Top 10 Most Political Bands

These are the bands that have dared to go against the establishment. With anger, frustration, and thought-provoking lyrics, anybody who hates the government always knows when to rock out with these guys.

By the way, this list is ranked by how effectively POLITICALLY CHARGED these bands' lyrics are. Not necessarily how good of a band they are.

1. Rage Against the Machine

   

   Rage Against the Machine is an American rap metal band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1991. The lineup consists of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, bassist Tim Commerford, guitarist Tom Morello, and drummer Brad Wilk.

   Their politically charged music, which blended rock, hip-hop, and funk, debuted... read more

   No question here. Every song these guys write is like an enormous middle finger to the U.S. government. With Zack de la Rocha's unmatchable rage and scream-rap style, Tim Commerford's funky bass, Brad Wilk's pounding drums, and Tom Morello's insane guitar capabilities, Rage's music is still relevant 20 years after it first came out.

   Without a doubt, the most overtly leftist political band to gain a large following. Unlike an unfortunately large amount of political music, RATM truly hits hard.

   Has there ever been a more famous overtly political band?

2. Green Day

   

   Green Day are an American pop-punk and punk rock band formed in East Bay, California, in 1987. The core members are Billie Joe Armstrong on vocals and guitar, Mike Dirnt on bass, and Tré Cool on drums, with Jason White often performing live on guitar. They blend punk rock, pop-punk, and alternative rock... read more

   Green Day only started to get political after they released American Idiot, but they have picked up where Rage left off and have been the leading proponent against the government. American Idiot as a whole was almost like a diss album to the entire Bush administration, and everybody in America could relate.

   They aren't specifically known for their political music, but when they do get political, they are loud, aggressive, and fearless.

   This is a very good and meaningful list. I respect bands that dare to write political songs.

3. System of A Down

   

   System of a Down, formed in 1994, is an Armenian-American alternative metal band from Glendale, California. The band name is sometimes shortened to System or SOAD. They're known for their politically charged lyrics, often addressing topics such as genocide and war, in songs like Holy Mountains, Prison... read more

   Their sound isn't perfectly metal, but at the same time, with their songs Cigaro, Soil, Jet Pilot, F*k the System, and Holy Mountains, it's hard to not group them with metal.

   Though their messages tend to be somewhat on the political left, it's hard to disagree with them on their topics because, in the end, they're all about the cruelty of humans towards other humans and the silence they're forced into.

   All in all, they do the best job of combining beautiful songwriting, heartfelt messages, and unique twists to their music.

   They aren't a metal band, but I agree with everything else. Anyone who disagrees with "they aren't metal" is kindly invited to consult my list "Top 10 Bands That Aren't Metal According to Encyclopaedia Metallum."

4. Pink Floyd

   

   Pink Floyd are an English progressive rock band formed in 1965 in London, England. They gained international acclaim with their innovative, conceptual music blending progressive rock and psychedelia. The classic lineup included Syd Barrett (vocals and guitar), David Gilmour (vocals and guitar), Nick... read more

   This is probably the most politically correct band I know. Such an amazing band, combining Roger Waters' angry, deep lyrics together with David Gilmour's chilling guitar playing, expressing poetry through the notes of the guitar.

   Their anger against the decision-makers who dictate your life in both their rock operas The Wall and Animals will make you appreciate the ensemble of the most legendary rock band in the history of music.

5. The Clash

   

   The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk. Known for their politically charged lyrics and eclectic musical style, they are considered one of the most influential bands in the history of punk rock. They blasted their way into history with... read more

   The Clampdown, Straight to Hell, Career Opportunities, dare I say Rock the Casbah, Know Your Rights, their cover of Police and Thieves, Police On My Back, Spanish Bombs, Hate & War, Charlie Don't Surf, Ivan Meets GI Joe, Ghetto Defendant, Bank Robber, One More Time/Dub, Washington Bullets, White Man in Hammersmith Palais, The Call Up, English Civil War, The Guns of Brixton, Kingston Advice, Justice Tonight/Kick It Over, and of course London Calling.

   This was all before social media and 24/7 news.

6. Bad Religion

   

   Bad Religion is an American punk rock band that formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1979. The band is known for its soaring three-part vocal harmonies, intricate guitar work, and thought-provoking lyrics. Their music often includes commentary on religion, politics, and social issues.

   Should be number 1 or 2 for consistency.

