2020 has in many ways been a year to remember, mostly for the wrong reasons; a global pandemic brought the world to its knees, and the murder of numerous Black people by police in America, such as George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, incited months of protest and calls for reform that are still going on today. Music is a form of expression, so perhaps it’s no wonder that many artists discussed the issue of systemic racism and inequality that have plagued society for so long this year. Let’s take a look at just a few of them:
“Perfect Way to Die” – Alicia Keys
This sombre piano ballad, released to coincide with Juneteenth (a celebration of the emancipation of slaves on 19th June 1865), serves as the fifth single from Keys’ acclaimed seventh studio album and features Alicia’s trademark powerful vocal delivery as she tells the story of “another one gone” and the future the person could’ve had if they hadn’t been murdered. The song attacks those in authority for their inaction (“another dream lost, another king and queen lost, another broken promise they refuse to make right”) while emotionally putting herself in the shoes of the mother of someone took from the world too soon during the heart-breaking chorus. It’s easily the highlight of the Alicia album and encapsulates both the rage and the stunned silence resulting from the continuous unnecessary deaths throughout the years.
“By Any Means” – Jorja Smith
Through this soulful track Jorja describes her experiences as a part of the Black Lives Matter movement and attacks the ease with which perpetrators in positions of power can avoid blame with accusatory verses. She’s clearly proud of her peers (“I take pride in the things that we’ve done, side by side in the revolution” and her hauntingly powerful vocal delivery from start to finish renders the track instantly memorable for its message as well as its sound.
“BLACK PARADE” – Beyoncé
Another Juneteenth release, this song benefits the BeyGood Black Business Impact Fund and isn’t notable for standing up to the rampant racism that leads to the murders of many innocent people – instead, Beyoncé chose to celebrate Blackness unapologetically, referencing her own culture and heritage, as well as her womanhood and family; instrumentally speaking the track is like a cacophony of percussive sound that feels intensely celebratory, like you are at an actual parade. There are so many lyrics I love, but the simple yet prideful “we got rhythm, we got pride, we birth kings, we birth tribes” stands out to me the most.
“I Can’t Breathe” – H.E.R.
Similar to another H.E.R. track “Lord is Coming”, Juneteenth anniversary release “I Can’t Breathe” features impassioned spoken word at certain points, specifically in the long and angry third verse which features powerful sentiments such as “be thankful we are God-fearing because we do not seek revenge, we seek justice, we are past fear, we are fed up eating your shit” that pick up on the poignancy of the inability of many to believe in the generations of oppression people of colour have faced. Of the five, this is definitely the most irate (and rightfully so), and the reference in the title to George Floyd’s untimely death only exemplifies this feeling.
“Bully with a Bat” – The Great Heights Band
Easily the most obscure pick of this list, I decided to include it because it was one of the first musical responses to the protests I heard this year and it takes direct aim at the actions of police – the eponymous bullies with bats. Sonically it’s a classic guitar rock song but it’s the lyricism that’s the key, as the Great Heights Band ask, “is this what revolution’s for, when those who lead don’t represent?”. I’ll admit, the focal line of the chorus (“we can do this if we want to”) is a little cheesy, but the communal message to stand up for what’s right and defend the rights of people being oppressed every day is still heard loud and clear.
The fight for justice is still ongoing – Black lives still matter even when it’s not trending on Twitter. Check out some of these songs to spread the message and contribute to the various charities they benefit or take a look at https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/ to find out how you can help.
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