‘The Calling’ is not just an album, it’s a powerful movement led by the legendary singer songwriter Russell Oliver Stone. This dynamic album features some of the best known musicians from the UK such as Paul Spong, Steve Sidwell, and Neil Sidwell, to name a few. But this album is not just about the music, it’s about a call to action for humanity. Russell’s soulful voice and piercing lyrics lay bare the failures of our leaders to address the pressing social issues facing our world today. With a combination of Jazz and R&B, the lead single ‘We Gotta Wake Up’ is a powerful love song that serves as a rallying cry for change.
The percussive urgency of the song, along with the hypnotic bassline and horns, add to the infectious energy of the lyrics. What makes this album even more memorable is the collaboration with spoken word artists Amen Noir and Poetikah. Their powerful and thought-provoking verses elevate the message of the song to a whole new level. Russell has had a long and successful career in the music industry, reaching global fame with the hit ‘We Do It’ in 1976. But his success was short-lived as he suffered a tragic loss when his wife and singing partner passed away shortly after the song’s release.
This led him to take a step back from music and focus on his healing journey through addiction and becoming a transpersonal psychotherapist. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, Russell is on a mission to use his platform and talents to inspire and empower others. He urges us to look within ourselves and find the solutions to the issues we face as a society. As he says, “We must all focus on what can be done.” From the opening track, ‘Wake Up’, to the closing track, ‘Let It Burn’, this album will truly leave a lasting impact on anyone who listens. Russell’s lush vocals, combined with his profound lyrics and captivating melodies, take listeners on a journey of introspection and empowerment. In a world where music often focuses on materialistic desires and superficial pleasures, ‘The Calling’ stands out as a powerful reminder of the role music can play in promoting positive change and unity. Russell Oliver Stone’s album is not just a collection of songs, it’s a call to wake up, embrace love, and come together as one.