Music videos are a powerful medium in conveying powerful messages. Here is a sampling of 15 videos which are effective visual aids in complementing the lyrics of socially conscious tunes.
77 – Alice Bag
This music video parodies the 1980 film 9 to 5, which is well suited to the song’s message of pay equality. Riot grrrl pioneers Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill, Le Tigre) and Allison Wolfe (Bratmobile) not only lend their vocals, but they also appear in the video. Along with Bag, they reprise the roles of the three protagonists that were played by Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton. It is a fun way to make a serious statement.
Children – Chastity
“Children” was written in response to an incident of police brutality that took place in Whitby, Ontario, Canada on December 28, 2016. The video starts off by referencing the incident. Then it features powerful visuals highlighting the response of youths to these incidents.
This Is America – Childish Gambino
The provocative video for “This Is America” is a definitive moment in the history of political art. The juxtaposing between comical dancing and gritty visuals of senseless gun violence makes profound statements about the perception of being black in America versus the reality.
I Woke Up in a Fucked-Up America – Lonnie Holley
Acclaimed multi-media artists Holley employs all his artistic sensibilities to make powerful statements concerning the history of race relations in America. At times the visuals are disconcerting, but it effectively provokes the viewers and listeners to think about important subjects.
Pa’lante – Hurray For The Riff Raff
This video for the inspiring tune which originally appeared on the 2017 album The Navigator depicts the ravages of Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. It also tells a gripping story of real-life struggles and resilience. The visuals are well suited to the song’s galvanising message of moving forward.
Samaritans – IDLES
The video effectively uses old video footage to examine the song’s theme of toxic masculinity. It highlights that these hurtful ideologies have been passed on for several generations. It also highlights the hurtful consequences that come from being enslaved to so-called societal norms of what it means to be a man.
Kill Yourself Live – Mudhoney
The visuals are well suited to the song’s sardonic humor. Both the song and video are a scathing indictment of the dark side of social media and what lengths people will go to for attention.
Amanda Palmer & Jasmine Power – Mr. Weinstein Will See You Now
This NSFW video makes powerful statements concerning the #MeToo movement. The harrowing visuals highlight the untold realities that many women have faced. It may be uncomfortable at times, but change only happens when we are willing to have uncomfortable conversations.
Like Me – Bobby Sessions
The video disturbing visuals explores the pent-up aggression that comes from experiencing centuries of racism. If systemic racism and issues of police brutality continue to go uncheck this will only lead to sad consequences.
Blue Lights – Jorja Smith
Originally released in 2016, the anti-police brutality tune was also featured on Smith’s 2018 debut album, Lost & Found. The video contains gripping visuals that humanize the black lives that are wrongly perceived as threats by police.
If All I Was Was Black – Mavis Staples
The video for the soulful self-titled track off Staples’ 2017 album deals with the removal of Confederate statues. What should they be replaced with? The visuals powerfully highlight the fact that representation matters.
Make America Great Again – Frank Turner
The video features the English folk-punk artist getting Americans to write on a whiteboard the things that they feel makes America great. Some things are humorous and some focus on aspects of American culture that are under attack under the Trump administration. The video and tune are equal parts celebration and wake-up call.
Pearly Gates (featuring James Baley) – U.S. Girls
The video and lyrics for this subversive dance tune envisions a heaven where St. Peter is a sexual predator. The imagery makes thought-provoking statement about the abuses of those that are in positions of power. It resonates in the light of the #MeToo movement.
Anarcha – War On Women
Both the tune and video deals with three enslaved black women Anarcha, Lucy, and Betsey who were experimented on by James Marion Sims, who is widely viewed as the founding father of modern gynecology. The video incorporates images related to Sims and the three women he violated. The shooting of the video appropriately coincided with the removal of a statue honoring Sims.
Toy – Young Fathers
World leaders being portrayed as spoiled little children is a fitting depiction of current political realities.