The Pop Zeal Project (Track 78): Jay-Z; Bono; The Edge; Rihanna: “Stranded”

Some of the biggest names in music contributed to the benefit album, Hope for Haiti Now, in response to a catastrophic 2010 earthquake that occurred in the country. A telethon was organized, and included several on-air musical interludes. One such featured the song, “Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour),” as performed by Jay-Z, Rihanna, and from U2, the lead singer, Bono and lead guitarist, The Edge.

The track, created especially for the album, features rap verses by Jay-Z. They’re a reflection on the devastation, and at times a prayer to heaven, as well as a call to those on earth for immediate unity and assistance, a call which also includes a brief political critique, reminding “New Orleans was flooded/So we know we just can’t rely on the government.” In the chorus, Bono and Rihanna send additional messages of commitment and protection into the ether to those in that extremely difficult circumstance.