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“13 Contemporary Protest Anthems” features modern-day protest anthems from Anti-Flag, Frank Turner, Gary Clark, Jr., Hozier, and India.Arie. 

Protest music is alive and incredibly vibrant.  Why? Well, there’s a number of reasons. Ultimately, reasons for protest often boil down to social unrest, economic woes, and political turmoil.  This playlist, “13 Contemporary Protest Anthems” highlights modern anthems with plenty to say regarding the aforementioned issues. There are many, MANY more than just 13, but hey, can’t cover them all!

Musicians fueling the fire on 13 Contemporary Protest Anthems include Anti-Flag (“American Attraction”), Frank Turner (“Make America Great Again”), Gary Clark, Jr. (“This Land”), Hozier (“Nina Cried Power”), and India.Arie (“Rollercoaster”) among others.

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1. Hozier, “Nina Cried Power”

Ft. Mavis Staples

Wasteland, Baby! • Columbia • 2019

“It’s not the wakin’, it’s the risin’ / It is the groundin’ of a foot uncompromisin’ / It’s not forgoin’ of the lie / It’s not the openin’ of eyes / It’s not the wakin’, it’s the risin’.” Hozier commences Wasteland, Baby! powerfully with “Nina Cried Power”. He’s in full-on soul mode (think gospel), fitting given his legendary collaborator, Mavis Staples.

Both artists pay ode to various musicians who were unafraid to protest via their songs including legends like Nina Simone, James Brown, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and John Lennon.  The chorus, with names changing, is the crème de la crème of the record.

“And I could cry power (power)

Power (power)

Power, lord

Nina cried power

Billie cried power

Mavis cried power.”

“Nina Cried Power” has appeared on multiple playlists including 13 Superb Gospel-Tinged Secular Songs and 100 Best Songs of 2018 (#2).

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2. Gary Clark, Jr., “This Land”

This Land • Warner Bros. • 2019

“Paranoid and pissed off / Now that I got the money / Fifty acres and a model A / Right in the middle of Trump country.” Uh oh – we see where this is going! “This Land”, the electrifying minor-key title track from Gary Clark, Jr.’s 2019 album This Land, is the only song on this playlist that doesn’t feature some form of America in its song title. That said, “This Land” has America, or at least the American plight of people of color written all over it.  Throughout the course of the song, the eclectic blues/rock singer/guitarist depicts the prevalence of racism within the world’s greatest country.

The most powerful lyrical statement that is made on “This Land” comes courtesy of the chorus, where Gary Clark, Jr. unapologetically states the mindset of racists:

“‘Nigga run, nigga run

Go back where you come from, uh

Nigga run, nigga run

Go back where you come from

We don’t want, we don’t want your kind

We think you’s a dog born’

Fuck you, I’m America’s son

This is where I come from.”

Following the utterly ridiculous statement made about the American-born black musician, who represents numerous African-Americans, he packs a mighty punch on the post-chorus where he asserts, “This land is mine.”  Also, worth noting, Clark, Jr. delivers a totally badass guitar solo.

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3. India.Arie, “Rollercoaster”

Worthy • BMG Rights Management • 2019

“Let me off this rollercoaster / I don’t wanna ride no more (I don’t wanna ride no more) / I don’t wanna ride no more, I don’t wanna ride no more, no more.” “Rollercoaster” is one of the brightest moments from Worthy, the long-awaited, 2019 album by Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter India.Arie. Interestingly, “Rollercoaster” bears some harmonic similarities to a past India.Arie record (“There’s Hope” from 2006’s Testimony: Vol. 1 Life & Relationship).

This contemporary protest anthem finds India taking a long, hard look at the ills plaguing the world from her perspective. Among the notable topics India raises on this soulful, bass-heavy gem include the Flint, Michigan water crisis, Colin Kaepernick, misogyny, and mumble rap.  Give her credit for standing up for what she believes in – “And I don’t care who thinks I’m preachin’.” “Rollercoaster” previously appeared on the playlist 11 Songs Fit for an Amusement Park.

