The Relevancy of Rage Against the Machine

Photo courtesy of Ralph_PH/Wikimedia Commons

Rage Against the Machine remains politically and musically important even today. Reflecting on their musical sound and lyrics can provide us with both insight into our current situation and rage that might compel us to take action.

Released on Nov. 6, 1992, ahead of its time, but somehow perfectly placed, the release of Rage Against the Machine’s first album Rage Against the Machine followed the end of the Cold War, in the midst of an economy that had been wrecked by a recession and a strong third party vote which ended a long stretch of Republican control of the White House. While music often circulates within its own relevance, Rage Against the Machine’s first album is possibly one of the most influential and overlooked gamechangers of what music was supposed to illustrate. Reshaping a genre of music that had been dominated by groups like The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Nirvana, there was something so groundbreaking about angst with true meaning and focus. 

This was not just music for moody teenage boys and girls to cry to and yell about, but a full-fledged movement. The politics are implemented with zero mystery; there is no moment when you are listening where you have to wonder what these lyrics could mean. Within this is the point that while it is easiest to stay rooted in the middle of the political aisle, it is a waste of your time, especially when politicians begin to reach further and further into our lives. Everything from the lyrics to the sound is crafted to develop this point of view. They tell you to “Wake Up” and that if “You settle for nothing now, You'll settle for nothing later.” I believe that there has never been a group that has maintained such a strong voice and has only grown in relevance as the years move on.

With recent events and the violence we see sweeping our nation, the lyrics and sounds in the 12-track tape begin to take on more importance than ever. At the time of release, Rage Against the Machine was a disruption in a culture that felt uncomfortable with the power the government was beginning to gain. Their words, more specifically those of Zack de la Rocha, are a protest—a chant of political vision disguised as a guitar solo. This political activism and need for change expressed through a musical resonance that had never been heard before is much more significant to the world now than it was in 1992.

The demonization and discrimination of people not fortunate enough either to be born in the United States or to have their life prepaid for is a rising and evolving issue. Rage Against the Machine was fighting against this 30 years ago, and the fight has become even more ubiquitous. While the government we stand for works to strip people of their individuality, the persistence of these lyrics work to fight against these systemic issues which continue to plague our country. Explaining that your “Anger is a gift” pushes us to realize that our disgust with the issues sweeping our nation is fundamental to implementing change. The band’s feeling that “Something about silence makes me sick” echoes that call to action, commenting on the fact that sitting and watching these injustices occur is just as dangerous to society as committing them. 

I have found that, along with the car rides I spent listening to Rage Against the Machine with my dad, the moments realizing the message and themes presented by the band have been eye-opening. There is no line or lyric Zach de la Rocha sings that does not apply to the multitude of issues our country faces right now. It is even more important that we feel a sense of anger and disappointment that the concerns and strife they were singing about in 1992 are not only still a problem, but have grown in their significance. I encourage you to take the time to listen to their words and the sound behind it. As the world continues to spin, there must be some effort towards equality, and Rage Against the Machine is an attempt to spread the word and put power back into the hands of the people. Politics aside, in my opinion there is no punk band that has the uncontrollable and innate musical qualities the Rage Against the Machine has, and Tom Morello is an impressive guitarist.