While the civil rights movement and protests against the Vietnam War sent social justice songs to the top of the charts, the songwriting didn’t end there. Here are a few through the past few decades that have caught the ears of the people.
10. “Land of Confusion” by Genesis
Released in 1986, “ Land of Confusion” by Genesis questions the words of world leaders during a time when the United States and Russia were enemies. There was a threat of nuclear war and the Doomsday clock was three minutes to midnight. This protest song from the 80s remained on Billboard’s Hot 100 for 21 weeks and was No. 4 for one week.
9. “1999” by Prince
Minnesota’s own, Prince, addresses the fear of nuclear combat during the height of the Cold War. Prince contrasted the deeper anti-war message with an upbeat sound. This song reached No. 12 on the top charts where it remained for two weeks. “1999” spent a total of 30 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.
8. “Where Is The Love” by the Black Eyed Peas
Released in 2003, “Where is the Love” by the Black Eyed Peas is a response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. This song also addresses violence against marginalized communities, war, and crime. This early 2000s peace anthem reached No. 1 in Britain and No. 8 in the United States. “ Where Is The Love” spent a total of 25 weeks on Billboard’s Hot 100.
7. “Something to Believe in” by Poison
“Something to Believe in”, written by Bret Michaels, leader of the rock band Poison, was a song protesting the Vietnam War. Michaels tells the story of his cousin who was wounded in the war and calls out the deception and dishonesty of representation in the media. Poison’s song remained No. 4 for one week and spent a total of 21 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 list.
6. “The Bigger Picture” by Lil Baby
Two months after the murder of George Floyd, American rapper Lil Baby released “The Bigger Picture”, a protest song against police brutality and systematic oppression. Relating to his own experiences as a Black man in America, the song lives in a realm of rage and urgency for change. The song reached No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot 100 for one week and remained on the charts for a total of 20 weeks.
5. “For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield
Often mistaken for an anti-war song, was actually written as a response to police violence against young people who wanted access to music venues on Sunset Blvd. also known as the Sunset Strip Curfew riots. Released in 1966, this song reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the spring of 1967. “For What It’s Worth” spent a total of 27 weeks on the charts.
4. “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye’s “What Going On”, was inspired by stories told from the Vietnam War. Different from other anti-war songs of this time, Gaye focuses on police brutality and violence against anti-war activists. This protest song was quick to reach No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot 100 where it remained for three weeks. “What’s Going On”, spent a total of 15 weeks on the charts
3. “I Am Woman” by Helen Reddy
Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman” is an anthem for women’s rights. Released in 1974, “I Am Woman” calls out the entertainment industry’s mistreatment of women and the patriarchy. Written during the height of the 70s feminist movement, Reddy’s women empowerment anthem remained number one on the charts for one week and spent a total of 22 weeks on Billboard’s Hot 100.
2. “Everyday People” by Sly & The Family Stone
“Everyday people” by punk pioneers Sly & The Family Stone celebrates humanity and equality. This song about how everyone is the same regardless of race was quick to reach No. one on the charts. The song remained No. one for four weeks and spent 19 weeks on Billboard’s Hot 100
- ”War” by Edwin Starr
Edwin Starr’s take on social justice music made “War” one of the first Motown songs to even make a political statement. Released in 1970, this tune is a protest song about the Vietnam war. “War” reached No. 1 where it remained for three weeks and spent a total of 15 weeks on Billboard’s Hot 100.
