Dream Nails, from artist’s Bandcamp
Music is a reflection of society and is often influenced by the political climate. This small sampling of socially conscious albums features a diverse array of artists, genres, and political issues. The albums are presented in alphabetical order. Many of the writeups were reused from what I previously wrote.
Integrated Tech Solutions – Aesop Rock
The 9th album by the veteran underground rapper is a loose concept album focusing on a fictional tech company that markets algorithm-based lifestyle apps. He employs witty and insightful verses to examine the historical misuse of new technology and the current potential dangers.
Shook – Algiers
The latest album by political indie rockers finds the band at their most eclectic and the lyrical message is as radical as ever. It is jam-packed with guest artists including Rage Against The Machine’s Zack de la Rocha, Billy Woods, and Backxwash who effectively help deliver the album’s anti-capitalistic and anti-racist message.
My Back Was a Bridge For You to Cross – ANOHNI and the Johnsons
Concerning the motivation behind ANOHNI’s poignant album she stated: “I’ve been thinking a lot about Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On. That was a really important touchstone in my mind. A couple of these songs are almost a response to the call of What’s Going On, from 2023. They are a kind of an echo from the future to that album from 50 years ago.”
Common Nation of Sorrow – Rachel Baiman
Besides being a sought-after session musician whose credits include Kacey Musgraves, Kevin Morby, and Molly Tuttle, Baiman is a highly gifted singer-songwriter. Those considerable skills are on display on her latest album, which was heavily influenced by her activist father who belonged to the Democratic Socialists of America, which was considered to be fringed. The fights against capitalism raged by her father are still raging, and these are themes that she effectively taps into. “The reality is that the vast majority of us are being taken advantage of by the same brutal economic and political systems. Maybe that shared oppression is a place in which we can meet and fight back”, she explains.
Music from the Song Film: Omoiyari – Kishi Bashi
This is a soundtrack to a documentary named after Bashi’s exceptional 2019 album Omoiyari. The film is a musical journey that explores past histories in connection with WWII-era Japanese Incarceration and assimilation. It also links past histories with current realities faced by minorities in America. The soundtrack includes the symphonic score along with many orchestral reworkings of tunes that appeared on Omoiyari.
Polygon – Gayla Bisengalieva
The latest project by the Kazakh-British musician is a riveting concept album based on the Semipalatinsk Test Site in Kazakhstan. It was referred to as the Polygon, and 465 nuclear tests were conducted during its existence. The album explores the long-term environmental and cultural impact.
The Land, the Water, the Sky – Black Belt Eagle Scout
The latest album by the project of indigenous singer-songwriter Katherine Paul is stunning. She stated in a press statement, “I created The Land, the Water, the Sky to record and reflect upon my journey back to my homelands and the challenges and the happiness it brought.”
Previously featured 3 songs off the album as a Daily Dose of Protest.
The Aux – Blockhead
The latest effort by the hip-hop beatmaker features a slew of underground rap luminaries including Quelle Chris, Open Mike Eagle, Danny Brown, Aesop Rock, The Koreatown Oddity, and Billy Woods. Several tunes refer to systemic racism and religious hypocrisy.
Cousins – Boogey The Beat
The debut album by the Anishinaabe DJ and producer is an excellent showcase of Powwow Step, a genre that blends EDM with traditional indigenous musical elements. The album features notable contributions from fellow First Nation Canadian artists such as Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Drezus, and Northern Cree. The music is equal part celebratory and defiant.
Salesforce – Lauren Bousfield
In contrast with her day job of composing background music for commercials, TV, films, and other media, this album by the experimental electronic musician is chock full of anti-capitalist sentiments. Discussing her primary employment, Bousfield said: “Society does not work, nothing works, so making music for something that’s like, ‘This totally works!’ makes me feel more sardonic.”
