The Historical and Political Contexts of the Songs for Disc 1
The songs chosen for disc one is deeply steeped in the political and historical backgrounds of the African American experience in the United States, reflecting the ongoing fight for racial justice and equality. Political themes can be expressed through music, including protest, disapproval, and social commentary. Lyrics, melody, rhythm, harmony, and instrumentation are just a few of the musical aspects that might influence a song’s political message. Lyrics are one of the most effective ways that music conveys political messages. Political songs frequently discuss particular topics or occasions, such as racism, police brutality, or war. The lyrics may be direct and confrontational, utilizing strong language to evoke emotion, such as urgency or rage. They could also be more lyrical or metaphorical, employing symbolism and imagery to convey a deeper meaning.
The use of religion as a catalyst for music is something that happened both in the past and today. Albums with songs were often written using religious themes. This approach applies to the spread of Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and other religions practiced worldwide. For example, music written for and by the early Christian church is largely the foundation of the Western classical musical tradition. This cult grew into medieval music and now dominates society with the use of polyphony, staves, and forms of musical instruments from the past.
As part of the soundtrack for the movie “Lemonade,” Beyonce and Kendrick Lamarr’s song “Freedom” was released in 2016. It is a celebration of black pride and tenacity. The song, which underscores the continuous fight for black emancipation in America, was created in the wake of the police shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. In response to the widespread racial profiling and police violence that existed in Los Angeles at the time, NWA produced the song “F** the police” in 1988. The song, which directly criticized the police and how they treated black people, provoked fury and debate among conservative lawmakers and law enforcement authorities.
Public Enemy’s “Rebel without a cause,” which was also released in 1988, is a potent song for black empowerment and resistance. The song calls on black people to stand up and rebel against the forces that want to keep them down and denounces the systematic racism and oppression they experience. In response to the death of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, H.E.R. released the song “I can’t breathe” in 2020. The song is a somber ode to Floyd and the numerous other black individuals who have died at the hands of the police, and it emphasizes the importance of the ongoing fight for racial justice.
In 1969, Nina Simone’s song “Young Talented and Black” was made public to remember the late author Lorraine Hansberry. The song honors the black talent and accomplishments and rose to prominence during the American civil rights struggle. Randy Weston’s 1972 album “African Rhythms” is a tribute to the continent’s rich cultural history. The song emphasizes how African music and rhythms have played a significant role in the black experience in America and stresses the significance of cultural pride and identity in the fight for racial justice.
These songs are all examples of how music has historically played a significant role in political movements. They have allowed people to express their rage, frustration, resiliency, hope, and will, and they have inspired others to take up arms and fight for their rights. Additionally, they illustrate how music can be used as a tool for resistance and freedom and show how significant a role art and culture play in influencing social and political change.
The Black Lives Matter movement has benefited greatly from music, which has provided a potent and stirring backdrop to rallies and marches both domestically and internationally. Music has been utilized to spread the movement’s message, encouraging and motivating people to fight against racism, police brutality, and social injustice in genres ranging from hip-hop and rap to gospel and soul. The power of music to articulate the rage, frustration, and pain felt by many people of color has been one of the major ways it has aided the Black Lives Matter movement. Songs like BeyoncĂ©’s “Freedom” and Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” have become anthems for the movement, spreading a message of optimism and resiliency in the face of difficulty. Some songs, like Childish Gambino’s “This Is America,” have brought to light the brutal reality of racism and violence that black people in America must contend with, igniting crucial discussions about racial disparity and structural oppression.
The Black Lives Matter movement has gained from the expressive power of music and its ability to unite people and foster a feeling of community. Musicians and artists have played live performances at demonstrations and protests, using their platforms to spread the word and rally support for the cause. The movement has benefited from the contributions of choirs and gospel ensembles, contributing to its spirituality and cohesion. Outside of protests and rallies, music has also been utilized to raise money and support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Numerous artists and record companies have released charity albums and singles, with the proceeds going to groups that support social justice and black lives issues.
The Contemporary and Political Contexts of the Songs for Disc 2
The songs chosen for disc 2 represent the modern political circumstances that gave rise to them, with each song responding in its own special way to the demands, controversies, values, and realities of its time. Although the songs span a variety of genres and styles, each is intensely political, demonstrating the ability of music to express significant social and political themes. Since it has the power to inspire and excite people in a way that few other forms of communication do, music has long been a potent tool for bringing about political change. Music has the power to express feelings and ideas that are difficult to put into words alone, as well as to foster a sense of community and shared purpose. By increasing public awareness of social and political issues, music can affect political change. Songs that deal with problems like poverty, racism, or environmental degradation can raise awareness of these problems and motivate people to take action. Music can inspire people to get involved and work for change by giving these concerns a human face and highlighting their emotional impact.
