Sad and Beautiful World is a 10-song, 38-minute album built around Mavis Staples’s interpretations of songs by writers spanning generations, with one new song at its center. Produced by Brad Cook, it favors a measured ensemble setting over a sequence of showy guest turns. Whether that restraint feels moving or too even depends on what you want from the record; the Associated Press called it “peaceful, even-keeled” and rated it three and a half stars out of five.
What kind of album is Sad and Beautiful World?
Released by ANTI Records on November 7, 2025, Sad and Beautiful World gathers songs from several eras and traditions rather than presenting itself as a conventional set of new material. Its track list moves among Leonard Cohen, Curtis Mayfield, Kevin Morby, Sparklehorse and other writers. “Human Mind,” written by Hozier and Allison Russell, is the album’s sole original, according to Apple Music.
That mix gives the record its central tension: familiar songs arrive alongside less expected choices, while Staples’s interpretation—not a wholesale reinvention of each song—is the organizing thread. Brad Cook produced the album. The official artist store lists cameos from Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt, Jeff Tweedy, Derek Trucks, Katie Crutchfield, MJ Lenderman and Justin Vernon, among others. Their presence broadens the company around Staples without making the album a guest showcase.
Does the album work as a whole?
The Associated Press’s description of the set as “peaceful, even-keeled” captures both its appeal and its possible limitation. The review points to bouncy horns and tranquil finger-picked guitars: elements that suggest variety within a generally unhurried frame, rather than a dramatic change of gears from track to track. That steady approach can make the album feel cohesive; listeners looking for sharply contrasting arrangements may find it less dynamic.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
ANTI Records framed the album with the line, “Grim days call for fierce love, and Mavis Staples — one of the most enduring figures in American music — is laying it down.” That is the label’s promotional description, not a neutral verdict. The record’s repertoire does, however, repeatedly turn toward hard times, human connection and hope. The balance is most apparent in the placement of “Human Mind”: it arrives fourth, between the title track and “Hard Times,” placing the album’s sole new composition among songs that set a broader emotional context.
Which songs stand out?
“Beautiful Strangers”
The Associated Press singles out Kevin Morby’s “Beautiful Strangers” as one of the tracks worth returning to. The reviewer reads Staples’s performance as a response to troubled times. That interpretation fits the album’s broader concern with how people meet one another amid difficulty, while keeping the song itself distinct from the album’s original material.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
“Human Mind”
As the only original, “Human Mind” is a useful point of comparison for the covers around it. The AP reviewer hears it confronting grief and violence without giving up cautious hope. Its position in the sequence also makes it a pivot: after the title-track interpretation, it leads into “Hard Times.”
“Hard Times”
The AP review also recommends “Hard Times” for repeat listening. Its place after “Human Mind” extends the album’s attention to adversity, though the record’s overall restraint keeps that subject matter within the same measured atmosphere.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
“Chicago”
The AP reviewer names “Chicago” as a skip, a reminder that the album’s choices will not land equally for every listener. This is that publication’s judgment, not a consensus view.
What songs are on the album?
Apple Music lists 10 tracks and a total runtime of 38 minutes. In sequence, the official track list is:
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- “Chicago”
- “Beautiful Strangers”
- “Sad and Beautiful World”
- “Human Mind”
- “Hard Times”
- “Godspeed”
- “We Got to Have Peace”
- “Anthem”
- “Satisfied Mind”
- “Everybody Needs Love”
The repertoire includes the Sparklehorse song that supplies the album’s title, alongside songs by Leonard Cohen and Curtis Mayfield. The record closes with Eddie Hinton’s “Everybody Needs Love.” The official track list and Apple Music album page provide the full credits and sequence: Apple Music.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who should listen?
This album is a strong fit for listeners drawn to an experienced interpreter working through songs with patience rather than turning every selection into a dramatic showcase. Its most revealing listening questions are whether the shift between familiar and surprising songwriters holds your interest, whether the restrained arrangements feel cohesive or too level, and how “Human Mind” changes the character of a set otherwise centered on other writers’ work.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
The Associated Press’s three-and-a-half-out-of-five rating is one reviewer’s assessment, not an aggregate score. The album’s measured approach is likely to be its clearest strength for some listeners and its main reservation for others.
Release and physical editions
ANTI Records gives the release date as November 7, 2025. The official artist store lists both an LP and a CD; the CD page displayed “Sold out” when checked, and stock can change. See the ANTI Records release page, the official LP listing and the official CD listing for current release and product information.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
