As we approach the end of 2019 it is now a good time to look back on some of the notable protest albums released during the year. Many of these albums were also previously featured in the 30 Best Album (So Far) list that was published back in July.
The albums are listed alphabetical order. Hopefully, you’ll be introduced to some new socially conscious music.
The songs which make up Resiliencia were inspired by resilient women that were interviewed by the Puerto Rican activist, singer, songwriter and bandleader. Sung in both English and Spanish, the tunes are both anthemic and empowering.
The debut album of the duo consisting of soulful vocalist Donn T and rapper Chill Moody has an enjoyable old school vibe mixed with modern-day social commentary. The fictional protagonist Ethel Bobcat is the embodiment of female and black empowerment. The tunes are uplifting and insightful.
Previously featured “WHOA” from the album as a Daily Dose of Protest.
As a son of Japanese immigrants, Bashi was affected by the current state of xenophobic immigration policies instituted by the Trump administration. Drawing parallels with past history, Bashi crafted a stunning concept album built around the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. The album promoted the continued need for greater empathy.
The UK cult singer-songwriter continues the trend of releasing an album on his birthday. Even though it is his most diverse album musically, it still contains all the things that make Beans on Toast so endearing. His social commentary is as focused as ever, focusing on issues such as climate change, Brexit, class inequality and automation.
The Canadian alt-rock band’s sophomore album is the second instalment of a planned trilogy of political concept albums. It explores the isolation and paranoia cultivated by the current climate of corruption and austerity.
The horrorcore concept album effectively uses horror movie themes to examine racism, police brutality and other real-life horrors. At times it is uncomfortable to listen to, but that is by design. We need to feel uncomfortable in order to be awakened from the nightmare.
Previously featured “Blood of the Fang” from the album as a Daily Dose of Protest.
The Seattle based dreampunk band creates music that expresses the paranoia faced by the marginalized and takes aim at oppressive patriarchal structures.
Previously featured “Killer Whale” and “Sad Fluid” from the album as a Daily Dose of Protest.
The Australian singer-songwriter debut is deceptive because it mixes pleasant vocals and melodies with frank lyrics denouncing toxic patriarchal philosophies.
Previously featured “Old Man” from the album as a Daily Dose of Protest.
Undress is the most political album released by the veteran folk-rock band. The lyrics range from heartfelt to witty, but they successfully manage to provide thoughtful commentary without being preachy.
Previously featured “Special Announcement” from the album as a Daily Dose of Protest.
The full-length debut by the Irish post-punk band is brimming with a non-conformist and anti-establishment spirit.
12 Nudes is an appropriate title due to the fact Furman openly exposes the uneasiness of living in this current political climate. Furman’s vulnerability when addressing personal issues of gender identity and systemic injustices adds weight to the essential anthems that make up the album.
The Washington D.C. punk collective includes members of Priests and Downtown Boys. Their full-length debut combines infectious new-wave dance grooves with incisive social commentary.
Evan Greer’s first studio album in over a decade is filled with anthems of empowerment. She eloquently addresses topics such as activism, fascism, and gender identity.
The debut self-titled album by the country music supergroup (Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris, and Amanda Shires) is an important album which challenges the patriarchal structure of the country music industry.
Jeremy Ivey’s debut album is a diverse blend of 1960s psychedelia and country. Expertly produced by his wife Margo Price, it is musically a departure from his spouse, but Ivey has a similar knack as social commentator and storyteller.
The Filipino-Canadian rapper/vocalist’s sophomore album challenges the societal norms dictated by the traditional white cisgender male power structure.
La Neve’s solo full-length debut is a musical departure from the Downtown Boys (where La Neve is the guitarist). Described as a “queer dance punk party” the sound is more disco than punk, but lyrically the tunes are just as politically focus and contains similar anti-establishment messages.
The album started off as a sound collage where Locks took samples of different Civil Rights era speeches, with minimal accompaniment by a drum machine. It evolved into a fifteen-piece jazz ensemble adding weight to the album’s powerful message.
