THESE 10 FOLKS WERE BORN TO MAKE SONGS THAT ARE ABOUT WAR
War is a complex subject. It can invoke a variety of feelings and emotions. Whether we like to talk about it or not, military conflicts also have political connections. They affect every aspect of life, and when you are dealing with such topics, you are going to have a variety of opinions. Where there is a mix of opinions combined with emotions, you are going to get art, and that is how songs that are about war get written. Songs about war can go in a variety of ways, both pro and against, but they can often deliver some important thinking points and a mix of emotions. If you are looking for some of the best songs about war, we’ve got you covered with these ten artists that can provide the commentary and soundtrack to conflicts. Suggested read:Exploring Poems for the Military & Vets on National Haiku Poetry Day
Artists Who've Written Popular Songs That Are About War
It won’t take long to turn on a top-40s radio station and find songs that are built quite literally to get stuck in your head all day and make you dance. This is why songs written about war making an impact might not be the norm all the time, but when they do, a powerful message can be made. Music is a universal language, and while we might all have our own preferred “dialect,” it is something that connects people across cultures and creeds. If you are looking for songs about the military or some tracks speaking on wars, here are some of the best to ever do it.
1. Creedence Clearwater Revival
It’s impossible to make a list of bands who've created war-related songs and not include CCR. “Fortunate Son” continues to be found in popular culture as a reference not only to Vietnam but also to many other wars and conflicts throughout the years. Despite otherwise not being an overtly political group, Creedence Clearwater Revival became the soundtrack to every Vietnam War movie, and the rest, as they say, is history. CCR set the standard for songs that are about war. Check out some war movies here:11 of the Best Military Movies in 2022 to Binge-Watch Now
2. The Temptations
Motown may be remembered for its smooth vocals and the thrusting of Black artists into the national spotlight, but in the middle of these soulful tracks was the iconic “War.” Huh? Yeah, that “War.” Created as a counterculture anthem to protest against the Vietnam War, it was a stark difference from the other songs in the group’s catalog.
3. Bob Dylan
Some artists transcend themselves, and Bob Dylan is the perfect example. He’s an artist’s artist and found tremendous commercial success. Dylan also had plenty to say about war and politics. The works that made him a household name came out during the peak of the counterculture revolution during which songs about war were popular. Dylan is a household name, largely in part due to his association with the protest songs he wrote.
4. John Lennon
Gone too soon, it's undeniable the influence that John Lennon had on pop culture and music as a whole. “Give Peace a Chance” by the Plastic Ono Band is a protest anthem that refuses to die. This was less of a war-related song and more of a track focused on peace. It doesn’t take more than the name to see where Lennon fell on his thoughts about the Vietnam War, but we can all agree that peacetime is a goal to strive for.
5. NENA
German singer NENA created a track named "99 Luftballons" in the ‘80s during the height of the Cold War. Translated by NENA and then covered by many, many artists here in the states (including an iconic cover from Goldfinger), you don’t have to look too far to see the impact of the track. “99 Red Balloons,” as it is known in the States, is a beautiful contrast of the happy feelings of the tune mixed with the tension of nuclear war that was unfolding in the song as well as in real life for millions of Americans.
6. Eric B. & Rakim
Rakim is widely considered an emcee that was well ahead of his time, and on “Casualties of War,” we can see why. This hip-hop duo delivers a vivid critique of the Gulf War, questioning military action and expressing the concerns of so many soldiers just trying to get home safely to their families.
7. Green Day
Arguably the most outspoken group against George W. Bush, Green Day hit the airwaves with American Idiot in 2004. Part political commentary, part social outlook, the concept album intertwines the disconnect of American youth and the complexities of politics in war. “21 Guns” would chart years later after the trio released 21st Century Breakdown in 2009.
8. System of a Down
It doesn’t matter if it’s a battle between the United States and its enemies, conflicts dealing with the Armenian people, or anything in between. SOAD pulls no punches and has plenty to say about war. They are a perfect example of a group creating rock songs about war filled with creativity. Frontman Serj Tankian’s signature voice and delivery mixed with his odd lines and detailed activism combine in fury across many tracks, including “B.Y.O.B.,” “Soldier Side,” and “Genocidal Humanoidz.”
9. Toby Keith
It wouldn’t be fair to exclude Toby Keith here because following 9/11, if there were songs about the military written, they likely came from him. Nationalism and patriotism play out on a variety of tracks, but he’s most well known for sticking a boot up the enemies of America’s a$$e$ because it's the ‘Merican way!
10. The Casualties
When it comes to hardcore punk, being too much of a success is a bad thing. Yet, The Casualties continue to balance widespread fame in the scene without having to sell out. “Unknown Soldier” shows the path of a working-class kid looking for a job who has to join the Marines because he can’t find work, after which he begins to question it all. It’s a relatable story for some that shows the effects going to war has on soldiers as well as their friends and family who just want them to come home.
The Best War Songs Make You Feel More Than the Rhythm
The counterculture movement throughout the United States, as well as Cold War-era protest songs, are enough to fill your playlist with a variety of sounds. Thankfully, we’ve been listening to a wide range of music that is thought-provoking and raw ever since. Songs that are about war come in many different shapes and forms across a variety of genres. There is something for everyone, and most can lead to a healthy dialogue about difficult topics. More like this:Famous Veterans: You’ll Never Believe These Celebrities Actually Served