MODERN DAY SONGS OF PROTEST

We’ve a history of utilising a memorable hook in order to make a point. Stiff Little Fingers are still packing them in with politically motivated, poppy punk rock. On ‘Sunrise’, The Divine Comedy addressed the troubles with a memorable poignancy and a beautiful melody. Paul Brady’s ‘The Island’ is loved around the world, perhaps by many who don’t quite get the point that poetic little song is making. Remember Portadown band Joyrider? They ended up on Top of the Pops promoting an album called ‘Be Special’.

In 2018 we’re talking about a young Derry Girl called Susie Blue. Susie’s music is a relatively new type of protest, for Northern Ireland at least. I’ve talked about the song ‘People Like Us’ before – a rousing, euphoric moment which presents Susie’s approach to modern life very well. ‘Myself and my friends are mostly LGBT and we get funny looks because of how we dress and act’ she told Across the Line last year. Bizarrely – ‘People Like Us’ – which really does rank as one of the finest – and most instantly likable Northern Irish songs of the last couple of years – isn’t on the Susie Blue debut album. Nor is the wonderful follow up, ‘Be a Lady’. Initially appalled by such outstanding songs not making the cut – I then heard Didn’t Mean to Care – released on Monday past – and quickly found out the album didn’t need them. Remarkably, there’s more than enough rousing anthems in the making, thoughtful lyrics and – yes – poppy hooks – for this record to flourish without those previous mega-moments. The title track is an instant standout, sweet and dinky, yet gutsy. Opener ‘Lisbeth’ is a weirdly brash and cocky song about devotion. ‘I’m not asking you to die for me, only asking if you would’ – it’s a powerful overture, an exclamation point right at the start. ‘She’s a Keeper’ is a thing of beauty, unashamedly singable. It’s a love song, of course – but there’s a subtle defiance. It’s crazy such a song could be deemed political but – as Susie explained – ‘when a women is singing about another women in a romantic way – I think it’s always going to be political…. until we get equality’.

So there’s two ways to enjoy this record. As a collection of killer songs, perfectly crafted and undeniably catchy. Or as thoughtful, helpful and positive stories and messages. At first it has impact. Then rewards for repeated listens. You’ll care, for sure.