Right now we will recap some of this week highlights in the world of socially conscious music.
Songs and Videos
(Not) Everybody – Marlon Craft
This week the New York City rapper released his debut album Funhouse Mirror. The album leans more towards personal than political, but it does contain some insightful social commentary. Two powerful standouts are “Gang Shit (previously featured the week of June 3-9) and “(Not) Everybody.”
“(Not) Everybody” is an insightful examination of different aspects of systemic racism. Even though you hope people grow out of racists ideologies as they get older, Craft points out the hard truth that “not everybody grows.”
Immigrant Eyes – Willie Nelson
“Immigrant Eyes” is a cover of a Guy Clark tune and it appears on the 86 year-old country legend’s 69th studio album Ride Me Back Home. Clark penned the song in response to the infamous New York’s Ellis Island immigrant inspection station. In light of ICE’s enforcement of the Trump administration’s heartless immigration policy, the lyrics resonate more than ever.
Blood From a Stone – Sheer Mag
“Blood From a Stone” is the first single off the socially conscious rock band upcoming sophomore album A Distant Call, due out August 23. The lyrics explore the perpetual cycle of systemic poverty.
Make Me Feel – Rue Snider
“Make Me Feel” is the latest single from the indie singer-songwriter. The topical tune was written in response to the Brett Kavanaugh hearings that took place in the fall of 2018.
“The words reflect a tension that’s been growing for years as the dystopian grip of the current administration and its GOP allies exploit fear and foment racism, homophobia, transphobia, and misogyny,” Snider states about the song. “The chorus imagines a comeuppance for politicians and their financial supporters who have enabled hate.”
Albums
1958 – Blick Bassy
The latest album by the French-Cameroonian singer-songwriter is sung entirely in his native language of Bassa. It is dedicated to the memory of Ruben Um Nyobè, the anti-colonialist leader of the Popular Union of Cameroon, who was murdered by French troops on September 13, 1958. The songs have a galvanising feel. A compelling listening experience.