Moor Mother – Circuit City
The gifted spoken word artist and experimental musician have been so prolific in 2020, I probably could have done a top 10 year-end list of Moor Mother projects. Circuit City is her first theatrical work. The ambitious and compelling album’s four acts are set in a living room in a corporate-owned apartment complex. This provides the perfect backdrop to explore issues such as public/private ownership, housing, and technology.
Bob Mould – Blue Hearts
Between the climate and opioid crises, declining economic prospects, gentrification, late-stage capitalism, and growing divisions there is a lot to be pissed off about. On his latest album, the alt-rock elder statesman passionately expresses indignation at the current state of affairs.
Billy Nomates – Billy Nomates
The spectacular self-titled debut by the UK indie-rocker taps into Nomates personal experiences of working dead-end jobs and dealing with misogyny. She effectively employs her biting wit to decry capitalism, apathy, and hypocrisy. The album is also a stirring call for the forgotten masses to stand up and make the powers that be take notice.
Previously featured “FNP” as a Daily Dose of Protest.
Pink Siifu – NEGRO
Pink Siifu may be a rapper, but on his sophomore full-length he replaces most of the rapping with angry growls. The album is eclectic and confrontational, and he skillfully blends several genres including hardcore and free jazz. With 14 of the 20 tunes clocking in under two minutes, he doesn’t waste any time speaking out against police brutality and systemic racism.
Public Enemy – What You Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down
The iconic political rap group continues to make potent contributions to the canon of protest music. On their latest release, they make their long-awaited return to Def Jam, the home to their past classics. It would be a mistake to call it a return to form because Public Enemy never went anywhere, but the hard-hitting album holds up well with their past glories. The album is timely and much needed.
Salaam Remi – Black On Purpose
The successful veteran producer uses his skills and connections to curate a star-studded collection of black empowerment anthems. Along with originals, it also repurposes classic tunes which help emphasize that the current issues are nothing new, but it holds out optimism that change is still possible.
Resistance Revival Chorus – This Joy
Even though anger over injustices may be a catalyst within protest movements, it should also be noted that maintaining your joy can be a powerful act of resistance as well. The debut album by this collective of more than 70 women and non-binary singers is a joyful and powerful collection of resistance anthems.
Previously featured their reworking of Woody Guthrie’s “All You Fascists Bound To Lose” as a Daily Dose of Protest.
David Rovics – Say Their Name
The veteran singer-songwriter and activist continues to be prolific, releasing four albums in 2020. His latest album is a time capsule of the protests taking place in Portland during the period of June-September. Rovics appeared on episode 22 of the podcast, discussing the album and other topics.
Run The Jewels – RTJ4
If you have to choose one album to represent the political climate of 2020, this may be the album. Considering it has only been out since June, it might be premature to declare it an all-time classic, but it certainly felt immediately momentous. The duo of Killer Mike and El-P accomplishes the difficult feat of creating something that feels both timely and timeless.
Previously featured “walking in the snow” as a Daily Dose of Protest.
SAULT – UNTITLED (Black Is) & UNTITLED (Rise)
Cheating a bit since this is two separate albums, but it was impossible to choose just one, and thematically it could easily work as a double album. The first of the two UNTITLED (Black Is) from the mysterious and prolific collective was appropriately released on Juneteenth. The celebration of black excellence and insightful social commentary is further developed on the equally exceptional UNTITLED (Rise).
Naima Shalhoub – Siphr
The debut album by the Lebanese-American singer-songwriter is a captivating conceptual piece dealing with the significance of numbers 1-9 that are contained in the mystical siphr. The nine tunes are an exploration of her Arab American heritage, which touches upon several political and spiritual themes.
BL Shirelle – Assata Troi
This is the first full-length release from Die Jim Crow, a non-profit record label for current and formerly incarcerated musicians. It is also an outstanding debut for Shirelle, which was fittingly released on Juneteenth. Shirelle candidly relates her personal experience which provides valuable insights into systemic failures that have led to the oppressive cycles.
Shirelle was also a guest on episode 11 of the podcast where she discussed the album and her role as deputy director of Die Jim Crow.
Songhoy Blues – Optimisme
Sometimes the simple act of making music can be a statement of protest. That is definitely the case for the desert rock band from Mali who comes from a place where their music is considered illegal. They tap into their experiences to confront issues of universal injustices. Their latest album is an empowering collection of tunes that transcends cultural and language barriers.
Spaza – UPRIZE! (Music from the Original Motion Picture)
The South African musical collective with a rotating roster composed the soundtrack to the film UPRIZE! which deals with the June 16, 1976, anti-apartheid protests of high school students in Soweto. This album is an example of the important educational role that music can play, exposing listeners to a cultural history they may know little about. But it is more than just history, it contains relevant lessons. It is music that engages the mind and touches the heart.
Special Interest – The Passion Of
The sophomore album from the New Orleans anarcho-glam band succeeds in creating apocalyptic soundscapes. It is an intense listening experience that well articulates the anxieties that many are feeling.
Previously featured “All Tomorrow’s Carry” as a Daily Dose of Protest.
David Strickland – Spirit Of Hip-Hop
The spectacular debut by the sought after producer and engineer taps into his indigenous heritage to create a potent album that simultaneously informs the mind and shakes the body.
For more on why the album is worth the listen you can check out the review. Strickland and Canadian Hip-Hop pioneer Maestro Fresh Wes (who appears on the album), also appear on episode 6 of the podcast.
Toots and the Maytals – Got To Be Tough
Released on August 28, it was released just before the death of legendary frontman Toots Hibbert on September 11 due to complications from COVID-19 at the age of 77. This album of energetic resistance tunes is a fitting farewell to one of the pioneers of reggae.
U.S. Girls – Heavy Light
Experimental pop artist Meg Remy is skilled at weaving an insightful social message with catchy dance beats. Those gifts are on fine display on Heavy Light, a timely album that you can also get your groove on to.
War On Women – Wonderful Hell
When I had the privilege to interview frontwoman Shawna Potter for episode 10 of the podcast she revealed that the recording of their new album was completed and they were hoping to release it just before the US presidential election. Thankfully they accomplished that objective and the album was released right on time. The album is full of righteous rage, but that anger is channeled into a positive direction, urging listeners to take concrete action to bring about change.
Raye Zaragoza – Woman in Color
The second album by the socially conscious singer-songwriter taps into her experience as a descendent of Japanese and Indigenous parents. She uses her heritage to explore issues of inequality and injustices. She also dedicates the album to murdered and missing Indigenous women. Emotionally powerful listening experience which draws attention to important issues.
Also, check out the ongoing (at least for a bit longer) playlist of 2020 protest songs featuring music featured on the website, including songs from the albums on this list.