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 I published for the 2000s and 2010s. Like the 2000s, much of the list is the same, but there have been a few adjustments. Early in the decade, you had the Occupy movement, and throughout the decade, you had the beginning of BLM. There was also climate change and a wide range of global issues. Also, Trump.
The albums are presented in chronological order.
Chumbawamba – ABCDEFG (2010)
Unfortunately, the UK band is widely dismissed as a one-hit wonder for their 1997 hit “Tubthumping.” Since the 1980s, the eclectic group has been releasing outspoken political music. ABCDEFG is their 14th and final studio album. By this point in their career, they were leaning more towards folk, using satirical humour to provide insightful commentary.
Tao Seeger Band – Rise and Bloom (2010)
The grandson of folk legend Pete Seeger, Tao Rodríguez-Seeger’s musical output sadly flew below the radar. Formerly of the folk-rock band The Mammals, Rise and Bloom is the only release of the Tao Seeger Band. Even though he is a gifted songwriter in his own right, album highlights include a rollicking take on his grandfather’s “Bring Em’ Home” and his heartfelt rendition of Jim Garland’s “I Don’t Want Your Millions, Mister.”
Reflection Eternal – Revolutions per Minute (2010)
The sophomore album of the hip-hop duo of rapper Talib Kweli and producer/DJ Hi-Tek features laidback beats and Kweli’s verbal acrobatics and observations. Several tracks feature insightful critiques of the corporate greed of the music industry, the oil industry, and big pharma.
M.I.A. – Maya (2010)
On her third album, M.I.A. does more singing than rapping, but she is as political and experimental as ever. Maya heavily explores information politics and how the media and Google control the transmission of information. It also addresses poverty, oppression, and terrorism.
John Legend and The Roots – Wake Up (2010)
The collaboration between the R&B singer and alternative hip-hop band features covers of the 1960s and 70s socially conscious soul tunes. The album was expertly curated to focus mainly on lesser-known songs, exposing these gems to a new generation. Several tunes also feature additional rapped verses from Black Thought and other MCs, adding additional modern relevancy to the songs.
PJ Harvey – Let England Shake (2011)
On Harvey’s eighth album, she expresses her disillusionment with her home country. She heavily focuses on the Afghanistan War and eloquently exposes how diplomacy has failed to prevent such conflicts. She also explores the horror of past wars and highlights the failures to learn from history. Sadly, the album’s message remains poignant.
Rise Against – Endgame (2011)
The political punk band’s sixth album may be their most musically accessible, but the lyrics are as politically hard-hitting as ever. Thematically, the album deals with the demise of humanity. It also explores the positive aspect that the end of the current system of things may lead to a transition into a better world.
Tune-Yards – Whokill (2011)
The sophomore album of Merrill Garbus’ art-pop project deals with issues such as power imbalances, injustices, gentrification and abuse of privilege. The experimental and eclectic nature of the music is well suited to the song’s provocative lyrical message.
Ramshackle Glory – Live the Dream (2011)
Another project from anarchist folk-punker Pat The Bunny, it deals with issues both personal and political. It discusses the challenge of trying to protest against governmental corruption while also grappling with depression and suicidal thoughts (which are also compounded by the political climate).
Fucked Up – David Comes To Life (2011)
The Canadian hardcore band’s ambitious rock opera tells a story of a British light bulb factory worker named David who falls in love with a political activist named Veronica. As a protest, the two attempted to bomb the factory, but the attempt failed, and Veronica died. There is more to the concept involving David being a character created by a villainous narrator and trying to fight to be able to control the plot of his own story. Even if you don’t fully follow the concept, the album does provide thought-provoking commentary on issues such as class struggles and how government and religions are used as tools to suppress the common people.
Seun Kuti & the Egypt 80 – From Africa With Fury: Rise (2011)
The youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Kuti, Seun leads his father’s former band on this powerful album. Just like his father he exposes the corruption taken place in Nigeria. He also takes aim at big corporations such as Monsanto and Halliburton, who exploit Africans for financial gain. Even though the issues may have a geographic focus, the themes of standing up to oppression are universal.
