Meredith O'Connor's "You Are Not Alone (International)" serves as a powerful, urgent call to come together, a balm and an anthem of togetherness, recovery, and strength in community. Released this spring while everyone was still wondering what the coronavirus lockdown would mean, this mega-collaboration convened many of the world's most thrilling pop, rock, rap and R&B talents and brought them together, all six feet apart for a cause that goes far beyond the charts, one message about something that affects the whole world by supporting mental health organizations in every corner of the planet.
An early trailblazer of the mental health movement in pop culture, O'Connor has long used her own platform to ignite essential conversations about self-acceptance and survival. With "You Are Not Alone (International)," she furthers that mission worldwide, weaving a tapestry of voices that transcend borders. The lineup is a thing to behold in its own right. Leaving no stone unturned, the track draws inspiration from a diverse array of talent, including Afrobeat powerhouse Reekado Banks, Italian sensation Ruggero, and Korean superstar Minzy, as well as hip-hop veterans Kodie Shane and Ghana's Kwaw Kese. Iconic Mary Wilson of The Supremes adds her timeless voice to international sensations Iuliana Beregoi, Di Ferrero, MacKenzie Sol, and emerging R&B duo Ar'mon and Trey. Everyone leaves their mark, but collectively, they leave a message of unity.
The song is a fluid blend of rock, pop, and rap, anthemic yet deliriously human. It's the commercial tug of a hit-bound song, plus the sincerity of a benefit record. The energy shifts from soaring choruses to raw verses, mirroring the highs and lows of mental health issues but ultimately landing on hope. With an impressive plot and a fantastic cast, "You Are Not Alone (International)" didn't receive the attention it deserved when it was released. Now, returning to it seems more urgent than ever. Its ripple is an ageless anthem that serves to remind listeners that in our isolation, none of us are ever truly alone. With this partnership, Meredith O'Connor reaffirms her position as a cultural leader who stands in witness for mental health during these pandemic times, and also demonstrates that music made with a cause in mind and from the heart can bring the world together.