I recently published a list of the 100 best albums of the 21st Century (So Far). This seems to be a good time to revisit previous lists that I published for the 2000s and 2010s. Starting with the 2000s, much of the list is the same, but there have been a few adjustments. In the era of Trump, it is easy to forget how much ridicule 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.
Primal Scream – XTRMNTR (2000)
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.
Dead Prez – Let’s Get Free (2000)
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 whitewashed systems of power and education, which contribute to black oppression.
Common – Like Water for Chocolate (2000)
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 – All Hands on the Bad One (2000)
Sleater-Kinney always had the knack of blending the personal with the political. On their fifth album, they accomplish that feat while exploring darker musical sounds. Subjects addressed include misogyny within the music industry and several issues related to the media.
Billy Bragg & Wilco – Mermaid Avenue Vol. II (2000)
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.
Les Savy Fav – Emor: Rome Upside Down (2000)
Because it is a five-song EP, I was debating whether to include it, but it is a brilliant conceptual piece of art that explores a dystopian future where humanity is overtaken by technology.
Rancid – Rancid (2000)
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.
Napalm Death – Enemy of the Music Business (2000)
The 9th album by the UK grindcore band is an aggressive indictment of the music business. It also unleashes it wrath against corrupt governmental institutions.
Godspeed You! Black Emperor – Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven (2000)
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.
Reflection Eternal – Train of Thought (2000)
The debut album by the duo of socially conscious rapper Talib Kweli and DJ Hi-Tek is an insightful examination of African American culture. It also provides insightful observations on governmental corruption and misogyny, expressing empathic support for Black women.
U2 – All That You Can’t Leave Behind (2000)
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 that resonated in the wake of 9/11.
Erykah Badu – Mama’s Gun (2000)
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.
Pennywise – Land of the Free? (2001)
The band’s most political album is a rousing call to action. The melodic rage is an effective vehicle in delivering the message.
Super Furry Animals – Rings Around the World (2001)
A highly eccentric and eclectic album, it also features several songs that comment on the human condition and the pollution of the atmosphere.
Los Tigres del Norte – Uniendo Fronteras (2001)
Translated into English, Uniendo Fronteras translates into Uniting Frontiers. This album by the legendary Norteño groups addresses different aspects of the immigrant experience, including American xenophobia.
System of a Down – Toxicity (2001)
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.
Drive-By Truckers – Southern Rock Opera (2001)
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.
Blackfire – One Nation Under (2001)
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.
Le Tigre – Feminist Sweepstakes (2001)
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 example that it is possible to create catchy and fun music while still delivering an insightful message.
Femi Kuti – Fight To Win (2001)
Carrying on the afrobeat tradition of his legendary father Fela Kuti, Femi also expands his sounds to include hip-hop with guest appearances by socially conscious rappers Mos Def and Common. The album focuses on issues of African politics, but also contains universal themes of justice which expand beyond borders.
Fugazi – The Argument (2001)
The pioneering DIY band’s final full-length album may very well be their artiest and most melodic. None of this dulls the pointed social commentary that Fugazi is well known for. They aim at targets such as greedy landlords, corporate greed, and the war machine.
The Coup – Party Music (November 6, 2001)
The duo of political rapper Boots Riley and DJ Pam the Funkstress creates banging party music for radicals. The funky and infectious musical landscape is the perfect platform for Riley’s satirical and provocative lyrics.
Anne Feeney – Have You Been to Jail for Justice? (2001)
Feeney was a longtime activist before releasing her first album in 1992. She is an insightful and witty lyricist who effectively uses her music as an extension of her activism. This album is a solid collection of modern protest tunes that follows the tradition of socially conscious singer-songwriters.
Nas – Stillmatic (2001)
The influential rapper has established a reputation for his incisive lyrics and impeccable mic skills. This album is a prime example of this, featuring poignant commentary on America’s systemic social ills.
