It’s Independence Day! And there’s no other form of music that shouts independence like hard rock and heavy metal. What’s so cool is that the genre covers everything from basic patriotic ‘All-American’ themes to protesting against the system and calling out it’s hypocrisy. That’s what makes this country so great. The ability to freely criticize and speak out against the system. We started the trend even though other first world nations are perfecting the freedom of speech government that our founding fathers created 241 years ago. Hopefully we can get through our current political crisis and keep our country going. These songs are for you Lady Liberty!
KISS – All American Man – ‘Alive II’
Let’s start off with a fun one. By 1977 KISS was without a doubt the biggest band in the world. In rock or really any other popular genre for that matter. It was time to follow up the massively successful ‘Alive’ with a sequel live album. Enter the brilliantly and originally titled ‘Alive II’. The band didn’t want to repeat any songs from ‘Alive’ with the new record. As a result they had to write and record five studio songs to go at the end of the album. The first track is a fun Paul Stanley piece called ‘All American Man’. It’s just a pure piece of all American desire. KISS didn’t have a lot of time to write and record. As a consequence the songs aren’t the strongest (with the exception of Ace Frehley’s ‘Rocket Ride’). But this is still a great Fourth of July song.
Living Colour – Which Way to America? – ‘Vivid’
This is like anti- All American Man. It’s a brilliant satire piece. A perfect combination of funk, metal and a big dose of punk. This is Living Colour at their most direct and passionate. The album is filled with politically aware lyrics and messages. Mixed with fun songs like ‘I Wanna Know’ as well. ‘Which Way to America?’ tackles the urban social climate of the late 80’s in pure bad ass fashion. A snarky, smart song that’s thoughtful in it’s sarcasm.
The Cult – Wake Up Time for Freedom – ‘Sonic Temple’
Ok, yes, The Cult are British. But that doesn’t matter. This song is another great protest song about the army. Ian Astbury paints a picture of waking up in a daze while being confronted by a army recruit at his front door. And the smooth yet aggressive music fits the lyrics perfectly. Which is a trait that a lot of bands don’t have. The ‘Sonic Temple’ album really is one of the best in the hard rock/metal genre. It’s such a consistent record and should always be blasted on a hot summer Fourth of July day! Blast away!
King’s X – Freedom – ‘Ogre Tones’
King’s X have always had the ability to be very balanced in their point of view. This song is no exception to the rule. The first verse points out some of the more positive elements of ‘freedom’. While the second verse tackles the flaws of our system. And no matter what happens in the system, people will just blame God at the end of the day. Excellent calling out of conservative political hypocrisy. All done in a drop ass heavy musical setting with stunning British invasion vocal harmonies and melodies. There just isn’t another band out there with this sound. Or with really their balanced point of view for that matter. BRILLIANT!
Queensryche – I’m American – ‘Operation: Mindcrime II’
This cut from the sequel to the masterful and innovative ‘Operation: Mindcrime’ is full of pure Queensryche excellence. It’s a short direct song that calls out the entitlement that is rampant in this country. Not just with young people, but this idea that we all deserve excess because we live in one of the most free societies on Earth. We often mistake want and need. And this track gets you thinking about that subject. In fast paced, manic song that hits right between the eyes.
