Do Musicians Going Political Helping Their Careers?

When musicians talk about politics in their music, many people might frown over their songs. However, it's not always the case. There are some artists who are very much appreciated for their politically relevant songs and one of them is U2.

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U2 was even multi-awarded on their political songs and Pride (In the Name of Love), as well as Sunday Bloody Sunday, is among their most notable political songs. Fellow Irish band, The Cranberries even voiced out in their hit "Zombie" which is regarding the conflict known as The Troubles, which killed a lot of people.

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Nevertheless, not all musicians making political statements always succeed. Remember the anti-Bush statement by Natalie Maines of DIxie Chicks which led to backlash and even being banned from country radio stations. However, they redeemed themselves for not being ready to make nice with their album Taking The Long Way.

Beyonce on Formation

At the moment, many artists are getting political though it doesn't serve them well. Last 2016, Beyonce gone political with he performance on Super Bowl, which received criticisms alongside her protest song Formation and a tribute to Black Lives Matter.

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The song still became a top 10 hit in Billboard Hot 100, but wasn't a radio hit.

The purposeful pop of Katy Perry

Katy Perry who is a staunch supporter of Hillary Clinton introduced her brand of purposeful pop on her music. Her music video and song Chained to The Rhythm has implications of anti-Trump. The song was a top 10 hit worldwide, however, her album Witnessfailed to make an impact. Do her decision of going political has its effect?

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Eminem made numerous political songs

Eminem already gone political back on his album The Eminem Show. The most controversial, probably, was Mosh which is a clear anti-Bush song. Still, his career is unaffected due to his stable sales. Recently, Em became an anti-Trump as he gone political again on his current album Revival. Does it helped his career? It brought him back to the number one spot, however, sales is lower 3-5 times of his past albums's first week sales. Indeed, he is not selling as much as he used to.

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Justin Timberlake takes political route

Justin Timberlake has taken on Trump a number of times in different statements. However, in his music video of "Supplies", it became clearer as it tackled different political and societal issues. He received a number of criticisms recently though, and the regarding his new album, we are not yet sure about the reception. He will even perform at Super Bowl in a week.

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Celebs who doesn't want to talk about politics

I saw an article from Lifezette about the three actors who refused to speak about politics.

They were Kevin Hart, Mark Wahlberg, and Dwayne Johnson, who remains one of the most popular celebrities on HollyWood today.

Even Taylor Swift is not speaking up about politics despite others forcing her to do.

Music as a platform to speak up, but could it be entertaining?

Music is a platform to express oneself. Artists can speka their opinions up on their works. However, could it be better to sound more entertaining? Discussing issues is fine, but these musicians would do more if their music is inspiring towards their listeners, and something people can relate to.

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