Robb Johnson – The Triumph Of Hope Over Experience (2002)
Johnson is a prolific singer-songwriter who has built a following for his commentary and satirical wit. This is an excellent collection of tunes that deals with insightful observations of life in both his native UK and abroad.
Bad Religion – The Process of Belief (2002)
The veteran punk band’s twelfth studio album is an energetic affair which in many respects is a throwback to their earlier sound. The lyrics also provides incisive thesis statements on politics, religion and the environment.
Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2002)
Recorded before 9/11, but released after, the alt-country band’s fourth studio album (limited self-release on September 18, 2021, wide release on April 23, 2002) contains multiple songs that resonate in the wake of the attack. Songs like “War on War” and “Ashes of American Flags” and lyrics such as “Tall buildings shake, voices escape singing sad, sad songs” (“Jesus Etc.”) came across as eerily relevant in light of the tragedy.
Lauryn Hill – MTV Unplugged 2.0 (2002)
Lauryn Hill’s live recording of new songs was the polarising follow-up to her groundbreaking 1998 debut solo album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. The album was considered a commercial and critical failure which is unfortunate because it is a compelling collection of socially conscious tunes. It is also an admirable display of an uncompromising artist who isn’t afraid to stick to her convictions despite any potential backlash.
Jean Grae – Attack of the Attacking Things (2002)
The debut album by the underground rapper blends adventurous musical arrangements with thoughtful critiques on materialism and misogyny.
Sleater-Kinney – One Cut (2002)
The riot grrrl band has always been socially aware, but recorded in the 9/11 aftermath, their sixth full-length album is their most politically direct. Tunes such as “Far Away” (“And the president hides/ While working men rush in and give their lives”) are an anti-war caustic critique of then US President George W. Bush..
David Rovics with Allie Rosenblatt – Hang A Flag In The Window (2002)
David Rovics is a prolific singer-songwriter and activist who released several albums throughout the 2000s, so there was no shortage of albums worthy of consideration. This album, which features gorgeous vocal accompaniment from Allie Rosenblatt, is a stirring collection of modern-day protest tunes.
Steve Earle – Jerusalem (2002)
Steve Earle throughout his music career has always been an outspoken maverick who isn’t afraid to speak his mind, regardless of who he might potentially piss off. His tenth studio album is a concept album built around the aftermath of 9/11. Mainstream country music tended to respond to the tragic event with blind patriotism, while Earle wasn’t afraid to ask the tough questions about the events that led to the tragedy.
The Exploited – Fuck The System (2002)
At the time of this writing, this is the final album by the veteran Scottish hardcore band. They still sound vital as they rally against systemic corruption.
The Roots – Phrenology (2002)
The album is named after the pseudoscience of phrenology, which was used to justify racism. The album blends jazzy and funky musical arrangements with insightful lyrics examining issues that connect with the Black American experience.
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists – Hearts of Oaks (2003)
Ted Leo is a literate lyricist who is able to weave a storytelling narrative while providing poignant social commentary. What makes this feat even rarer is that the music is really infectious and melodic.
Rise Against – Revolutions per Minute (2003)
Rise Against’s sophomore album was not only darker and heavier than their debut, but it was also the beginning of them adding social commentary to their music. An abundance of righteous rage to get the fist-pumping.
NOFX – The War on Errorism (2003)
This scathing anti-George W. Bush album was the precursor to the Rock Against Bush compilations organized by NOFX’s Fat Mike.
Sepultura – Roorback (2003)
Roorback is the Brazilian thrash pioneers strongest effort with Derrick Green on vocals. The dark aggression of the music is well suited to the lyrics which deal with political unrest.
Radiohead – Hail To The Thief (2003)
Even though there has always been a social awareness with Radiohead’s music, their sixth studio album was their most politically direct. Much of the material was influenced by the War on Terror and was critical of George W. Bush.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Greendale (2003)
Greendale is a rock opera that deals with the fictional town of Greendale. The narrative about the Green family is effectively used to explore issues such as environmentalism and political and corporate corruption.
