December tends to be a slower month in terms of music releases, but there were still some notable socially conscious releases to close out the year.
Songs/Videos:
Life On Earth (with Preservation Hall Jazz Band) – Hurray For The Riff Raff
Hurray For The Riff Raff (aka Alynda Segarra) recently released a new version of the title track off their exceptional 2022 album (one of the best protest albums of the year) with fellow New Orleans musicians, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Segarra describes the track as, “A psalm to all earthly beings. A letter regarding the suffering of humankind which effects all on this planet.”
Coming For Ours – Linqua Franqa
Linqua Franqa is the alias of Mariah Parker. This non-album single from the skilled rapper, linguist, and activist commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Fight for $15 and the November 19th launch of the Union of Southern Service Workers, which Parker organizes.
Parker states, “I wrote the song back in the spring and had the opportunity to attend a worker convening in DC and help emcee an AB257 rally in California, experiences which really opened my eyes to the beauty and resiliency of this movement, influencing my decision to join the struggle directly.”
Their excellent 2022 album Bellringer was also one of the best protest albums of the year.
Firewake – Zeal & Ardor
This explosive track from the avant-garde metal project of Swiss-American Manuel Gagneux was released as a two-track seven-inch single (along with “Cinq”) as part of Sub Pop’s long-running single club. Zeal & Ardor’s self-titled album was also one of the best of the year.
Guns to a Playground Fight – Gabrielle Zwi
Singer-songwriter, educator, and community organizer Gabrielle Zwi recently released the poignant tune “about the reality of growing up in the “school shooting generation”. It was previously featured as a Daily Dose of Protest.
Albums:
Live at Montreux Jazz, July 2022 – The Smile
This live EP from the side project of Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood (along with Sons of Kemet drummer Tom Skinner), features live reworkings of tunes from their 2022 debut album A Light for Attracting Attention (also one of the best of the year).
The Getgoes (OST) – The Discarded
This is the soundtrack of the animated film The Getgoes, which features the father and sons Canadian punk trio The Discarded. The album includes a few socially conscious tunes such as the poignant “Thoughts and Prayers” and “Truth Seeker”.
Everyone Who Disagrees With You Is An Extremist – Jesse Jett
The latest EP by the talented poet, rapper, and singer-songwriter continues a prolific 2022 which included releasing a couple of potent spoken word albums and one of the best protest albums of the year with The Grift. This is another timely masterwork that provides insightful commentary on a politically divisive world and exposes the facade of the current two-party political system.
I’M GOOD, HBU? – Snotty Nose Rez Kids
The latest EP by the Canadian indigenous hip-hop group isn’t as explicitly political as previous releases, but songs such as “HOT PLANET” addresses climate change and like previous releases, they still embrace their indigenous culture. The tunes are also banging.
White Trash Revelry – Adeem The Artist
The latest by the non-binary country singer is an exceptional album of compelling storytelling and insightful social commentary. It was also one of the best protest albums of 2022.
Missouri Folklore: Songs & Stories From Home – My Politic
This is the Americana duo’s follow-up to their 2020 scathing political and satirical EP Short-Sighted People In Power. This album is less explicitly political, but the songs do possess a social awareness. For example, the heartbreaking “Albuquerque” relates the emphatic account of a pregnant drug addict who is stuck in prison. The album is the perfect blend of gorgeous harmony and skillful storytelling.
Also, check out the playlist of 2022 protest songs featuring music featured on the website.