Every era carries with it cultural artifacts that define it. Each generation often associates certain music genres and artists with key moments in their lives. These musical preferences become cultural markers that contribute to the formation of generational identity. While songs of protest tend to rail against the perceived injustices of an era, some songs look to unity over division. Both expressions have their place, as society needs dissenting voices of varying degrees to help temper the flames of hatred with the winds of love.
Some artists choose to explore this concept through stories of interracial love, while others explore it through songs of hope amidst tragedy. Here are ten songs that span the decades with the call for people of differences to come together.
Jungle Fever by Stevie Wonder, 1991
Spike Lee’s 1991 movie Jungle Fever did not necessarily focus on promoting racial harmony in the traditional sense. Instead, the film explored racial tensions, interracial relationships, and the impact of societal expectations on individuals. It highlighted the complexities and challenges that arise when people from different racial backgrounds engage romantically and how societal attitudes influence those relationships. However, Lee relied upon Stevie Wonder to bring playful levity to the narrative with infectious new jack swing sensibility. Along with others on the list, this track offers something of a soundtrack to interracial love for couples everywhere.
Black or White | Michael Jackson, 1991
Michael Jackson’s song “Black or White,” –also released in 1991– carries a message of racial unity and harmony. The song and its accompanying music video aimed to challenge racial prejudice and promote the idea that, fundamentally, we are all the same regardless of race or ethnicity. The message clearly resonated as the song reached #1 on the billboard Hot 100 charts and stayed there for seven weeks. “Black or White” remains one of Michael Jackson’s most iconic songs, not only for its musical innovation but also for its powerful message advocating racial harmony, unity, and the rejection of discrimination.
Black And White by Three Dog Night, 1972
Before the King of Pop dealt out a treatise on racial harmony, the rock band Three Dog Night gave a cheery take on the subject with the song, Black and White which peaked at #1 on the Billboard charts in 1972. The idyllic message continued for eleven weeks, offering warmth and racial harmony through a youthful lens. There’s a sense in which the simplistic imagery of black and white children at play is profound. This allows them to grow in their understanding of one another free of the stigmas that persist in the minds of many adults.
I Believe by Blessid Union of Souls, 1995
The song “I Believe” by Blessid Union of Souls, released in 1995, addresses themes of unity, acceptance, and understanding. In an interview, Eliot Sloan alluded to the fact he drew from a personal experience as inspiration for the track. The song speaks to many things, among them a vision of a world of greater tolerance and acceptance. The theme of romantic love between two people of different races aims to inspire and challenge problematic mindsets within society. While not the first interracial love anthem, the song carries a profound message nearly three decades later. According to research, the number of interracial marriages in the US continues to increase, having grown to nearly 1-in-5 by the mid 2010s. As the song suggests, love is indeed the answer.
Ebony & Ivory by Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder, 1982
Sometimes bringing together two major artists with universal appeal can produce magic. But the song’s glaring message so lacks in subtlety that it’s become something of a trope. But setting aside the song’s overkill and thematic cheesiness, it managed to reach #1 on the Billboard 100 and had broad appeal with international audiences. This of course speaks to the cache of its lead performers; moreover, it says something about spreading a message with clear, direct imagery that easily transcends language and cultural barriers. Still, perhaps the song’s best leverage would come years later in 2002. A karaoke scene in the movie Undercover Brother–directed by Malcom D. Lee– cleverly relies on the song to depict a surface level exchange between two characters played by comedian Eddie Griffin and actress Denise Richards. A great way to spread positivity and maximum cringe simultaneously.
Imagine by John Lennon, 1971
Just about anything by the Beatles was a major hit, though the band members also achieved impressive accolades as solo acts. John Lennon’s aspirational opus, “Imagine”, remains a seminal song that (posthumously) defines his career, and will do so for decades to come. Striking a somber, yet beautifully haunting tone–the lyrics conjure a future reality of a world where peace reigns over strife, war and violence. Countless renditions of the song have littered the airwaves over the years, and in 2014 global organization UNICEF adopted the song as a peace anthem. Dozens of artists, actors, and performers lended their voices to a viral video that reached over 9 million views.
Free Your Mind by En Vogue, 1992
When female-driven R&B group En Vogue released the album Funky Divas in 1992, they brought the funk and provocation with equal force through the song, “Free Your Mind”. The track’s eclectic mix of rock and hip-hop admonishes listeners to broaden their perspectives through discarding problematic mental models in favor of oppeness and acceptance. At the time of its release, media outlets lauded the song as “edgy” with its plea for racial tolerance. It takes a step beyond the problem of racism, addressing related issues of closed-mindedness about love, romance and womanhood. Despite the rebuke given to listeners, the song’s overall vibe promotes positivity and optimism for those receptive to the message.
Colored People DC Talk, 1995
Christian rap-rock trio DC Talk entered the pop scene in the mid 90s, producing a string of hits and even winning several grammys. The release of “Colored People” in 1995 follows the messaging of other artists on this list, calling for racial harmony. In addition to expressing desire for tolerance and peace, the song offers up lament for the collective atrocities of our nation’s past. The song’s spirituality further provides a sense of the Creator’s purposeful use of color in designing humanity. Finally, the lyrics invoke the need for grace and humility in our approach to one another in dealing with the subject matter.
One by Creed, 1998
Often cited as one of the leading alt-rock bands of the nineties, Creed offered it’s take on tolerance through their song simply titled, “One.” Scott Stapp’s distinctive vocals drive the track’s message of unity. In similar fashion to groups like DC Talk, the band taps into themes of spirituality through many of its songs. The song “One” pairs the idea of oneness with cathartic sentiments of anger and lament. While not explicitly calling out racism, the lyrics tackle concepts like being blinded by hate, such that it ultimately leads to various forms of oppression. The song peaked at no. 70 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1999.
Redemption Song by Bob Marley, 1980
Bob Marley’s music is often celebrated for its powerful messages of unity, love, and social justice, making significant contributions to promoting racial harmony. Marley’s lyrics often addressed issues of social injustice and inequality. Songs like “Get Up, Stand Up” and “Buffalo Soldier” called for activism and resistance against oppression, promoting a collective effort toward racial equality. With the album Uprising came his prolific hit, Redemption Song. Marley pierces the veil of hatred, inviting listeners to free themselves from “mental slavery” to create a brighter world. Marley’s effortless fusion of musical styles contributed to breaking down cultural barriers and fostering appreciation among listeners of various backgrounds. Through his influential sound and powerful lyrics, Marley left a lasting impact on the global music scene, contributing to the ongoing conversation for all peoples to embrace harmony and peace.
In 2024, Marley’s music will continue to reach new audiences through a biopic released by Paramount Pictures called Bob Marley: One Love. The film hits theaters in February.
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