Chris T-T – London Is Sinking (2003)
The UK indie singer-songwriter and activist has a knack of exploring the humanity of the victims of injustices (even if the victim is a giraffe).
Against Me! – As the Eternal Cowboy (2003)
Frontwoman and lyricist Laura Jane Grace described the album as a concept album “that explores love and war.” Eternal Cowboy is a fitting metaphor of someone wandering the world alone amidst all of the chaos.
Immortal Technique – Revolutionary Vol. 2
The sophomore album by the Peruvian political rapper is a radical takedown of systemic injustices. The album includes incisive commentary on media propaganda, labor rights, the prison industrial complex, systemic racism, and class inequality.
Patti Smith – Trampin’ (2004)
The legendary punk poetess ninth studio album is a compelling blend of the political and personal. Includes a couple of socially conscious epics.
Clann Zú – Black Coats & Bandages (2004)
The Irish-Australian band’s sophomore album is a compelling listen. It features insightful commentary on various societal issues, including wars and organized religion, and the close link between the two.
Steve Earle – The Revolution Starts Now (2004)
Earle follows up his 2002 album Jerusalem with another album that is equally political. It is a collection of scathing indictments on the policies of George W. Bush and the war in Iraq.
Drive-By Truckers – The Dirty South (2004)
This album explores similar themes to their epic 2001 concept album, Southern Rock Opera. The album also benefits from lead singing and songwriting contributions from Jason Isbell, who takes turns with original Truckers, Mike Cooley, and Patterson Hood.
Björk – Medúlla (2004)
Björk’s fifth studio album is a stunning work of art, which is almost completely a cappella. Several tracks benefit from the powerful contributions of Canadian indigenous throat singer Tanya Tagaq. The Icelandic artist cited the album as her most political, exploring anti-patriotic themes. Instead of focusing on things that divide, like religion and nationality, it is about focusing on the commonality that unites us.
Green Day – American Idiot (2004)
The ambitious concept album opens with the scathing title track, which scathingly indicts US President George W. Bush’s 9/11 response, which led to the Iraq War. The rest of the album effectively encapsulates the feelings of anxiety and disillusionment many were feeling during that period of political turmoil.
Saul Williams – Saul Williams (2004)
The self-titled sophomore album by the spoken word artist is an eclectic blend of punk, hip-hop and various other musical elements. Lyrically, Williams insightfully analyzes the Black American experiences and comments on a range of social issues.
Joey Only and the Comrades – Radical Folk Of The Great North (2004)
Joey is a self-described outlaw-country punk from Canada who has built up a cult following with his constant touring and energetic live performances. His lyrics are also pointedly political and often deal with issues faced in his native country. This is well exemplified on his debut album.
Tom Waits – Real Gone (2004)
In the 2000s, the presidency of George W. Bush and the Iraq War inspired a spike in protest music, including from artists who were generally viewed as apolitical. This included influential singer-songwriter Tom Waits, who included a few political songs on his 15th studio album.
Kimya Dawson – Hidden Vagenda (2004)
Dawson crafted a collection of songs that are honest and direct. The album heavily deals with overcoming tragedy and it is an example of how the personal can be political. It also expresses nonconformist attitudes and how the world changed post 9/11.
The Blood Brothers – Crimes (2004)
The music is filled with a manic energy, which is well suited to the lyrics, which express frustration with mass media and societal apathy. It also features a couple of pointed critiques on the Bush administration and the Iraq War.
Jello Biafra & The Melvins – Never Breathe What You Can’t See (2004)
A hard-hitting collaboration between hardcore icon Jello Biafra and grunge pioneers the Melvins. The sludgy music attack of the Melvins is well suited to the maniac energy and biting political commentary of Biafra.
Tanya Tagaq – Sinaa (2005)
The debut album by the Canadian Inuit throat singer is a stunning work of art, featuring primarily the human voice with minimal musical accompaniment. The act of preserving an important part of a cultural heritage that is often whitewashed makes this an important political statement.