Lowkey – Soundtrack to the Struggle (2011)
The sophomore album by the British-Iraqi rapper is a ferocious takedown of bloodthirsty capitalistic colonialism. The thought-provoking lyrics address issues such as terrorism, stereotyping, the suppression of women, and the failings of Obama’s presidency. The album strives to give voice to the struggles of the marginalized.
The Roots – Undun (2011)
The alternative hip-hop band created a masterful concept album involving the tragedy of a fictional character named Redford Stevens. The story told in reverse chronological order examines how growing up in systemic poverty and racism can lead to individuals doing questionable things to survive. It addresses the topic of drug dealing in a nuanced way that neither condemns nor glorifies. It helps create empathy and awareness for the types of environments and situations that lead people down certain paths.
Ani DiFranco – ¿Which Side Are You On? (2012)
With DiFranco, the personal has always intersected with the political, and that is the case with her 17th studio album. The title track is a revised version of Florence Reece’s 1931 protest classic (Pete Seeger, who helped popularise the tune, appropriately plays the banjo and provides backing vocals on the track). Also, as expected, several tunes explore different feminist related themes. Her lyrics are as forthright and needed as ever.
Todd Snider – Agnostic Hymns & Stoner Fables (2012)
The alt-country singer-songwriter uses his acerbic wit to indict the big banks and corporations that brought about economic turmoil on working-class Americans. Snider’s tunes feature working-class characters who continue to be exploited by the greed of Wall Street. Even though it was the perfect soundtrack of the Occupy Movement, it sadly continues to resonate.
Bruce Springsteen – Wrecking Ball (2012)
Springsteen always had the knack for articulating the plight of the common folk. That is the case with Wrecking Ball, an album that well expresses the frustrations voiced during the Occupy Movement, which was at its height just months before the album’s release. Wrecking Ball may be Springsteen at his most angry and politically direct.
Killer Mike – R.A.P. Music (2012)
On the politically outspoken rapper’s fifth album, R.A.P. is an acronym for Rebellious African People. It benefits from the skill production of future Run The Jewels collaborator El-P and features lyrics that intelligently expose systemic injustices faced by black communities.
Ryan Harvey – Can’t Turn Back: Songs from the Global Uprisings (2012)
This album by the veteran folk-punker and activist features songs about the Arab Spring uprisings and the Occupy Movement. Passioned and sincere vocals paired with direct lyrics make for essential listening.
El-P – Cancer 4 Cure (2012)
El-P creates a gritty dystopian narrative which explores issues such as veteran-related PTSD, drug use, police interrogation and domestic violence. Not a protest album in the direct sense, but an important part of awaking from the nightmare is knowing that it exists.
Jimmy Cliff – Rebirth (2012)
Being the reggae legend’s first album in eight years, Rebirth is an appropriate title because, in many ways, it represented a creative rebirth for Cliff. The album celebrates reggae music as a force for social awareness while also providing meaningful commentary on issues such as war and poverty.
Antibalas – Antibalas (2012)
The Brooklyn-based Afrobeat band effortlessly blends hypnotic beats with meaningful social commentary. A major target on several tracks is bloodstain capitalism. This album is a prime example that it is possible to create music that both moves the body and engages the mind.
Propagandhi – Failed States (2012)
The veteran Canadian punk band has always been unapologetically political. On their sixth album, the message is less on the nose than some previous albums, but there is still no question where the band stands on issues such as the environment, government corruption, and capitalism. The band’s mix of melodic thrash with insightful lyrics makes for a powerful listening experience.
Brother Ali – Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color (2012)
Brother Ali balances pointed critiques with a sense of optimism that his country can get better. He raps about America’s systemic flaws, which perpetuate a cycle of poverty, racism, and violence.