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4. John Legend, “Preach”

Preach [Single] • Columbia • 2019

“Every day I wake, and, everything is broken / Turnin’ off my phone just to get out of bed.” Hmm, that’s troubling.  John Legend delivers ample pessimism on his powerful new single, “Preach”. But, as Legend mentions the struggles of the world, he also makes it clear he has to take action – “I just can’t preach, baby, preach.”

There’s plenty to love about “Preach.” The listener is treated to moody production from the onset, which sets the tone.  This is a record that is chocked-full of soulfulness, yet also feels and sounds relevant in 2019. As great as the mood, sound, and vibe are, it’s the signature soulful, nuanced vocals from John Legend that make this an elite record.  Also, John gets some help with the addition of backing vocals, accentuating his commanding lead during the pre-chorus and chorus sections.  Speaking of the chorus, it’s totally ‘amped-up’ – robust and ear-catching.  Furthermore, the songwriting is on-point – memorable and thoughtfully-penned.

“I can’t sit and hope, I can’t just sit and pray that

I can find the love when all I see is pain

Fallin to my knees, and though I do believe

I can’t just preach, baby, preach.”

Soulful production, soulful vocals, and great songwriting make “Preach” a superb record and among the crème de la crème of February 2019. I also did a write-up about “Preach” on the playlist Music to Atone to.

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5. Janelle Monáe, “Americans”

Dirty Computer • Bad Boy • 2018

“Love me baby, love me for who I am / Fallen angels, singing ‘Clap your hands’ / Don’t try to take my country, I will defend my land / I’m not crazy, baby, naw, I’m American.” “Americans” concludes Dirty Computer, the critically-acclaimed, Grammy-nominated album by Janelle Monáe. Interestingly, as awesome as “Americans” is, in the context of Dirty Computer, it’s a bit more underrated compared to gems like “PYNK”, “Make Me Feel”, and “I Like That”.

As the aforementioned chorus suggest, “Americans,” embracing 80s production cues, delivers the ultimate socially-charged message.  Janelle Monáe expounds upon the all-encompassing, changing face of America, which embraces a multitude of different races (“Until Latinos and Latinas don’t have to run from walls…”), lifestyles (“Uncle Sam kissed a man”), and religions.  Monáe also tackles resistance towards equality for women (“…She can wash my clothes / But she’ll never ever wear my pants”) and guns (“I keep my two guns on my blue nightstand”).

“Americans” previously appeared on the playlist, 15 Must-Hear, All-American Songs.

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6. Lenny Kravitz, “It’s Enough”

Raise Vibration • BMG Rights Management • 2018

“When will the desire for love / Outweigh the desire for power?” Lenny Kravitz makes it clear he’s not happy with the current social-political climate on “It’s Enough”, the promo single for his 2018 album, Raise Vibration. “It’s Enough” is a lengthy single, running eight minutes in duration.  It benefits from an incredibly soulful groove that is reminiscent of the Marvin Gaye classic, “What’s Going On.”

In addition to being soulful, the groove has a distinct, ‘percussive’ nature.  Kravitz sings about the many problems that plague America including racial injustice, unarmed shootings, and political corruption and lies.  A simple chorus sums up the sentiment of the times.

“It’s enough, it’s enough, it’s enough

In the system, you cannot trust
It’s enough, it’s enough
When the whole wide world is corrupt
It’s enough, it’s enough
And we all are just getting fucked
It’s enough, it’s enough.”

“It’s Enough” appeared on the 100 Best Songs of 2018 at #51.  Furthermore, I added the song to the Music to Atone To playlist.

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7. Frank Turner, “Make America Great Again”

Be More Kind • Universal Music • 2018

“Well I know I’m just an ignorant Englishman / But I’d like to make America great again.” Indeed, singer/songwriter Frank Turner is English, but he offers common sense solutions on his anti-Trump anthem, “Make America Great Again”.  This major-key, protest anthem appears on his 2018 studio album, Be More Kind.  Did you catch that album title – Be More Kind!

After confirming his status as ‘an outsider looking in’ to repair a purported broken America, Frank Turner offers the first solutions on the epic chorus.  His solutions:

“Let’s make America great again

By making racists ashamed again

Let’s make compassion in fashion again

Let’s make America great again.”

