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SuperHeavy
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SuperHeavy was a one-off supergroup project consisting of Mick Jagger, Joss Stone, Dave Stewart, A. R. Rahman, and Damian Marley. Stone and Stewart have collaborated in the past with Jagger. Jagger said of the band, "We wanted a convergence of different musical styles... We were always overlapping styles, but they were nevertheless separate".[1] Jagger wanted SuperHeavy to showcase different musical styles, with music ranging from reggae to ballads to Indian music.[2]
Key Information
History
[edit]The existence of SuperHeavy was secret until May 2011.[3] Mick Jagger, English musician and the lead vocalist of rock band the Rolling Stones, announced its formation on 20 May 2011.[4] SuperHeavy was Dave Stewart's idea.[4] Inspired by the sounds washing into his home in St Ann's Bay, Jamaica, Stewart urged Jagger to fuse their sound with that of Indian orchestras.[5] Stewart and Jagger had mutual liking for Indian orchestrations; thus, A. R. Rahman was added to the supergroup.[6] The name of the band is said to be inspired by Muhammad Ali.[7]
In early 2009, Jagger, Rahman, Stewart, Joss Stone and Damian Marley experimented at Jim Henson Studios in Los Angeles, California, trying to "write songs which had meaning",[8] during which they recorded 29 songs in 10 days.[9] SuperHeavy is rounded out by Marley's rhythm section of bassist/composer Shiah Coore and drummer Courtney Diedrick along with a longtime Stewart collaborator, rock violinist Ann Marie Calhoun.[10]
The group began recording their self-titled debut album in early 2009 at a studio in Los Angeles.[citation needed] The album was previewed at Jim Henson Studios, Los Angeles, on 30 June 2011. The band played eight of the recorded songs at the event.[11] Their debut single, "Miracle Worker", released on 6 July 2011, received mostly positive reviews.[12][13] Mick Jagger sings in Sanskrit on "Satyameva Jayathe" ("truth alone triumphs"), the second single, released on 9 August 2011. Composed by Rahman, the song also features Stewart, Stone and Marley.[14]
Members
[edit]- Mick Jagger – vocals, guitar & harmonica
- Damian Marley – vocals & programming
- Joss Stone – vocals
- A. R. Rahman – vocals, piano, synthesizers, Continuum Fingerboard, drum programming
- Dave Stewart – lead guitar
Personnel:
- Marc VanGool - technician
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Details | Peak chart positions | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUT [15] |
BEL [16] |
DEN [17] |
NL [18] |
NOR [19] |
NZ [20] |
SWE [21] |
SWI [22] |
UK [23] |
US [24] | ||
| SuperHeavy |
|
1 | 10 | 9 | 1 | 17 | 12 | 31 | 2 | 13 | 26 |
Singles
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUT [15] |
BEL [16] |
NL [18] |
SWI [22] |
UK [25] | |||
| "Miracle Worker" | 2011 | 37 | 71 | 25 | 63 | 136 | SuperHeavy |
| "Satyameva Jayathe" | — | — | — | — | — | ||
Other charted songs
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL [18] | |||
| "Beautiful People" | 2011 | 64 | SuperHeavy |
References
[edit]- ^ Greene, Andy (20 May 2011). "Mick Jagger Forms Supergroup with Dave Stewart, Joss Stone and Damian Marley". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 22 May 2011.
- ^ Rolling Stone Mick Jagger sang in Sanskrit, BBC, 10 August 2011, retrieved 11 August 2011
- ^ "Mick Jagger Has Formed A Secret Supergroup!". perezhilton.com. 24 May 2011. Archived from the original on 15 November 2013. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
- ^ a b "Mick Jagger Forms Supergroup with Dave Stewart, Joss Stone and Damian Marley". Rolling Stone. 20 May 2011. Retrieved 11 August 2011.
- ^ "Mick Jagger forms new band Super Heavy". The Guardian. 23 May 2011. Retrieved 10 August 2011.
- ^ "Rahman jams with Mick for Super Heavy Band", ibnlive.in.com, CNN-IBN, 24 May 2011, archived from the original on 27 May 2011, retrieved 10 August 2011
- ^ "SuperHeavy has a strong Indian influence'". MiD DAY. 25 September 2011. Retrieved 19 October 2011.
- ^ "A R Rahman jams with Mick Jagger". Hindustan Times. 2 July 2011. Archived from the original on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 2 July 2011.
