From Chuck Berry to Cannibal Corpse, rock and roll has always featured an element of rebellion; however, a few songs really stand out as anti-authority anthems, whether they come to us via glammed-out rock stars or harmless-looking SoCal punk rockers in board shorts. Here are five tracks that prove that expressing your discontent has been fodder for some of rock’s greatest songs.
Twisted Sister “We’re Not Gonna Take It”
It’d be impossible to compile a listen of anti-authority anthems without including Twisted Sister’s 1984 hit “We’re Not Gonna Take it.” While the song’s message is powerful on its own, the video of a young boy being chastised by his father for listening to Twisted Sister — and then playing a power chord that sends dad flying out the window before the young protagonist turns into the band’s frontman Dee Snider — was empowering to all of us guitarists whose parents didn’t share our enthusiasm for the six-string. While plenty of musical and fashion trends have occurred in music in the 25 years since this song exploded on the radio charts, the track remains as relevant and incendiary as it’s ever been.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-jsgousZcA
Skid Row “Youth Gone Wild”
When Skid Row burst onto the glam metal scene in the late-’80s it was via its blistering rock song “Youth Gone Wild,” which propelled the band to the top of the charts and helped its self-titled debut disc sell over 10 million copies worldwide. That’s no surprise why when you consider that countless disenchanted youths all instantly related to an anthem that at one point sees the band’s freakishly tall frontman Sebastian Bach telling a corporate slave that “Your Park Avenue lets to … Skid Row!” Although the band wouldn’t ever quite be able to replicate the success and songwriting strength of this disc (which also features hits like “18 And Life”), “Youth Gone Wild” continues to live on as a song that captures what’s it’s like to be a confused teenager who is suddenly forced to deal with the repercussions of his actions in a society that doesn’t understand him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6WhV5gWjJE
Judas Priest “Breaking The Law”
While Gibson certainly doesn’t condone breaking the law, we fully endorse the British metal act Judas Priest’s 1980 anthem of the same title. The song has all the elements of a classic anti-authority anthem: an instantly recognizable guitar riff, rebellious lyrics and an ingenious video concept (the band robs a bank using the power of their guitars and drums instead of guns). Amazingly, Judas Priest hs continued to “break the law” for the past 40 years and this track remains a staple of the band’s dynamic live performances, making it no surprise why the band has unofficially earned the title of “metal gods” in the heavy music community.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psTUiQzNoxw
Pennywise “F*** Authority”
The long-running California punk act Pennywise has been called a lot of things over the years, but we’re guessing “subtle” isn’t one of them. The song “F*** Authority” from their 2001 opus Land Of The Free? clearly shows where the band stands when it comes to people trying to tell this outspoken act what to do. While the name of the song may seem juvenile and excessively aggressive, it’s actually the perfect title to express the discontent and vitriol the band feels toward an unnamed authority who sounds suspiciously like the government. “Sick of your treason, sick of your lies,” frontman Jim Lindberg sings at one point as if his life depended on it. If that doesn’t inspire you to rage against the machine, we don’t know what will.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxsZ-CAmASU
Rage Against The Machine “Killing In The Name”
Speaking of Rage Against The Machine, we had no choice but to include a track by these guys on this list. While pretty much any song the group has penned could make the cut, “Killing In The Name” has become this politically charged band’s signature song and embodies its fight against the establishment more than any other track in its catalog. Although the lyrics are confrontational and controversial, this rally cry has inspired countless adolescents to get off the couch and start making a change, whether that means picking up a guitar and penning their own anthems or simply getting involved in one of the causes the band supports. Hey, when your album art features a Vietnamese Buddhist Monk burning himself to death as part of a protest, it’s pretty clear that you aren’t messing around with your message.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkuOAY-S6OY