The Coup – Sorry to Bother You (2012)
The album was inspired by a screenplay written by frontman Boots Riley, which eventually was turned into the ground-breaking 2018 film of the same name. It features Riley’s trademark dark satirical humour, and it is a funky rallying cry to dismantle the broken and oppressive system.
Bad Religion – True North (2013)
The veteran punk band’s 16th album finds them in vintage form, crafting an entire album of melodic, fist-pumping anthems of resistance.
Thao & the Get Down Stay Down – We The Common (2013)
The album was heavily influenced by the community outreach work of frontwoman Thao Nguyen. This included her work with women’s prisons, where she met Valerie Bolden, an inmate facing a life sentence for killing her abuser (the album’s title track deals with this). The rest of the album is deeply rooted in a sense of humanity and trying to strive to make a positive contribution to the lives of others.
Matt Pless – Tumbleweed (2013)
The indie singer-songwriter was heavily involved in the Occupy Movement and was considered a catalyst for the Occupy This Album compilation released in 2012. Tumblewood addresses many of the issues dealt with by the Occupy Movement. Pless infuses the 60s-inspired socially conscious folk music with a punk edge, creating something that is equally fresh and timeless.
Jello Biafra and The Guantanamo Medicine Show – White People and the Damage Done (2013)
A project of the former frontman of hardcore punk legends Dead Kennedys, the album satirically and scathingly indicts the rich and powerful. Neither side of the political aisle is safe as Jello expressed derision towards both Democrats and Republicans who prostitute themselves to the corporate lobbyists.
David Rovics – Spies Are Reading My Blog (2013)
The prolific activist and singer-songwriter released several albums of protest music throughout the course of the decade. Spies Are Reading My Blog was released as a web-only album and it features a diverse array of topics including Trayvon Martin, Syria and issues with immigration officials due to the content of his blog. Rovics’ insight and wit are in fine form.
Against Me! – Transgender Dysphoria Blues (2014)
They never shied away from the political, but after frontwoman Laura Jane Grace came out as transgender in 2012, the band’s focus shifted towards issues of gender identity. On the punk band’s sixth album they tap into Grace’s personal experiences to address issues of gender dysphoria and examines the biases faced by transgendered individuals. An honest and necessary album.
Tinariwen – Emmaar (2014)
Sometimes the simple act of making music is a profound statement of protest. That is the case for Tinariwen. In 2012, an Islamic militant group declared what they viewed as Satanic music illegal in Mali, forcing the band to flee to the United States. The album deals with the band’s exile and the political strife in their homeland.
Chronixx – Dread & Terrible (2014)
His first release to get him widespread international attention outside of his native Jamaica. The socially conscious reggae artist blends traditional elements in a way that feels fresh. Along with themes and social commentary that relate to Jamaica, he also speaks out against the systemic oppression that exists worldwide.
P.T.S.D. (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) – Pharoahe Monch (2014)
This compelling album by the socially conscious rapper explores a number of issues that contribute to PTSD. Monch also taps into his personal experience of dealing with the corporate music industry and surviving the systemic racism that America is built on.
Tanya Tagaq – Animism (2014)
The Canadian Inuk throat singer creates a visceral experience where she powerfully conveys the suffering of indigenous communities and the destruction of the planet.
Run The Jewels – Run The Jewels 2
Gritty production paired with hard-hitting lyrics, the duo of Killer Mike and El-P provides provocative commentary on inescapable realities. Systemic issues with policing are a common subject addressed in several tracks.
Loki with Becci Wallace – Government Issue Music Protest (2014)
With contributions from singer-songwriter Becci Wallace, Scottish rapper and social commentator Loki expertly crafts a dystopian sci-fi concept album about Scotland in 2034. The Orwellian references provide powerful lessons of what can happen if we don’t wake up before it is too late.
Kimmortal – Sincerity (2014)
Sincerity is an apt title of the remarkable debut by the queer Filipino-Canadian singer and rapper. She expresses beautiful sincerity in her observations, both personal and political. The songs deal heavily with themes of empowerment and fighting against oppressive colonial ideals propped up by the patriarchy.
