The Only Tracks You Need to Hear Right Now: UK General Election Edition

Politics is an exhausting business, that’s for sure. With all this talk of tactical voting, it’s hard to know what way is up…and don’t even get us started with trying to get our Tory-supporting family to see the error of their ways. As this turbulent week begins, where you won’t be able to escape endless conversations about whatever way you’re voting, you’re going to need something to help push you through.

To give you that extra punch, we’ve curated a politically-pumped playlist to keep spirits high and remind you what you’re fighting for.

M.I.A. – “Borders”

We all know that Sri Lankan-British rapper M.I.A. is no stranger to protest. Whilst she’s been outspoken about her views throughout her career,  “Borders” is one of her most political tracks yet, released in 2015 in response to the refugee crisis. A political anthem from a political icon.

Cola Boyy – “All Power to the People”

Here at HUNGER, we’ve long been a fan of Cola Boyy. Like all our favourite artists, he has a clear political message and uses his music to educate about social inequality. “All Power to the People” is a PSA-style anthem encouraging listeners to fight the power and “beat down those fascists” — making it essential listening in a Boris Johnson-run state.

Le Tigre – “Deceptacon”

After she left Bikini Kill, quintessential riot grrrl Kathleen Hanna formed Le Tigre, a DIY pop band that channelled righteous feminist rage into dancefloor-ready anthems. “Deceptacon” is Le Tigre at its best, serving a thumping beat that never fails to get you riled up and lyrics (“Let me hear you depoliticize my rhyme”) that resound like a wake-up call. The perfect motivation to fight the man.

Childish Gambino – “This Is America”

Donald Glover might have initially cut his teeth as a comedy writer, but “This Is America” shows that the current state of the USA is no laughing matter. Buoyed by a Gospel choir and a trap beat, Glover pits the realities of gun violence and institutional racism against the mirage of the American Dream. This portrait of contemporary America provides a heady warning for where the UK might be headed if the general election doesn’t bring a dramatic political shift.

ANOHNI – “4 DEGREES”

With production from Kanye West-collaborator Hudson Mohawke and experimentalist Oneohtrix Point Never, “4 DEGREES” blasts like trumpets of the Apocalypse. Overblown drums grab your attention, paving the way for ANOHNI’s resonant message about climate change: if we don’t change our ways, all we love in the world will soon be lost. It’s the ideal track to remind you that environmental issues are, at heart, human rights issues — and we can’t like corporate greed or right-wing agendas get in the way of positive change.

Janelle Monáe – “Americans”

With her 2018 album Dirty Computer, Janelle Monáe explored the intersections of the persona and the political with singles like “Pynk” or “Make Me Feel” reclaiming the beauty of her experience as a queer Black woman in a society that seeks to silence her joy. Album-closer “Americans” takes a more direct approach by openly speaking up for all those disadvantaged due to racism, classism, sexism or queerphobia. Make like Monáe and get your voice out there.

IDLES – “Danny Nedelko”

Bristolian pub rockers IDLES have gathered a legion of devoted fans through their heartfelt discussions of mental health and masculinity. “Danny Nedelko” delves into another vital conversation by tackling the rising trend of nationalism and the anti-migration rhetoric which is tearing through the UK. Much-needed listening in today’s political landscape.

Big Joanie – “Token”

British punk band Big Joanie describe themselves as “The Ronettes filtered through 80s DIY and riot grrrl with a sprinkling of dashikis.” With an intro like that, you can tell they’re going to have a message worth listening to, and they do. “Token” is a prime example and goes out to all the white people who think that having a person of colour in their friendship circle excuses their casual racism. Press play.

Grimes – “We Appreciate Power”

Pop provocateur Grimes wrote “We Appreciate Power” from the perspective of a propaganda girl band seeking to “spread goodwill towards Artificial Intelligence” in a dystopian future where A.I. rules the Earth. Whilst it’s a chilling prediction for the future, listening in the present is a necessary reminder that we can’t always trust the political spin machine…

Kate Tempest – “Europe is Lost”

Poet and musician Kate Tempest is known for her lyricism and politically-engaged work, and nowhere is this more apparent than on “Europe is Lost”. A succinct summary of the evils of contemporary Britain it calls out the “top down violence, structural viciousness” of a society built off colonial greed and social inequality. If you’ve gone numb to the political struggle, let Tempest restore the feeling.