Maria Muldaur

The album is "a radical departure" for the singer, who, though much affected by the political turmoil of the 1960s, had never been one to make political music. "I totally believed in the causes, but for me, that time was more about the discovery of American roots music, as opposed to topical protest songs," she said. "This new album is protest music that you can dance to." Muldaur has included soul classics like Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues," Edwin Starr's "War," Timmy Thomas's "Why Can't We Live Together?," and less well-known songs by New Orleans legends Earl King and Allen Toussaint. Following on the heels of her 2006 album, Heart of Mine: Maria Muldaur Sings the Love Songs of Bob Dylan, she added three no-punches-pulled protest songs by her old friend: "John Brown," "License to Kill," and the bone-chilling "Masters of War."

On this, her 27th solo outing, Muldaur felt the need to take a different tack. "As the time rolled around to do another album, I decided I didn't want to just grind one out," she said. "Instead I went with what is on my mind and in my heart all the time. Things we sit around and discuss on the [tour] bus as the miles roll by." The name of the album (taken from the Toussaint song) sets the tone. "I don't want to dis our current leaders, but to look forward with vision. I chose 'Yes We Can' before Obama did. It's just out there; everyone is desperate for change. It has become obvious that the powers-that-be have more to do with creating than fixing the mess."