Beans on Toast – The Grand Scheme of Things (2014)
Beans on Toast is the alias of Jay McAllister, a UK folk singer-songwriter who has built a cult following for himself for his lo-fi and honest recordings, which often include his observations on politics. Since 2009, he has released an album every year on his birthday. The Grand Scheme of Things is probably the best introduction to what makes him so endearing. The album includes his candid and often humorous observations on needless wars, artistic integrity, gentrification, social media, and animal rights.
D’Angelo and the Vanguard – Black Messiah (2014)
Originally slated to be released in 2015, but after the controversial court decisions to acquit the police officers who murdered Eric Garner and Michael Brown, D’Angelo rushed the release of his timely album. The album deals heavily with the Black American experience and the lack of regard for Black lives. Sadly, it still resonates.
Sleater-Kinney – No Cities To Love (2015)
After a ten-year hiatus, the influential feminist rock band returns with an exceptional comeback album which displays the band’s knack of blending the personal and political to provide insightful social commentary. The album’s themes include exposing the flaws of the traditional power structures and the ills of capitalism.
War On Women – War On Women (2015)
The debut album by the feminist punk band is a kick ass, in your face protest album. Rapists, misogynists and hypocritical so-call pro-lifers cannot escape the lyrical and sonic onslaught.
Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)
A landmark album that provided a much-needed soundtrack in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement. The ambitious, jazzy arrangement adds weight to the socially conscious rapper’s poignant critiques of the systemic issues affecting Black America.
Young Fathers – White Men Are Black Men Too (2015)
The provocatively titled sophomore album by the Scottish alternative hip-hop trio features commentary on race relations and class distinctions. Balances a hope for equality with an acknowledgement that society still has a long way to go.
Downtown Boys – Full Communism (2015)
Nowadays when people talk about punk, they often refer to empty aesthetics that don’t carry much weight. Described as a “bilingual political dance sax punk party,” Downtown Boys proves that the attitudes of punk can still be a powerful force. The group’s diverse background is tapped into to create vital music which decries injustices and provide a voice for the marginalized.
Grace Petrie & The Benefits Culture – Whatever’s Left (2015)
An endearing collection of folk-punk songs filled with heart and wit. Petrie provides insightful commentary on her native UK and abroad. She also speaks out against homophobia and other social injustices. She also grapples with her place in the music industry and the role of the protest singer in today’s society.
Desaparecidos – Payola (2015)
Best known for Bright Eyes, Desaparecidos is one of several projects for Conor Oberst. The band creates an album filled with politically charged punk anthems. They tackle corporate corruption, anti-immigration policies, and passive social media activism.
Worriers – Imaginary Life (2015)
The Worriers’ debut full-length album features melodic punk paired with Lauren Denitzio’s honest lyrics. It is an example of how the lines between political and personal can be blurred. The songs deal with issues such as gender identity, artistic integrity, and police violence. The album is an authentic listening experience.
Various Artists – Hamilton Original Broadway Cast Recording (2015)
Converting the history of the founding fathers into a prominently black casted rap musical could already potentially be viewed as a political statement. Many of the songs also touch upon the subject of immigration, slavery, and race relations. It also points to the sad reality that many systemic issues have existed since the founding.
Fatima al Qadiri – Brute (2016)
The Kuwaiti artist tabs into her own personal experiences of protesting, and having her civil rights violated to craft a chilling masterpiece. She blends grimy instrumentations with news soundbites to shed a spotlight on how civil rights are being attacked in the 21st century.
PJ Harvey – The Hope Six Demolition Project (2016)
The songs on this album were inspired by Harvey’s travels to Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Washington, D.C. with photographer Seamus Murphy. The title of the album is taken from the United States government’s Hope VI Projects, which were viewed by some critics as state-sponsored social cleansing. Harvey’s musical journalism openly exposes the effects of gentrification and explores the cycles of war and violence that lead to countless losses of innocent lives.
