Musicians Rock, Rap and Twang Against the War

ByABC News
August 20, 2006, 7:19 PM

Aug. 20, 2006 — -- Anti-war songs are often thought of as a relic of the Vietnam era, but today's stars are now increasingly criticizing the government over the war in Iraq.

Just a few years ago, this was considered a risky career move, but now rocking against the war is, quite literally, all the rage.

Perhaps the most acidic anti-war songs today are coming from an old hand. In the 1960s and '70s, Neil Young raged against the Vietnam War.

Now he has a new album, "Living With War," filled with songs like "Let's Impeach the President." Young says he's never made a record that produced more anger -- or more appreciation.

"I have people holding me by the shoulders with tears in their eyes thanking me for saying these things," he told ABC News.

That a major record label put out this album signals a real cultural shift. In 2003, the Dixie Chicks were bashed and boycotted for criticizing the president.

Today, the Dixie Chicks have a hit record.

Meanwhile, anti-war songs are pouring in from all corners of the musical spectrum -- including country legends such as Merle Haggard, classic rockers such as Bruce Springsteen, pop stars such as Pink, rappers such as KRS-One and punk rockers such as Green Day and Anti-Flag.

"We're trying to get a reaction out of people," said Justin Sane of Anti-Flag. "Even if people don't agree with what we say, we're trying to get people to think."