Our Generation (The Hope of the World)

Album: Wake Up! (2010)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is a track from Wake Up!, a collaborative album between R&B musician John Legend and Hip-Hop band The Roots. Inspired by the 2008 United States presidential election, Legend and The Roots primarily covered 1960s and 1970s soul music songs for the record.
  • This song was originally recorded by Mississippi singer/guitarist Ernie Hines. Though obscure, fans might recognize it from a famous Hip-Hop sample used on "Straighten It Out" by Pete Rock & C.L.Smooth. Roots drummer ?uestlove told MTV News: "People might not know 'Our Generation,' but there's definitely people in their mid-30s that know Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth 'Straighten It Out.' And it will also hit people that knew the original 'Our Generation,' that are now 50 years old."
  • C.L. Smooth is a featured rapper on this track.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Ralph Casale  - Session Pro

Ralph Casale - Session ProSongwriter Interviews

A top New York studio musician, Ralph played guitar on many '60s hits, including "Lightnin' Strikes," "A Lover's Concerto" and "I Am A Rock."

Michael Sweet of Stryper

Michael Sweet of StryperSongwriter Interviews

Find out how God and glam metal go together from the Stryper frontman.

Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues

Justin Hayward of The Moody BluesSongwriter Interviews

Justin wrote the classic "Nights In White Satin," but his fondest musical memories are from a different decade.

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Tim and his brother Richard are the Furs' foundation; Tim explains how they write and tells the story of "Pretty In Pink."

Jack Tempchin - "Peaceful Easy Feeling"

Jack Tempchin - "Peaceful Easy Feeling"They're Playing My Song

When a waitress wouldn't take him home, Jack wrote what would become one of the Eagles most enduring hits.

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.