Beyoncé – Lemonade (2016)
The groundbreaking album is the perfect example of how the personal is political. The wrath that she expresses from being betrayed is used as a canvas to explore themes of female and black empowerment, best exemplified in tunes such as “Freedom” and “Formation”.
Anohni – Hopelessness (2016)
Music ranging from deceptively upbeat 80s-inspired synth to darker sonic textures is used by Anohni as the backdrop to address serious political topics. Everything from surveillance, the environmental crisis, drone attacks, and disillusionment over Obama’s presidency is covered. She also shows that there is power in vulnerability by inserting herself into many of the tunes and acknowledging personal accountability.
Elza Soares – A Mulher do Fim do Mundo (The Woman At The End Of The World) (2016)
Even after six decades of making music, the iconic Brazilian samba singer Elza Soares continued to be a vital artist (sadly passed away on January 20, 2022). On her album, she sings about racism, domestic violence, drug addiction, global warming, and sexual freedom. She provides a voice for those marginalized due to skin colour or sexual orientation. The eclectic music arrangements add to the album’s powerful messages.
The Halluci Nation – We Are The Halluci Nation (2016)
Formerly known as A Tribe Called Red, the pioneers of powwow-step, the indigenous Canadian DJ collective blends EDM with traditional First Nation music to create a backdrop to explore Aboriginal issues. The album was inspired by Native American rights activist John Trudell, who was in the process of collaborating with the band before his death. He is featured on two of the tracks.
Solange – A Seat At The Table (2016)
The album is a powerful thesis statement on identity and empowerment. The album’s interludes also feature insightful soundbites of individuals talking about different aspects of blackness.
Drive-By Truckers – American Band (2016)
The alt-country band has never been afraid to be political, but their eleventh album, American Band, is their most politically direct. Several of the songs on the album deal with gun violence. It also deals with racial inequality, and the album’s theme is fittingly depicted by the album cover of the American flag at half-mast. The album raises the question of how long the flag will remain at half-mast.
Kae Tempest – Let Them Eat Chaos (2016)
The acclaimed UK spoken word artist creates a brilliant conceptual piece about the challenges faced by seven initial strangers whose lives eventually intersect. The concept is used to provide poignant political commentary on issues such as climate change, gentrification, and political/corporate greed. Tempest effectively expresses the anxiety felt during this time of political turmoil.
Gord Downie – Secret Path (2016)
The last album released before Gord Downie’s untimely passing, The Tragically Hip frontman and Canadian icon chose to draw awareness to the true-life story of Chanie Wenjack, who ran away from a residential school in Kenora, Ontario, Canada. Wenjack died at the age of 12 from hunger and exposure on October 23, 1966, while trying to make his way home. Downie also wrote a graphic novel, and an accompanying animated film was made. Not only a stunning work of art, but an important educational tool.
Tanya Tagaq – Retribution (2016)
The Canadian indigenous throat singer focuses heavily on how governments and corporations are destroying sacred land. At times, it is unsettling to listen to, but that is the point. Tagaq tries to jar the listeners to their senses. If humans don’t change course, Mother Nature will seek permanent retribution.
Common – Black America Again (2016)
The veteran socially conscious rapper effectively creates a snapshot of the current state of race relations in America. It balances the present reality with a positive hope for future change.
A Tribe Called Quest – We Got It from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service (2016)
The final album by the legendary alternative hip-hop group was released three days after Trump was elected as US President. Much of the album addresses the political climate and takes aim at the hateful rhetoric spouted by Trump and his ilk.
Run The Jewels – Run The Jewels 3 (2016)
On their third album, the duo of Killer Mike and El-P is as political as ever. Many of the tunes interconnect, such as “Don’t Get Captured” and the following track “Thieves (Screamed the Ghost”). On one song, El-P portrays a corrupt police officer, and on the other, the ghost of the cop’s victims is now making its presence felt. The album is a hard-hitting and provocative masterpiece.
