Billy Bragg

For more than 30 years, Englishman Billy Bragg has kept the faith as one of the most outspokenly political songwriters of his time. From anthems like “There Is Power In A Union,” which Bragg wrote in support of striking miners in Thatcher-era Britain, to the Internet-only antiwar song “The Price Of Oil,” Bragg has made a career of mixing leftist humanist sentiments with punk energy, memorable melodies, and emotionally vulnerable love songs. His most recent album, 2008’s Mr. Love And Justice, came packaged in two versions: a soulful, bells-and-whistles studio version, and a bare-bones acoustic set of the exact same songs, giving listeners the choice of taking it neat or on the rocks. He’s also released a customized protest playlist in the way of Fight Songs, which collects various B-sides, re-recordings, and previously unreleased tracks.

Updated 06/26/2012