Mary Wilson, a founding member of The Supremes, sadly passed away at the age of 76 on February 8. The Supremes weren’t known for being a political group, but at times their music did touch upon social themes.

John Fogerty, the legendary former frontman of Creedence Clearwater Revival is no stranger to composing socially conscious tunes. Songs such as “Fortunate Son” and “Who’ll Stop the Rain” are timeless anthems that were written in response to the Vietnam War and President Richard Nixon’s administration.

The following is a collection of some of the best albums of protest music released in 2020 (so far). They were selected by Kevin Gosztola and C.J. Baker, who publishes writing regularly at Ongoing History Of Protest Songs. They are in alphabetical order by artist.

Billy Nomates is the moniker of Tor Maries, a singer-songwriter in the United Kingdom who released her self-titled debut album back in August.

Boscoe is like a much more politically militant Earth Wind and Fire, like if the band collaborated with the Last Poets or Watts Prophets. In fact, both Boscoe and Earth Wind and Fire are both from Chicago’s South Side. As the Numero Group label describes, during the early 1970s, the

America’s issues with systemic racism are partly due to a failure to recognize past atrocities. This reality is highlighted in “Atlantic,” the new tune by acclaimed Canadian rapper Haviah Mighty.

For this new song, ‘Don’t (Just) Vote,’ the message is clear: Vote, yes, but when you do, imagine the world you would like to see, beyond what appears on your ballot. Harness your imagination and justice becomes inevitable.”

“All You Fascists Bound To Lose” was recently reworked by the Resistance Revival Chorus and Rhiannon Giddens. It appears on the Resistance Revival Chorus’ debut album “This Joy.”

Over a pensive rhythm, Zealot reflects on his incarceration and the way in which some prisoners are afforded second chances for their mistakes and others like him are seemingly denied forgiveness.

Originally published at Ongoing History of Protest Songs Between COVID-19 and the current political climate, there is a lot to make you frustrated and anxious. We all need outlets to cope. If you are a musician, it is only natural that your outlet will involve creating music. Singer and rapper