- ^ "Mick Jagger's New Group SuperHeavy Unveils Music". Billboard. 1 July 2011. Archived from the original on 9 October 2012. Retrieved 10 August 2011.
- ^ "SuperHeavy gets off to a strong start". MSN.com. 7 August 2011. Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 26 August 2011.
- ^ Baltin, Steve (1 July 2011). "Mick Jagger and SuperHeavy Preview Album, Ponder Tour in Los Angeles". Spinner.com. Archived from the original on 22 November 2011. Retrieved 3 July 2011.
- ^ "Super Heavy: 'Miracle Worker'". prefixmag.com. 8 July 2011. Retrieved 10 August 2011.
- ^ "SuperHeavy, 'Miracle Worker' – Song Review". ultimateclassicrock.com. 7 July 2011. Retrieved 10 August 2011.
- ^ "Rolling Stone Mick Jagger jaggs in Sanskrit". bbc.co.uk. BBC. 10 August 2011. Retrieved 11 August 2011.
- ^ a b "Austrian Charts > Rumer". australian-charts.com/.
- ^ a b "Belgium Charts > Rumer". ultratop.be.
- ^ "Danish Charts > Rumer". danishcharts.dk/.
- ^ a b c "Dutch Charts > Rumer". dutchcharts.nl/.
- ^ "Norwegian Charts > Rumer". norwegiancharts.com/.
- ^ "New Zealand Charts > Rumer". norwegiancharts.com/.
- ^ "Swedish Charts > Rumer". swedishcharts.com/.
- ^ a b "Swiss Charts > Rumer". hitparade.ch/.
- ^ "SuperHeavy | full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 8 March 2021.
- ^ "SuperHeavy Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 8 March 2021.
- ^ Peak positions for singles in the United Kingdom:
- "Miracle Worker": "CHART: CLUK Update 27.08.2011 (wk33)". Zobbel.de.
External links
[edit]- Official website (now offline)
SuperHeavy
View on GrokipediaFormation
Project Origins
The SuperHeavy project emerged in the late 2000s as a collaborative initiative spearheaded by Mick Jagger, who sought to create a supergroup blending rock, soul, reggae, and world music genres to explore innovative cultural fusions. Jagger's vision was shaped by his enduring fascination with global musical traditions, aiming to transcend conventional band structures through temporary, ego-free collaboration.[6] Dave Stewart, co-founder of the Eurythmics and a frequent collaborator with Jagger, played a pivotal role as co-initiator. In early 2009, while residing in Jamaica, Stewart telephoned Jagger from his hilltop home in Lime Hall, inspired by the cacophony of overlapping sound systems playing diverse music in the surrounding jungle. This spontaneous conversation sparked the project's foundation, with Stewart proposing a multi-genre jam session to capture the raw energy of such auditory overlaps, combining Jamaican rhythms with South Asian influences and rock elements.[7][8] Initial brainstorming and informal jam sessions commenced that year, primarily at Jim Henson Studios in Los Angeles, where Jagger and Stewart experimented with song ideas over extended periods, producing hours of material in intensive bursts. These early gatherings emphasized creative spontaneity, with tracks often developed in single takes to preserve the project's experimental spirit.[9][10] From the outset, SuperHeavy was designed as a one-off endeavor, free from long-term obligations, to prioritize musical and cultural exploration over commercial or touring commitments. This approach allowed the founders to invite diverse talents without imposing ongoing band dynamics, focusing instead on a singular album as a testament to cross-genre innovation.[6]Member Recruitment
The recruitment process for SuperHeavy commenced in 2009, initiated by Dave Stewart contacting Mick Jagger from Jamaica to propose an experimental supergroup fusing rock, soul, reggae, and global sounds.[11] Stewart and Jagger, drawing from their longstanding professional relationship, quickly assembled the core lineup through personal networks and shared musical interests.[7] Joss Stone was the first additional member invited, brought in by Stewart due to their prior collaborations and her soulful vocal style, which aligned with the project's vision for eclectic harmonies.[12] A.R. Rahman joined next, recruited by Jagger out of admiration for Rahman's innovative Bollywood and international compositions, particularly following the success of Slumdog Millionaire; this addition introduced orchestral and Eastern elements to the mix.[6] Damian Marley was subsequently enlisted by Jagger and Stewart to provide reggae rhythms, leveraging Jagger's historical ties to Bob Marley— including shared recording spaces in the 1970s and mutual respect for reggae's legacy—despite Jagger not having previously met Damian personally.[10] Assembling the group presented logistical hurdles due to the members' disparate locations and demanding solo schedules, spanning the UK, US, India, and Jamaica, which extended the initial jamming sessions at Jim Henson Studios in Los Angeles over 18 months of intermittent collaboration.[7] To maintain creative cohesion amid these challenges, the founders opted to cap the lineup at five core members, prioritizing focused contributions over a larger ensemble.[6]Members