Priests – Nothing Feels Natural (2017)
It is fitting that the Washington, D.C. based Priests released this album the same week that Donald Trump took office. The album contains themes of anti-consumerism, identity politics and the illusion of political choice. Priests prove that punk is still a vital force for speaking out against broken systems.
Rhiannon Giddens – Freedom Highway (2017)
Along with being an accomplished multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, Rhiannon Giddens is also a dedicated archivist and historian. Each of these skills is used to fine effect on her sophomore solo album. She takes on the role of a historical tour guide, helping the listener navigate the Black American experience through slavery, the civil rights movement, and right down to today.
Power Trip – Nightmare Logic (2017)
The thrash band’s sophomore album not only rocks hard, but lyrically, it uses vivid imagery to provide potent social commentary. The songs rage against those harming humans and the planet, such as evangelical hypocrites, corrupt politicians, and greedy, polluting CEOs. Righteous indignation never sounded better.
Hurray For The Riff Raff – The Navigator (2017)
The Navigator is an ambitious concept album, based on a 16-year-old protagonist named Navita, who is living in an over-gentrified city in the future. Frontwoman Alynda Segarra based the concept on her return visits to her ancestral homeland, Puerto Rico, and her childhood home, the Bronx, New York. Even though the concept is based in the future, the song’s theme is rooted in the present. Even though the album was released several months before Hurricane Irma & Maria ravaged Puerto Rico, it did take on greater relevance after that fact.
Kendrick Lamar – DAMN. (2017)
The album isn’t as directly political as his 2015 landmark To Pimp a Butterfly, but Kendrick Lamar is still a skilled social commentator. He discusses the challenges of being black in America, addresses media critics, critiques of unreasonable beauty standards and how Trump was the backlash of the first black president. Ambitious both musically and lyrically, Lamar continues to be one of the important artists alive.
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit – The Nashville Sound (2017)
Jason Isbell has long been considered one of the best living songwriters and The Nashville Sound helps solidify that claim. The album is also his most socially conscious album and was motivated by concerns about the world his daughter will be growing up in. Many songs grapple with deeply ingrained attitudes associated with the South that contributed to Trump being elected. He also addresses white privilege and the fallout of the 2016 US presidential election. The album balances out disillusionment with optimism that future generations will do better.
Algiers – The Underside of Power (2017)
When the album’s opening track features a soundbite from murdered Black Panther Fred Hampton, you know it is going to be political. The Algiers hybrid of punk, soul, industrial, and gospel blends with their literary lyrical approach. The effectiveness of this approach is best exemplified by the album’s title track, which references multiple poets and partially quotes Sam Cooke’s civil rights classic “A Change Is Gonna Come.” The album effectively links the past with the present in order to provide lessons for the future.
Sheer Mag – Need to Feel Your Love (2017)
Sheer Mag’s debut fuses the classic rock of the 1970s with radical politics. Topics addressed includes anti-Nazi activism, voter suppression and the historical development of systemic racism in America. Having a clear understanding of the history of social movements add weight to the message.
Downtown Boys – Cost of Living (2017)
The “bilingual political dance sax punk party” strikes with an explosive vengeance. Frontwoman Victoria Ruiz expresses her rage both in English and Spanish, taking aim at Trump’s administration’s racist and xenophobic policies. Within a thirty-five-minute span, they also address police brutality, labour rights, and gender issues. The album effectively balances the anger with an optimism that the powers that be will eventually lose.
Open Mike Eagle – Brick Body Kids Still Daydream (2017)
Brick Body Kids Still Daydream is a concept album built around the indie rapper’s experience living in the now defunct Robert Taylor Homes public housing project in Chicago. Eagle’s also had an aunt who was displaced by the demolition which adds to the personal narrative. Eagle’s employs satirical wit to explore issues of gentrification and institutional inequality. The album also references how hip-hop was a life-saving outlet for Eagle and highlights how positive outlets are needed to help the next generation of brick body kids to escape the cycle of poverty, drugs and violence.