The big takeaway from Turner’s solution? I quote the album title once more: Be More Kind.  On the second verse, Turner speaks of the positive experiences he’s had with Americans, but denounces President Trump, brilliantly references The Declaration of Independence, and plays on words with the word ‘independent’:

“The program and the name of the President

Because it seems to me the truth is self-evident

You fought our king to be independent.”

A truly brilliant song that speaks American all-the-day long, on the bridge, Turner even tackles immigrants (“In the shining city on the hill / Where nobody can be illegal”). “Make American Great Again” previously appeared on the playlist, 15 Must-Hear, All-American Songs.

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8. Childish Gambino, “This is America”

This is America [Single] • RCA • 2018

Childish Gambino (Donald Glover) returned with a bang in 2018 with single “This is America”.  While the lyrical approach is simple on this record, the socially-conscious message that Glover makes is pitch-perfect – clearly relevant to the times. Throughout the course of the record, he references policing in America and gun violence, important issues in the black community, as well as focusing on excess as a distraction from those truly important matters.  A stark contrast from the throwback soul of “Awaken, My Love!”, Glover shows incredible giftedness and versatility as a musician.

The intro of “This is America” is performed by a black choir.  Notably, there’s a hint of tropical, international flavor – clearly an ‘African’ influence, which seems intentional to say the least.  The tropical, international flavor is more pronounced on the bridge performed by Childish Gambino.  The tone of the chorus is an about-face from the extended intro/bridge section.  The sound is clearly darker, more pessimistic, and more serious in tone.  Childish Gambino raps, “This is America / Don’t catch you slippin’ up… / Look what I’m whippin’ up…”

The first verse settles into the darker, hip-hop driven sound introduced upon the chorus. Glover is the lead, but there are ad-libs inserted from a variety of rappers.  As aforementioned, Glover makes references to policing in America and gun violence, important issues in the black community. A contrasting refrain, performed by the choir with a response by Glover, embodies the exuberance of the intro with different lyrics: “Get your money, black man (get your money).” Once again, the minor key returns on the chorus, followed by the second verse by Childish Gambino.  Here is where the ‘excess as a distraction’ comes into play. Such excess includes material things, as well as referencing hustling.  Following another refrain that incorporates Young Thug for two lines, who provides the outro for this Grammy-winning gem.

“This is America” has appeared on multiple playlists including 15 Must-Hear, All-American Songs.

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9. Pearl Jam, “Can’t Deny Me”

Can’t Deny Me [Single] • Monkeywrench / Republic • 2019

Cutting straight to the chase, the energy of “Can’t Deny Me” truly can’t be denied. This is a protest song by iconic grunge rock band Pearl Jam whose music conveys that spirit. The drums pummel, frontman Eddie Vedder sounds incredibly assertive (“mad as hell” if you will), and the guitars are raw.  Further fueling the fire, the harmonic progression is successful.

All in all, the formula is working like a well-oiled machine for Vedder and company.  Truly, the emotion and the spirit of resistance is in the right place.  Also, throw in a catchy, variable chorus for good measure.  Perhaps it’s not the greatest ‘pop chorus’ mind you, but definitely sufficient.

“The higher, the farther, the faster you fly
You know you’re sick and you can’t deny me
Got nothin’, nothin’ you got somethin’ to hide
We see right through you and you can’t deny me.”

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10.Jack Johnson, “My Mind is For Sale”

All the Light Above It Too • Jack Johnson • 2017

“I don’t care for your paranoid / Us against them fearful kind of walls / I don’t care for your careless / Me first gimme, gimmie appetite at all.” In 2017, singer/songwriter Jack Johnson returned strong on “My Mind is For Sale”, a politically-charged promo single from his album, All the Light Above It Too. The pros are ample on “My Mind is For Sale.” First and foremost are the chill vibes.  Johnson never seems to get bothered with the stresses of life; he’s even-keel here.  Or is he? Johnson tackles politics, but he doesn’t exhibit a particularly angry tone.  Arguably, if you weren’t listening closely to his words or analyzing the lyrics, you might miss what he’s getting at.

