Top 10 songs for Election 2020

Article

November 2nd, 2020

Photo of John Lennon with Yoko Ono behind wearing blindfold, performing Instant Karma. Photo by Ron Howard/Redferns

Early voting has reached record numbers in battleground states this election, including among young voters, known as Gen Z. Young people not of voting age have showed their civic engagement through groups like Voters of Tomorrow, Student Reporting Labs, Prom At The Polls — and by fighting voter cynicism through the power of music, of course. Take a look at EXTRA’s intern Rebecca Shaid’s music recommendation list to get you ready for Election Day!

1. “Power to the People,” John Lennon & The Plastic Ono Band: Listen to this call to action from the 60s, and a fun beat!

2.”Fight Song,” Rachel Platten: An anthem that’s almost guaranteed to make you get up and feel empowered, hear it here.

Photo of John Lennon performing Instant Karma – Yoko Ono behind wearing blindfold. Photo by Ron Howard/Redferns

3. “The Final Countdown,” Europe: If you can call these moments anything, you can call them “The Final Countdown.”

4. “Think,” Aretha Franklin: Leave it up to the Queen of Soul to help you get out the vote!

5. “Don’t Stop,” Fleetwood Mac: To get you in the mood for Election Day, watch this video of Fleetwood Mac performing “Don’t Stop” alongside former President Bill Clinton at his inaugural ball in 1993.

6. “Party in the U.S.A,” Miley Cyrus: Reminisce on a much simpler time when you sang “it’s a party in the U.S.A.” on the radio to young Miley Cyrus.

7. “Born in the U.S.A.,” Bruce Springsteen: There’s nothing more patriotic than singing along to Bruce Springsteen’s classic.

Singer Bruce Springsteen gathers on stage with then-Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama, wife Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha, during an election rally in Cleveland, Ohio Nov. 2, 2008. REUTERS/Jason Reed.

8. “Y.M.C.A.,” The Village People: You can have a good time, but not all musicians approve of candidates playing their songs on the campaign trail, including the Village People.

9. “Work,” Mary J. Blige: Kamala Harris used this tune during the Democratic primary to energize the crowd.

10. “Higher Higher,” Jackie Wilson: Your love of democracy is lifting us higher.

I Like Ike: End with a fun catchy song from former President Eisenhower’s campaign. Listen here!