Modern Songs that Express Todays Issues?

[86 911]

I'm doing a writeup on how music is modeled after issues in society throughout the 19th century beggening with the 1920's. For one part of the writeup, I have to include a recent song with lyrics which expresses problems we have today (can be from the late 80's, 90's or now). I don't really know of any "newer" songs that espress these issues (i.e. war, corruption, politics, etc). If anyone can name a song, that would be great!

[slodave]

Try Rage Against the Machine, System of a Down. Both politically motivated. U2 is another - Bullet the Blue Sky, Pride (In The Name Of Love).

[slodave]

Lets (not) forget about the Dixie Chicks. They caused quite a stir a couple of years ago.

[Par911]

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five's "The Message" from the 80's, and Public Enemy late - 80's early 90's......

Now in 2006.........

Nas - "I can" , "I want to talk to you"
Dead Prez -very political and very controversial
Tupac (RIP) - "Brenda's got a baby"

[gassy]

The Boss...Born in the USA.

[RANDY P]

world destruction Afrika bambatta. Pretty much anything by Rush after 1979.

Notables by Rush

"Nobodys Hero" Counterparts. Song about average people doing extraordinary things - vs. the "heros" on TV

"The Pass" - Presto. Teenage suicide.

Other messed up stuff.

Megadeth does a bunch of social commentary

"the world needs a hero"

"Peace Sells but Who's Buying"

"Polaris"

"Wake up Dead" - infidelity but mostly instrumental. Cool track.

rjp

[pbs911]

It ain't easy being a pimp.

Hey it worked for the Academy!

[KFC911]

I don't even know if it's on an album (damn, I just dated myself didn't I?), but I've got a copy of the Neville Brothers live from Jazz Fest '05, and I'm assuming the title of the track is: "And The Band Played On...".

[VaSteve]

Matt

Are you that lazy that you can't think of ANY? Pick up a copy of Rolling Stone. Start there. Not a car BBS. FWIW, American Idiot is probably a good album to start with. Something by the Beastie Boys maybe.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Nine Inch Nails - The Hand That Feeds
John Fogerty - Deja Vu All Over Again
Oingo Boingo - Insanity
The Police - De Do Do Do
ANYTHING by the Dead Kennedys

[86 911]

Thanks for list of songs. Wow! I went ahead and picked out a song from the band "Dead Prez" posted by Par911.
VaSteve...??? I'm not lazy, I just don't listen to new music so I have absolutely no clue what's out there that's focused on todays issues. I thought that with the variety of people on the "off topic" section of the bbs, someone would help me out with a song because I know some people probably listen to new music. I wasn't asking for anyone to do my report, just to lead me in a general direction with a band or song that that's related to my topic. Thanks to all who did help, I really appreciate it!

[azasadny]

How about "Hell Hole" by Spinal Tap?

[David McLaughlin]

Lee Greenwood - proud to be an american
Toby Keith - Courtesy of the Red White and Blue
I don't know the artist, but another C&W song - Have you forgotten

[gassy]

Jeez VaSteve, ot is ot.

[onewhippedpuppy]

"Damn it feels good to be a gangsta"?

In all seriousness, anything ska typically has a political message. Easy place to start.

[VaSteve]

Matt, I'm just cranky. I guess it was because you were working on an assignment as opposed to just general BSing. I have been sick and cooped up in the house for two days. Forgive me.

[86 911]

You have been forgiven my brother . It's all right, I was cranky today too .

[slodave]

Sunday Bloody Sunday, U2.

[Bryan A.]

Modern? Try Disturbed: 'Down With the Sickness' for the idiocy of the perpetuation of child abuse, and 'Voices' for a rant on succumbing to negative peer pressure.

[austin552]

BJORK