This is a continuation of the 2017: The Year In Protest series. Previous entries include Top 40 Protest Albums, Top 5 Protest EPs, and Top 12 Protest Music Videos. Now we’ll look at 50 tunes that helped provide the soundtrack of the 2017 protest movement.
50: What Makes Us Great – Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers (featuring Bruce Springsteen)
Journeyman rocker Joe Grushecky has been plugging away since the ’70s. He wrote an anti-Trump tune and was able to get his much more famous friend Bruce Springsteen (who produced Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers 1995 album, American Babylon) to join forces with him. The song’s title is a play on Trump’s “Make America Great” slogan and it addresses that the USA is a country built on immigration.
49: Police State – Pussy Riot
The song is partly based on members of the collective being arrested for protesting in Putin’s Russia, but the lyrics equally apply to any government which uses law enforcement as a means to suppress its citizen’s freedom to protest. The tune also refers to government efforts to crack down on immigration (“Shut the borders, burn the other, sons and daughters, and the mothers”), which take on added weight in Trump’s America. The song was released on November 8th, which appropriately marked the first anniversary of the US Presidential election and the one-hundredth anniversary of the Russian Revolution.
48: Putin – Randy Newman
Even though there may be a segment of the population who knows Newman for primarily composing Disney tunes, he is also a brilliant satirist. “Putin” off of his 2017 album, Dark Matter is a prime example. The tune pokes fun at some of Putin’s quirks, but it also sheds a spotlight on his megalomaniacal and oppressive nature. Even though “Lenin couldn’t do it” and “Stalin couldn’t do it”, Putin thinks he’ll be the one to bring Mother Russia “To the Promised Land”.
47: Blood Money – Protoje
This tune addresses politicians, business persons, police officers, and others who profit from corruption. Even though the song addresses Protoje’s native Jamaica, it is a prevalent issue that expands beyond the Jamaican borders. Most countries struggle with powerful individuals who value profits over human life.
46: Hijabi (Wrap my Hijab) – Mona Haydar
Muslim rapper, poet, and activist composes a tune that addresses Muslim stereotypes and the misconception that most Muslim women feel forced into wearing the hijab. Haydar wears hers with pride. Her choice of garb doesn’t make her a terrorist and it doesn’t make her less human.
45: KKKanada – Snotty Nose Rez Kids
On the world stage, Canada is perceived as the USA’s less racist neighbor, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is viewed as the anti-Trump. Indigenous rap group Snotty Nose Rez Kids attacks some of these views aiming at Trudeau and issues of racism within Canada.
44: Comply / Resist – Propagandhi
“Comply / Resist” is a critique of a 1992 article that Christopher Hitchens wrote for The Nation. Lead singer and front-man Chris Hannah takes an exception with Hitchens’ view of indigenous people (‘This silly talk of resurgence, ceremony, communion with / An unconquered natural world / Tell me, where is your gratitude for all we’ve done for you? / This paradise. Eden. Empire. Kingdom”). Hannah exposes the bias of white liberals who claim to be allies of people of color, but at the same time they take a dismissive view of their struggles and they express a desire for them to fall in line.
43: Things It Would Have Been Helpful to Know Before the Revolution – Father John Misty
Misty’s lyrics deal with a post-apocalyptic world where the earth succumbed to the ravages of climate change. It prophesies a future world where society would become victims of commercialism and industrialization. What was once considered the tools of progress, becomes the weapons of demise.
42: Nasty Man – Joan Baez
In 2017, Joan Baez was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall. It was a fitting acknowledgment of her contributions to protest music. 2017, provided the perfect climate for Baez to compose a new protest song. “Nasty Man” is an anti-Trump ’60s throw-back folk tune that takes sharp aim at the 45th American President.
41: Freedom Is Free – Chicano Batman
The belief that there is a cost of freedom is often used to justify war and lack of gun control. Chicano Batman challenges that view (“You got your guns up on display/ But you can’t control how I feel no way”). True Freedom comes without cost.
40: Children of Destiny – Neil Young & The Promise of the Real
With the help of a 56-piece orchestra, Neil Young composes a grandiose anthem of resistance. After more than five decades, it is refreshing to see that Young has not lost his sincerity or his resolve to fight.
39: O.O.T.G – JB the First Lady
“O.O.T.G” is an acronym for out of the gate and it is an inspiring anthem by indigenous rapper JB the First Lady. The song addresses issues that indigenous people faced in Canada, both in the past and present (including situations that hit close to home). Despite these issues, JB is defiant and won’t let anything hold her back.
