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| Win the Future | |
|---|---|
| Name | Win the Future |
| Type | studio |
| Artist | Tom Morello |
| Released | 2019 |
| Recorded | 2018–2019 |
| Studio | Henson Recording Studios |
| Genre | Rock |
| Length | 35:00 |
| Label | Mom + Pop |
| Producer | Brendan O'Brien |
| Prev title | The Atlas Underground |
| Prev year | 2018 |
| Next title | The Atlas Underground Fire |
| Next year | 2021 |
Win the Future is a 2019 studio album by guitarist and activist Tom Morello, credited to Tom Morello: The Atlas Underground, though distinct in style and personnel. It combines electric guitar work with political lyricism and collaborations across hip hop, punk, and alternative rock, reflecting Morello's history with bands such as Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, and Street Sweeper Social Club. The record features guest appearances from artists associated with Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, and The Roots scenes, and its release intersected with public conversations involving figures like Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Noam Chomsky.
The album emerged after Morello's previous collaborative projects, following tours with Rage Against the Machine reunions and the release of The Atlas Underground in 2018. Work began in late 2018 with producer Brendan O'Brien at Henson Recording Studios, involving musicians linked to Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, and Anti-Flag. Influences ranged from Morello's time with Lock Up and Prophets of Rage to his activism alongside organizations like MoveOn.org, Democratic Socialists of America, and Refuse Fascism. Conceptually, the project drew inspiration from protest music histories involving artists such as Woody Guthrie, Public Enemy, Nina Simone, and Bob Dylan, and contemporaneous political movements tied to events like the 2016 United States presidential election and the Women's March (2017).
Lyrically and sonically, the album addresses themes of resistance, civic participation, and technological change, echoing Morello's public positions alongside activists such as Angela Davis, Cornel West, and Van Jones. Tracks employ stylistic references to hip hop collectives linked to Dr. Dre, Questlove, and Kendrick Lamar collaborators, while guitar textures recall experimental work by Jimi Hendrix and The Edge. The stated objectives included galvanizing listeners toward electoral engagement with mentions of electoral campaigns like Bernie Sanders 2020 presidential campaign and highlighting systemic critiques resonant with scholarship by Naomi Klein and Thomas Piketty. Musically, collaborations with artists from the Run the Jewels and Sleigh Bells circles aimed to bridge audiences from Alternative rock and Hip hop.
Critical response was mixed to positive across outlets such as Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and NME, with praise for Morello's guitar work and guest features tied to artists like Killer Mike, Portugal. The Man, and Gary Clark Jr.. Some reviewers compared the album's blunt political messaging to earlier protest releases by Rage Against the Machine and questioned its effectiveness relative to legacy albums like The Battle of Los Angeles and Evil Empire. Scholarly and journalistic commentators referenced public intellectuals including Ta-Nehisi Coates and Cornel West in assessing whether the record advanced discourse or echoed partisan talking points associated with campaigns such as Democratic National Committee efforts. Critics from publications linked to The New Yorker and The Atlantic debated the role of celebrity activism, invoking debates surrounding figures like Madonna and Bruce Springsteen.
Commercially, the album charted on lists compiled by organizations like Billboard and received airplay on stations specializing in Alternative rock and crossover rock-rap formats associated with festivals such as Coachella and Lollapalooza. The record's political messaging coincided with live appearances at benefit concerts alongside activists from groups like Indivisible and arts fundraisers associated with institutions such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. Musicians and producers from scenes including Hip hop, Punk rock, and Indie rock cited the album when discussing genre hybridity in interviews for outlets like Rolling Stone and Pitchfork. In academic settings, the album was referenced in syllabi on popular music and social movements alongside case studies involving Public Enemy, Rage Against the Machine, and Billy Bragg.
The album overlapped with Morello's other ventures such as the ongoing Atlas Underground series, his documentary collaborations with filmmakers linked to Michael Moore and Alex Gibney, and educational campaigns with nonprofits like Rock the Vote and Artists Against Racism. It inspired side projects with collaborators tied to Run the Jewels and members of The Roots, and coincided with benefit singles and covers recalling tributes to artists such as Neil Young and Bob Marley. Philanthropic and activist initiatives connected to the release involved partnerships with labor organizations like AFL–CIO and civic groups modeled after campaigns by MoveOn.org and Everytown for Gun Safety.
Category:2019 albums Category:Tom Morello albums