M.I.A. – Arular (2005)
M.I.A.’s debut album is named after the political code name of her father, Tamil activist Arul Pragasam. The title is appropriate in light of the radical lyrics which blends well with the eclectic musical fusion which includes hip-hop, afrobeat, reggae, favela funk, electronica and punk.
Black Market Militia – Black Market Militia (2005)
After releasing a few mixtapes, this was the official debut of a supergroup made up of rappers connected with the Wu-Tang Killa Beez. Politically charged lyrics which also features contributions from civil rights activist and poet Oscar Brown Jr and The Last Poets’ Abiodun Oyewole.
Million Dead – Harmony No Harmony (2005)
The sophomore (and final) studio album by the British post-hardcore band is musically heavier than the more folk-leaning solo work of lead singer Frank Turner. Lyrically, it addresses subjects such as political apathy, climate change, gentrification, and commercialism.
K’Naan – The Dusty Foot Philosopher (2005)
The official debut by the Somali-Canadian rapper effectively incorporates African musical elements with honest, socially conscious lyrics. It is heavily based on his true life experience growing up in Somalia and being an immigrant.
Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley – Welcome to Jamrock (2005)
The youngest son of Bob Marley has created an infectious album which showcases a part of Jamaica that doesn’t get exposure from the tourism ads. It also features socially aware verses from rappers such as Nas and Black Thought which add a more universal aspect to the commentary.
Propagandhi – Potemkin City Limits (2005)
On the Canadian punk band’s fourth full-length album, they continue to add more metal elements to their aggressive musical attack. The lyrics are as unapologetically political as ever, tackling issues such as government corruption and capitalism.
Jefferson Pepper – Christmas in Fallujah (2005)
The debut album by the singer-songwriter and activist was inspired by the experiences of Pepper’s 21-year-old neighbour, David Maples, who was a medic in the US Army stationed in Iraq. Pepper has a gift for narrative and biting satirical wit.
Dr. Israel & Dreadtone International – Patterns of War (2005)
Dr Israel is a New York-based dub artist who combines trippy grooves with a powerful socially conscious message. Along with protesting the Iraq War, it examines racial inequality and the patterns that lead to war and violence both globally and domestically.
Gossip – Standing In The Way Of Control (2006)
Catchy dance-rock featuring the powerhouse vocals of Beth Ditto. The musical attack is well-suited to an empowering lyrical message.
Josh Ritter – The Animal Years (2006)
Ritter is an articulate storyteller who skillfully weaves a narrative. He also effectively employs poetic language and biblical allusions to protest the Iraq War and comment on religion’s involvement in the bloodshed.
Ben Harper – Both Sides of the Gun (2006)
This is a double album that showcases two sides of Harper’s musical arsenal. The first side is more mellow, mostly acoustic, while the second side is more uptempo and electric. The second side in particular features blistering political commentary directed towards the many failures of the George W. Bush administration, such as the lack of response to Hurricane Katrina and the war on terror.
The Flaming Lips – At War with the Mystics (2006)
As far as socially conscious albums go, this is pretty far out, but sometimes you need a little weirdness blended with your political commentary. Also, it remains evergreen because when exploring themes such as abuse of authority and systemic corruption, it stops at naming names. Also, on one of the album’s highlights, “The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song (With All Your Power)”, it discusses personal responsibilities and how no one is immune to the corrupting influence of power.
Defiance, Ohio – The Great Depression (2006)
The sophomore album from the folk-punk band is a rollicking affair. It also features pointed nonconformist lyrics that analyze apathy and the downfalls of living in a capitalistic society. There are also a couple of scathing anti-Bush tunes.
Neil Young – Living With War (2006)
Young has never been a stranger to writing socially conscious music, but this album may be his most politically direct (at least up to this point). The album is strongly anti-Bush and anti-Iraq War.
