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{{For|other topics|Freedom Song (disambiguation){{!}}Freedom Song}}
{{Infobox song
{{Infobox song
| Name = The Freedom Song
| name = Freedom Song
| cover =
⚫
| Cover = jason_mraz-the_freedom_song_s.jpg
| Caption =
| alt =
| Type = [[Promotional single]]
| type = song
| Artist = [[Jason Mraz]]
| artist = Luc and the Lovingtons
| album = Feel the Warmth
⚫
| Album = [[Love Is a Four Letter Word (album)|Love is a Four Letter Word]]
| released =
⚫
| Released = March 13, 2012
| recorded = 2005<ref name="CD">{{Cite AV media notes|title=Feel the Warmth|others=Luc and the Lovingtons|year=2009|type=CD booklet|first=Cat|last=Biell|publisher=Catattack Design|url=https://issuu.com/catattackdesign/docs/cdbooklet|access-date=November 25, 2018}}</ref>
| Format = [[Music download|Digital download]]
| Recorded = 2011
| studio =
| venue = Healing Place Church<br />(Baton Rouge, Louisiana)<ref name="CD" />
| Genre = [[Pop music|Pop]]
| genre = [[World music|World]]<ref name="sw">{{Cite web|url=http://www.seattleweekly.com/music/cd-reviews-luc-and-the-lovingtons-and-blue-scholars/|title=CD Reviews: Luc and the Lovingtons and Blue Scholars|date=August 25, 2009|first=Jonathan|last=Cunningham|work=[[Seattle Weekly]]|access-date=November 25, 2018}}</ref>
⚫
| Length = 4:00
| length = {{Duration|m=4|s=27}}
⚫
| Label = [[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]]
| label = Self-released<ref name="sw" />
⚫
| Writer = Luc Reynaud
| writer = {{hlist|Luc Reynaud|Jasmine|Demeiko|Children of the [[Southern University|SU]] rescue shelter<ref name="CD" />}}
⚫
| Producer = [[Joe Chiccarelli]]
| producer = {{hlist|Luc Reynaud|Gary Mula<ref name="CD" />}}
}}
{{Infobox song
| name = The Freedom Song
⚫
| cover = jason_mraz-the_freedom_song_s.jpg
| alt =
| type = [[Promotional single]]
| artist = [[Jason Mraz]]
⚫
| album = [[Love Is a Four Letter Word (album)|Love is a Four Letter Word]]
⚫
| released = March 13, 2012
| recorded = 2011
| studio =
| venue =
| genre = [[Jazz pop | Jazz-Pop]]
⚫
| length = 4:00
⚫
| label = [[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]]
⚫
| writer = Luc Reynaud
⚫
| producer = [[Joe Chiccarelli]]
}}
}}


"'''The Freedom Song'''" is a song by American singer-songwriter [[Jason Mraz]]. It was released as the first promotional single from his fourth studio album, "[[Love Is a Four Letter Word (album)|Love is a Four Letter Word]]" (2012), on March 13, 2012. It was written by Luc Reynaud and produced by [[Joe Chiccarelli]].
"'''Freedom Song'''" is a song written by Luc Reynaud and recorded by his band Luc and the Lovingtons on the album ''Feel the Warmth'' (2009).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.laweekly.com/music/freedom-song-the-heartwarming-story-of-a-tunes-journey-from-post-katrina-new-orleans-children-to-jason-mrazs-car-stereo-to-helping-free-modern-day-african-slaves-2404115|title="Freedom Song": The Heartwarming Story of a Tune's Journey from Post-Katrina New Orleans Children, to Jason Mraz's Car Stereo, to Helping Free Modern-Day African Slaves|first=Jeremiah|last=Alexis|date=September 10, 2010|work=[[LA Weekly]]|access-date=November 25, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/feel-the-warmth/1412436029|title=Feel the Warmth by Luc and the Lovingtons on Apple Music|date=29 July 2009 |publisher=[[iTunes Store]]|access-date=November 25, 2018}}</ref> It was later covered by American singer-songwriter [[Jason Mraz]] as "'''The Freedom Song'''" and released as the first promotional single from his fourth studio album, ''[[Love Is a Four Letter Word (album)|Love is a Four Letter Word]]'' (2012), on March 13, 2012. Mraz's version was produced by [[Joe Chiccarelli]].