38: Not Aretha’s Respect (Cops) – Hamell on Trail
“Not Aretha’s Respect (Cops)” addresses Hamell’s previous dealings with police officers in the presence of his 10-year-old son. It was also previously featured as a Daily Dose of Protest.
37: Full English Brexit – Billy Bragg
Bragg offers a compelling examination of the attitudes of aging Brits that contributed to Brexit. Similar attitudes also contributed to the regressive ideology of MAGA.
36: Drowning In The Sound – Amanda Palmer
This song is a two-day writing exercise where Palmer based the lyrics on input from over 600 of her Patreon patrons. The result is a poignant commentary on issues such as internet politics, climate change, and the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. It also addresses information overload and how at times it can be difficult to process it all.
35: Scream – Weaves (featuring Tanya Tagaq)
“Scream” is an empowering anthem of self-love and individuality. The contribution of indigenous throat vocalist Tanya Taqaq adds a powerful visceral effect that blends with the song’s message of proudly refusing to be boxed in by society’s perception.
34: Part-Time Woman – Vivek Shraya & Queer Songbook Orchestra
What makes a woman? As a transgender woman, it is a question that Shraya is regularly confronted with. Even if you are comfortable with your sexual identity you are constantly bombarded with the biases of others. These issues of gender politics are eloquently dealt with in “Part-Time Woman”.
33: Who Told You That – Mavis Staples
“Who Told You That” is a gloriously funky old-school throwback. It is also a stirring anthem of defiance (“We don’t wanna rock the boat/ Who told you that? (Who?)”, “Stop acting up / You know it won’t change a thing / That’s how it is and how it’s always been/ Who told you that? (Who?)”). As a veteran of the civil rights movement who has been “rocking the boat” for over six decades, she is an authoritative voice of authenticity.
32: The Perilous Night – Drive-By Truckers
“The Perilous Night” is a pessimistic outlook on life in Trump’s America. Lyrically it also serves as a wake-up call of the regressive, dangerous, and hateful nature of MAGA. Also in the words of co-head Trucker, Patterson Hood “it’s also a dance song. Turn it up!” Dance music for the resistance.
31: What We’re Up Against – Worriers
“Wait for history to count to ten then you can get us, come and get me. No one’s waiting for this nightmare to end before we pick up, swing back, refuse what we’re up against”, this is a definite contender for best chorus of 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjmq4srca7o
30: Matter of Time – Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings
This exquisitely soulful anthem of peace, unity, and freedom is from Jones’ posthumous album, Soul of a Woman. This song is a fitting testament to not only a powerfully moving voice but also a beautiful and socially conscious soul.
29: Unfuck The World – Prophets of Rage
2017 provided an abundance of reasons for anger. “Unfuck The World” is the perfect conduit for the rage. The song is a no hold barred attack on all the things that are currently fucking up the world. These issues need to be addressed for the world to become unfucked.
28: Thoughts and Prayers – Will Hoge
Country music has a close link with gun culture. The NRA also has its country music platform, NRA Country. Because of these facts, relatively few country music artists are speaking up against gun violence and the NRA. Hoge is one of the exceptions. Hoge calls out the politicians: “You’re just a whore to the pimp that’s called the NRA. “ Hoge’s advice to those with the power to do something: “Why don’t you do your job up there / And keep your thoughts and prayers.”
Listen to the song and read his Rolling Stone interview.
27: America – Logic (featuring Black Thought, Chuck D, Big Lenbo, No I.D)
“America” is a pointed attack on Trump and MAGA (“Like make America great again / Make it hate again / Make it white / Make everybody fight”). The song also addresses the 13th Amendment, the Flint water crisis, the Muslim ban, and many other issues. Nothing subtle, the lyrics got the targets on lock.
26: Now – Miguel
“Now” focuses on the USA’s treatment of immigration. Miguel starts by addressing Trump as the “CEO of the free world” and takes him to task for his xenophobia. The song also mentions Puerto Rico, Houston, Flint, Standing Rock, black lives lost, and other issues confronting America. Even though it is a heartfelt mournful plea, it is also hopeful (“We are the sound of freedom”).
