Tom Morello, the legendary guitarist and songwriter, has once again captivated audiences with his latest solo rock album, Everyone Gets Everything They Want. This album is a testament to Morello's enduring commitment to blending high-octane rock with powerful activism, addressing issues of fascism, immigrant rights, and global political turmoil. The record is a diverse musical journey, spanning various styles and collaborations, reflecting Morello's decades of experience as a songwriter and performer.
One of the standout tracks, "Date Night", tells the true story of three young Dutch girls who served as spies, saboteurs, and assassins against the Nazis during World War II. The sisters, Truus and Freddie Oversteegen, and their close friend Hannie Schaft, used their youth and innocent appearances to slip through checkpoints, smuggle weapons, sabotage rail lines, and help hunted Jewish children escape persecution. Most famously, they acted as underground assassins, seducing Nazi officers, luring them into the woods, and killing them. Morello's commentary on this song is particularly powerful, stating, "I make anti-racist songs for anti-racists. I make anti-fascist songs for anti-fascists. And I make anti-Nazi songs for anti-Nazis. 'Date Night' is really a 'which side are you on?' song. If any of that offends you, do the math. Oh, and Roman Morello wrote the killer riff in this tune." This song is a stark reminder of the power of resistance and the importance of standing against injustice.
Another notable track, "Adjourn It", features Serj Tankian and Roman Morello, and condemns the rising tide of racism and anti-immigrant bigotry. The song's video weaves clips from the film SALT OF THE EARTH (1954) throughout, reflecting the song's theme of resistance in the face of prejudice and injustice. Morello's activism is not just limited to his music; he has a long history of organizing activism-oriented concerts, rallies, and events, and continues to be a leading voice for social justice causes and workers and immigrants' rights issues across the country and around the world.
The album's production credits include Tyler Smyth, Carl Restivo, Zakk Cervini, Dan Carey, and Sam Nelson Harris, ensuring a high-quality sound that complements Morello's revolutionary fretwork, blending thunderous riffs, otherworldly solos, and an uncompromising lyrical vision. Morello's fifteen-year-old guitar-wiz son, Roman, shares writing credits on five songs, contributing monster riffs and fiery solos, adding a fresh and exciting dimension to the album.
In addition to his solo work with The Nightwatchman and his role in Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, Morello remains one of modern rock's most influential guitarists and outspoken activists. Having just wrapped another run with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band on the 'Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour', as well as a blistering stop at this past weekend's Newport Folk Festival, Morello will be performing at Louder Than Life in Louisville, KY on September 19th. He has also recently announced Power To The People Festival, a celebration of peace, justice, solidarity, music, and community action, taking place on October 3rd at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD. The sold-out one-day festival curated by Morello will feature special performances from an extraordinary lineup of artists and activists, including Dave Matthews, Foo Fighters, Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez, Public Enemy, Killer Mike, Brittany Howard, Dropkick Murphys, Jack Black (featuring Roman Morello, Revel Ian, Yoyoka Soma and Hugo Weiss), Serj Tankian, grandson, The Neighborhood Kids, Taylor Momsen, Matt Cameron, The Linda Lindas, Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels, and a DJ set by artist Shepard Fairey.
Tom Morello's Everyone Gets Everything They Want is not just an album; it's a call to action, a reminder of the power of music to inspire change, and a testament to the enduring spirit of resistance. It is a must-listen for anyone who values social justice and the power of art to make a difference. In my opinion, this album is a masterpiece, and Morello's commitment to using his platform for good is truly inspiring.