Terrasite – Cattle Decapitation
The tenth album by the veteran death metal band features a brutal musical attack with incisive social commentary. The term “terrasite” is a term created by vocalist Travis Ryan merging “Terra-” meaning “earth” and “-site” derived from the Greek word “siltos” which means “food.” Terrasites refer to those who consume the earth as food, leading to the planet’s eventual demise.
I Am the River, The River Is Me – Jen Cloher
The latest album by the Australian-based singer-songwriter embraces her sexual identity and Maori heritage. It also heavily deals with environmental issues. Concerning the album title and the song of the same name, Cloher said it “is taken from a Maori proverb, what’s known as a whakatauki. And in te reo Maori, we would say (speaking te reo Maori). It’s the idea that we are part of. I am the river. The river is me. We’re not separate. We are part of this beautiful, beautiful planet that we are living in collectively, all together in this moment.”
To Know The Light – Dawn Ray’d
On their latest album, the British anarchist black metal band Dawn Ray’d effectively incorporates the English folk tradition of rebel songs. The politically explicit lyrics are staunchly anti-capitalism and pro-worker. It also balances the bleakness that black metal is known for with a sense of optimism.
Previously featured album track “Go As Free Companions” as a Daily Dose of Protest.
Dead Pioneers – Dead Pioneers
The genesis of Dead Pioneers happened when Indigenous artist Gregg Deal and Algiers guitarist Lee Tesche met at an artist residency. What started as a one-off track led to the formation of a full band and a self-titled debut album. Dead Pioneers blends Deal’s incisive social critiques with a blistering musical attack.
London Ko – Fatoumata Diawara
Sometimes the simple act of making music can be viewed as a political statement. That is the case with the Malian musician, who according to her is “the first female solo electric guitar player in Mali.” Made in collaboration with Blur and Gorillaz’s Damon Albarn, London Ko is a stunning collection of tunes that transcends borders, language, and genres. It features songs sung in English, French, and Diawara’s native Bambara. The album embraces personal empowerment and speaks out against serious issues such as FGM (“Sete”).
Systemic – Divide and Dissolve
The latest album by the Australian-based instrumental doom metal duo proves you don’t need lyrics to deliver a weighty message. As saxophonist and guitarist Takiaya Reed states “I believe in the power of non-verbal communication. A huge percent of communication is non-verbal. We learn so much without using words.”
The album track “Indignation” was previously featured as a Daily Dose of Protest.
Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!? – McKinley Dixon
The latest album by the socially conscious rapper is named after three of Toni Morrison’s novels. Dixon effectively taps into Morrison’s writing to weave a narrative of discovering one’s identity in the midst of violence and oppression. Dixon describes the album as “a coming of age movie for young Black kids”.
Doom Loop – Dream Nails
The potent sophomore album by the UK feminist punk band is filled with anthemic tunes to make incels and transphobes uncomfortable. It also explores what it truly means to be an ally and denounces those who only give lip service to the idea of allyship.
Okemah Rising – Dropkick Murphys
This is the Celtic punk’s second album featuring Woody Guthrie‘s lyrics, following up their 2022 album This Machine Still Kills Fascists (one of the best protest albums of 2022). Just like the previous album, Dropkick Murphys’ rollicking musical attack is the perfect complement to Guthrie’s potent lyrical message.
Previously featured album track “I Know How It Feels” as a Daily Dose of Protest.
We’re Still Here – The Hirs Collective
The 2nd proper full-length album from the queer punk collective is a resounding act of musical resistance. Along with a fierce musical attack and impeccable blend of clean and dirty vocals, the album employs media soundbites to add poignancy. Like previous efforts, it features an impressive list of collaborators including Garbage’s Shirley Manson, Soul Glo, Screaming Females’ Marissa Paternoster, Fucked Up’s Damian Abraham, and My Chemical Romance’s Frank Iero.