== Background and release ==
== Background and release ==
After "[[I'm Yours (Jason Mraz song)|I'm Yours]]" remained at the [[Billboard Hot 100]] chart for a record 76 weeks ending in October 2009 (peaking at number 6), the singer/songwriter headed to the [[Gulf of Mexico]] in the summer of 2010 to help with efforts to clean the [[Deepwater Horizon oil spill]].<ref name=billboard>{{cite news|last=Lipshut|first=Jason|title=Jason Mraz Is Focusing on Green Issues With New Album|url=http://m.billboard.com/entry/view/id/41467/pn/all/p/0/?KSID=e78e14d81fd825915729e065335b73b9|accessdate=November 22, 2012|newspaper=[[Billboard (magazine){{!}}Billboard]]|date=April 14, 2012}}</ref> Later, he went to a trip to [[Ghana]] to fight child slavery alongside the nonprofit [[Free the Slaves]]. Later, Mraz was in [[Antarctica]], spending time with [[Al Gore]] and learning about climate change aboard the [[National Geographic Explorer]]. During his activist outings, Mraz wrote and recorded his fourth album, "[[Love Is a Four Letter Word (album)|Love Is a Four Letter Word]]", with producer [[Joe Chiccarelli]].<ref name=billboard/> In an interview for [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]], he confessed that he was less interested in following up his biggest hit than using the power that "I'm Yours" gave him to fuel positive change.<ref name=billboard/> He further elaborated: "The pressure I put on myself, or what I hope my 'I Won't Give Up' does, is to make a difference in people's lives . . . With 'I'm Yours,' I got to go out and set my feet on different continents, and expose myself to different cultures and causes. I wanted to see who I was, outside of music."<ref name=billboard/>
After "[[I'm Yours (Jason Mraz song)|I'm Yours]]" remained at the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] chart for a record 76 weeks ending in October 2009 (peaking at number 6), the singer/songwriter headed to the [[Gulf of Mexico]] in the summer of 2010 to help with efforts to clean the [[Deepwater Horizon oil spill]].<ref name=billboard>{{cite news|last=Lipshut|first=Jason|title=Jason Mraz Is Focusing on Green Issues With New Album|url=http://m.billboard.com/entry/view/id/41467/pn/all/p/0/?KSID=e78e14d81fd825915729e065335b73b9|accessdate=November 22, 2012|newspaper=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=April 14, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130118013903/http://m.billboard.com/entry/view/id/41467/pn/all/p/0/?KSID=e78e14d81fd825915729e065335b73b9|archive-date=January 18, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Later, he went to a trip to [[Ghana]] to fight child slavery alongside the nonprofit [[Free the Slaves]]. Later, Mraz was in [[Antarctica]], spending time with [[Al Gore]] and learning about climate change aboard the [[National Geographic Explorer]]. During his activist outings, Mraz wrote and recorded his fourth album, "[[Love Is a Four Letter Word (album)|Love Is a Four Letter Word]]", with producer [[Joe Chiccarelli]].<ref name=billboard/> In an interview for [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]], he confessed that he was less interested in following up his biggest hit than using the power that "I'm Yours" gave him to fuel positive change.<ref name=billboard/> He further elaborated: "The pressure I put on myself, or what I hope my 'I Won't Give Up' does, is to make a difference in people's lives . . . With 'I'm Yours,' I got to go out and set my feet on different continents, and expose myself to different cultures and causes. I wanted to see who I was, outside of music."<ref name=billboard/>


