It's funny that Darth asked this question, because this is something I've had discussions about with friends recently, and it's something I've been wondering about:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ar3jLE4SvfAaGGBOfEchGvuv.Bd.;_ylv=3?qid=20071214091337AAP46d1
Now I'm not necessarily referring to protest songs or something war-related, but what is the *most recent* song that you can think of that brings any social issue to the table and tries to affect change in the environment that's affected?
2007-12-14 05:30:21 · 19 answers · asked by Sookie 6 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music ➔ Rock and Pop
James...just the person I was looking for! :)
2007-12-14 05:41:32 · update #1
Master C - and funny you should bring up punk. That COULD be the second part of this question...
2007-12-14 05:42:20 · update #2
MachPen - no problem...I'll be here!
2007-12-14 05:53:03 · update #3
most recent, as in just released a few weeks ago would be "the state of massachusettes" by the dropkick murphys---this song really rocks only the way the murphy's can
She had excuses and she chose to use them
She was the victim of unspeakable abuses
Her husband was violent, malicious and distant
Her kids now belong to the state of Massachusetts
They've been taken away
Betty was a bright one, Tommy's off his head
Mother loved them both the same, at least that's what she said
I don't predict the future, I don't care about the past
Send them both to DSS, now you've had your chance
The boys who stole your babies
The tenants took your rights
You can have your children for tonight
I suppose you were a victim, I suspect you may have lied
You've lost all ambition, why don't you give this thing a try
If you can't and you fail you won't be the only loser
These kids don't stand a chance with you in their future
They've been taken away
Betty was a bright one, Tommy's off his head
Mother loved them both the same, at least that's what she said
I don't predict the future, I don't care about the past
Send them both to DSS, now you've had your chance
The boys who stole your babies
The tenants took your rights
You can have your children for tonight
Betty was a bright one, Tommy's off his head
Mother loved them both the same, at least that's what she said
I don't predict the future, I don't care about the past
Send them both to DSS, now you've had your chance
The boys who stole your babies
The tenants took your rights
You can have your children for tonight
2007-12-14 06:48:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think it's really unfair to single out hip hop music as having little political meaning, as there are quite a few hip hop acts still keeping the tradition of social commentary. Immortal Technique is a cult rapper whose music is almost exclusively political. Also, Mos Def is still around and A Tribe Called Quest has been touring again recently.
Anyway, check out The Evens, Ian MacKaye's current band. He has always been political and preachy, but he's an admirable guy. Also, most stuff by Ted Leo & the Pharmacists.
2007-12-14 11:05:16 · answer #2 · answered by Chris D 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This was much tougher than I expected. Like you said, most of the current songs are more involved with the war and anti-Bush rhetoric. However, I got one that you'd never guess came from yours truly.
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Face Down
Yeah, I realize we have before us another one of those oh so trendy emo bands. But this song is a little different. It's about abusive relationships, more specifically spousal/girlfriend abuse. If you read the lyrics, it goes into great detail about the abusive relationship and the victim finally finding the strength and courage to make a clean break. I think the lead singer was inspired to write this song for his Mom, who lived this. More importantly, this song is VERY recent, 2006 release date and is a SOCIAL issue, not political.
Also, check this link out, one of the coolest songs ever by Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgOWTM5R2DA
Sour Girl - I like The Exies better already.
2007-12-14 09:22:17 · answer #3 · answered by Rckets 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
We've seen a lot of anti-Bush projects emerging over the last four years, which seemed to be more of a trend for a while.
In punk it's more common to hear songs about social change, and a more recent one, which has to do with exploitation on the part of pharmaceutical companies and insurance companies, is one that the Soviettes put out called "Multiply and Divide".
I'm sure I might think of more later. good question :)
Master C: You gotta admit, it's the only music genre that picks up a newspaper these days, and seems to have a clue about what's going on around the world.
I'd love to see more hip-hop groups involved in social change - instead of being absorbed in their bling world.
2007-12-14 05:43:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The only ones that I can think of right now are anti-war songs/protest songs, my favourite of which being two Josh Ritter songs;
- "Thin Blue Flame" (one of my favourite songs of the last decade, I highly recommend it if you like folk)
- "Girl In the War"
Josh is pretty well known as being a pretty staunch opponent of the Bush administration, but I think what separates him from a lot of other artists who try their hand at anti-war songs is that his are nowhere near as simplistic and preachy as most modern protest songs, which is no less than I'd expect from one of this generation's best song writers.
I also really love Bloc Party's "Hunting for Witches";
2007-12-14 10:09:10 · answer #5 · answered by rukrym 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, I know a ton. Punk is my primary. If they aren't complaining about something, then they aren't doing their job. LOL. Anyway:
Halfway Home by Critical Me
http://free.napster.com/view/album/index.html?id=12628862
I watched them live a couple weeks ago and they were pretty good. They definitely have that Southern California Surfer/Skate (Pennywise) Punk down. Support Local Music!
***Uh Oh!
Mach: Believe me, I know. Anyone who doubts it should just pick up a few albums. I always thought listening to Punk is good for the soul.
2007-12-14 05:37:18 · answer #6 · answered by Master C 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Great Neil Young always has some, here's his latest:
"Let's Impeach the President" from the Living With War album
2007-12-14 06:05:53 · answer #7 · answered by Beatle fanatic 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Melissa Etheridge - I need to wake up
(song deals with global warming and won an Oscar for best song last year, I think).
John Mellencamp - Jena
(song is about the racism experienced in the town of Jena, Louisiana. It was released a few months ago).
2007-12-14 05:34:21 · answer #8 · answered by misscamillabutterfly 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Linkin Park - What I've Done
Bright Eyes - When the President Talks to God
Straylight Run - Hands in the Sky (Big Shot)
White Stripes - Icky Thump
2007-12-14 06:07:05 · answer #9 · answered by cassadaga22 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think the new Cliff Richard single is very over-rated!..... All the hype... and for a very mediocre song! Cliff can, and has, done better songs..... maybe he's now trying too hard for another hit..... he's just celebrating 50 years in the Business afterall! Will it grow on us, the more we hear it?...... Don't think so, really!
2016-05-23 23:05:12 · answer #10 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OK, not so recent (although I heard CCS doing a great cover of it this year): Pretend We're Dead by L7. Favourite lines:
Turn the tables with our unity
They neither moral nor majority
Wake up and smell the coffee
Or just say no to individuality
2007-12-14 08:23:53 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