The Worm – HMLTD
Featuring a cast of 47 musicians, the sophomore album by the UK art-rock band is an ambitious concept album about a worm that shallows up England. The sci-fi dystopian narrative is used as a lens to examine personal issues such as depression and political concerns such as capitalistic-fueled climate disasters. Weird in the best possible way, a truly compelling listen.
the whaler – Home Is Where
On the album’s Bandcamp page, the band is described as making “anxiety-riddled but cathartic rock songs about the apocalypse.” That is an apt description of the band’s sophomore album, an ambitious concept album about getting used to societal decay. The album balances bleakness with glimmers of hope. Musically and lyrically it strikes the perfect balance of catchy and angsty.
Oh Me Oh My – Lonnie Holley
The latest album by the 73-year-old acclaimed visual artist and avant-garde musician is a stunning work of art that taps into his experiences growing up in the Jim Crow South. It balances moments of bleakness with a sense of optimism. It also features notable contributions from Bon Iver, Michael Stipe, Sharon Van Etten, and Moor Mother.
Previously featured album track “Mount Meigs” as a Daily Dose of Protest.
Protect Your Light – Irreversible Entanglements
The 4th album by the free jazz collective isn’t as confrontational as previous releases, focusing more on self-reflection and the power of love. But it still packs a political wallop with its pointed anti-capitalism and anti-colonial sentiments.
Sustained Resistance – Maelstorm & Louisahhh
Even though they have been frequently collaborating for a decade, this is the debut album of the techno-punk duo. The album includes the potent tracks “Vixen” and “America” which express anger over the battle against body autonomy in the wake of the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
i’ve seen a way – Mandy, Indiana
The debut album by the English-French noise band is a compelling listening experience that effectively employs field recordings and experimental techniques such as recording portions of it in a cave. Lyrically the tunes speak out against war, fascism, sexism, and climate change. Even if you don’t understand the lyrics, vocally and musically the tunes effectively convey the intended emotional impact and deliver the import of the message.
Sundial – Noname
The latest album by the socially conscious rapper is a sardonic masterwork. She is unafraid to expose the hypocrisy of others, including her own. She pulls no punches with provocative verses such as “We is Wakanda/We queen, Rwanda/First Black president, and he the one who bombed us.” It is an honest album that grapples with trying to be anti-capitalistic in a capitalist society.
Empire Electric – No-No Boy
On the third album by the project of singer-songwriter Julian Saporiti, he skillfully links historical accounts of struggles throughout Asia and its diaspora with his battles with intergenerational trauma. The album is a satisfying listening experience on a music level, but it is also an enlightening experience on an educational level.
Blouse Club – Problem Patterns
The debut album by the feminist Belfast punk band furiously rallies against misogynists, homophobes, transphobes, and anyone else who exploits or oppresses. The band was also motivated by a conversation with their musical hero Kathleen Hanna, who advised them that if there wasn’t a backlash, then they weren’t doing their job properly. The group effectively grabbed the baton from groups like Bikini Kill and is creating a riot grrrl movement for a new generation.
Creation and the Timeless Order of Things – Racetraitor
Twenty years after their explicitly political 1998 debut full-length album Burn the Idol of the White Messiah the American hardcore band finally followed it up with 2018’s 2042. They have now released their album Creation and the Timeless Order of Things. The album maintains the band’s political edge, focusing on injustices both global and domestic. They also tap into the Iranian heritage of vocalist Mani Mostofi and guitarist Dan Binaei. such as the potent opening track “Eid”.
Desolation’s Flower – Ragana
With its impeccable blend of gorgeous clean vocals and harsh dirty vocals, the latest album by the metal duo strikes the perfect balance of light and dark. The album contains a strong anti-fascist message and the album’s title track is described by the duo as “a hymn of gratitude for queer and trans ancestors, known or unknown, by blood or affinity, whose joy and survival make our lives possible, and whose memory inspires and helps us resist the tide of increasingly visible hatred and oppression.”
Hellmode – Jeff Rosenstock
The 5th solo album by the prolific indie punker is the perfect encapsulation of the current state of chaos. Rosenstock says of the album “We’re experiencing all these things at the same time that trigger our senses, and emotions that make us feel terrible. We’re just feeling way too much all at once!”
