Clockwise from top left: José Feliciano, Terrace Martin, Gaytheist, All Them Witches, Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles, and Silvertung.

Music has long been the voice for the voiceless. At the very least, provide catharsis for those experiencing hardship

As the protests sparked by the death of George Floyd continue, many facets of the music industry have been put on hold. That hasn’t stopped many artists from doing what they do best.

We pooled our resources to find some of the best new singles from all genres and backgrounds. Whether it’s a protest anthem or simply a solid jam, it’s safe to say these hidden gems are needed in this time of unrest.

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José Feliciano with Virginia Union University Choir, “I’m America” — Prolific and renowned songwriter Jose Feliciano originally released “I’m America” as a single from his 56th album Behind My Guitar, but he now gives the song a new form both thematically and musically. The Virginia Union University choir adds a communal and cinematic vibe to the song’s folk rock foundation. His hopeful lyrics paint a picture of his growth from a blind Puerto Rican child to a massive star, implying spirit can and should reflect in the country he loves. Considering this season of disease, police brutality and protesting, Feliciano’s perspective on the United States carries more weight. It feels like a call to realize the ideal for which he and many other voices cry out.

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All Them Witches, “Saturnine & Iron Jaw” — Described by the band as the most well-rounded track off its forthcoming album, Nothing as the Ideal, “Saturnine & Iron Jaw” runs the gamut of All Them Witches’ sound. Almost half of the track dwells in protracted psychedelia, building tension before the the desert rock riffs hit. All Them Witches have the perfect balance of sensual melody, gritty chugs and immersive atmosphere. The song covers a lot of territory without sounding overdramatic or indulgent. The band does what the song needs, even if what it needs isn’t what’s expected.

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Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles, “Rise” — With proceeds going to the civil rights group Color of Change, Cory Henry’s soul, funk and gospel hybrid puts the “power” in Tower of Power. The shuffling groove, melodic bass line and massive chorus comes to uplift those who bear the burden of racial injustice. It’s mid-tempo rhythm might bring to mind the united steps of a protest march, while the bright gospel vocals become divine support for the cause of justice. Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles provide an overcoming soundtrack in a world fraught with corruption.

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Terrace Martin featuring. Denzel Curry, Daylyt, Kamasi Washington, and G Perico, “Pig Feet” — Besides being the hardest hip-hop track of 2020 (calling it now), what Terrace Martin has accomplished with a host of talent embodies the righteous anger felt throughout the world. Considering the context of Danzel Curry’s brother Treon “Tree” Johnson’s death at the hands of police, Curry’s bars sear like hellfire. As sirens, gunshots and panicked cries punctuate the production, Terrace Martin, Daylyt and G Perico’s verses leave nothing to the imagination. The real surprise comes from Kamasi Washington, whose saxophone solo descends from hard bop dissonance amid the bodacious percussion to a somber melody. The song fades out as a list Black casualties runs like credits, driving home the point that centuries of institutional racism made songs like this necessary.

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Silvertung, “World Gone Mad” — Regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum, no one can disagree with 2020 being a year of madness. In fact, seeing Silvertung’s socially distant video almost becomes a reminder of the previous terrible thing that happened this year. “World Gone Mad” does what metal does best: looking the disaster in the face and choosing to stand firm. It’s a fairly straightforward melodic groove metal track, but the band’s brazen energy is evident in the chunky grooves and soaring melodies. As the world continues to spiral into chaos, “World Gone Mad” becomes a suit of heavy metal armor for those who won’t prostrate themselves before disaster.

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Gaytheist, “Crooked” — “Kaboom rock” couldn’t be a more effective description of this one-minute blast of infectious, noisy rock. Loud, intense and hooky, its the kind of song for letting out as much energy as possible before it ends. It might be a challenge for such a short runtime, but Gaytheist knows how to get in and get out while still leaving a lasting impression. Part power-pop, part post-hardcore and part anthem rock, “Crooked” manages to be a teaser and a realized idea at the same time.

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Max’s Pick: “Pig Feet” evokes a sentiment that has spread through the country like wildfire, and it has the musicality to back itself up. Terrace Martin, Denzel Curry, Daylyt, Kamasi Washington and G Perico have come through with a stupefying display of defiance. This song takes no prisoners and leaves you with a lot think about while its production value is some of the best heard from all artists involved.

Follow editor Max Heilman at Twitter.com/madmaxx1995 and Instagram.com/maxlikessound.