The Chicks – Taking the Long Way (2006)
On March 10, 2003, during a concert in London, England, The Chicks spoke out against President George W. Bush and the war in Iraq. Up to this point, any musicians speaking out were mostly underground and came from traditionally anti-authority genres such as punk. The Chicks were not only in the mainstream, but they were part of a music community that leans conservative and tends to support blind patriotism. This resulted in backlash. Taking the Long Way is their defiant response to the backlash. The simple act of making music was already a political statement, but they did have a couple of songs that directly addressed the incident. They refused to just shut up and sing.
Thom Yorke – The Eraser (2006)
The debut album by the Radiohead frontman is musically haunting. The moody electronica landscape is the ideal canvas for Yorke’s lyrics, which heavily address climate change and other political concerns.
Michael Franti & Spearhead – Yell Fire! (2006)
The album was influenced by Franti’s visits to Iraq, Israel, and the Palestinian territories. The songs address the conflicts in those areas and discuss the tragic consequences of war.
Ani DiFranco – Reprieve (2006)
DiFranco has never been shy about speaking her mind, but her fifteenth album is one of her more politically direct releases. Along with singing about the feminist issues she is known for, she also provides commentary on other issues, such as indicting the Bush administration’s response to Hurricane Katrina.
The Thermals – The Body, the Blood, the Machine (2006)
The Portland-based indie rock band’s third album is a concept album about a couple fleeing a United States which is governed by a fascist regime of faux-Christians. The provocative lyrical imagery shed light on religious hypocrisy and its unholy influence on governmental policy.
Bruce Springsteen – We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions (American Land Edition) (2006)
This album is a collection of folk tunes that were popularized by legendary folk singer Pete Seeger. Many of the tunes address socially conscious themes that remain relevant. The American Land Edition features five additional songs, including a couple of solid renditions of classic protest tunes.
The Roots – Game Theory (2006)
The alt-hip-hop band has always been socially conscious, but this may be their most politically charged. For example, on the tune “False Media,” they heavily reference Public Enemy’s landmark protest album It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back. Featuring some of Black Thought’s sharpest lyrical critiques, drummer Questlove stated, “There was too much going on that we couldn’t just sit back and not speak on it.”
Bloc Party – A Weekend In The City (2007)
The sophomore album from the UK indie rock band blends experimental musical elements with forthright socially aware lyrics. Many of the tracks express disillusionment and address issues such as media sensationalism and institutionalized racism.
Arcade Fire – Neon Bible (2007)
The Canadian indie rock band followed up their 2004 landmark debut Funeral with a majestic sophomore album. The album is more conceptual and socially aware that its predecessor. Lyrically it addresses issues related to the influence of the media and religion.
Antibalas – Security (2007)
The Brooklyn-based Afrobeat ensemble expertly marries infectious rhythms with pointed critiques on bloodstain capitalism and political corruption. Even when the songs are completely instrumental, the songs are performed in a way to reflect political tension and resistance.
Stephen Marley – Mind Control (2007)
After many years backing brother Ziggy in the Melody Makers, and producing for his younger brother Damian, Mind Control sees Stephen take the spotlight on his debut solo album. It features both traditional and modern reggae sounds mixed with elements of hip-hop. Also, like his legendary father, it includes socially aware lyrics.
Brother Ali – The Undisputed Truth (2007)
The third album by the socially conscious rapper and activist delivers hard-hitting political lyrics. The album also stands out because it features several callouts to classic protest songs.
Nine Inch Nails – Year Zero (2007)
On this compelling album, Trent Reznor skillfully uses the concept of a dystopian future as a canvas to explore societal issues. It serves as a poignant reminder of what will happen if things continue to go unchecked.
The Nightwatchman – One Man Revolution (2007)
The Nightwatchman is the protest folk singing alter ego of Tom Morello, the lead guitarist of Rage Against The Machine and Audioslave. It expresses Morello’s frustrations toward systemic injustices, and he proves that it isn’t always necessary to have aggressive music and angry screaming to rage against the machine.