L’Orange’s inventive use of soundbites and atmosphere creates the perfect landscape for Jeremiah Jae’s lyrical flow. An ambitious concept album which explores the consequences of war.
The long-awaited sequel to the English-Iraqi rapper and activist 2011 album Soundtrack to the Struggle continues to take on the evils of neoliberalism with hard-hitting lyrics.
Leyla McCalla’s third album demonstrates diversity in the range of topics and genres covered. A dominant theme is how capitalistic greed links to societal ills, such as systemic poverty, lead poisoning and wars.
Previously featured “Heavy As Lead” from the album as a Daily Dose of Protest.
The full-length solo debut of Haviah Mighty (also known for her work in the all-female Canadian rap collective The Sorority), is a powerful commentary on systemic oppression. A perfect blend of impeccable flow and thoughtful lyrics.
The latest album by the poet and experimental musician powerfully uses sound collages and archival recordings to enhance her potent messages of protest. She powerfully speaks up against the erasure of black people.
The roots music supergroup not only created a musically stunning album, but they also created an important archival project. They relate the often untold stories of their ancestors and provide timely lessons which will help learn from the past.
The title of the UK feminist post-hardcore band’s sophomore album is fitting because it is a patchwork of different sounds, ideas and emotions. It perfectly blends righteous indignation with vulnerability while exploring topics such as feminism, toxic masculinity and climate change.
Even though Priests’ sophomore full-length album is more accessible than their debut, this doesn’t lessen the impact of the message. They combine infectious 70s style punk and new wave with poignant social commentary.
The Detroit rapper effectively uses his satirical wit to examine America’s fascination with guns. The provocative album takes a look at guns both from a literal and metaphorical perspective.
Previously featured “Guns” from the album as a Daily Dose of Protest.
The influential Swedish hardcore band is in vintage form, creating music that is confrontational both musically and lyrically. The songs are designed to inspire a revolution and to promote the overthrow of capitalism.
David Rovics is an activist and prolific singer-songwriter. On his latest album, he uses his razor-sharp wit and observational skills on a range of topics including struggling as a musician during the streaming era, labour strikes, neo-liberalism and warmongering.
The official debut by the Zambian born, Australian based rapper is a celebration of culture and identity. It also deals with concepts of inner peace and acceptance which are powerful weapons in fighting against oppressive ideologies.
Sheer Mag’s sophomore album rocks against several social ills, including political corruption, labour inequality and body shaming. They effortlessly marry 70s classic rock nostalgia with timely commentary.
The song’s on the album were influenced by Sinkane’s family’s experience of fleeing to America to seek asylum from an oppressive Sundanese dictatorship. The tunes resonate due to Sudan being one of the countries included in Trump’s xenophobic Muslim Ban.
Featuring gritty beats and candid lyrics, the UK’s rapper debut album was heavily influenced by his frustration with the political climate of his home country.
With a sound that they dubbed “indigenous trap”, the indigenous Canadian rap duo creates hard-hitting political music that also wouldn’t sound out of place in the clubs. They create empowering anthems of resistance and cultural celebration.
The 34th album by the iconic Brazilian samba singer mixes eclectic music arrangements with a hard-hitting political message. She continues to provide a vital voice on behalf of the oppressed.
The legendary Mavis Staples continues to be a vital voice in speaking up against injustices and promoting positive change.
Previously featured “Change” from the album as a Daily Dose of Protest.
The English spoken word artist third album effectively articulates the current state of political angst. The anxiety is balanced with optimism and the album’s minimalistic musical production gives space for Tempest’s words to resonate.
The fifth album by the Polish alt-rock band taps into the historical trauma and genocide experienced by Polish Jews at the hands of Nazi Germany. It addresses Holocaust deniers and sadly the song’s anti-fascists sentiments still apply to the present.
Each tune on Woods’ sophomore album is dedicated to a different often overlooked artist of colour who made significant contributions to society. The album is an empowering celebration of black excellence.
Young’s 39th studio album finds him reuniting with Crazy Horse. The legendary artists address a range of topic, including environmental justice, an issue he has frequently advocated for. After all these decades it is truly admirable that Neil Young is still making relevant music with passion and conviction.