The album celebrates four decades of house music in a powerful tribute to Smooth’s journey from the underground clubs of Chicago to international acclaim
Legendary house music producer Joe Smooth today released ‘We Shall Overcome’, his first album in over 30 years. Arriving at a poignant moment, the release stands as a deeply personal reflection on his 40-year journey in house music, celebrating the genre’s rich soundscape and the many voices that have shaped his path.
A self-taught musician and DJ since his early teens, Smooth quickly emerged as a foundational force in Chicago’s house music scene. By age 20, he was the head DJ at the iconic Smart Bar and collaborating with genre frontrunners such as Frankie Knuckles, Marshall Jefferson, and Lil Louis, and producing for artists including Prince and The Art of Noise. In 1983, Smooth co-produced ‘Jack Trax’, one of the earlier house records, featuring ‘Time to Jack’ – the first record in dance music to use the terms “Jack” and “House” and a track widely seen as a cornerstone of house music’s first wave. Just four years later, his seminal track ‘Promised Land’ became a global anthem.
Now, with ‘We Shall Overcome’, Smooth presents a sonic time capsule that blends new compositions with remastered classics, offering a reflective yet progressive journey through the genre’s evolution, told through the eyes of one of its founding pioneers.
Lead single ‘Overcome’, featuring iconic house music vocalist Chuck Roberts alongside Angie Brown and Mr. Root, pays homage to Roberts with a tribute that ensures his voice continues to echo across the scene for decades to come. The album also includes contributions from artists who have reinterpreted Promised Land, including Solomun and Lee Foss, bridging generations of house music and connecting the genre’s roots to today’s global dance culture.
"We Shall Overcome is about more than music: it’s a message," says Joe Smooth. "At a time when the world feels divided, house music continues to bring people together. This album is a celebration of that energy, and of the community that’s carried this culture forward."
As the genre continues to expand and evolve, Smooth emphasizes the need to preserve its roots. “We need to get back to that feeling – house is a feeling. DJs and producers should take more risks and be more intentional with what they create and play. The new generation is hungry for meaning, and this music has always been the soundtrack to real life.”With ‘We Shall Overcome’, Joe Smooth reaffirms his role not just as a pioneer, but as an utmost champion of house music’s past, present, and future, reminding listeners of its power to uplift, inspire, and unite.
Tracklist:
Disc 1
Joe Smooth x Angie Brown x Mr. Root feat. Chuck Roberts - Overcome
Joe Smooth - Rain Down On Me
Joe Smooth - feat. Maydien & Robert Owens - Crazy World
Joe Smooth x DJ K'Alexi feat. Kaleb Searcy & Lushomo - Black Sun Rising
Joe Smooth feat. George Clinton - Our Houze
Joe Smooth x Slugo feat Wildstyle - I'm Gonna Take you to the House
Joe Smooth x Porcelain - Still Loving You
Joe Smooth x Angie Brown x Mr. Root - Get Up Everybody
Joe Smooth feat Kaleb Searcy - We Got To Love
Joe Smooth feat. Black Pearl - I Don't Want Your Love
Joe Smooth x Gursahhh x JR. Melon - My Dreams Come True
Joe Smooth feat. Alex Bass - Your Love (Georgie Porgie Remix)
Joe Smooth - Got That House
Disc 2
Joe Smooth - Promised Land (Solomun Remix)
Joe Smooth, Lee Foss - Promised Land
Joe Smooth - Promised Land
‘We Shall Overcome’ is out now on all platforms via Armada Music.
Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"] [/item]
[item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item]
[item value="10"] Melody [/item]
[item value="10"] Synths [/item]
[item value="10"]Breakdown[/item]
[item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item]
[item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item]
[item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item]
[item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
[item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
[item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item]
[item value="10"]Vocals & lyrics[/item]
[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
[/review]
Disc 1
Joe Smooth x Angie Brown x Mr. Root feat. Chuck Roberts - Overcome
Joe Smooth - Rain Down On Me
Joe Smooth - feat. Maydien & Robert Owens - Crazy World
Joe Smooth x DJ K'Alexi feat. Kaleb Searcy & Lushomo - Black Sun Rising
Joe Smooth feat. George Clinton - Our Houze
Joe Smooth x Slugo feat Wildstyle - I'm Gonna Take you to the House
Joe Smooth x Porcelain - Still Loving You
Joe Smooth x Angie Brown x Mr. Root - Get Up Everybody
Joe Smooth feat Kaleb Searcy - We Got To Love
Joe Smooth feat. Black Pearl - I Don't Want Your Love
Joe Smooth x Gursahhh x JR. Melon - My Dreams Come True
Joe Smooth feat. Alex Bass - Your Love (Georgie Porgie Remix)
Joe Smooth - Got That House
Disc 2
Joe Smooth - Promised Land (Solomun Remix)
Joe Smooth, Lee Foss - Promised Land
Joe Smooth - Promised Land
‘We Shall Overcome’ is out now on all platforms via Armada Music.
Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"] [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Joe Smooth’s We Shall Overcome is a dynamic two-disc collection that not only celebrates the depth and evolution of house music but also stands as a testament to advanced production techniques and meticulous craftsmanship. This collection bridges classic vibes with contemporary sounds through sophisticated layering and innovative sound design. Tracks like "Overcome," featuring Angie Brown, Mr. Root, and Chuck Roberts, showcase powerful vocal processing techniques. The vocals are enhanced with dynamic EQ, subtle reverb layering, and careful compression to maintain clarity and emotional impact. The uplifting beats are crafted using a mix of analog drum machines and digital sequencers, creating a rich, warm texture synonymous with classic house. “Rain Down On Me” and “Crazy World” bring soulful melodies to the forefront, thanks to the use of vintage synthesizers like the Roland Juno-106, coupled with modern soft-synths for harmonic layering. The contributions from Maydien & Robert Owens are emphasized through intricate vocal harmonization techniques and stereo imaging, giving the tracks a spacious, immersive feel. "Black Sun Rising" stands out with its complex rhythmic structures. The collaboration with DJ K'Alexi, Kaleb Searcy, and Lushomo highlights Joe Smooth’s knack for polyrhythmic layering and syncopation. The track employs sidechain compression to maintain groove consistency while allowing the bassline to breathe alongside intricate percussive elements. "Our Houze" with George Clinton seamlessly infuses funk elements into house grooves through live bass recordings, processed with envelope filters and analog saturation, creating a groovy, organic feel. "Still Loving You" featuring Porcelain uses atmospheric pads, granular synthesis, and meticulous automation to add emotional depth, enhancing the dynamic flow of the album. The second disc is anchored by multiple renditions of the iconic "Promised Land." The Solomun Remix introduces a darker, club-friendly vibe achieved through deep sub-bass synthesis, minimalist drum patterns, and extensive use of reverb and delay effects to create a haunting atmosphere. The low-pass filter automation adds a dynamic progression, making the track evolve seamlessly over time. The collaboration with Lee Foss offers a fresh, modern twist with elements of tech-house. Here, sidechain ducking, modular synthesis, and glitch effects are employed to add texture and depth, while maintaining the soulful essence of the original. The intricate drum programming with off-beat hi-hats and syncopated claps adds a contemporary flair, pushing the rhythmic boundaries. We Shall Overcome is a masterclass in blending soulful house with contemporary electronic elements. Joe Smooth’s production process reflects a deep understanding of both analog warmth and digital precision. Each track is meticulously crafted using advanced mixing and mastering techniques—parallel compression, multi-band EQ, and stereo widening—to create a cohesive, inspiring journey. This album is both reflective and celebratory, paying homage to the roots of house music while pushing its creative boundaries. From a technical standpoint, it showcases an evolution in sound design and production artistry, making it a standout in modern electronic music.#PureGold Love IT[/content]
[item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item][item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item]
[item value="10"] Melody [/item]
[item value="10"] Synths [/item]
[item value="10"]Breakdown[/item]
[item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item]
[item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item]
[item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item]
[item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
[item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
[item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item]
[item value="10"]Vocals & lyrics[/item]
[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
[/review]
About Joe Smooth
Connect with Joe Smooth:
● https://music.apple.com/ie/artist/joe-smooth/156864656
● https://www.instagram.com/joesmoothmusic
● https://www.facebook.com/joesmoothmusic/
About Armada Music
Joe Smooth is one the originators of the genre of music called “House Music” and since 1983 has been considered one of the top DJ's in Chicago, a highly skilled sound engineer, and world class certified platinum producer/composer/writer/re-mixer.
A self-taught musician from the age of 12, Joe Smooth is one of the pioneers of the style of music known today as “House Music”. He has worked with such artists as Frankie Knuckles, Marshall Jefferson, Chip E, A Guy Called Gerald, Lil Louis, Tyree Cooper, Fast Eddie, The Art Of Noise, Sterling Void, The Pet Shop Boys, Janet Jackson, Atlantic Starr, New Order, Steve Hurley... and countless more.
