The Best Political Albums of All Time

Some of the subjects of Marvin Gaye’s Vietnam War-era album What’s Going On couldn’t have been more topical at the time. But that’s a title sentiment that just never gets old. What’s Going On is widely regarded as one of the best politically or socially themed albums of all time, and its message is as relevant as ever. Its title track has been covered by everyone from John Legend to Cyndi Lauper, with the most recent and timely cover coming from iconic glam-rock singer Michael Des Barres, whose hard-rockin’ version can be heard HERE.

Here’s a gallery of some other landmark albums to get you through troubled times. And once these albums have gotten you in the mood, check out this list of other suggested listening:

GIL SCOTT-HERON: Small Talk at 125th and Lenox (1970)

BOB MARLEY: Exodus (1977)

SYSTEM OF A DOWN: Toxicity (2001)

PETE SEEGER: We Shall Overcome (1963)

M.I.A.: Arular (2005)

MIDNIGHT OIL: Diesel and Dust (1990)

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN: The Ghost of Tom Joad (1995)

THE DISPOSABLE HEROES OF HIPHOPRISY: Hypocrisy is the Greatest Luxury(1992)

PRIMAL SCREAM: XTRMNTR(2000)

TOM ROBINSON BAND: Power in the Darkness (1978)

PINK FLOYD: Animals (1977)

STEVE EARLE: The Revolution Starts Now (2004)

BIKINI KILL: Pussy Whipped (1993)

THE SPECIALS: Ghost Town (1981)

BRUCE COCKBURN: Stealing Fire (1984)

GANG OF FOUR: Entertainment! (1979)

DEAD KENNEDYS: Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables (1980)

HANK WILLIAMS JR.: Old School, New Rules (2012)

NEIL YOUNG: Living With War (2006)

JACKSON BROWNE: Lives in the Balance (1986)

NOFX: War on Errorism (2003)

MAX ROACH: We Insist! (1961)