LA-based punk rock legends Bad Religion have released a reimagined version of their humanist anthem “Faith Alone”, originally released on their 1990 album Age of Unreason. A complete 180 from their familiar punk sound, the group decided to take a softer, more symphonic approach to the classic by replacing heavy guitars and drums with orchestral strings and piano.
The track starts off with just vocalist Greg Graffin and a piano, quickly building up with strings and drums. The song features small electric guitar elements adding to the symphonic tone while still keeping some of the classic punk elements.
The track was recorded entirely remotely with Graffin’s vocal and piano tracks augmented by the band’s co-songwriter Brett Gurewitz who added additional instrumentation. The strings were added by Stevie Blacke and the drums recorded by drummer Jamie Miller with producer Carlos de la Garza adding additional production and a mix.
The release of this track couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time. With lyrics like “faith alone won’t sustain us anymore,” and “what the world needs now is some accountability,” it is a rather appropriate song to describe the chaos and craziness that 2020 has brought, both from the political climate and racial injustice to COVID-19. This track so perfectly describes the world today and that we can’t just rely on faith alone. Instead, we need to stand up and fight to make a change.
“Faith Alone 2020” is out now on all streaming platforms.
