PHOTO CREDIT: ANDERS KRUSBERG / PEABODY AWARDS
Throughout the history of music there are very few artists that are as polarizing as Yoko Ono. Regardless of how you might view her, it is hard not to acknowledge that she is an ambitious artist who is unafraid to challenge traditional music conventions. She is also a tireless activist who uses her music and other art mediums to make potent social statements.
“Hell in Paradise” is a poignant reworking of a tune which originally appeared on her 1985 album Starpeace. This chilling re-imagining appears on her upcoming album Warzone which will be released on Oct 19, 2018. The album is a collection of previously released songs that she chose to rerecord. The album will also include a version of “Imagine” which was one of the signature tunes of her late husband John Lennon.
The song starts off with gun shots and this updated minimalist version has a more somber feel that the original. Lyrics such as “Mesmerized by mythology / Hypnotized by ideology / Antagonized by reality / Vandalized by insanity / Desensitized by fraternity / Sanitized by policy/ Jeopardized by lunacy” resonates more than ever.
“Hell In Paradise” is the 2nd single off her upcoming album, following the title track. She will be releasing a new song from the album every week on the album’s website.
Over the course of her five decade career Ono continues to be a vital voice for the times we’re living in.