Mavis Staples Transforms Kevin Morby’s ‘Beautiful Strangers’ For Star-Studded ‘Sad And Beautiful World’ Album

Mavis Staples will release a new solo studio album entitled Sad and Beautiful World through ANTI- on November 7. The iconic musician previewed the guest-filled LP by sharing its lead single, a powerful version of Kevin Morby's “Beautiful Strangers.”

The 10-track follow-up to 2019’s We Get By was produced by Brad Cook. Mavis Staples’ forthcoming record features a mix of originals and covers spanning seven decades of the American songbook. An impressive array of multi-generational artists make appearances on the LP, including Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt, Jeff Tweedy, Derek Trucks, Katie Crutchfield, MJ Lenderman and Justin Vernon.

Brad Cook put the focus on Staples’ voice for Sad and Beautiful World as he aimed to showcase her signature vocals. He layered her voice upon bare drum and piano recordings before building the tracks in a way that wouldn’t overshadow what the 86-year-old artist laid down. “I just have to deliver the compassion I feel,” Staples said of the process. “I want to share the song the way I feel it.”

Kevin Morby originally released “Beautiful Strangers” in 2016. Morby praised Mavis’ cover of the song, stating:

“It isn’t easy to put into words what it feels like having one of the best, most important vocalists and cultural figures of both the 20th and 21st century sing one of my songs.

“But hearing Mavis sing ‘Beautiful Strangers’ is hands down the greatest moment and highest honor of my career. Far beyond any kind of accolade or acclaim — having one of my biggest heroes sing something I wrote is the most validating and flattering thing that could ever happen to me as a songwriter and person. Thank you, Mavis. Mavis also wields that extremely rare power to take a song somebody else wrote and make it entirely her own. As the person who penned ‘Beautiful Strangers’ I feel I have every right to say; her version is better.”

Stream Mavis Staples’ take on “Beautiful Strangers” below:

Sad and Beautiful World Tracklist

1. Chicago
2. Beautiful Strangers
3. Sad And Beautiful World
4. Human Mind
5. Hard Times
6. Godspeed
7. We Got To Have Peace
8. Anthem
9. Satisfied Mind
10. Everybody Needs Love

Mavis Staples also announced three early 2026 concerts at iconic venues. Staples will perform at the Chicago Theatre on January 10 with support from Nathaniel Rateliff before heading to Nashville for a show on January 24 at The Ryman. It’s then off to New York City for a show at The Beacon Theatre with Allison Russell opening.

Tickets for the new dates go on sale starting on Friday, September 5 at 10 a.m. local time.