7. Rise Against

   

   Rise Against is an American punk rock band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 1999. The current lineup includes Tim McIlrath on vocals and rhythm guitar, Zach Blair on lead guitar, Joe Principe on bass, and Brandon Barnes on drums. The band is known for blending a punk sound with politically and socially... read more

8. Dead Kennedys

   

   Dead Kennedys are an American hardcore punk band formed in San Francisco, California, in 1978. They were among the first American hardcore bands to gain a significant following in the United Kingdom. The band's politically charged lyrics and satirical style made them a prominent voice in the punk movement... read more

   Unlike your little pop rock bands - *cough Green Day cough* - these guys were ALWAYS political and managed to be enjoyable at the same time. With Jello's persistent use of Juvenalian satire and compelling stage presence, along with East Bay Ray's rapid surf guitar style, these guys were killers in the punk scene. They had something to say about just about anything or anyone too.

   With a band name that sums up the group's political intent, the Dead Kennedys were among the leaders in the hardcore punk scene of the '80s. They held nothing back in criticizing the government, particularly the Reagan administration.

9. Reagan Youth

   

10. Midnight Oil

    

    Midnight Oil is an Australian rock band that began life under the name Farm in 1972. The founding lineup included Rob Hirst (drums), Andrew James (bass), and Jim Moginie (keyboards. Lead guitar). Peter Garrett joined in 1975 and the group adopted the name Midnight Oil in 1976. The band is known for its... read more

    Unlike many of the other bands on this list, Midnight Oil made sure to sing about making the world a better place, not just tearing it down. They have always taken actions far beyond the music.

    Their music never takes a back seat to the message, and neither does the poetry of the lyrics. They are artists and musicians whose work stands alone as some of the most brilliant rock music ever made, which also happens to have meaningful and inspiring lyrics.

    The Oils never feigned anger. Instead, they operated on pure, authentic rage that powered their amazing performances.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    The Beatles

    

    The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The group comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. They are regarded as the most influential band of all time and were integral to the development of the 1960s counterculture and the recognition of popular... read more

12. ?

    Pussy Riot

    

    Pussy Riot is a Russian feminist protest punk rock group based in Moscow. Founded in August 2011, the group has had a fluctuating membership of around 11 women, typically ranging in age from about 20 to 33. They are known for their provocative performances and activism against the Russian government... read more

The Contenders

13. The Sex Pistols

    

    The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band formed in London in 1975. Although they lasted only two and a half years and released just four singles and one studio album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols, they are considered one of the most influential acts in the history of popular... read more

    The O.G.s of punk rock. With only one album, the Pistols took on the entire U.K. Sid Vicious' music and messages, through songs like "Anarchy in the UK" and "God Save the Queen," have been the motto for young, government-hating Brits for decades.

14. U2

    

    U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk and gradually evolved to incorporate elements of alternative rock, electronic music, and pop. Known for their anthemic sound and use... read more

    I know it might seem strange to place a relatively calm band like U2 on a list with metal, punk rock, and hip-hop groups, but in their early days U2 was not afraid to challenge the government of Ireland. This is most apparent in protest songs like "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "New Year's Day."

    The first voice in Ireland I ever heard. First-world citizens who really brought a more global perspective to my late GenX age group.

    Not only political with their music, but with their causes.

15. Megadeth

    

    Megadeth is an American thrash metal band from Los Angeles, California. The band was formed in 1983 by guitarist Dave Mustaine and bassist David Ellefson, shortly after Mustaine was dismissed from Metallica. They have released 16 studio albums to date and have undergone numerous lineup changes, with... read more

    With albums like United Abominations and many songs discussing a "New World Order," Dave's lyrics are driven and hard to beat in terms of songwriting.

    One of the best examples is Peace Sells. The video helps to understand the song. Musically, this is one of my favorite Megadeth songs.

    This band even sings about Illuminati conspiracy in the song "We the People." Why isn't this number one?

16. Public Enemy

    

    Public Enemy is an American hip-hop group founded by Chuck D and Flavor Flav. The group was formed in Roosevelt, New York, in 1985. It is known for its politically charged lyrics and its 1988 album It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back.

    With a rock-flavored hip-hop sound, Chuck D, Flava Flav, and the boys have been making insightful messages about the social problems in America for 30+ years. This is especially true with their masterpiece albums It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, Fear of a Black Planet, and Apocalypse 91... The Enemy Strikes Back.

