Not since "We are the World" in 1985, have so many celebrities used their star power to create a stirring charity single that calls for the need of unity, strength and love.
Following the touching "Change" by Christina Aguilera, pop heavyweight songwriters Justin Tranter and Julia Michaels combine the talents of 24 artists, including Britney Spears, Adam Lambert, Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez and RuPaul, for "Hands", a heartfelt tribute in remembrance of the 49 hate crime victims who lost their lives during the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando on June 12, 2016 - the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.
Along with the contributing vocals of P!nk, Mary J. Blige, Selena Gomez, Jason Derulo, Meghan Trainor, Juanes, Kacey Musgraves, Halsey, Tyler Glenn, Ty Herndon, Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons, The Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, Troye Sivan, MNEK, Alex Newell, Mary Lambert, Prince Royce, Jussie Smollett, and Nate Ruess, the recently released "Hands" was created in hopes of it becoming a classic, timeless memorial after Tranter's own decision to volunteer in Orlando led to a meeting with GLAAD CEO Sarah Kate Ellis.
"When you hear the song it talks about hate being the driver here," Ellis told Billboard, "and that's important because we have to be able to identify what's driving these cruel acts in order to stop them. Artists using their platforms to accelerate acceptance is very powerful."
"Hands" was a previously shelved collaboration between Tranter, Michaels and producer BloodPop, that took on new life one day after the Pulse shooting. Tranter said the initial efforts to record and release the song "didn't ever feel right" and immediately knew why once he woke up to the tragic news of events unfolding in Orlando. The song features delicate, piano and string-driven production, courtesy of co-producer Mark Ronson, as individual artists tackle verses of the unstable balance between hate and acceptance, before they all join for a rousing chorus.
Tranter does not want the 49 Orlando victims to be forgotten, he also wants it to remain clear, that the crime was a planned attack on the LGBT community and people of color. His sadness, fear and anger are all expressed on the moving, effective songwriting. "I've been watching news, and seeing all this hate, tell me is it wrong, to want a little change," the artists sing, expressing frustration with the senseless acts of violence that never seem to come to an end.
Unfortunately, not all artists can be individually pointed out on "Hands", but all provide their best effort for a good cause. A quality Tranter aimed for during the recording process. Some highlights? Spears gives her strongest vocal performance in years on the opening verse, Lambert's trademark background wail, P!nk's emotionally-charged chorus lead and RuPaul's "just take my hand baby" line towards the end evokes both chills and a needed smile.
Charity singles are usually a hit or miss. Thankfully, Tranter's own personal tie to the community most affected in Orlando gives "Hands" a necessary, genuine vibe. All proceeds from the ballad will benefit victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting; distributed by Equality Florida Pulse Victims Fund, the GLBT Community Center of Central Florida and GLAAD.
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