The Ongoing History of Protest Music

As we approached the end of a decade it is a good time to reflect on some of the best socially conscious albums released during the past ten years. Despite misconceptions about the lack of modern protest music, the 2010s was responsible for several contributions to the ever-expanding canon of protest music. If anything, this list is just a small sampling, several excellent albums were excluded. The list is presented in chronological order.

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 out-spoken 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.

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.”

The sophomore album of the hip-hop duo of rapper Talib Kweli and producer/DJ Hi-Tek features laidback beats and Kweli’s verbal acrobats and observations. Several tracks feature insightful critiques of the corporate greed of the music industry, oil industry and big pharma.

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 transmitting of information. It also addresses poverty, oppression and terrorism.

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.

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.

The political punk band 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.

The influential alternative rapper first gained attention in the 1990s as a part of the ground-breaking hip-hop duo Organized Konfusion. His third solo album finds Monch in fine lyrical form. As an independent artist, he declares war against the corporate machine. He also poetically addresses the Black American experience.

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.

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 fails and Veronica dies. 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.

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.

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 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 or glorifies. It helps create empathy and awareness for the types of environment and situations that lead people down certain paths.

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 the Florence Reece’s 1931 protest classic (Pete Seeger who helped popularised 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.

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.

Springsteen always had the knack for articulating the plight of the common folk. That is the case with Wrecking Ball, an album which 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.

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 which intelligently exposes systemic injustices faced by black communities.

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 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.

Ramshackle Glory is one of many projects from the veteran anarcho-punk artist Pat the Bunny. After finishing rehab, Pat formed the project to explore the politics of drug addiction. On Ramshackle Glory’s sophomore album, recordings of people relating their personal stories involving sexual assault, suicide, racism and addiction are included on a few of the tracks, adding additional poignancy to the message.

Being the reggae legend 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.

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 exhibit that is possible to create music that both moves the body and engages the mind.

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 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 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. Featuring Riley’s trademark dark satirical humour, it is a funky rallying cry to dismantle the broken oppressive system.

The veteran punk band 16th album finds them in vintage form, crafting an entire album of melodic, fist-pumping anthems of resistance.

The album was heavily influenced by the community outreach work of frontwoman Thao Nguyen. This included her work with women prisons where she met Valerie Bolden, an inmate facing a life sentence for killing her abuser (the album’s title track deal 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.

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 which dealt with the Occupy Movement. Pless infuses the 60s inspired socially conscious folk music with a punk edge, creating something that is equally fresh and timeless.

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.

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.

They never shied away from the political, but after frontwomen, 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.

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 as illegal in Mali, which forced the band to flee to the United States. The album deals with the band’s exile and the political strife in their homeland.

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.

The Canadian Inuk throat singer creates a visceral experience where she powerfully conveys the suffering of indigenous communities and the destruction of the planet.

Gritty production paired with hard-hitting lyrics, the duo of Killer Mike and El-P provide provocative commentary on inescapable realities. Systemic issues with policing are a common subject addressed in several tracks.

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 with we don’t wake up before it is too late.

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 heavily deal with themes of empowerment and fighting against oppressive colonial ideals propped up by the patriarchy.

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 includes his observations on the political. Since 2009 he has released an album every year on his birthday. The Grand Scheme of Things is probably the best introduction of 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.

Originally slated to be released in 2015, but after the controversial court decisions to acquit the police officers who murdered Eric Garner and Micheal Brown, D’Angelo rushed the release of his timely album. The album heavily deals with the Black American experience and the lack of regard for Black lives. Sadly it still resonates.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A departure from the folk music Sainte-Marie made in the 60s, the album blends various modern musical elements with traditional Indigenous music. She also has plenty to say on indigenous rights, wars, the environment and government corruption. She continues to be a vital voice after all these years.

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.

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.

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.

Converting the history of the founding fathers into a prominently black casted rap musical already could potentially be viewed as a political statement. Much 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 existed since the founding.

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.

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 was 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 loss of innocent life.

The groundbreaking album is not only highly personal, but it is also an empowering celebration of womanhood and blackness.

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.

Even after six decades of making music, the iconic Brazilian samba singer Elza Soares is still a vital artist. 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.

Pioneers of powwow-step, the indigenous Canadian DJ collective blend EDM with traditional First Nation music to create a backdrop to explore Aboriginal issues. Album was inspired by Native American rights activist John Trudell, who was in the process of collaborating with the band prior to his death. He is featured on two of the tracks.

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.

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 are fittingly depicted by the album cover of the American flag at half-mast. The album raises the question of how long will the flag remain at half-mast?

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.

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.

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.

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.

The final album by the legendary alternative hip-hop group was released three days after Trump being elected as US President. Much of the album addresses the political climate and took aim at the hateful rhetoric spouted by Trump and his ilk.

On their third album, the duo of Killer Mike and El-P are as political as ever. Many of the tunes interconnect, such as “Don’t Get Captured” and the following track “Thieves (Screamed the Ghost”). On the one song, El-P portrays a corrupt police officer and on the other, the ghost of the cop’s victims of police are now making their presence felt. The album is a hard-hitting and provocative masterpiece.

Priests – Nothing Feels Natural (January 27, 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.

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.

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 doing harm to humans and the planet, such as evangelical hypocrites, corrupt politicians and greedy, polluting CEOs. Righteous indignation never sounded better.

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 prior to Hurricane Irma & Maria ravaging Puerto Rico, it did take on greater relevance after that fact.

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 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.

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 to their literary lyrical approach. The effectiveness of this approach is best exemplified with the album’s title track which references multiple poets and partially quotes Sam Cooke’s civil right classic “A Change Is Gonna Come.” The album well effectively links the past with the present in order to provide lessons for the future.

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.

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.

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.

Margo Price’s sophomore album is a socially conscious masterpiece. She is not afraid to be political in a genre than 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.

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 right movement. With the current political climate, the songs are relevant to our modern times.

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.  

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.

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.

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 use satire to highlight that in these times of political turmoil things are not fine and we need to honestly discuss that.  

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 a vital act of resistance.

According to Cole, the title of the rapper’s fifth studio album is an acronym for Kids on Drugs, King Overdosed, and Kill Our Demons. Along with addressing the perils of drugs, addiction and personal demons, Cole also addresses the government’s misuse of tax dollars and how they profit from the proliferation of guns. Cole is an articulate and conscious storyteller.

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.

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’ sophomore album shows that remaining joyful can be as powerful an act of resistance than anger. The UK punk band provides poignant commentary on issues such as xenophobia and toxic masculinity.

Petra Glynt’s sophomore album is packed with political dance tunes which move the body and engage the mind. Even those that are actively participating in the overthrow of the patriarchy need songs to dance to.

Room 25 is a stunning album which 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 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 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.

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 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 provide essential lessons for our current day.

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.

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.

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.

The UK rapper’s debut album is a politically charged exposé of the wave of nationalism which contributed to Brexit. The gritty instrumentation adds weight to the song’s candid lyrics.

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.

Kate 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.

12 Nudes is Ezra Furman’s rawest and most politically direct album to date. Furman shows vulnerability when addressing personal issues of gender identity and displays furious passion when addressing injustices that plague America. Anthemic and essential.

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 an important album. 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.

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.

The experimental rap trio’s third album is a horrorcore concept album which employs horror movie themes to expose real-life political horrors such as racism and police brutality. At times it is unsettling, but in these times we sometimes need to feel uncomfortable in order to be awakened.

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.