The song was released as the first promotional single from the album on iTunes, on March 13, 2012.<ref name=itunes>{{cite web|title=iTunes - Music - The Freedom Song by Jason Mraz|url=https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/the-freedom-song-single/id505880763|work=[[ITunes]]|publisher=[[Apple Store]]|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref>
The song was released as the first promotional single from the album on iTunes, on March 13, 2012.<ref name=itunes>{{cite web|title=iTunes - Music - The Freedom Song by Jason Mraz|url=https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/the-freedom-song-single/id505880763|work=[[ITunes]]|date=12 March 2012 |publisher=[[Apple Store]]|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref>


== Composition and inspiration ==
== Composition and inspiration ==
"The Freedom Song" was written by Luc Reynaud, while production was handled by [[Joe Chiccarelli]].<ref name=discogs>{{cite news|title=Jason Mraz – Love Is A Four Letter Word (Album) at Discogs|url=http://www.discogs.com/Jason-Mraz-Love-Is-A-Four-Letter-Word/release/3549042|accessdate=November 22, 2012|newspaper=[[Discogs]]}}</ref> It was originally penned by Luc Reynaud of the Seattle music band Luc & the Lovingtons whilst assisting in the [[Hurricane Katrina]] recovery efforts. The song caught Jason Mraz's attention and inspired by its optimistic message of how music can uplift the human spirit, the singer-songwriter started performing it in his concerts.<ref name=billboardtrack/> "I picture something, it's beautiful/ It's full of life and it is all blue", he sings in the beginning.<ref name=guardian>{{cite news|last=Sullivan|first=Caroline|title=Jason Mraz: Love Is a Four-Letter Word – review &#124; Music &#124; The Guardian|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/apr/12/jason-mraz-love-is-review|accessdate=April 14, 2012|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=April 12, 2012}}</ref> "I see a sunset on the beach/yeah, it makes me feel calm," he also sings, continuing, "when I’m calm I feel good/when I feel good I sing."<ref name=nytimes>{{cite news|last=Caramanica|first=Jon|title=New Albums From Train and Jason Mraz - NYTimes.com|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/19/arts/music/new-albums-from-train-and-jason-mraz.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss|accessdate=April 19, 2012|newspaper=[[New York Times]]|date=April 16, 2012}}</ref>
"The Freedom Song" was written by Luc Reynaud, while production was handled by [[Joe Chiccarelli]].<ref name=discogs>{{cite news|title=Jason Mraz – Love Is A Four Letter Word (Album) at Discogs|url=http://www.discogs.com/Jason-Mraz-Love-Is-A-Four-Letter-Word/release/3549042|accessdate=November 22, 2012|newspaper=[[Discogs]]}}</ref> It was originally penned by Luc Reynaud of the Seattle music band Luc & the Lovingtons whilst assisting in the [[Hurricane Katrina]] recovery efforts. The song caught Jason Mraz's attention and inspired by its optimistic message of how music can uplift the human spirit, the singer-songwriter started performing it in his concerts.<ref name=billboardtrack/> "I picture something, it's beautiful/ It's full of life and it is all blue", he sings in the beginning.<ref name=guardian>{{cite news|last=Sullivan|first=Caroline|title=Jason Mraz: Love Is a Four-Letter Word – review &#124; Music &#124; The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/apr/12/jason-mraz-love-is-review|accessdate=April 14, 2012|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=April 12, 2012}}</ref> "I see a sunset on the beach/yeah, it makes me feel calm," he also sings, continuing, "when I’m calm I feel good/when I feel good I sing."<ref name=nytimes>{{cite news|last=Caramanica|first=Jon|title=New Albums From Train and Jason Mraz - NYTimes.com|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/19/arts/music/new-albums-from-train-and-jason-mraz.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss|accessdate=April 19, 2012|newspaper=[[New York Times]]|date=April 16, 2012}}</ref>