From the start, he paints a picture of every progressive musician’s enemy – President Donald Trump.

“Well, I heard the blinker’s on

I heard we’re changing lanes

I heard he likes to race

I heard that six or seven words he likes to use

Are always in bad taste…

The cameras zoom into

His mouth begins to move

Those hateful words he uses.”

Hard to believe that Jack Johnson had it in him to deliver such a punch.  He continues to be fiery, yet cool on the chorus, excerpted at the top of blurb. Throughout the rest of the song, Johnson continues to characterize Trump as well as the fallout from his presidency.  The chorus is varied with each iteration, with the final version being the lengthiest and most detailed. Ultimately, Mr. Johnson has one of the most chill, thrilling tracks he’s ever recorded on his hands.  “My Mind is for Sale” previously appeared on the playlists Songs Supporting Equality, Justice & Resistance, Vol. 1. and 11 Songs Where the Mind is the Focal Point.

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11. Anti-Flag, “American Attraction”

American Fall • Spinefarm • 2017

Anti-Flag returned with politically-charged single, “American Attraction”, which headed up   their 2017 studio album, American Fall. It’s safe to say, “American Attraction” isn’t Donald Trump-friendly. Conservatives, republicans, and the alt-right won’t be pleased.  If you’re a progressive however, well, you’ll be all smiles.

“American Attraction” has plenty of pros.  First and foremost is the aggressive sound – it’s filled with guitars.  Naturally, those six-stringed godsends are biting, distorted, and gritty, in the punk style. The vocals by Justin Sane also stand out, matching the grit of the guitars, and chocked-full of angst, energy, and intensity.  Adding to the excellence is the chorus, which is catchy AF:

“I got that gun, got that drug

I’ve got everything you want

I got that bomb, got that blood

I’ve got everything I’m not

It’s the American attraction

It’s the American attraction.”

All in all, Anti-Flag has a surefire winner on its hands.

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12. Depeche Mode, “Where’s the Revolution”

Spirit • Columbia • 2017

Depeche Mode is critical of the current state of affairs on “Where’s the Revolution,” a highlight from their 2017 album, Spirit. The source of anger is government and the game of politics.  While Dave Gahan criticizes those in power, he points the finger at the people: “Where’s the revolution? / Come on, people / You’re letting me down.”

By the bridge, the revolution ensues, characterized by repetition: “The train is coming… / So get on board / Get on board…/The engine’s humming.” The production work is intense, amplified by its minor key, matching the disillusionment and disappointment of the current state. “Where’s the Revolution” previously appeared on the playlist Songs Supporting Equality, Justice & Resistance, Vol. 1..

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13. Solange, “Cranes in the Sky” & “Don’t Touch My Hair”

A Seat at the Table • Columbia • 2016 

“I tried to drink it away / I tried to put one in the air / I tried to dance it away / I tried to change it with my hair…” Grammy-winning record “Cranes in the Sky” is one of the most meaningful moments of A Seat at the Table, the most accomplished album by R&B singer/songwriter Solange (sister of Beyoncé).  Throughout “Cranes in the Sky,” she attempts to eliminate hurtful things by avoiding them.  Despite this, those feelings of pain and hurt remain, even as she does any and everything to make them go “away.” According to her, “…It’s like cranes in the sky / Sometimes I don’t wanna feel those metal clouds.”

Making this a ‘two-for-one,’ Solange serves up another homerun “Don’t Touch My Hair” (featuring Sampha).  Like “Cranes in the Sky,” “Don’t Touch My Hair” previously appeared on the playlist 27 Contemporary Songs That Capture the Black Experience.  Notably “Don’t Touch My Hear” plays up black stereotypes and naivety. Even so, it’s metaphorical as well, transcending stereotypes. This jazzy neo-soul affair tackles invasiveness, racial profiling, and pride.

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[Photo Credits: Bad Boy, BMG Rights Management, Columbia, Jack Johnson, Monkeywrench, Pixabay, RCA, Republic, Spinefarm, Universal Music, Warner Bros.]

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