The stunning opener to the seminal LP Raw Power (1973) makes no compromises with its allusions to the warfare in Vietnam. #6: ‘Search and Destroy’ - Iggy Pop & The Stooges (1973) Nonetheless, its eerie backdrop and lyrics are suited for both representing the confusion and chaos of '60s America, and the violence a Vietnamese civilian was exposed to during the Guerrilla warfare between the Vietcong and US soldiers: “There’s something happening in here/ But what it is ain’t exactly clear/ Children, what’s that sound? Everybody, look what’s going down”. #7: 'For What It's Worth' - Buffalo Springfield (1966)įrom one track that has an ominous introduction to another: Buffalo Springfield’s ‘For What It’s Worth’ has long been considered an anti-war song due to its lyricism, however, it was actually inspired by a rally lead singer Stephen Stills came across in Los Angeles. If this track wasn’t one that embodied the war at the time, retrospectively its resigned undertones definitely defines those involved in the war post 1968. Its tone and sentiment corresponds with the attitude many had for the war effort a year later, since the Tet Offensive was the turning point that made many realise that the USA were embroiled in an unwinnable war. The tense closer to that album, ‘The End’, possesses Jim Morrison’s most impactful lyrical and vocal performance and Robby Krieger’s most ominous guitar leads. The Doors have now come to characterise classic rock for good reason, and their debut is especially emblematic of 1967's youth culture, with its provocative and vibrant music mirrored the ever growing boldness of the contemporary youth population. However, no one can deny that this song suits the sight of napalm bombs going off during the film’s opening scene. Okay, I may be cheating with this entry, as Apocalypse Now inspired this pick. The outro is the terrific exclamation mark for a tune that desires solidarity en masse. The vocals at the verses are brilliantly delicate and vulnerable, with the chorus yearning yet rousing, especially with lyrics that call for people to “try to love one another right now”. Themes of unity, harmony and peace radiate from this song, and it’s no coincidence that this proves to represent the sentiment of those who disagreed with the Vietnam War effort and the social divisions and conflicts rife within the decade. Next we have a track that was indicative of the ‘Flower Power’ movement in 1967’s ‘Get Together’. #9: 'Get Together' - The Youngbloods (1967) Starr’s charisma shines through wonderfully in his ad-libs, and his performance with the backing vocalists is astounding - it’s remarkable to think it’s a cover as Starr really makes this track his own. Though the sentiment isn’t groundbreaking - “(War, huh) yeah! (What is it good for?) absolutely nothing”- it’s all in the delivery for this psychedelic funk and soul number. To kick things off, we have one of the most iconic anti-war songs in ‘War’ by Edwin Starr.
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