In addition, the way that music can affect political change by fostering a sense of empowerment and camaraderie among disadvantaged groups. As a result, persons who have historically been excluded from positions of power may feel more empowered and have a stronger feeling of action.
With its stirring celebration of black identity and fight against police brutality, Beyonce’s “Formation” is a noteworthy example of current political music. In 2016, when police brutality against black people was making national headlines, the song was published. Black culture and resistance to systemic oppression are explicitly addressed in “Formation” through Beyonce’s words and images. With phrases like “I slay, I grind, I ride for my people” and “I enjoy my baby hair with baby hair and afros,” the song’s lyrics make clear allusions to the Black Lives Matter movement. These songs challenge conventional ideas of beauty and respectability while celebrating blackness and fostering cultural pride.
Another example of a politically laden song that addresses current issues is Eminem’s “Lose Yourself.” The song was first released in 2002 and reflected the political climate of that period. It became a famous anthem for overcoming hardship and pursuing one’s goals. Eminem’s songs provide a potent message of optimism and perseverance while addressing issues that many people endure, such as poverty, bigotry, and political disenfranchisement. Moreover, this song appeared right before President Biden’s election day. Based on that song, a video was created that contains black and white footage from various US cities, including Detroit and Biden’s recent visit to the Michigan State Fair. Thus, by giving permission for his song to be used by the Biden campaign, the rapper effectively endorsed the Democratic presidential candidate.
The politically charged song “Flawless” by Beyonce also discusses current racial and gender concerns. The whole song is somewhat of a call to feminism and symbolizes the fact that since the beginning of time, women have been taught and conditioned to be the lesser sex. The singer insists that women have been discriminated against for a long time, as being on the same level as men would intimidate them. BeyoncĂ© is outraged about why women are called whores for being comfortable with their sexuality. The song samples the TED lecture “We Should All Be Feminists” by Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Beyonce’s lyrics promote female empowerment and assertiveness in the face of society’s expectations and double standards.
James Brown’s “Please, Please, Please” is the primary instance of timeless soul and R&B songs. The masterpiece despite addressing topics of love, heartbreak, and social unfairness, which were incredibly political in their own time. The song’s lyrics and sentiments directly address current political situations. The work consists of four short pieces and includes melodic tensions that testify to instability, resistance, contentment, and the history of oppressed black culture. This song showcases a brand of brave black soul who were discriminated against at the time. Since the mid-’60s, the song has become a vehicle for an aggressive and unhinged take on black music.
Finally, the stirring song “I Want to Break Free” by Queen speaks to the enduring longing for autonomy and self-expression. The song, which was released in 1984, is a reflection of the political climate at the time, particularly the growing importance of individualism and self-expression in culture as well as the emergence of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Notwithstanding the controversy, “I Want to Break Free” was a huge success, demonstrating the profundity of its message and the ability of music to communicate with people on a universal level. The song is still regarded as a great anthem of individual freedom and self-expression today, symbolizing the eternal ability of music to uplift and connect people despite differences in culture, society, and politics.
The songs chosen for disc 2 serve as an example of how modern music still has a strong political undercurrent, reflecting the complex and nuanced political realities of the day. These songs convey messages of optimism, emancipation, and individual empowerment while also offering forceful criticisms of institutional injustice and oppression through their lyrics, sounds, and imagery. They also honor the tenacity and resistance of disadvantaged populations. By leveraging the power of music to communicate political issues and speak to the human experience, these songs demonstrate the continued relevance and power of music to inspire, unify, and transform society.
Appendix
Disc 1
- Freedom – Beyonce ft Kendrick Lamarr
- F** the police – NWA
- Rebel without a cause – Public Enemy
- I can’t breathe – H.E.R
- Young Gifted and Black – Nina Simone
- African Rhythms – Randy Westin
Disc 2
- Formation – Beyonce
- Lose Yourself – Eminem
- Flawless – Beyonce
- Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean – Ruth Brown
- Please, Please Please – James Brown
- I Want to Break Free – Queen