She still sees a second-class America that needs to be saved. As far as Staples has come, the journey, she insists, is far from over.
In this way, We'll Never Turn Back transcends humble homage to become one of the most emotionally honest albums I've heard in years, shattering in its scope but personal in its bravery
With an intellect as piercing as the ringing steel-guitar that permeates this CD, Staples sings with both pride and pain — "I integrated a washateria," Staples remembers, with a sharp, grizzled toughness — and never, ever turns away from what must be said about those times.
Or these.
With the next breath, you'll find Staples back on the stump, exhorting us all to do what's right: "Hold on; keep your eyes on the prize," she sings.
In the end, this isn't a record about recrimination, so much as bootstrap inspiration. And that's what makes it timeless.
We'll Never Turn Back examines, with simple dignity yet steadfast resolve, where Staples has been. I expected that. What I found was that it also told me a lot about where she'd still like to go.
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