Mick Jagger
Mick Jagger, renowned as the lead vocalist and a founding member of the Rolling Stones since 1962, brought his extensive experience in rock music and collaborative projects to SuperHeavy. His solo endeavors, including albums that featured diverse guest artists from various genres, highlighted his longstanding interest in blending musical styles beyond traditional rock, setting the stage for his involvement in supergroup formations.[6][13] In SuperHeavy, Jagger served as a key visionary and co-founder alongside Dave Stewart, driving the project's emphasis on genre fusion and egalitarian collaboration where members "subsumed their egos" to prioritize the music. He provided lead and shared vocals on several tracks, including the title song "SuperHeavy," "Unbelievable," and "Miracle Worker," while contributing lyrical content that addressed themes of unity and global concerns, such as political critique in his solo-penned "I Can't Take It No More." Jagger's overall input shaped the album's eclectic sound, drawing from over 40 hours of jam sessions condensed into 12 focused songs recorded in just 10 days in Los Angeles in 2009.[6][14][13] Jagger's prior cross-genre work, notably his 1978 collaboration with reggae artist Peter Tosh on the duet "(You Gotta Walk) Don't Look Back"—a cover blending rock and reggae elements—prepared him for SuperHeavy's diverse lineup. In interviews, he expressed enthusiasm for partnering with non-rock talents like A.R. Rahman and Damian Marley, describing Rahman's grooves and Marley's rootsy rhythms as invigorating, and recounting a lively, alcohol-fueled hotel room session that inspired tracks like "One Day, One Night." This excitement underscored Jagger's commitment to the project's chaotic yet harmonious creative process.[6]Joss Stone
Joss Stone rose to prominence in the early 2000s as a leading figure in contemporary soul music, debuting at age 16 with the album The Soul Sessions in 2003, a collection of covers that showcased her powerful, emotive voice and drew comparisons to classic soul artists like Aretha Franklin.[15] The record's success established her as a key voice in reviving soul influences, and her follow-up Mind Body & Soul (2004) earned three Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist.[16] In 2007, Stone won her first Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for her collaboration on "Family Affair" with John Legend and Van Hunt, solidifying her position as a soul anchor capable of bridging retro and modern sounds.[16] Stone was recruited to SuperHeavy through Dave Stewart, who contacted her in early 2009 with the idea for a collaborative project and invited her to join sessions already underway with Mick Jagger.[17] Enthralled by the diverse lineup—including Jagger's rock edge, Damian Marley's reggae roots, and A.R. Rahman's Indian classical elements—she eagerly participated in the initial studio experiments in Los Angeles, viewing the multicultural mix as an exciting opportunity to expand her artistic horizons.[17][13] Within SuperHeavy, Stone served as a primary vocalist, delivering powerful lead and harmony parts that infused the group's fusion sound with soulful intensity, notably sharing verses with Marley on the track "Miracle Worker," where her rich timbre complemented the reggae-pop rhythm.[13] She also co-wrote several songs, contributing to their emotional depth through lyrics that explored themes of unity and resilience, drawing from her own expressive songwriting style honed in prior solo work.[18] In interviews, Stone reflected on the challenges of integrating her soul background with reggae and Indian musical elements, describing the process as a "challenge to blend all these styles together" but one that ultimately enriched the project's global appeal through patient collaboration among the members.[12] This fusion experiment highlighted her adaptability, allowing her vocals to anchor the diverse influences while maintaining the soulful core that defined her pre-SuperHeavy career.[17]Dave Stewart
