Since I haven’t been posting here as often as I would like, I figure I’ll get caught up by recapping some of the notable socially conscious music released in January.
Songs/Videos
My Body, My Choice – Bait Bag
The latest single from the feminist punk trio is a rousing pro-choice anthem. All sales of the single support Planned Parenthood Northern New England.
Reckless Paradise – Billy Talent
The veteran Canadian alt-rock band’s latest single is off their latest album, due out in the fall. The politically-charged track and lyric video address several current issues. It highlights the need for decisive action because “your thoughts and prayers can’t fix the pain.”
The Terror – Maid Of Ace
The hard-hitting UK punk band made of four sisters released their newest single off their upcoming third album due out in the summer. The blistering tune is a scathing indictment on those that help perpetuate an endless cycle of terror.
No Caliphates – Sons Of Yusuf (Featuring Talib Kweli)
“No Caliphates” is a single off the upcoming debut album of the Arabic hip-hop duo debut album Shayk The World, due out February 7. The tune features insightful verses from influential socially conscious rapper Talib Kweli.
Unholy Elixir (Visualiser) – Kate Tempest
“Unholy Elixir” is a riveting reworking of “Holy Elixir” which appeared on the UK spoken word artists exceptional 2019 album The Book Of Traps and Lessons, which was one of the best protest albums of 2019.
One Million – Turismo Girlfriend World Tour
Turismo Girlfriend World Tour is the moniker of singer-songwriter Julie Bernouis. The anthemic tune was released to correspond with the Women’s March that took place on January 18. Along with the original video, she also just released a new lyric video. The song was previously featured as a Daily Dose of Protest.
Albums
Good Luck Everybody – AJJ
The latest album by the veteran folk-punk band was heavily influenced by the current political climate. The album is the perfect blend of quirky and insightful.
On the Bandcamp album page, lead singer Sean Bonnette describes the album as “pessimistic and sad, with small pockets of love and grace. It’s bitter. And funny. And scary, like a scroll through your endless feed. Showing you everything all at once, whether you were prepared to see it or not.” He goes on to add, ” I don’t particularly enjoy writing topical, political songs, but I have no control over what I write. We can only hope that this material will be dated next year and AJJ can move on to worthier subjects. I really hate explaining myself, but since I think it’s important I’ll make the theme of this album explicit: Basic human connection is the path to our collective return to sanity. We are very proud of this one and hope you enjoy it.”
There Is No Year – Algiers
The follow-up to their excellent 2017 album, The Underside of Power, expands on their genre-bending sound. The music creates the perfect platform for the lyrics of lead vocalist Franklin James Fisher, who well articulates the current state of modern political angst.
20/20 Vision – Anti-Flag
The latest album by the veteran political punk band finds the band as anthemic and outspoken as ever. It is a fist-pumping rebuke of Trump’s America.
The Unravelling – Drive-By Truckers
After releasing their exceptional 2016 album, American Band, the band ended up taking their longest hiatus between album. The long-awaited follow-up is another masterpiece of political commentary.
Previously featured “Thoughts and Prayers” from the album as a Daily Dose of Protest.
Making A New World – Field Music
The latest album by the UK indie-rock rock band is a concept album built around the aftermath of the First World War. That backdrop is used to explore a variety of topics including gender reassignment surgery, failures of bureaucracy, and the sexism behind early advertising for sanitary napkins.
Amazones Power – Les Amazones d’ Afrique
Les Amazones d’Afrique is a pan-African female supergroup who returns with their sophomore album. Some of the members have changed, but the mission is the same. The collective join their voices to speak out against global inequality and they address such issues as female genital mutilation, violence against women, lack of education and forced marriages. Empowering universal anthems which also exposes listeners to cultural realities taking place in other parts of the world.
Third Time Lucky – Lucky Luke
The third album by the aboriginal Australian rapper resonates in the wake of the recent tragic bushfires taken place in Australia. It addresses the country’s poor track record in dealing with environmental and aboriginal rights.
Strangers & Friends – David Rovics
Another timely album of insightful commentary from the veteran singer-songwriter and activist. I previously reviewed the album.
Music for the Revolution – Sitizen 7
The political rapper recently released his debut four-track EP. The songs effectively employ soundbites which complements the lyrics which explore such issues such as inequality, Gerrymandering and class theft.
Mat Ward – Filter Bubble
Mat Ward is an Australian journalist and musician, who creates a sound that he aptly describes as “future drum and bass.” His latest release is a concept album about the media. It provides critiques on how the media is often more focus on clickbait, advertising and propaganda than actual truth.
Below is a playlist of 2020 released music featured on this site. It will be constantly added to throughout the course of the year.