Japan Charity Album To Include U2, Rihanna, Justin Bieber & More

Becky Bain | March 22, 2011 9:59 am

After the money raised with last year’s charity singles for Haiti, it’s not surprising that the music industry had the same idea to help the relief efforts in Japan. But instead of a star-studded charity single, we’re getting a whole charity album.

“We are doing it only digitally because it is faster, and this will be a worldwide release,” says a spokesperson from Universal Music. “The plan is to have it available later this week.” Money raised by the sale of the album will benefit the Japanese Red Cross.

So far, the roster includes artists such as U2, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Bon Jovi, Justin Bieber, though the label is trying to get other acts, including Lady Gaga, on board as well. Gaga, of course, has certainly has raised an impressive amount of money (over $250,0000) on her own by selling her We Pray For Japan bracelets.

It was not clear whether the album would be compiled of already existing songs or have any new material on it. But we don’t think people will need much convincing to download it and donate.

[Billboard, NME]