1970s
Jimi Hendrix – Machine Gun (1970)
Jimi Hendrix made not only made one of the greatest impacts on the guitar world, but one of the greatest impacts on the history of music. His recordings are still played on the radio today, and dedicated fans talk about his famous track, “Machine Gun,” a highly expressive composition that consists mostly of Hendrix soloing on his guitar, with which he protests the Vietnam War and gun violence in general.
Little Richard – Freedom Blues (1970)
“Freedom Blues” is the opening track of Little Richard’s album The Rill Thing, which was released in 1970. “Freedom Blues” was described as the feeling you get when you realize you are not free. The lyrics reference that while progress has been made, there continue to be people and laws that oppress Black people.
The Temptations – Ball of Confusion (What the World Is Today) (1970)
The Temptations enjoyed commercial success for a decade before releasing “Ball of Confusion (What The World Is Today),” but in the 1970s, they protested the Vietnam War and the oppressive drug laws of the Nixon administration. The Temptations also shed light on how the modern world fails to address pressing social issues.
The Last Poets – When The Revolution Comes (1970)
The Last Poets are considered originators of the spoken word genre and as Black activists who laid the foundation for Hip Hop. The group was formed in East Harlem, NY on Malcolm X’s birthday in 1968. “When The Revolution Comes” says that it is time to get serious because big social and political changes are coming.
Archie Shepp – Attica Blues (1972)
“Attica Blues” is about the shooting of forty-three inmates during the Attica Prison uprising, during which inmates protested inhumane living conditions. This title track shows that the musicians of the 1970s were addressing issues that were not talked about elsewhere in entertainment.
Parliament Funkadelic – Chocolate City (1975)
Parliament Funkadelic’s “Chocolate City” evokes pride of cities that were predominantly Black. The lyrics were considered “super radical,” as George Clinton made reference to Muhammed Ali eventually occupying the White House and changing its name. The song anticipates a wave of change following Nixon’s resignation.
Stevie Wonder – Black Man (1976)
Stevie Wonder sings of his aspirations for racial harmony while criticizing the continuing racism in the United States and throughout the world. The lyrics refer to Crispus Attucks, a man of African and indigenous descent, who was the first American to be killed in the Boston Massacre.
Death – Politicians In my Eyes (1979)
Until the 2010s, Death had faded into obscurity, but lately they have emerged as the originators of Punk music. The Trio of brothers— David, Dannis, and Bobby Hackney—created a loud, fast, rebellious sound years before Punk formally existed. Their demo tape was not well received, which caused the band to break up in 1977, but by 2009, the vinyl community had caught on to the legend of these recordings. “Politicians In My Eyes” talks about the corrupt nature of politics.