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Compiling our previous 'Fuel The Revolution' playlist was so much fun we immediately decided to turn it into a series. So today, we'd like to present part two and throw another bunch of protest songs in your face. I hope you enjoy.
Depeche Mode - Where's the Revolution
Ever loyal to their sound, Depeche Mode never seems to quit being Depeche Mode, which is probably the reason why they are one of the most respected bands in the synth pop scene. Their brand new single is perfectly suited for this playlist, asking a very important question and adding 'Come On People, You're Letting Me Down' in the chorus.
Midnight Oil - Beds Are Burning
This smash hit by Australian rockers Midnight Oil is one of the most recognizable songs ever. "Beds Are Burning" is a protest song in support of giving native Australian lands back to the Pintupi (an Australian Aboriginal group), who were among the very last people to come in from the desert.
Bob Dylan - Hurricane
Bob Dylan is widely known for his protest songs, and 'Hurricane' is definitely one of his best. "Hurricane" is a protest song, about the imprisonment of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter. It compiles alleged acts of racism and profiling against Carter, which Dylan describes as leading to a false trial and conviction.
Louis Neefs - Laat Ons Een Bloem / Wally Whyton - Leave Them A Flower
This one might come as a surprise to some Dutch speaking readers who thought that this massively popular ecological protest song by Louis Neefs is actually a cover. It was originally written and recorded by Wally Whyton in 1968 and covered by Neefs in 1970. Nonetheless, it is a very strong and still relevant song, regardless of the version...
Sepultura - Territory
Brazilian metal legends Sepultura have been a blast of pure anarchy since the very beginning. Many of their songs handle themes like war, politics, terror, propaganda and so on. 'Territory' is one of my personal favorites.
Black Sabbath - War Pigs
Heavy metal and protesting have gone hand in hand since the very beginning of the genre. This song by legends Black Sabbath is 47 years old now and still incredibly relevant today. The band has been influencing countless of bands and artists all over the world. Unfortunately, they haven't been influencing politicians...
Bruce Cockburn - If I Had a Rocket Launcher
From Wikipedia (and because I can't explain it better): Although Cockburn had occasionally touched on political themes in his earlier songs, "If I Had a Rocket Launcher" was his first explicitly political song to be released as a single, and earned him a new reputation as an outspoken musical activist.
Nicolette - No Government
With advice like this, pop singer Nicolette just had to be a part of this list. To some, she might be best known as the vocalist on the Massive Attack songs "Three" and "Sly".
The Clash - The Call Up
The Clash have been a synonym for anti-war protest songs and an inspiration for numerous punk rock bands around the world. This single was released in November 1980, in advance of the release of 'Sandinista!', with the anti-nuclear "Stop the World" as its B-side.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark - Enola Gay
Speaking about anti-nuclear protest songs, did you know you have been dancing to a song about the plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima at many wedding parties? Think about that.
Redbone - We Were All Wounded At Wounded Knee
Since we're addressing the themes at wedding party hits, how about a massacre? You can read all about that here.
Public Enemy - Fight The Power
But let's not forget the rap and hip-hop scene. Public Enemy easily became the poster-boys for the militant and anti-government branches of this young scene.
2Pac - Changes
Another icon in the rap scene is Tupac Shakur. The song makes references to the war on drugs, the treatment of black people by the police, the perpetuation of poverty and its accompanying vicious-cycle value system in urban African American culture, and the difficulties of life in the ghetto. Yet, this song is also about positivity.
Peter Gabriel - Biko
This song by Peter Gabriel is about Steve Biko, a noted black South African anti-apartheid activist. Biko had been arrested by the South African police in late August 1977. After being held in custody for several days, he was interrogated in room 619 of the Walmer St prison in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. Following the interrogation, during which he sustained serious head injuries, Biko was transferred to a prison in Pretoria, where he died shortly afterwards, on 12 September 1977.
Pete Seeger - We Shall Overcome
"We Shall Overcome" is a gospel song which became a protest song and a key anthem of the African-American Civil Rights Movement. The song is most commonly attributed as having descended lyrically from "I'll Overcome Some Day", a hymn by Charles Albert Tindley that was first published in 1900.