25: This Country – Fever Ray
“This Country” focuses on sexual politics. It addresses how politicians and others try to have a say on how a female uses her body (“The perverts define my fuck history”). It also makes direct political statements, such as “free abortions and clean water”. It also concludes with the refrain “this country makes it hard to fuck”. Fever Ray might be referring to her native Sweden, but it could also apply to the USA with efforts to defund Planned Parenthood and efforts to make it harder to get contraception.
24: First World Problems – Chance the Rapper (featuring Daniel Caesar & Thirdstory)
Chance the Rapper addresses how many of the issues that black people face get dismissed as made-up “first world problems”. He talks about some of the challenges he faces with being a father and touring and how having fame doesn’t make his problems less real. He also refers to the Flint water crisis and the elusive American dream. The song also holds out optimism that days will soon get better.
23: The Priest – Johnny Marr & Maxine Peake
This collaboration between the former The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr and actress Maxine Peake is based on the life experiences of Joe Gallagher who kept a diary chronicling his time as a homeless person. Marr’s musical backing provides the appropriate support to Peake’s gripping spoken word delivery.
22: Black Hoodie – Body Count
The song begins with a spoken word intro of Ice-T reminding his listeners that police brutality is nothing new. He also refers to the fact that he’s been talking about it for over 20 years, which appears to be a reference to Body Count’s controversial 1992 tune “Cop Killer”. The song goes on to relate a harrowing experience of a friend who was shot while unarmed and wearing a black hoodie. The man who was shot did not make the news. For the number of high-profile shootings that get mainstream coverage, what is even more disconcerting are the ones that don’t.
21: Not Gonna Say Your Name – Entrance
The lyrics of this poignant tune contend that saying Trump’s name perpetuates America’s poisonous fascination with fame, which partly led to Trump being elected. Even though the lead singer and songwriter Guy Blakeslee refuses to utter his name, he still is resolved to resist (“No, we’ll fight every step of the way / You’re playing a losing game” ).
20: It Ain’t Fair – The Roots (featuring Bilal)
“It Ain’t Fair” was written for the movie Detroit, which was based on the 1967, 12th Street riots that took place in Detroit. Appropriately the tune has a gritty old-school soul feel. Even though the lyrics reflected race relations and police brutality in 1967, they also reflect the current political climate as well.
19: BagBak – Vince Staples
In just under three minutes, Staples provides an epic takedown of the broken prison system, gentrification, police brutality, and the government’s failure to address the needs of the black communities. The song also holds up hope that future leaders will be able to rise from poverty. Staples serves notice to the one percent, to the government, and the President that he won’t back off until change happens.
18: You Got To Run (Spirit of the Wind) – Buffy Sainte-Marie (featuring Tanya Tagaq)
This collaboration between an indigenous music icon and the Inuit throat singer encourages listeners to stand up to governmental corruption. The song was also previously featured as a Daily Dose of Protest.
17: You Are The Problem Here – First Aid Kit
The Swedish duo wrote this tune in connection with International Women’s Day which took place on March 8, 2017. The song also proved timely with the #MeToo movement and the lyrics took a direct shot at victim blaming. If you rape or sexually harass women, then you’re the problem. Period.
16: Nothin’ New – 21 Savage
The song is a thought-provoking exposé of systemic racism and how it is “Nothin New”. Because these issues have been reoccurring there is a danger of becoming blasé and desensitized to the current realities.
15: The Underside of Power – Algiers
By referring to multiple poets and partly quoting Sam Cooke’s civil rights classic “A Change Is Gonna Come”, the song shows a literary and historical awareness that is rare in rock music. It is this acute awareness that links the past with the present to learn invaluable lessons for the future.
14: Land of the Free – Joey Bada$$
Joesy Badda$$ makes it clear that there are still “Three K’s, Two A’s in AmeriKKKa” and that the country is still haunted by the ghosts of the past (“Still got the last names of our slave owners”). Until these past issues are properly addressed and until awkward discussions are had, racial tension will not be extinguished.
13: Pink White House – Priests
In gloriously symbolic lyrics, Priests addresses the illusion of choice (“Sign a letter, throw your shoe, vote for numbers 1 or 2”). The song is prevalent in the light of the 2017 US election where the electoral college voided the popular vote and the two-party system left people with two unpopular options.
12: I’m Not Racist – Joyner Lucas
In “I’m Not Racist”, Lucas raps half the song as a Trump-supporting white man and he raps the other half as a black man responding to the bigoted views. It was one of the most viral and polarizing protest songs and videos of 2017. Some media outlets hailed it as important since it promoted honest dialogue. Critics were skeptical of the effectiveness of trying to engage with a deeply entrenched bigot. Lucas has also been accused of being heavy-handed with his message. But the one thing he accomplished was getting a dialogue going. Even critics were forced to discuss how they would broach the subject of race relations.
