Sick of the patriarchy? Got quadded on Housing Day? Scared Donald Trump will become our next president? Whatever the issue at hand might be, staging a revolution obviously needs a soundtrack. Listen to these tunes while you read this week’s scrutiny. John Reed would approve.
1. "Revolution" by The Beatles
Though attentive listeners may notice that this song is somewhat ambivalent towards revolutionaries, The Crimson is contractually obligated to include this song in any “revolution music” themed listicle. Here’s looking at you, SONY/ATV Music Publishing.
2. "Do You Hear the People Sing?" by Les Miserables Cast
The song’s inspiring lyrics are buoyed by France’s complete inability to suppress revolution. Five republics in 200 years? Really, France?
3. "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay
Who knew this song was even about a revolution? Not me, that’s for sure. But, really, what’s more revolutionary than a vaguely whiney male vocals? Personally, I hear this song and flashback to the middle school awkward days of braces and rocking out to 2008 pop music behind the closed door of my bedroom.
4. "Talkin’ Bout a Revolution" by Tracy Chapman
This song has the word “revolution” in the title! Check it out!
5. "Get Up Stand Up" by Bob Marley
Figured I’d spice things up a bit with a little reggae. This is one of those songs that gets stuck in your head and NEVER leaves—probably because the only words anyone knows are “get up” and “stand up.”
6. "(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)" by Beastie Boys
Revolution can take many forms (and parentheticals).
7. "Red" by Taylor Swift
You may be thinking, “Aren’t all her songs about bad breakups and budding romances?” Well, yes. But this one’s also about communism.