September 26, 2015
Pope Francis Wake Up/Believe Digital
Pope Francis to release 'Wake Up' album in collaboration with Believe Digital.
Throughout his first trip to the United States, Pope Francis has captured the attention of the American people with a radiance many observers have likened to the aura of a rock star.
As a matter of fact, the pontiff embraces the musical inclinations of the present epoch and plans to release a Vatican-approved prog rock album that will draw from his most inspiring speeches delivered around the world.
According to Rolling Stone, Pope Francis will release the LP "Wake Up!" in November as part of a collaboration with Believe Digital. The album's 11 tracks, ranging in style from pop-rock to Gregorian chant, will overlay Francis' sacred hymns and speech excerpts on soaring instrumental progressions.
The first song, "Wake Up! Go! Go! Forward!" has drawn comparisons to bands like Explosions in the Sky, Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Do Make Say Think.
Pretty good, right?
Throughout the album, Pope Francis speaks Italian, English, Spanish and French, covering topics like peace, environmental issues, human dignity and the spirit of giving.
Producer and artistic director Don Giulio Neroni, who has worked on musical releases from past popes, told Rolling Stone that "Wake Up!" is meant to reflect "the pastoral and personality of Pope Francis: the Pope of dialogue, open doors, hospitality."
If you like what you hear, you can pre-order "Wake Up!" here.