11: Deathless – Ibeyi (featuring Kamasi Washington)
In “Deathless”, the French-Cuban twins decide to discuss the issue of police brutality by relating the true life experience of one of the sisters. At 16, Lisa-Kainde was wrongfully arrested by a racist cop in Paris, France. Despite this, she continued to live on and persevere. It is an inspiring anthem for anyone who has to fight through oppression.
10: At The Purchaser’s Option – Rhiannon Giddens
Giddens based this song on an advertisement she found from the 1830s for a young woman. The young woman also had a 9-month-old baby which was available at the purchaser’s option. Despite the dehumanizing treatment the young woman was exposed to, she remained determined to maintain her humanity (“You can take my body / You can take my bones / You can take my blood / But not my soul). The song is a haunting history lesson that needs to be learned from.
9: The Story of O.J. – Jay-Z
Jay-Z effectively samples the legendary Nina Simone’s “Four Women” to make powerful statements about blackness. Regardless of how famous someone becomes, they can’t separate themselves from their blackness and the racism that comes with it. For Jay-Z, the racism that he is confronted with gives him motivation to work harder.
8: Happy Wasteland Day – Open Mike Eagle
“Happy Wasteland Day” may very well be the centerpiece of Brick Body Kids Still Daydream, a concept album about growing up in the Robert Taylor Homes public housing project in Chicago. In this song, Eagle proposes one day a year without violence to break up the cycle of violence which is considered normal. “When the king is a garbage person / I might wanna lay down and die” also resonates in Trump’s America.
7: A Wall – Downtown Boys
“A wall is a wall and nothing more at all”, with that simple lyric Downtown Boys front-woman Victoria Ruiz aggressively tears down the power of the wall. Ruiz is defiant in her resolve that Trump’s prejudices won’t win.
6: All American Made – Margo Price
A left-leaning country singer who writes political songs makes Price a rare and refreshing breed. The title track to her 2017 album is a sad reflection on American greed and corruption. She also expresses disillusion over Trump’s presidency and questions how he can sleep at night.
5: Thieves! (Screamed The Ghost) – Run The Jewels (featuring Tunde Adebimpe)
“Thieves (Screamed the Ghost”) is a companion track to “Don’t Get Captured”. On “Don’t Get Captured” El-P portrays a corrupt cop and on “Thieves” the ghosts of the victims of police corruption are making their voices heard. The song also poignantly concludes with a sound-byte from Martin Luther King Jr. “The Other America” speech which includes the statement that “A riot is the language of the unheard”.
4: XXX – Kendrick Lamar (featuring U2)
In XXX Lamar covers a lot of ground. Subjects include Trump being the backlash of Obama, corporate corruption, race relations, gun control, and several other issues connected with being black in America. He also takes shots at Fox News for their fear-mongering, which encourages their viewers to be afraid of black people and other minorities.
3 White Man’s World – Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
“White Man’s World” addresses not only white privilege but also male privilege. As a father with a daughter Isbell desires “this world could be hers one day, but her momma knew better”. He also alludes to the atrocities that the white man committed against Native Americans and he refers to slavery. He also addresses the ingrained racism that is prevalent in his native Alabama. Despite the bleakness of the song, Isbell ends on an optimistic note (“I still have faith, but I don’t know why / Maybe it’s the fire in my little girl’s eyes”) He expresses a hope that his daughter’s generation will do better and true lasting progress will finally be a reality.
2: Gatekeeper – Jessie Reyez
“Gatekeeper” is the deeply personal #MeToo experience that Reyes had with a music producer. It is potentially an uncomfortable listening experience, but feeling uncomfortable is sometimes a necessary catalyst for change. The song was also previously selected as a Daily Dose of Protest.
1: Pa’lante – Hurray For The Riff Raff
“Pa’lante” is short for “para adelante”, which roughly translates as “onward” or “forward”. The song addresses the issue of cultural assimilation and it includes an emotionally poignant sample of Pedro Pietri’s poem, “Puerto Rican Obituary”. Despite the issues, the song is a rallying cry to fight through adversity. Even though it was recorded before Hurricane Irma and Maria ravaged Puerto Rico, it took on greater resonance after that fact.