Mraz further explained the track, in a "track-by-track" commentary for ''Billboard'':
Mraz further explained the track, in a "track-by-track" commentary for ''Billboard'':
Line 32: Line 51:


== Critical reception ==
== Critical reception ==
Bill Lamb of [[About.com]] and Stephen Thomas Erlewine of [[Allmusic]] both picked the song as one of the best from the album.<ref name=about>{{cite news|last=Lamb|first=Bill|title=Review: Jason Mraz - Love Is a Four Letter Word|url=http://top40.about.com/od/jasonmraz/fr/Jason-Mraz-Love-Is-A-Four-Letter-Word.htm|accessdate=April 25, 2012|newspaper=[[About.com]]. [[New York Times Company]].}}</ref><ref name=allmusic>{{cite news|last=Erlewine,|first=Stephen Thomas|title=Love Is a Four Letter Word - Jason Mraz &#124; Allmusic|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/love-is-a-four-letter-word-r2416870/review|accessdate=April 19, 2012|newspaper=[[Allmusic]]|date=April 17, 2012}}</ref> Amy Dawson of [[Metro UK]] called it "a [[Jack Johnson (musician)|Jack Johnson]]-esque lilting number topped with bongos and gospel oohs."<ref name=metro>{{cite news|last=Dawson|first=Amy|title=Jason Mraz's Love Is A Four Letter Word has mainstream appeal|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/music/reviews/896075-jason-mrazs-love-is-a-four-letter-word-has-mainstream-appeal|accessdate=April 17, 2012|newspaper=[[Metro UK]]|date=April 16, 2012}}</ref> Loh Chua Junn of [[MediaCorp]]'s xinmsn wrote that while listening to the song "you're sure to tap your feet and bob your head to the beat in nary a second."<ref name=xinmsn>{{cite news|last=Chuan Junn|first=Loh|title=xinmsn launches weekly music reviews
Bill Lamb of [[About.com]] and Stephen Thomas Erlewine of [[Allmusic]] both picked the song as one of the best from the album.<ref name=about>{{cite news|last=Lamb|first=Bill|title=Review: Jason Mraz - Love Is a Four Letter Word|url=http://top40.about.com/od/jasonmraz/fr/Jason-Mraz-Love-Is-A-Four-Letter-Word.htm|accessdate=April 25, 2012|newspaper=[[About.com]]. [[New York Times Company]].|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110041945/http://top40.about.com/od/jasonmraz/fr/Jason-Mraz-Love-Is-A-Four-Letter-Word.htm|archivedate=November 10, 2012}}</ref><ref name=allmusic>{{cite news|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|title=Love Is a Four Letter Word - Jason Mraz &#124; Allmusic|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/love-is-a-four-letter-word-r2416870/review|accessdate=April 19, 2012|newspaper=[[Allmusic]]|date=April 17, 2012}}</ref> Amy Dawson of [[Metro UK]] called it "a [[Jack Johnson (musician)|Jack Johnson]]-esque lilting number topped with bongos and gospel oohs."<ref name=metro>{{cite news|last=Dawson|first=Amy|title=Jason Mraz's Love Is A Four Letter Word has mainstream appeal|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/music/reviews/896075-jason-mrazs-love-is-a-four-letter-word-has-mainstream-appeal|accessdate=April 17, 2012|newspaper=[[Metro UK]]|date=April 16, 2012}}</ref> Loh Chua Junn of [[MediaCorp]]'s xinmsn wrote that while listening to the song "you're sure to tap your feet and bob your head to the beat in nary a second."<ref name=xinmsn>{{cite news|last=Chuan Junn|first=Loh|title=xinmsn launches weekly music reviews|url=http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/en/celebrity/buzz/asia/xinmsn-launches-weekly-music-reviews|accessdate=May 24, 2012|newspaper=[[MSN]]|date=May 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529031356/http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/en/celebrity/buzz/asia/xinmsn-launches-weekly-music-reviews|archive-date=May 29, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Colin McGuire of [[PopMatters]] wrote a very positive review, stating:
|url=http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/en/celebrity/buzz/asia/xinmsn-launches-weekly-music-reviews|accessdate=May 24, 2012|newspaper=[[MSN]]|date=May 21, 2012}}</ref>Colin McGuire of [[PopMatters]] wrote a very positive review, stating:
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
"'The Freedom Song' is the best example of such. Kicking off the record, the song features all the elements that make the songwriter so appealing. Beautiful backing harmonies? Check. The phrase 'when I feel good'? Check. A chilled-out tone that embarrassingly brings a smile to your face without even feeling it? Check. The word 'joy'? Double check. What makes this particular track memorable is where Mraz opts to go after dabbling in the beach-dude formula he’s always been so well at conveying throughout his four studio albums. After nearly a minute of the '[[I'm Yours (Jason Mraz song)|I’m Yours]]' groove, the rest of his band kicks in and things really start to get interesting. A powerful horn section sends tingles through your upper back and an irresistibly funky backbone paves the way for one of the greatest songs of the man’s career. Love pop music or hate pop music, this is pretty good stuff."<ref name=popmatters>{{cite news|last=McGuire|first=Colin|title=Jason Mraz: Love Is a Four Letter Word > PopMatters|url=http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/158646-jason-mraz-love-is-a-four-letter-word/|accessdate=November 24, 2012|newspaper=[[PopMatters]]|date=May 29, 2012}}</ref>
"'The Freedom Song' is the best example of such. Kicking off the record, the song features all the elements that make the songwriter so appealing. Beautiful backing harmonies? Check. The phrase 'when I feel good'? Check. A chilled-out tone that embarrassingly brings a smile to your face without even feeling it? Check. The word 'joy'? Double check. What makes this particular track memorable is where Mraz opts to go after dabbling in the beach-dude formula he’s always been so well at conveying throughout his four studio albums. After nearly a minute of the '[[I'm Yours (Jason Mraz song)|I’m Yours]]' groove, the rest of his band kicks in and things really start to get interesting. A powerful horn section sends tingles through your upper back and an irresistibly funky backbone paves the way for one of the greatest songs of the man’s career. Love pop music or hate pop music, this is pretty good stuff."<ref name=popmatters>{{cite news|last=McGuire|first=Colin|title=Jason Mraz: Love Is a Four Letter Word > PopMatters|url=http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/158646-jason-mraz-love-is-a-four-letter-word/|accessdate=November 24, 2012|newspaper=[[PopMatters]]|date=May 29, 2012}}</ref>
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*'''Digital download'''<ref name=itunes/>
*'''Digital download'''<ref name=itunes/>
#"The Freedom Song" – 4:00
#"The Freedom Song" – 4:00



