Arcade Fire Teams With Mavis Staples On New Song 'I Give You Power'

By Stephen Gossett in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 19, 2017 11:26PM

Getty Images / Photo: Theo Wargo

Not to be outdone by Gorillaz, Arcade Fire dropped their own politically timed new track on Thursday. The best part? It features a prominent guest appearance by Chicago R&B icon—and noted civil-rights activist—Mavis Staples. “I Give You Power” rides a skeletal electronic rhythm for much of the track, and Staples' bold-but-composed vocal gravitas is a natural-fit counterpoint.

The pre-inauguration timing of the song is unmistakable, as is the track’s political bent. Sample lyric: “I give you power / but now I say/ I give you power / I can take it away.” All proceeds from the song will be donated to the American Civil Liberties Union, the band announced. The track was originally available only as an exclusive on Tidal—of which Win Butler and Régine Chassagne have a financial stake—but the group has also posted a video available to stream.