Mavis Staples – We’ll Never Turn Back (2007)
Staples lends her powerhouse vocals to a collection of traditional and original tunes related to themes connected to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. As someone who was an integral part of the movement, she connects to the material. Staples isn’t singing just about past struggles and the powerful tunes also serve as a reminder that there is still plenty of work to do.
Megadeth – United Abominations (2007)
The eleventh studio album by the “big four” thrash band is a hard-hitting and politically charged affair. It takes aim at the United Nations failure to accomplish its intended mission of bringing peace and targets governmental corruption of different forms.
Pharoahe Monch – Desire (2007)
Monch’s long-awaited sophomore album displays his masterful skill at lyrical narrative. On several tracks, he applies that skill to poignant social commentary addressing such topics as the Iraq war, stem cell research, and Hurricane Katrina.
Public Enemy – How You Sell Soul to a Soulless People Who Sold Their Soul??? (2007)
Pioneers of political hip-hop, their tenth studio album finds them as defiant as ever. Musically hard-hitting and the lyrical message continues to be relevant.
M.I.A. – Kala (2007)
M.I.A.’s sophomore album is an exhilarating mix of world music, hip hop, and bold political statements. The tunes deal with issues such as the refugee experience, the prevalence of gun violence, and racial stereotyping.
Erykah Badu – New Amerykah Part One (4th World War) (2008)
The queen of neo-soul fourth album is an ambitious concept album which explores the systemic injustices that continue to plague Black America. It is a funky masterpiece that is futuristic, while also being a throwback to the socially conscious soul the 1970s.
Chumbawamba – The Boy Bands Have Won (2008)
Sadly, the British group is generally viewed as a one-hit-wonder for “Tubthumping.” Since the 1980s the eclectic and outspoken band has been releasing explicitly political music. By this point in their career, they have shifted from their anarcho-punk roots and have become more folk-oriented. Also, the full title of this album is freaking long.
James McMurtry – Just Us Kids (2008)
McMurtry’s most socially conscious album builds on some of the themes developed on his 2005 album Childish Things (which included the standout protest tune “We Can’t Make It Here”). The album is even more direct with its criticism of George W. Bush and his administration.
Seun Kuti & Fela’s Egypt 80 – Many Things (2008)
The debut album of Fela’s youngest son finds Seun being expertly backed by his father’s band. It is a stunning first album which features a combo of funky afrobeat and hard-hitting commentary on African politics.
Son of Nun & DJ Mentos – The Art of Struggle (2008)
Son of Nun is a Baltimore community organizer and rapper who uses his music as a vehicle for his activism. He skillfully provides thought-provoking political commentary over old-school beats provided by DJ Mentos.
Lowkey – Dear Listener (2008)
The debut album by the British-Iraqi rapper blends infectious musical arrangement with a potent lyrical flow. Lowkey is an articulate lyricist who provides meaningful social commentary.
Evan Greer – Never Surrender (2009)
The album by the trans/genderqueer activist and singer-songwriter features no-holds-barred political lyrics that examine several topics, including traditional gender roles, big pharma, climate change, labour rights, and class warfare. She has the knack of crafting galvanising anthems.
Propagandhi – Supporting Caste (2009)
Propagandhi continues to be uncompromising on their fifth album. The heavy musical attack is balanced out by intelligent lyrics with examining a wide range of topics including animal rights and blind nationalism in sports.
Mos Def – The Ecstatic
The alternative rapper’s fourth full-length album is an adventurous and eclectic affair. It features intelligent lyrics concerning social conditions and global politics.
Wingnut Dishwashers Union – Burn the Earth! Leave it Behind! (2009)
Wingnut Dishwashers Union is one of the many projects of anarcho-punk artist Pat the Bunny. The songs have a manic, irrelevant, and non-conformist vibe.
Beans on Toast – Standing on a Chair (2009)
The debut album of the British singer-songwriter is a fifty-track double album that features all of the quirks that helped him build up a cult following for himself. Plenty of socially conscious tunes mixed with considerable wit.
Below is a playlist featuring a selection of songs which appeared on the albums (a few of the albums are not currently on Spotify).