==Charts==
==Charts==
Line 49: Line 66:
! scope="col" | Peak<br>position
! scope="col" | Peak<br>position
|-
|-
! scope="row" | Belgium ([[Ultratip]] Flanders)<ref name="BelgiumChart">{{cite web|url=http://www.ultratop.be/nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Jason+Mraz&titel=The+Freedom+Song&cat=s|title=Jason Mraz – The Freedom Song|publisher=Hung Medien / hitparade.ch |accessdate=2012-01-08|language=Dutch}}</ref>
! scope="row" | Belgium ([[Ultratip]] Flanders)<ref name="BelgiumChart">{{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/song/f40ed/Jason-Mraz-The-Freedom-Song|title=Jason Mraz – The Freedom Song|publisher=Hung Medien / hitparade.ch |accessdate=2012-01-08|language=Dutch}}</ref>
| 86
| 86
|-
|-
Line 55: Line 72:
| 21
| 21
|-
|-
! scope="row" | Canada ([[Hot Canadian Digital Songs]])<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/charts/2012-03-31/hot-canada-digital-songs|title=Hot Canadian Digital Songs: Mar 31, 2012|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=November 25, 2018|url-access=subscription }}</ref>
⚫
| Netherlands ([[MegaCharts|Mega Single Top 100]])<ref name="BelgiumChart"/>
| 73
|-
⚫
! scope="row" | Netherlands ([[MegaCharts|Mega Single Top 100]])<ref name="BelgiumChart"/>
| 94
| 94
|-
! scope="row" | US [[Rock Digital Songs]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/charts/2012-03-31/rock-digital-songs|title=Rock Digital Songs: Mar 31, 2012|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=November 25, 2018|url-access=subscription }}</ref>
| 19
|}
|}