The Returner – Allison Russell
The multifaceted singer-songwriter, poet, activist, and multi-instrumentalist made the following statement concerning her potent new album:
“My goal with The Returner – sonically, poetically, and spiritually – is a radical reclamation of the present tense, a real time union of body, mind, and soul. This album is a much deeper articulation of rhythm, groove, and syncopation. Groove as it heralds the self back into the body, groove as it celebrates sensual and sexual agency and flowering, groove as an urgent call to action and political activism.
In just a word, it’s funkier. But as is the history of anything funky, it’s never just a party. It is a multiverse of energies that merges the celebration and the battle cry. For while an embrace of the present tense is a celebration, it is equally an unquestioning leap into battle – cultural, political, environmental.”
No Tempo da Intolerância – Elza Soares
Tragically passing away at the age of 91 on January 20, 2022, this posthumous album is a fitting swan song for the influential Brazilian samba singer. Like previous efforts (especially later on in her career) the album addresses issues of female empowerment and speaks out against governmental oppression.
Ganalili – Spinifex Gum
This is the third studio album of the Australian collaborative project featuring the all-female Indigenous ensemble Marliya Choir and members of the alt-rock band The Cat Empire. Like their previous albums, it effectively relates the experiences of the Yindjibarndi people and potently protests the destructive impact of the mining industry.
Anarchist Gospel – Sunny War
The latest album by the roots artist is a compelling blend of the personal and political and it promotes a message of resilience and perseverance. Concerning the album, Sunny War made the following statement in an interview with The Bluegrass Situation:
“The album title isn’t really political, to me. I felt like the big choruses [on the album] felt gospel in a way, but it wasn’t religious so I felt like it was Anarchist Gospel. It was really because of the one song, “Whole,” where I just felt like the message of the song was kind of about anarchy, in a way that most people could understand. I guess I’m more of a socialist now, but it’s the same sentiment. I just want people to have what they need. That’s more what anarchy means to me. It seems like it’s government that’s in the way of people getting what they need.”
“For me, it’s more personal. When I was homeless, a lot of times we would be living in abandoned buildings and we’d get arrested for that. Anarchy, to me, means, “Why can’t we be here? Nobody else is going to be in here. Why are you keeping us from this?” It feels weird that we don’t get to claim where we live, but other people do. Why do they have more rights to the same places? I don’t know if that’s anarchy, so much as I just think people have a right to everything.”
Retas – Voice of Baceprot
Sometimes the simple act of making music could be considered a political statement. That is the case with the debut album by the Indonesian metal trio consisting of Muslim women. Even though the playing of music could be considered a statement, the lyrics of the tunes also cover themes such as female empowerment and anti-war. The music also happens to kick ass.
Eureka Eureka – Winky D
The latest album by the Zimbabwean musician caused a political uproar in his native country due to the scathing critique of a corrupt authoritarian government. This is not the first time that Winky D and other like-minded Zimbabwean protest artists have faced efforts to suppress and de-platform. Even though there may have been a specific country’s government in mind, the theme of decolonization is a universal concern.
With a Hammer – Yaeji
The hammer has long been a symbol employed in protest music to illustrate the tearing down of hateful ideologies to rebuild something better. The potent new album by the New York-based South Korean artist skillfully references the hammer in confronting anti-Asian racism.
A New Tomorrow – Zulu
The debut album by the American hardcore band is musically eclectic, effectively incorporating elements of reggae and soul into the aggressive musical attack. The album does touch upon the generational trauma of Black people, but as mentioned by vocalist Anaiah Lei in an NPR interview, the lyrics just don’t address suffering: “When people think about the pain of exclusion, they think about Black people. And then we end up getting tokenized one way or another.” Instead of solely focusing on systemic injustices, the songs are also a celebration of resilience and convey a sense of optimism.
Also, check out the playlist of the 2023 protest tunes featuring music featured on the website, including songs from the albums on this list.