Mavis Staples: Sad & Beautiful World

This longtime civil rights activist and soul belter still has something to say, and sing, at 86. On her 14th solo album, Mavis Staples covers tunes spanning seven decades, almost as long as her career, with all the energy, compassion and authority you would expect from the last surviving member of the legendary Staple Singers.

Producer Brad Cook summons such impressive guests as Buddy Guy, 89, and Bonnie Raitt, 76, but the focus never shifts from Staples, who carries on the fight for equality and justice in a rootsy and robust blend of soul, gospel, rock and blues. Among the highlights are Curtis Mayfield’s "We Got to Have Peace," Kevin Morby’s "Beautiful Strangers" and the devastating "Human Mind," written specifically for Staples by Hozier and Allison Russell with lyrics that refer to her faith and her legendary late father, "Pops"... "I deal in loss, Daddy / I am the last, Daddy, last of us."

Excerpt from "Listen Up: These Are AARP's Favorite Albums for 2025." Click on image to see the full article and listing of favorite albums."