Line 75: Line 98:
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{MetroLyrics song|jason-mraz|the-freedom-song}}<!-- Licensed lyrics provider -->


{{Jason Mraz}}
{{Jason Mraz}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Freedom Song}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Freedom Song, The}}
[[Category:2011 singles]]
[[Category:2009 songs]]
[[Category:2012 songs]]
[[Category:Atlantic Records singles]]
[[Category:Jason Mraz songs]]
[[Category:Jason Mraz songs]]
[[Category:World music songs]]
[[Category:Songs about freedom]]

Latest revision as of 14:42, 24 April 2023

For other topics, see Freedom Song.
"Freedom Song"
Song by Luc and the Lovingtons
from the album Feel the Warmth
Recorded2005[1]
VenueHealing Place Church
(Baton Rouge, Louisiana)[1]
GenreWorld[2]
Length4:27
LabelSelf-released[2]
Songwriter(s)
  • Luc Reynaud
  • Jasmine
  • Demeiko
  • Children of the SU rescue shelter[1]
Producer(s)
  • Luc Reynaud
  • Gary Mula[1]
"The Freedom Song"
Promotional single by Jason Mraz
from the album Love is a Four Letter Word
ReleasedMarch 13, 2012
Recorded2011
Genre Jazz-Pop
Length4:00
LabelAtlantic
Songwriter(s)Luc Reynaud
Producer(s)Joe Chiccarelli

"Freedom Song" is a song written by Luc Reynaud and recorded by his band Luc and the Lovingtons on the album Feel the Warmth (2009).[3][4] It was later covered by American singer-songwriter Jason Mraz as "The Freedom Song" and released as the first promotional single from his fourth studio album, Love is a Four Letter Word (2012), on March 13, 2012. Mraz's version was produced by Joe Chiccarelli.

Background and release

[edit]

After "I'm Yours" remained at the Billboard Hot 100 chart for a record 76 weeks ending in October 2009 (peaking at number 6), the singer/songwriter headed to the Gulf of Mexico in the summer of 2010 to help with efforts to clean the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.[5] Later, he went to a trip to Ghana to fight child slavery alongside the nonprofit Free the Slaves. Later, Mraz was in Antarctica, spending time with Al Gore and learning about climate change aboard the National Geographic Explorer. During his activist outings, Mraz wrote and recorded his fourth album, "Love Is a Four Letter Word", with producer Joe Chiccarelli.[5] In an interview for Billboard, he confessed that he was less interested in following up his biggest hit than using the power that "I'm Yours" gave him to fuel positive change.[5] He further elaborated: "The pressure I put on myself, or what I hope my 'I Won't Give Up' does, is to make a difference in people's lives . . . With 'I'm Yours,' I got to go out and set my feet on different continents, and expose myself to different cultures and causes. I wanted to see who I was, outside of music."[5]

The song was released as the first promotional single from the album on iTunes, on March 13, 2012.[6]

Composition and inspiration

[edit]

"The Freedom Song" was written by Luc Reynaud, while production was handled by Joe Chiccarelli.[7] It was originally penned by Luc Reynaud of the Seattle music band Luc & the Lovingtons whilst assisting in the Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts. The song caught Jason Mraz's attention and inspired by its optimistic message of how music can uplift the human spirit, the singer-songwriter started performing it in his concerts.[8] "I picture something, it's beautiful/ It's full of life and it is all blue", he sings in the beginning.[9] "I see a sunset on the beach/yeah, it makes me feel calm," he also sings, continuing, "when I’m calm I feel good/when I feel good I sing."[10]

