Here is a sampling of some of the notable socially conscious music released in the last two weeks.
Songs and Videos:
Bang Bang – The Avett Brothers
“Bang Bang” is the latest track off the veteran folk-rock band’s upcoming tenth album Closer Than Together, due out October 4th. Even though the band doesn’t consider the album political, many of the tunes were heavily influenced by the current political climate.
Concerning “Bang Bang” Scott Avett, who shares vocals and songwriting duties with his brother Seth, made the following statement: “A song like ‘Bang Bang,’ Seth and I will talk for hours about… the TV will be playing, and we’ll see these movies that are just ludicrous. You know? They’re nuts. And we’re going… we’ll flip from one channel and see some terrible shooting that’s happened, and then we flip to whatever and there’s a movie going, and you’re like — it’s real life here, and then I go over here and it’s two-fold. I just think all these things have accumulated enough to talk about.”
1937 – Pussy Riot
Pussy Riot’s latest song and video protests the recent parliamentary elections that took place in Russia. It also calls for the release of political prisoners. The tune’s title is in reference to a quote from a police officer who stated “it’s so sad that it’s not 1937 right now,” which was a year when Stalin was involved in massed murder and state sponsor terrorism.
Rainbow of Colors – Neil Young with Crazy Horse
Neil Young’s latest song is off his upcoming album Colorado, which is due out October 25. The album finds him reuniting with his longtime backing band Crazy Horse. The tune’s lyrics celebrate diversity and rallies against anti-immigrant rhetoric.
Notable Lyrics: “There’s a rainbow of colors In the old USA / No one’s gonna whitewash those colors away.”
Albums:
Homemade Satan – Chastity
The Canadian alt-rock band’s sophomore album is considered to be the second instalment of a trilogy which reflects the isolation and the paranoia that is cultivated by the current political climate.
modern tragedy vol. 3 – grandson
Grandson is the alias of American born, Canadian raised musician Jordan Benjamin, who has built a reputation for his politically hard-hitting music. His recently released third EP carries on in this vein.
The Highwomen – The Highwomen
Many of the songs on the debut self-titled album by the country music supergroup (Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris, and Amanda Shires) provide stirring commentary on issues of women and sexual empowerment. It is timely in the current male-dominated landscape of mainstream country music.
The Dream and Dreamer – Jeremy Ivey
The singer-songwriter’s debut album is produced by his wife, the socially-conscious country singer Margo Price. Musically it is a different direction from his spouse and Ivey is a skilled social commentator and storyteller in his own right.
The Return – Sampa The Great
The first official album by the Zambian born, Australian based rapper is a stirring examination and celebration of culture and identity.