Part of the purpose of this site is to chronicle the historical developments of protest music. One way to do this is to look back at previous decades. I previously published a list of the 100 Best Protest Albums of the 2010s. Now we are going to look back at the best albums of other decades, starting with the 2000s.
In the era of Trump it is easy to forget how much ridicule that George W. Bush got, he inspired a large percentage of the albums on this list. The events of 9/11 and the Iraq War heavily influenced the socially conscious music of the decade as well.
The albums are presented in chronological order.
The Scottish rock band’s sixth album is the group’s first overtly political album. It explores not only the political climate in the UK, but it also explores the US role in international terrorism and it indicts the corruption of big corporations. Musically it is a stylistic departure, but the harsher industrial soundscape is well suited to the subject matter.
The debut album for the political hip-hop duo effectively uses sparse musical arrangements to add weight to the song’s provocative statements of socialism and black empowerment. The lyrics denounce white washed systems of power and education which contribute to black oppression.
Common’s fourth album and major-label debut is his commercial breakthrough. The increased mainstream attention doesn’t water down the socially conscious lyrics that the rapper is known for. It explores afro-centric themes which are complemented by jazzy and afro-beats arrangements.
Sleater-Kinney always had the knack of blending the personal with the political. On their fifth album, they accomplish that feat while exploring darker sounds musically. Subjects addressed includes misogyny within the music industry and several issues related to the media.
The album continues the project to put unused Woody Guthrie’s lyrics to music. The musical accompaniment provided by the UK political folk artist and the American alt-country band is well suited to Guthrie’s timeless words.
Because it is a five-song EP, I was debating whether to include it, but it is a brilliant conceptual piece of art which explores a dystopian future where humanity is overtaken by technology.
Rancid’s fifth album finds the band deviating from the ska influence of their earlier albums and instead they adopt a heavier and more direct punk sound. The album features several fist-pumping anthems rallying against oppressive forces.
The sophomore album by the Canadian post-rock band is a stunning cinematic masterpiece. Mostly instrumental, but it effectively employs samples to provide political and satirical commentary on the new world order.
The debut album by the duo of socially conscious rapper Talib Kweli and DJ Hi-Tek is an insightful examination of African American culture.
U2’s tenth studio album balances soaring anthems of optimism with sombre reflections of current events. Even though it was released close to a year prior, the album contains several tracks which resonated in the wake of 9/11.
Badu’s sophomore album is lyrically more direct than her 1997 debut Baduizm. The songs are enlightening insights on both the personal and political, providing commentary on subjects such as police brutality and systemic oppression.
Underground Network finds the political punker deviating the hardcore influence of their first couple of albums and adopting a more melodic sound. This adds a fist-pumping anthemic feel to the band’s songs of resistance.
The band’s most political album is a rousing call to action. The melodic rage is an effective vehicle in delivering the message.
A highly eccentric and eclectic album, it also features several songs which comment on the human condition and the pollution of the atmosphere.
Translated into English, Uniendo Fronteras translated into Uniting Frontiers’. This album by the legendary Norteño groups addresses different aspects of the immigrant experience including American xenophobia.
The sophomore album of the alt-metal band is just as heavy but more eclectic than their self-titled debut. The album addresses several topics including the prison industrial complex, police brutality and environmental destruction.
Recorded prior to 9/11, but released after, the alt-country band’s fourth studio album contains multiple songs which resonate in the wake of the attack.
The ambitious double concept album filters social commentary through events involving southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. One of the issues prominently addressed is the south’s history of racism.
The full-length debut by the Native American trio of siblings skillfully blends a heavy and energetic punk sound with traditional indigenous elements. The music provides the perfect backdrop for the righteous indignation of the lyrics which rallies against oppression.
The sophomore album of Kathleen Hanna’s dance-punk project may be a musical departure compared to her previous work in the pioneering riot grrrl band Bikini Kill, but lyrically it explores similar feminist concerns. The album is a prime exhibit that it is possible to create catchy and fun music while still delivering an insightful message.