What is notable about the current year in protest music is diversity. Not only is there a wide range of genres and topics covered, but there is also a diverse array of artists who are making their voices heard. There was so much great music that it was difficult to narrow this list down to 30 albums.
The objective of this list is to recommend socially conscious music that is worth a listen. The albums are listed alphabetically.
For two decades the New York-based Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and activist has been using her art to speak out against injustices. Featuring songs in both English and Spanish, Asili latest album is a collection of anthems of female empowerment which also taps into her cultural background.
The debut album of the duo consisting of soulful vocalist Donn T and rapper Chill Moody is an uplifting album featuring insightful social commentary.
Previously featured “WHOA” from the album as a Daily Dose of Protest.
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The 17th studio album from the veteran punks finds the band as political as ever. The band’s hard-hitting musical attack and biting lyrics are in fine form.
Bashi’s fourth album explores the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II and draws parallels with the anti-immigration policy of the Trump administration. As a son of Japanese immigrants, there is a deep personal connection to the subject matter. Not only does he effectively create gorgeous art rooted in history, but he is able to convey a message of empathy that is needed more than ever.
The Black Tones are a Seattle based guitar and drum duo made up of twin siblings Eva and Cedric Walker. The title of their debut album is how the band describes their sound, and it is an apt description of their brand of soulful grunge. Stand out tracks include the hard-hitting “The Key of Black (They Want Us Dead)” and the modern twist on the black spiritual “Rivers of Jordan.”
The French-Cameroonian singer-songwriter latest album is dedicated to the memory of Ruben Um Nyobè, the anti-colonialist leader of the Popular Union of Cameroon, who was murdered by French troops on September 13, 1958. It is sung entirely in Bassy’s native tongue of Bassa. A truly inspiring listening experience.
Dark Smith is a Seattle based dreampunk band who is made up of members who are trans, gay, a person of colour and/or a woman. The music eloquently expresses the paranoia faced by the marginalized. It also takes aim at oppressive patriarchal structures.
Previously featured “Killer Whale” and “Sad Fluid” from the album as a Daily Dose of Protest.
On her full-length debut, the Australian singer-songwriter frankly addresses everything from governmental corruption, misogyny, rapists and rape apologists.
Previously featured “Old Man” from the album as a Daily Dose of Protest.
Evan Greer’s first studio album in over a decade is named after her chosen pronouns. The indie folk-punk artist and activist addresses a range of topics including activism, fascism, and being queer in America. One of the album’s co-producers is a fellow singer-songwriter and activist Taina Asili, who also lends vocals to the track “Ya Estamos.”
The first generation Filipino-Canadian rapper/vocalist’s sophomore album builds upon the empowering themes of her stunning 2014 debut Sincerity. She speaks out on behalf of the oppressed and challenges the societal norms dictated by traditional male-centred and cisgender status quo.
For five decades the influential spoken word group have provided pointed critiques on Black America. On Transcending Toxic Times, the forefathers of socially conscious rap effectively connect past struggles with the present.
The Americana trio’s sophomore album is a subversive masterpiece. The songs embrace traditional country music while challenging problematic aspects.
Damon Locks is a Chicago based multimedia artist. The genesis of the album began as a sound collage where Locks took samples of different Civil Rights era speeches. Initially, there was minimal accompaniment by a drum machine, but it evolved into a fifteen piece jazz ensemble. which adds weight to the album’s empowering message.
The talented multi-instrumentalist covers a wide range of genres and topics on her third album. A common theme is how capitalistic greed contributes to many social ills, including systemic poverty, lead poisoning and wars.
Previously featured “Heavy As Lead” from the album as a Daily Dose of Protest.
The Canadian rapper’s latest offering is a potent thesis statement on a whole range of systemic injustices. Masterful flow and insightful lyrics.
The avant-garde soul band’s third album is a thrilling exposé on the Black American experience.
Negro’s sixth album is a gorgeous exploration of what it is like to grow up in an immigrant household. It also exudes an optimism that it is possible to endure and thrive even in the wake of political turmoil.
Our Native Daughters is a roots music supergroup consisting of Rhiannon Giddens, Leyla McCalla, Amythyst Kiah, and Allison Russell. The objective of the project is to relate the often untold stories of their ancestors. The song goes beyond being mere history. The album provides timely lessons for our modern times.
Palmer is an indie music success story who effectively harnesses the power of community. Not only is her music is funded by her Patreon patrons, but she often reaches out to them for input. That input helped shape a few of the tunes on her latest album. Palmer is unafraid to be vulnerable and candid, which makes her music relatable. In these times of political uncertainty, artists like Palmer are essential.
Previously featured “Voicemail For Jill” from the album as a Daily Dose of Protest.
Cut and Stitch – Petrol Girls
The UK feminist post-hardcore band’s sophomore album strikes the right balance between rage and vulnerability. Its tunes explore a wide range of topics, including different aspects of feminism, toxic masculinity and the environment.
The Washington D.C. based band’s sophomore full-length album is musically more accessible than it’s predecessor, but the lyrics are just as political. It blends infectious 70’s style punk and new wave with insightful social commentary.
The Detroit rapper’s latest offering is a provocative study of both literal and figurative guns.
Previously featured “Guns” from the album as a Daily Dose of Protest.
Sinkane’s new album is heavily influenced by his family’s experience of fleeing to America to seek asylum from an oppressive Sundanese dictatorship. Several tunes touch upon the anti-immigration policies of the Trump administration.
The UK rapper’s debut tackles the stereotypes of what it means to be British. It is also a candid examination of the factors which lead to Brexit and the dangerous wave of nationalism.
The third album by the Canadian Indigenous rap group features banging trap beats with hard-hitting political lyrics. The tunes heavily address environmental issues and Canada’s poor track record dealing with Native communities.
Previously featured “Creator Made an Animal” from the album as a Daily Dose of Protest.
Encore is the two-tone ska pioneers first album of originals in two decades. The influential band has always been known for their social awareness, and they remain as vital as ever.
Previously featured “10 Commandments” from the album as a Daily Dose of Protest.
At 79 years of age the legendary Staples continues to be a vital voice in speaking up against injustices. Her latest effort also features the skillful songwriting and production of Ben Harper.
Previously featured “Change” from the album as a Daily Dose of Protest.
The legendary UK reggae band first album in fifteen years is a rousing listening experience. The songs contain timely messages of social justice.
The UK spoken word artist’s third album is a fascinating analysis of the anxiety caused by the current state of political turmoil. The song’s weighty messages are aided by the minimalistic production of iconic producer Rick Rubin.
The latest album by the Chicago based singer, spoken word artist and activist is a powerful celebration of black excellence. Not only are the songs dedicated to notable historical figures, but they contain messages of empowerment.