Album Review: Tom Morello - ‘Everyone Gets Everything They Want’

I recently heard some die-hard fans of Rage Against the Machine say that they felt Tom Morello was getting soft. Specifically, they were referring to his last few albums, where Morello teamed up with various artists to create music together. 

I've been a huge fan of Tom Morello's work since Rage, and with the release of Everyone Gets Everything They Want, I think it is important to note that every artist worth their talent continues to grow and evolve. Sure, they also have a signature sound, and Morello continues to impress with his guitar, but he also keeps true to his values of speaking up in the face of injustice. 

This album does showcase more of Tom Morello. Almost every other song is Morello performing solo. The song "I Am Not Yours To Command" follows two hard-hitting powerhouses of songs, and yet, its quieter, solemn performance sends the message even harder. Depending on how you listen to it determines how you interpret it, but many folks see it has the main message of not allowing others to control your spirit. 

In the follow-up song, "Soldier in the Army of Love", the music gives more of the feel of a Rage Against the Machine song, but it is also tied to the power of a Gospel chorus. While it continues to speak against injustice, it focuses on the power of the individual. The power of fighting for love. I personally love it because of its edginess. Of course, rock has traditionally been seen as angry, but this song gives it another perspective -- power. 

One of my favorite moments is hearing a crossover between Ireland's Kneecap and Morello. Two groups very passionate about justice teaming up to make the song "Unconquered". Again, this focus on empowerment over pure anger is very appealing. Another cool thing about this song is that Kneecap is a rap group, so paired with Morello's guitar, it sounds very awesome. 

The album ends with Morello's solo performance of "They Can't Kill Us All". While somber in tone, he reminds the audience that staying quiet, sitting with the pain and suffering out of fear, isn't worth it. He isn't promising we'll be okay if we speak out, but he is assuring his listeners that we are NOT alone, and that "they can't kill us all". It takes one voice to start a movement, and it is worth it. You are not alone. 

As far as I am concerned, Morello just gets more refined as he continues to create music. He is aware of the world around him, and he puts his music where his mouth is. Each of his previous albums had him sharing the stage with lesser-known artists. He went from "raging" to "empowering" the next generation of artists, students, and activists rising. This album touches the soul and sets it alight if you let it. 

Rating - 9/10