Mraz further explained the track, in a "track-by-track" commentary for Billboard:

"'The Freedom Song' is the first cover song that I've ever put on any of my albums. It was written by Luc Reynaud from the band called Luc & the Lovingtons and he wrote this song in the wake of Hurricane Katrina with kids in Baton Rouge in a shelter. I heard this song and I heard the story of this song and was blown away. I immediately started performing it, this was about two years ago, because I felt the themes and the quality of the song really resonated and was in alignment with other songs I was performing. It just felt good. I became good friends with Luc and we toured around a bunch. So when it came time to make this album I just felt like this was a song that deserves to be heard and I know the commercialism of songwriting that I know in the end this song is going to come back and benefit Luc and the communities in which he wrote this song and I think that's really important."[8]

Critical reception

[edit]

Bill Lamb of About.com and Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic both picked the song as one of the best from the album.[11][12] Amy Dawson of Metro UK called it "a Jack Johnson-esque lilting number topped with bongos and gospel oohs."[13] Loh Chua Junn of MediaCorp's xinmsn wrote that while listening to the song "you're sure to tap your feet and bob your head to the beat in nary a second."[14] Colin McGuire of PopMatters wrote a very positive review, stating:

"'The Freedom Song' is the best example of such. Kicking off the record, the song features all the elements that make the songwriter so appealing. Beautiful backing harmonies? Check. The phrase 'when I feel good'? Check. A chilled-out tone that embarrassingly brings a smile to your face without even feeling it? Check. The word 'joy'? Double check. What makes this particular track memorable is where Mraz opts to go after dabbling in the beach-dude formula he’s always been so well at conveying throughout his four studio albums. After nearly a minute of the 'I’m Yours' groove, the rest of his band kicks in and things really start to get interesting. A powerful horn section sends tingles through your upper back and an irresistibly funky backbone paves the way for one of the greatest songs of the man’s career. Love pop music or hate pop music, this is pretty good stuff."[15]

Track listing

[edit]
  • Digital download[6]
  1. "The Freedom Song" – 4:00

Charts

[edit]
Chart (2012) Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratip Flanders)[16] 86
Belgium (Ultratip Wallonia)[16] 21
Canada (Hot Canadian Digital Songs)[17] 73
Netherlands (Mega Single Top 100)[16] 94
US Rock Digital Songs (Billboard)[18] 19

Release history

[edit]
Country Release date Format Label
United States March 13, 2012[6] Digital download Atlantic

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Biell, Cat (2009). Feel the Warmth (CD booklet). Luc and the Lovingtons. Catattack Design. Retrieved November 25, 2018.
  2. ^ a b Cunningham, Jonathan (August 25, 2009). "CD Reviews: Luc and the Lovingtons and Blue Scholars". Seattle Weekly. Retrieved November 25, 2018.
  3. ^ Alexis, Jeremiah (September 10, 2010). ""Freedom Song": The Heartwarming Story of a Tune's Journey from Post-Katrina New Orleans Children, to Jason Mraz's Car Stereo, to Helping Free Modern-Day African Slaves". LA Weekly. Retrieved November 25, 2018.
  4. ^ "Feel the Warmth by Luc and the Lovingtons on Apple Music". iTunes Store. 29 July 2009. Retrieved November 25, 2018.
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  7. ^ "Jason Mraz – Love Is A Four Letter Word (Album) at Discogs". Discogs. Retrieved November 22, 2012.
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  13. ^ Dawson, Amy (April 16, 2012). "Jason Mraz's Love Is A Four Letter Word has mainstream appeal". Metro UK. Retrieved April 17, 2012.
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