Dave Stewart, a prominent English musician, songwriter, and record producer, co-founded the synth-pop duo Eurythmics with Annie Lennox in the 1980s, achieving global success with hits such as "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)," which topped charts worldwide and defined their innovative sound blending electronic and rock elements.[19] Stewart's production career included collaborations like co-writing and producing Tom Petty's 1985 track "Don't Come Around Here No More," infusing the song with psychedelic influences and sitar elements that marked a departure for Petty's style. After Eurythmics disbanded in 1990, he continued honing his ability to merge diverse musical talents, setting the stage for his pivotal involvement in SuperHeavy. In SuperHeavy, Stewart served as co-creator, multi-instrumentalist, and primary producer, playing guitar on multiple tracks and contributing to songwriting across the self-titled album, including co-authoring songs like "Miracle Worker" and "Beautiful People" with the group's other members.[7] Drawing from initial jam sessions in 2009 that sparked the project, he oversaw production during collaborative recordings in various locations, ensuring the album captured the supergroup's eclectic fusion of rock, reggae, soul, and world music.[7] Stewart's studio expertise was instrumental in bridging the diverse backgrounds of Mick Jagger's rock legacy, Joss Stone's soul vocals, Damian Marley's reggae roots, and A.R. Rahman's Indian classical influences, fostering an environment where spontaneous creativity flourished. He facilitated extended jam sessions that formed the core of the album's development, emphasizing an improvisational approach that allowed ideas to evolve organically among the members. As Stewart described the process, "We were just jamming and making a noise… Sometimes Damien would kick it off and then Joss would sing something on top of it."[7] He further highlighted the collaboration's fluid nature, noting, "It was like a huge long jam session that went on for months that then slowly turned into structure," underscoring how his role as the connective force turned raw energy into cohesive songs.[20]A.R. Rahman
A.R. Rahman, born Allah Rakha Rahman in 1967, is an acclaimed Indian composer, singer, and music producer renowned for his innovative fusion of classical Indian music with electronic, folk, and Western elements in film scores.[21] He has composed soundtracks for over 100 Indian films, earning international acclaim for works that blend traditional instrumentation with modern production techniques.[22] Rahman's breakthrough came with the 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire, for which he won two Academy Awards: Best Original Score and Best Original Song for "Jai Ho."[23] In SuperHeavy, Rahman brought his expertise in cross-cultural soundscapes, incorporating Indian classical elements such as strings and percussion to enrich the group's tracks.[24] He co-wrote songs emphasizing cultural fusion, including the Sanskrit-infused "Satyameva Jayate" and the romantic "Mahiya," both of which highlighted strong Indian influences within the album's diverse stylistic palette.[24] Rahman also contributed vocals to select pieces, adding his distinctive melodic phrasing to the collaborative efforts.[24] His invitation to the project stemmed from Mick Jagger's admiration for Rahman's boundary-pushing compositions.[7] Rahman viewed SuperHeavy as an opportunity to transcend individual egos and explore global musical unity, describing the process as a familial collaboration where each member's distinct influences—spanning rock, reggae, soul, and Indian traditions—merged into cohesive songs.[24] In post-release interviews, he emphasized the historic significance of uniting artists like Jagger, Joss Stone, Damian Marley, and Dave Stewart around Indian cultural motifs, calling it a dream realized in promoting universal harmony through music.[24]Damian Marley
Damian Marley, the youngest son of reggae icon Bob Marley, rose to prominence in the music industry with his 2005 album Welcome to Jamrock, which blended roots reggae with hip-hop elements and addressed social issues in Jamaica.[25] The album earned him two Grammy Awards in 2006: Best Reggae Album and Best Urban/Alternative Performance.[25] This breakthrough solidified Marley's reputation as a lyrical innovator, carrying forward his father's legacy of conscious music while incorporating modern rap influences. Marley's recruitment to SuperHeavy stemmed from shared interests in musical activism, with Mick Jagger personally inviting him to join the multicultural supergroup.[12] This led to collaborative recording sessions in Jamaica, among other locations, where the group experimented with diverse sounds.[26] In the project, Marley contributed rapping and singing on several tracks, infusing them with social commentary on unity and global issues, while adding reggae rhythms through his rhythm section, including bassist Shiah Coore.[27][28] He also co-wrote lyrics emphasizing themes of cultural harmony, enhancing the album's eclectic fusion. Marley viewed SuperHeavy as a platform to bridge generational and cultural gaps in music, describing it as "a beautiful thing to see all these different cultures come together" with an activist spirit that could "open up people’s minds to different things."[12] This aligned with the group's aim to create a global musical dialogue, distinct from traditional genre boundaries.Music and Artistry
