the artists cared for the cause and cared even more for the craft and had an admiration and respect for each other, despite their differences in ages , skin color or accolades. Loved the autograph scene. I loved that all the artists were trying on such short notice, and adapting their vocal ranges as they went along. Hueys narrations were vivid and beautiful. He is a captivating storyteller. MJ came across as so humble and a perfectionist, Quincy Jones = a genius, Al was hilarious, and I loved that he and Stevie are multilingual. Bruce Springsteen got the Midas touch and aging like fine wine. Stevie Wonder - how does he make playing the piano and singing look so effortless? It truly was a highlight for me, seeing him work his magic. Harry Belafonte, God bless you for thinking of this concept. Ray Charles, iconic. Lionel's voice as the song starts, is absolutely pristine. MJs voice is angelic. Cyndi Lauper coming through with the harmonization has always been one of my fave bits of the song. It's interesting to see that part play out in the Docu. Tina Turner - goodness, what a goddess. I love Prince but I know most artists are like Bob (Dylan) and Prince, introverts who'd rather work alone so I understand. I'm grateful Bob Dylan showed up. It was for a good cause. A great cause. It was great to see how demanding artists are of themselves even when they are top of their game. They are still perfectionists. I learnt something there. Loved MJs outfit and as a dear fan, I really appreciated insights into his songwriting process. Seeing him collaborate with Richie to come up with the melody was awesome. So casually too. Geniuses make it look easy. It's nice to see his siblings there to support him. Steve Perry's vocals - wow. James Ingram. I could go on and on. This docu had everything: the tea, the laughs, the love, the tears, the emotions, the high notes, just...a delectable mix. I enjoyed it and it makes me sad that we are at an age where the icons have left or are leaving us. Nothing lasts forever but it was good while it lasted. I'm glad this song is here with us. Two quotes I loved from the show, to paraphrase: 1) How music is something spiritual that traverses space and time to come touch your soul 2) Be happy when you comeback home because one day there'll be no home to come back to. Whew! That last one was emotional. I LOVED the Docu and I LOVE the song. Shout out to Bob Geldof for the inspiration. #TheGreatestNightInPop #Netflix.