Morello & Kneecap drop album It’s a record for everyone
In an era defined by rising authoritarianism and fierce ideological divides, music has increasingly become more than just entertainment—it is a vital force for resistance. Guitar legend Tom Morello, known for his explosive sound and politically charged lyrics, has channeled this urgency into his latest solo effort, Everyone Gets Everything They Want, positioning the album as a powerful State of the Union address for those fighting for freedom.
This new body of work sees Morello teaming up with the dynamic Belfast rap trio Kneecap on the incendiary track Unconquered, creating a sonic manifesto that speaks directly to the unconquered spirit.
Morello explains that the catalyst for the album was the palpable fear of authoritarianism and the global shift toward far-right ideologies. He views rock ‘n’ roll, and music in general, as a necessary act of self-defence and self-care in these difficult times. “In this hour, rebellion is an act of self-care and rock ‘n’ roll is an act of self-defence,” he stated regarding the record produced by Tyler Smyth, Carl Restivo, Zakk Cervini, Dan Carey, and Sam Nelson.
“Everyone Gets Everything They Want is music made out of total necessity. It’s my first solo rock album, and it’s a record for everyone who’s had enough,” Morello noted. He sees this work as standing on the precipice of a new, fiercely rocking chapter in music history.
The collaboration with Kneecap was driven by a deep sense of kinship. Morello has long admired the group’s fearless alignment with the oppressed. “I see a kinship with Kneecap,” he shared, noting that the group’s stance for the oppressed resonated deeply with his own values.
For the track Unconquered, the song is a testament to enduring spirit, regardless of repression. “That song is about the unconquered spirit – from college campuses to refugee camps to concert stages,” he explained. “As long as there’s breath in our lungs and electricity in our Marshall stacks, that spirit will remain unconquered.”
Morello believes that music has the power to unite and disrupt. He argues that artists should not be ghettoized by the narrative that they are merely speaking out against censorship. “Courage is contagious,” he asserted, emphasizing that the wide net cast by great music can expose people to different ideas, regardless of the controversy they generate.
This commitment to free expression extends across the spectrum of political critique. Morello firmly defends the right of artists to speak truth, pointing out that whether he is criticizing human rights abuses in Russia, Saudi Arabia, or the UK, the underlying call is for peace, justice, and equality.
The track Adjourn It, featuring Serj Tankian, directly addresses anti-immigration rhetoric. Morello credits the song’s genesis to a moment of collective frustration during the ICE invasion, where the shared experience of vulnerability demanded a voice. He reflected that the most effective tactic of the ruling class is to divide and rule by demonizing the most vulnerable.
Beyond the music, Morello finds inspiration in his personal life. His 15-year-old son, Roman Morello, has been a crucial muse on the record, providing the energy and focus that helped him achieve this artistic breakthrough. Morello views his son’s input as a powerful force, noting that Roman possesses the DNA to create entirely new, Morellian riffs.
Ultimately, Morello insists that art remains a weapon for change. “I’m going to fight the fight and go down swinging,” he concluded. He calls on the world to recognize that the art we create is a fundamental component of history, and that the courage to speak truth is essential.
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