17. Metallica

    

    Metallica is an American heavy and thrash metal band formed in 1981. The original lineup included James Hetfield (vocals and rhythm guitar), Dave Mustaine (lead guitar), Lars Ulrich (drums), and Ron McGovney (bass). They first gained mainstream fame with their 1991 self-titled album (The Black Album... read more

    Many songs, and the entire album ...And Justice for All, feature themes of political and legal injustice seen through the prisms of censorship, war, and nuclear brinkmanship.

18. Slayer

    

    Slayer is an American thrash metal band from Huntington Park, California, formed in 1981 by guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King. They rose to fame with their 1986 album Reign in Blood and are considered one of the Big Four of thrash metal, along with Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax.... read more

19. Queen

    

    Queen is an English rock band formed in London in 1970. The original lineup was Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), Roger Taylor (drums, vocals), and John Deacon (bass guitar). Before Queen, May and Taylor had played together in a band named Smile. Freddie Mercury, a fan... read more

    To my recollection, Freddie Mercury was the first worldwide celebrity to pass from HIV. Losing such a talent, I believe, was the start of a real togetherness in fighting HIV and marked the beginning of wider acceptance of the gay community.

20. Bad Brains

    

    Bad Brains is an American hardcore punk band that was formed in Washington, D.C. in 1977. They are widely regarded as pioneers of the hardcore punk movement. However, the band's members have often rejected this label as too limiting for their diverse musical style.

21. N.W.A

    

    N.W.A was an American hip hop group from Compton, California. They were among the earliest and most influential figures in the gangsta rap subgenre, widely regarded as one of the most seminal groups in hip hop history. Their 1988 album Straight Outta Compton played a pivotal role in shaping the sound... read more

    N.W.A. was pretty much against everything and everybody, but they put special emphasis on the mistreatment of African Americans in the U.S. and the issue of police brutality. With the current news stories of today, Dre, Cube, E, Ren, and Yella's music will never lose its impact.

    The angst of teens in inner cities, telling us what was really going on and what they saw living through it. Most of America had no idea - I didn't.

22. Anti-Flag

    

    Anti-Flag is an American punk rock band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The group is known for its politically charged lyrics and commitment to activism. Their work addresses themes such as anti-war movements, anti-imperialism, class inequality, and human rights.

    Anti-Flag is an American punk rock band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The band is well known for politically charged lyrics and activism, focusing on anti-war activism, anti-imperialism, class struggle, human rights, and various other sociopolitical sentiments.

23. Chumbawamba

    

    Formed in 1982, ended in 2012. They constantly shifted their musical style, drawing on genres such as punk rock, pop, folk, and experimental. The punk attitude remained their style.

    Known for their Tubthumping, they turned down Nike's use of the song, later licensed it to General Motors, and then donated all the $70K they earned to anti-General Motors activist groups.

    Just want to say that, for many, many reasons, they will perhaps go down as the biggest savages in music history - and one of the most mind-boggling too.

24. Manic Street Preachers

    

    Manic Street Preachers are a Welsh rock band formed in Blackwood, Wales, in 1986. The group consists of James Dean Bradfield, Nicky Wire, and Sean Moore. Known for their political lyrics and energetic sound, the band has released several acclaimed albums and remains active in the music scene.

25. Pearl Jam

    

    Pearl Jam is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1990. The founding lineup included Eddie Vedder, Mike McCready, Stone Gossard, Jeff Ament, and drummer Dave Krusen. The band is best known for its debut album Ten, which features the songs "Even Flow," "Black," and "Jeremy" and was... read more

26. Anthrax

    

    Anthrax is an American thrash metal band from New York City, formed in 1981 by guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Dan Lilker. The band is considered one of the Big Four of thrash metal, alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth. They are known for albums such as Among the Living and for pioneering the... read more

27. Creedence Clearwater Revival

    

    Creedence Clearwater Revival, commonly abbreviated as CCR or simply Creedence, was an American rock band formed in El Cerrito, California. The band consisted of lead vocalist, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter John Fogerty. His brother, rhythm guitarist Tom Fogerty. Bassist Stu Cook. And drummer... read more

    The band that was a leader in the anti-Vietnam War movement. Songs like "Fortunate Son" can really just speak for themselves.

    The Vietnam War from a California Berkeley perspective.