Genre and Influences
SuperHeavy's music is characterized by a fusion of rock, soul, reggae, and world music, incorporating sub-elements such as Bollywood orchestration and hip-hop rhythms. This eclectic blend emerged from the supergroup's deliberate effort to merge diverse stylistic traditions, resulting in tracks that traverse pop-reggae, stadium rock, and electronic world music elements.[29][30][31] The group's sound drew heavily from the individual backgrounds of its members, creating a multifaceted palette. Mick Jagger infused blues-rock sensibilities rooted in his Rolling Stones experience, while Joss Stone contributed Motown-inspired soul vocals that added emotional depth. Dave Stewart brought synth-pop and electronica influences from his Eurythmics days, providing pulsating production layers. A.R. Rahman incorporated Indian classical and Bollywood orchestration, evident in string arrangements and Urdu vocal flourishes, and Damian Marley introduced roots reggae and dancehall rhythms, evoking Jamaican sound system traditions.[32][29][33] Rather than adhering to a single dominant style, SuperHeavy aimed for an international collaborative ethos, with songs developed through extended improvisational jams that allowed each member's ideas to evolve organically. This approach yielded eclectic tracks reflecting global cultural intersections, such as the fusion of Kingston beats with Mumbai strings, avoiding homogenization in favor of dynamic variety.[32][29] While reminiscent of earlier supergroups like the Traveling Wilburys in its all-star collaborative spirit, SuperHeavy distinguished itself through a broader international scope, emphasizing cross-continental influences over Western rock-centric harmony.[34]Songwriting and Recording Process
The songwriting process for SuperHeavy began with improvisational jam sessions initiated by Mick Jagger and Dave Stewart in Los Angeles around 2010, where the group experimented with spontaneous compositions rather than pre-written material.[8] These sessions emphasized live collaboration among all five members, with rotating leadership in creating grooves, lyrics, and arrangements; for instance, A.R. Rahman would often start with a rhythmic foundation, followed by Jagger adding chords and verses, and Stewart suggesting structural changes like key shifts to suit Joss Stone's vocals.[6] Themes of love, spirituality, and social issues emerged organically from these interactions, reflecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of the participants without a dominant "boss" figure, as Jagger noted that "everyone had to subsume their egos to some point."[6] Recording primarily took place during intensive 10-day sessions at Jim Henson Studios in Los Angeles in early 2011, yielding 29 tracks from extended jams totaling around 40 hours of material, which were later edited into the final album.[35] Co-produced by Dave Stewart and A.R. Rahman, the process prioritized live instrumentation—such as guitars, drums, and keyboards—over heavy digital production to capture the raw energy of the group, with songs often completed in one or two takes.[2] Additional overdubs and vocals were recorded in various global locations, including studios in India, the Caribbean, and on Paul Allen's yacht Octopus while sailing around Greece and Turkey, expanding the sessions from March to June 2011.[35] Final mixes were completed by summer 2011.[6]Discography
Studio Album
SuperHeavy is the eponymous and sole studio album by the supergroup SuperHeavy, featuring Mick Jagger, Joss Stone, Dave Stewart, A.R. Rahman, and Damian Marley. Released on September 19, 2011, in Europe and September 20, 2011, in the United States by A&M Records under Universal Music Group, the album captures the collaborative spirit of the diverse ensemble, merging rock, reggae, soul, pop, and world music elements.[36][37][12] The album comprises 12 tracks, each co-written by combinations of the group members to showcase their individual strengths and cultural influences. The track listing is as follows:- "SuperHeavy" (written by Jagger, Stone, Stewart, Marley, Rahman)
- "Unbelievable" (written by Jagger, Stone, Stewart, Marley, Rahman)
- "Miracle Worker" (written by Jagger, Stone, Stewart, Marley, Rahman)
- "Energy" (written by Jagger, Stone, Stewart, Marley)
- "Satyameva Jayathe" (written by Stone, Marley, Rahman)
- "One Day One Night" (written by Jagger, Stone, Stewart, Marley, Rahman)
- "Never Gonna Change" (written by Jagger, Stewart)
- "Beautiful People" (written by Jagger, Stone, Stewart, Marley, Rahman)
- "Rock Me Gently" (written by Stone, Stewart, Marley)
- "I Can't Take It No More" (written by Jagger)
- "I Don't Mind" (written by Jagger, Stone, Stewart, Marley)
- "World Keeps Turning" (written by Jagger, Stewart, Stone, Marley)[38]
