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The 9 songs that appear on this particular playlist are heavier, supporting equality, justice, and the ‘resist’ movement. 

“There’s a lynching in the square / You will have to join us / Everyone’s going to be there / We’re setting up the truss.” Reading the aforementioned lyrics from Depeche Mode song “The Worst Crime” should make everybody feel uncomfortable to the nth degree.  The songs that grace this particular playlist are heavier, supporting equality, justice, and the ‘resist’ movement.  That resist movement refers to an ‘unexpected’ president, which many musicians have expressed their disdain for. A prime example via Kendrick Lamar:

“Homicidal thoughts; Donald Trump’s in office / We lost Barack and promised to never doubt him again / But is America honest, or do we bask in sin?”

Sigh, without further ado, here are Songs Supporting Equality, Justice & Resistance, Vol. 2.

[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”1. Joey Bada$$” desc=”‘Y U Don’t Love Me?'” img=”15064″]

1. Joey Bada$$, “Y U Don’t Love Me?”

Album: All-AmeriKKKan Bada$$

Pro Era / Cinematic Group

“Tell me why you don’t love me / Why you always misjudge me? / Why you always put so many things above me? / Why you lead me to believe that I’m ugly?”  For whatever reason, Joey Bada$$ didn’t get the recognition he deserved for All-AmerKKKan Bada$$.  It was a great album that simply didn’t perform well on the charts.  Regardless, the quality is top-notch, including the brilliant “Y U Don’t Love Me?” On “Y U Don’t Love Me,” Joey Bada$$ treats America like a bad relationship where love comes at a premium. Approaching the song in a romantic, love-driven sense makes it truly clever – among the crème de la crème.

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2. Father John Misty, “Pure Comedy”

Album: Pure Comedy

Sub Pop, 2017

“Pure Comedy” is the centerpiece of Pure Comedy, the brilliant, Grammy-nominated alternative music album by singer-songwriter Father John Misty. “Pure Comedy” sets the tone of the album lyrically and musically. The lyrics are ambitious and pure genius, finding Father John Misty referencing societal issues including women’s rights, religion, and politics.

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3. Prophets of Rage, “Unf*ck the World”

Album: Prophets of Rage

Concord, 2017

“Unf*ck the World” commences in spirited fashion, sounding mean, resolute, and war ready.  Prophets of Rage are angry, with the venom ready to infect those who have fucked the world by their estimations.

“No hatred / F*ck racists / Blank faces / Time’s changin’ / One nation / Unification / The vibration / Unf*ck the world!”

The chorus is clearly a component of the resist movement, aimed at a President Trump and some his followers. He’s never mentioned specifically, but the implications are clear. All in all, this is a perfect single supporting the resistance by all means.

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4. Declan McKenna, “Isombard”

Album: What Do You Think About the Car?

Columbia, 2017

On “Isombard”, Declan McKenna takes shots at the  right-wing media in the U.S. It opens with arpeggiated synths, followed by the entrance of a percussive groove and full-fledged production. The chorus is catchy and epic.  McKenna’s vocals are enthused, exuberant, and aggressive.  Ultimately, “Isombard” is an adrenaline rush given the quick pace.

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5. YG, “Police Get Away Wit Murder”

Album: Still Brazy

Def Jam, 2016

On “Police Get Away Wit Murder,” YG keeps it real.  The record raises discussion upon important, relevant issues within society.  Filled with unapologetic lyrics, among them are: “Black males in a hoodie that’s a target to them / They say he oversized and choked him out that was harmless to him.”

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6. Depeche Mode, “Going Backwards”

Album: Spirit

Columbia, 2017

“But we have nothing inside / We feel nothing inside.” “Going Backwards” is an epic opening salvo, exemplifying Spirit.  “Going Backwards” captures the spineless nature of government and society in general, accompanied by dark electronic production work.  Lyrically, Depeche Mode frontman Dave Gahan consistently references the power of technology, prominence of killings, and a lack of conscience.

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7. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, “White Man’s World”

Album: The Nashville Sound

Southeastern, 2017 

“White Man’s World” examines the flaws of society, particularly in relation to gender and race. It is a must listen by all means. First, Isbell addresses inequality for women, specifically citing hope for his baby daughter. Next, he tackles the inhabitation of Native American land as well as guilt for the unjust treatment of black men. By the end, he questions God, but still finds faith, thanks to “the fire in my little girl’s eyes.”

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8. Lana Del Rey, “When the World Was at War We Kept Dancing”

Album: Lust for Life

Interscope, 2017

“When the World Was at War We Kept Dancing” finds Lana del Rey perturbed about the state of America.  On the chorus, she asks a series of questions, before answering them as a good patriot should:

“Is it the end of an era? / Is it the end of America? / No, it’s only the beginning / If we hold onto hope, we’ll have a happy ending / When the word was at war before / We just kept dancing.”

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[nextpage title=”9. Joey Bada$$” desc=”‘Temptation'” img=”15064″]

9. Joey Bada$$, “Temptation”

Album: All-Amerikkkan Bada$$

Pro Era, 2017 

“Temptation” opens with a moving intro that addresses racism in America.  Throughout the song, Joey Bada$$ suggests black people have to fight for their rights essentially.  Also, he seems to be struggling with his own problems, needing more than just himself to move forward.  The pre-chorus and chorus focus on the need for more, with the rapper petitioning God.  As far as the movement, he gives an ultimatum to his people:

“…Tell me how we gon’ shape this vision / Complainin’ all day, but in the same condition / If you wanna make change, it’s gon’ take commitment…”

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