Protomartyr -Relatives in Descent (2017)
The 4th album by the American post-punk band, well articulated the post-election angst many were feeling. The apocalyptic musical vibe meshed well with astute observations on serious topics such as unfettered capitalism and toxic masculinity. Lyrically, there is just enough glimmer of hope not to be a total bummer.
Margo Price – All American Made (2017)
Margo Price’s sophomore album is a socially conscious masterpiece. She is not afraid to be political in a genre that tends to be apolitical. She writes and sings about issues such as gender pay inequality, agricultural rights, and American greed and corruption. Her heartfelt and honest expressions of conviction make All American Made an essential listen.
Mavis Staples – If All I Was Was Black (2017)
The iconic Mavis Staples is no stranger to socially conscious music. She collaborates with Jeff Tweedy, who produced and wrote for her ten tunes which would fit in with the ’60s civil rights movement. With the current political climate, the songs are relevant to our modern times.
Superchunk – What a Time to Be Alive (2018)
The indie-rock veteran’s eleventh album is also their most politically direct album. The songs were a direct response to the aftermath of the 2016 US presidential election. The songs accomplish the difficult feat of dealing with dire times without being dire.
U.S. Girls – In a Poem Unlimited (2018)
Experimental pop artist Meghan Remy creates political dance music that touches on issues such as unsafe working conditions, drone violence, sexual assault, and the murder of indigenous people. There is a subversiveness in packing weighty social commentary in catchy pop songs.
Camp Cope – How to Socialise & Make Friends (2018)
The Australian all-female indie rock trio’s sophomore album is a personal account of what’s it is like to navigate through the patriarchy. With tunes that rally against tokenism and sexual assault, it is the perfect soundtrack for the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements.
Jean Grae & Quelle Chris – Everything’s Fine (2018)
As humans, we tend to lie and say things are fine even when it isn’t. On Everything’s Fine, the experimental hip-hop duo of Jean Grae and Quelle Chris successfully uses satire to highlight that in these times of political turmoil, things are not fine and we need to honestly discuss that.
War On Women – Capture The Flag (2018)
The War On Women is a feminist hardcore band whose sophomore album rages against the patriarchal machine with uncompromising ferocity. They attack issues such as gender stereotypes, gun control, female genital mutilation, and personal autonomy. Their music is a vital act of resistance.
Frank Turner – Be More Kind (2018)
Frank Turner’s seventh full-length album might be his most accessible, but it is also the British folk-punker most socially conscious. Even though we live in a time where anger is justified, we also need hope to cling to. Turner’s tunes hold out optimism that change is possible.
Sihasin – Fight Like A Woman (2018)
The indigenous brother and sister drum and bass duo’s sophomore album skillfully blends punk and rock influences with traditional native elements. Addressing issues such as cultural and environmental genocide, they create powerful anthems of hope.
IDLES – Joy as an Act of Resistance (2018)
On the UK punk band’s sophomore album, they clearly show that remaining joyful during tumultuous times is a potent act of resistance. The band provides commentary on such issues as immigration and toxic masculinity. It is a socially conscious masterpiece that proves that punk rock is still a vital cultural force.
Petra Glynt – My Flag Is A Burning Rag Of Love (2018)
Petra Glynt’s sophomore album is packed with political dance tunes that move the body and engage the mind. Even those who are actively participating in the overthrow of the patriarchy need songs to dance to.
Noname – Room 25 (2018)
Room 25 is a stunning album that combines ambitious jazzy arrangements with Noname’s insightful lyrical flow. She discusses the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry and provides thought-provoking commentary on a range of issues, including police brutality and systemic racism. A vital voice in socially conscious hip-hop.