At 18, he opened his first underground nightclub called East Hollywood Mannequins. At 20 he became the head DJ at the now world famous Smart Bar nightclub, his nights attracted 2,000 people and DJ’s Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy would come listen to Joe’s sets looking for music to take back and play at their respective clubs, Joe Smooth’s musical prowess was the one instrumental factor that shaped the atmosphere and mystique that still lives at Smart Bar going into its 40th year.
In 1984 Joe Smooth joined the DJ International Records family. After joining the DJ International family he quickly became a central force behind almost everything written or produced from this visionary label. This included Co-producing The Jack Trax EP with Chip-E, the first record to use the words House and Jack. Many say this was the first true house record. Joe also co-produced and mixed Frankie Knuckles' first record, the remake of "You Can't Hide".
In 1985, the Limelight looked at Joe as the number one DJ in Chicago and propositioned Joe for their Chicago nightclub as musical coordinator. In 1987 along with Limelight, he also started working for the soulful Charlie club nightclub as head DJ/musical coordinator and penned one of the greatest house anthems of all time "Promised Land". In 1988, with musical production work at a high, Joe traveled abroad to put his concentration fully into his production, DJ gigs and Performing.
In 1990 CNN commissioned Joe Smooth to write a song as the music bed to be played during the airing of Nelson Mandela’s release after 27 years in prison. This song called “They Want To Be Free” talked about the wrongs of apartheid and oppression of the African people. Later in 1990 returning to Chicago from great success abroad, Joe saw a need for a serious underground house club in Chicago and opened the very successful Warehouse nightclub, named in tribute to the legendary Warehouse nightclub of the late seventies and early eighties with partners Julian Perez and DJ Internationals founder Rocky Jones.
In 1994 Joe’s sought after talent led him to Rome to partner on a label called "Active Bass Music" with famous producer Claudio Donato. Which ran until 1999.
In 1999 Joe Smooth returned home to Chicago and did extensive work with Slang Music Group and Nu Soul until 2005. Joe's work at Slang and Nu Soul would include projects featuring Whitney Houston, Donnell Jones, Destiny’s Child and Sisqo and earn a multitude of Gold and Platinum RIAA awards.
From 2005 till today Joe’s “Obelisk Production Multimedia and Indie Art Music”” labels have released a string of house hits and has songs signed from worldwide artist such as Faith Evans, Syleena Johnson, K Ci and George Clinton, as well as more underground and up and coming artist and is currently in negotiations for worldwide distribution through a major distribution network.
Joe Smooth has worked hard to stay ahead of the curve and is often sought after to consult and mentor some of the world’s greatest producers, DJ’s and labels, like Ultra, Armada and Sony. He has a Joint Venture deal with Armada Music Group, he is currently an ambassador for The School of House based out of Amsterdam, working with a multitude of platinum artist worldwide, collaborating with Global DJ powerhouses like Benny Benassi and Alex Gaudino and working with the great charity organization LNADJ(Last Night A DJ). He is also one of the original organizers of Chicago’s Largest house music events held in Millennium Park yearly “The Chicago House Music Festival” and “The House Legacy Project” attracting 50,000 plus over the Memorial Day weekend. Joe Smooth has also expanded his role in the entertainment community in the role as producer and co-producer for TV and Film, involved in productions like “Casting Call Reality Show” created by Faith Diggs, which can be seen on Firestick and Roku station ENVIO TV.
Connect with Joe Smooth:
● https://music.apple.com/ie/artist/joe-smooth/156864656
● https://www.instagram.com/joesmoothmusic
● https://www.facebook.com/joesmoothmusic/
About Armada Music
Armada Music is the biggest independent dance music label in the world. Founded by Armin van Buuren, Maykel Piron (CEO) and David Lewis, the label manages an ever-growing catalog of over 50,000 tracks built up across twenty-plus years of specialized dance music exploitation.
Representing artists such as Armin van Buuren, ARTY, D.O.D, Eelke Kleijn, Jan Blomqvist, Joris Voorn, KI/KI, Lilly Palmer, Loud Luxury, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, THEMBA and Yulia Niko, Armada Music amasses more than one billion streams per month, airplay on leading radio outlets such as BBC Radio 1 and Sirius XM, and top positions in the world’s most notable charts. Significant label milestones include Armin van Buuren's Grammy nomination for 'This Is What It Feels Like' and two tracks surpassing one billion streams on Spotify: Loud Luxury and Brando’s ‘Body’ and Lost Frequencies’ ‘Are You With Me’.
Across offices in Amsterdam (HQ), New York, London and Laren (NL), Armada Music offers a global appeal to its growing roster. The label has its own club, radio studio and multiple production studios, and hosts various live formats. Producer platform Armada University, which offers educational products and opportunities, shows the label’s sustained effort to nurture the next wave of talent.
Additional info:
