Music in the Mayhem: When social commentary and songs collide

We all have sides that we oppose and recognize who are our opposites-in-thought, but music has long united people in all walks of life. Messages can hold more weight when there is a melody behind it, and with the aid of music in the current age, there is no societal issue which goes unaddressed through sound.

FEMALE EMPOWERMENT

From the Women’s March to the #MeToo movement, the world has seen a culture shift when it comes to women demanding respect from those in charge.

“Last year, the momentum of the #MeToo movement arguably has yet to make a lasting impact on the music industry, for many artists who are under scrutiny for sexual misconduct and allegations,” Naomi Wright, a sophomore East Carolina University political science major, said.

Lamenting through lyrics about the woes of toxic masculinity and more, female artists have affirmed how important it is to be as strong and as independent as their male counterparts.

ALBUMS: “Rainbow” - Kesha (2017)

Primarily a pop record, Rainbow incorporates elements of pop rock, neo soul and country pop. Its lyrical themes range from letting go of the past, the cruciality of discovering self-worth and of course, the importance of female empowerment in a patriarchal society.

SONGS:

• “Praying” - Kesha

• “Gatekeeper” - Jessie Reyez

• “Confident” - Demi Lovato

• “Flawless” - Beyonce ft. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

• “Salute” - Little Mix

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Throughout the years, the music industry has seen the loss of several notable artists who have succumbed to the use and abuse of lethal drugs. From pioneers such as Prince and Whitney Houston to the more recent passings of Mac Miller and Lil Peep, fans mourn daily and are forever left with the unanswered question: “What more could they have done if their time wasn’t cut short?”

“If you’re an avid listener of rap, it’s hard to deny there has been a noticeable shift in the mindset of some MCs when it comes to self-medicating on opiates,” Draymond Wiley, an ECU freshman psychology and criminal justice double major, said.

Amid the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States, many musicians have used their platforms to speak out against substance abuse and have even told personal stories about their experiences with addiction.

ALBUMS: “KOD” - J. Cole (2018)

Appropriately released on a day known for cannabis culture is J. Cole’s long-awaited fifth studio album, “KOD,” which dropped on April 20 of last year. Through a 12-track body of work, Cole urges listeners to reflect on how one may choose to respond to temptation and trauma. KOD is a compelling record which captures listeners with its overarching thematic plea — for each person within our society to reevaluate the glorification of drug use.

SONGS:

“Once An Addict (Interlude)” - J. Cole (2018)

“Sober” - Demi Lovato (2018)

MENTAL HEALTH

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, approximately one in five (about 43.8 million) adults in the U.S. experience some form of mental illness in a given year. Fortunately, the discussion surrounding mental health is becoming less stigmatized due to those who are willing to speak out on it — from members of the general public to those in the public eye.

“I was officially diagnosed with depression when I got to college, but I’ve been dealing with anxiety and depressive thoughts since I was 13,” Tamirah Stewart, a junior public health major at ECU, said. “I’d be lying to you if I said that music hasn’t served as a form of therapy for me as well.”

With the help of lyrical content addressing the authenticities of illnesses such as anxiety and depression, fans of vocalists can come to terms with mental health struggles they may face themselves.

ALBUM: “After Laughter” - Paramore (2017)

Breaking out of a four-year hiatus is rock band Paramore, who released their fifth studio album “After Laughter” in May 2017. The eccentricity of the music masks the misery behind the record’s lyrical content, which makes “After Laughter” a musical example of how mental illnesses truly impact millions of lives, as most hide behind the facade of happiness while dealing with issues such as depression and anxiety in silence.

SONGS:

• “Caught in the Middle” - Paramore

• “breathin” - Ariana Grande

• “1-800-273-8255” - Logic ft. Alessia Cara & Khalid

• “24/7” - Kehlani