Grace Petrie – Queer As Folk (2018)
Grace Petrie continues to establish herself as a thoughtful social commentator on her eighth full-length album. Song topics include traditional folk subject matter, such as labour rights, alongside tunes that advocate for LGBTQ+ equality. Petrie has a knack for crafting pretty songs that inspire to action.
Lonnie Holley – MITH (2018)
Lonnie Holley was already established as an artist known for his carvings and other art projects when he started to pursue experimental music. Holly’s third album combines avant-garde jazz arrangements with provocative musings of the Black American experience.
Shad – A Short Story About A War (2018)
The Canadian rapper’s ambitious concept album involves a protagonist known as The Fool, who finds himself amid a war controlled by Snipers, Revolutionaries, the Establishment, and the Stone-Throwers. Each of the groups has modern-day parallels. Shad effectively uses the concept to provide commentary on systemic injustices such as immigration, racism, gentrification, and the environment.
Our Native Daughters – Songs of Our Native Daughters (2019)
Our Native Daughters is a roots music supergroup which features Rhiannon Giddens, Amythyst Kiah, Leyla McCalla, and Allison Russell. Their debut album tells the often untold stories of their ancestors. The songs are not only rich in history, but they also provide essential lessons for our current day.
Evan Greer – she/her/they/them (2019)
After taking a hiatus to focus on her activism, Evan Greer returns with her first studio album in over a decade. The indie folk-punk artist explores a wide range of themes including fascism, activism, police brutality and gender identity. Greer has created an essential collection of galvanising anthems.
Snotty Nose Rez Kids – Trapline (2019)
The third album by Snotty Nose Rez Kids finds them exploring a new sound, which they dubbed “indigenous trap.” The indigenous Canadian rap duo blends banging trap beats with hard-hitting political lyrics that blend celebratory lyrics with a spirit of resistance.
Jamila Woods – LEGACY! LEGACY! (2019)
The sophomore album by the Chicago based singer, poet and activist is a celebration of black excellence. Each song is dedicated to a different artist of colour who made notable but at times overlooked contributions to society. The tunes go beyond relating history, they contain statements of empowerment.
slowthai – Nothing Great About Britain (2019)
The UK rapper’s debut album is a politically charged exposé of the wave of nationalism that contributed to Brexit. The gritty instrumentation adds weight to the song’s candid lyrics.
Kishi Bashi – Omoiyari (2019)
Kishi Bashi’s fourth album is an exceptional concept album built around the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. As a son of Japanese immigrants, he personally connects to the subject matter. He was also motivated to create the album over Trump’s hateful immigration policy. The Japanese word Omoiyari involves universal concepts of empathy, and empathy is needed more than ever.
Kae Tempest – The Book of Traps and Lessons (2019)
Kae Tempest’s third album addresses the anxiety caused by the current political climate. It balances dark themes with hopefulness. The album’s minimalistic musical accompaniment adds weight to Tempest’s potent words.
Ezra Furman – 12 Nudes (2019)
12 Nudes is an appropriate title since 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 Highwomen – The Highwomen (2019)
With its themes of women and sexual empowerment, the debut self-titled album by the country music supergroup (Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris, and Amanda Shires) is important. It challenges the traditional constructs of the male-dominated landscape of the country music scene. These are constructs that need to be torn down and rebuilt, The Highwomen are doing their part.
L’Orange & Jeremiah Jae – Complicate Your Life With Violence (2019)
The second collaboration from producer L’Orange and rapper Jeremiah Jae is an ambitious concept album dealing with the consequences of war. An adventurous and relevant album.
Clipping. – There Existed an Addiction To Blood (2019)
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 to be awakened from the nightmare.
Colorado – Neil Young with Crazy Horse (2019)
After all these years, Neil Young continues to be prolific. His 39th album finds him rekindling his legendary partnership with Crazy Horse. The album focuses on a range of issues, including environmental justice, a subject he has long been vocal about. It is reassuring that Neil Young continues to soldier on with his convictions and integrity intact.
Below is the playlist featuring tunes from the albums that made this list.
