This summer is not just a silly summer. With the current state of affairs in the United States, it seems impossible to listen to music and just drown it all out. From the Supreme Court to anti-trans bills and even a declining overall mental health state, it’s all so overwhelming. Music here can be a tool to reflect and make sense of society. Here are songs that are about rage and social issues but also healing and mental health because right now it is also important to take care of each other and empower one another to keep going.
“SWINE” by Demi Lovato
“Under-compensated, too domesticated…underestimated, over regulated…hate-dominated,” goes the newest lyrics of Lovato’s song.
Highlighting the rage of not having autonomy over one’s own body, this song is a call to action to continue to fight for basic human rights. Although focusing on abortion in this song, the rage and discontent with the current political system could be translated to also include the anger of Black and brown communities, LGBTQ+ communities and other marginalized people who are currently losing their rights.
“Eugene” by Arlo Parks
Singer/Songwriter Arlo Parks not only knows how to perfectly encapsulate young adult emotions and tribulations, her latest album “My Soft Machine” released this year also acts as a platform for mental health advocacy but also pop fun.
Though, “Eugene” takes on a lighter theme of falling in love with your friend who complains about being with Eugene. “You read him Sylvia Plath, I thought that that was our thing,” the lyrics read. Not only catchy, the song is somber and well written.
Parks, 22, is an artist to look out for as they never stray away from telling LGBTQ+ stories and mental health advocacy. This seems to also be why her work is so relatable to the college student.
“Vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo
Queen of angst, Olivia Rodrigo announced earlier in June the release of her new song “Vampire” and sophomore album “Guts.”
“Vampire” was released June 30, 2023 and broke Spotify. People reported the streaming service crashing due to the overwhelming amount of people streaming this song as well as Lil Uzi Vert’s new album. The song talks about a toxic relationship, as Rodrigo sings, “you went for me not her, ‘cause girls your age know better.”
Although it’s not clear the song is about anyone, it highlights the common relationship dynamics of older men praying on and dating younger girls. Other artists also touched on this issue in their discography including Demi Lovato with “29″ and Taylor Swift with “Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve.”
Talking about this issue and making it a mainstream conversation draws attention and hopefully prevents this abusive power dynamic from continuing.
“Don’t Give Up” by Black Belt Eagle Scout
Native American indie artist, Katerine Paul, draws from her heritage and her experiences in her newest album “The Land, The Water, The Sky” released this year.
The song “Don’t Give Up” is an affirmation to heal and never give up, “I found healing in you, windy leaves are flowing.” The entire album, but in particular this song, are grounded in nature and healing from the past weather that be mental health or trauma related.
This album is sonically interesting as well as lyrically empowering; and, only a taste of Black Belt Eagle Scout.
“Snow Angel” by Renee Rapp
23-year-old, “young ex-wife” Renee Rapp shows off her broadway vocals in this ballad. Single “Snow Angel” came after the entirety of writing her sophomore album, Rapp wrote in her instagram announcement.
Although the majority of this new album was complete, Rapp had a traumatic experience that led to her writing and adding this song. Then, the song became the title of the album coming out August 18, 2023. “I’ll angel in the snow until I’m worthy,” the chorus goes.
Not only does the song showcase a raw, rough period in Rapp’s life, it also shows her immense talent as a singer. More than anything though, it’s a reminder we can all “make it through the winter” even if it seems impossible right now.
“Not Strong Enough” by boygenius
Queer group, boygenius, is made up of Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus. In their newest album “the record,” the group puts at the forefront mental health and queer love.
Their song “Not Strong Enough” portrays what it’s like to live with mental illness, “I don’t know why I am the way I am,” read the lyrics. This song doesn’t shy from being real in how mental health is portrayed, how it can be all consuming and never ending.
Boygenuis formed as counter culture to the stereotypical boy band and male artists who are “geniuses” just because they’re men. They are unapologetic in their existence.