As we round the corner to election day, we asked our Mass Mixcontributors to share songs inspired by this historic season. From modern takes on patriotic ballads, political satire to protest songs, here's what they had to say:

Jon Batiste, “Battle Hymn of the Republic”

The wonderful and terrible thing about this song is it's simple assertion that truth marches on. It is a song of strength, but also of war. It was given a conservative revival in the 90s by Billy Graham. Martin Luther King Jr. drew from the lyrics extensively in his sermons. I will never forget hearing local musician The Michael Character bring down the house at an open mic with the eternally recognizable chords. It can be used for infinite purposes and has been since it was written 160 years ago and performed for the first time at Fort Warren in Boston. Some perspective is offered by considering the author's intent. Julia Ward wrote the lyrics with the hope of transmitting the struggle for abolition to eternity, drawing on the much more explicit 'John Brown's Body'. NPR wrote extensively on her success in 2018. However, it would seem that you can take the song and the victory promised as your own. Out of a thousand versions, I recommend Jon Batiste's reimagining of the melody for your election day playlist. Onward! -Phillip Jones, Afternoon Host, 88.9 WERS

Public Enemy "Fight The Power"

Thirty-plus years ago, when this Public Enemy protest anthem first surfaced on the soundtrack of Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing, then featured on their 1990 album Fear of a Black Planet, America was in a similar state as to the one we're in now. And like any good protest anthem, "Fight The Power" was both a call-to-action and a certified, crank-it-up banger. The easy, lazy take would be: "Well, what good is it if we're in the same spot 30 years later?" But that's not how this works. Protest is a process, and the fight never ends. And it's inspiring to have a timeless anthem like "Fight The Power" to soundtrack that process today and into the future. -Adam 12, Weekdays 11a-4p, ROCK 92.9

Golf Weapons, “English-Only Blues”

"English-Only Blues" is a poignant track that challenges racism and divisiveness and those who cruelly practice it in America. Lead vocalist Patrick Murphy weaponizes cutting, haunting lyrics and bold instrumentation to reflect on his disappointment when he saw a racist bumper sticker in his hometown. "English Only Blues" interweaves gritty chord progressions with punk-influenced vocals, as Murphy croons in an unforgettably vehement tone: "I pass my fear onto my children / I pray for peace, but I deny them the tools." -Lex Den Boggende, Staff Writer at Sound of Boston

A Tribe Called Quest, "Whateva Will Be"

“Whateva Will Be” by A Tribe Called Quest is my election day playlist pick for a couple of reasons. First, I’m a huge fan of A Tribe Called Quest for their lyricism and storytelling in their songs. Second, with this election, my anxiety about the “what if” has been overwhelming. Using the phrase “whatever will be, will be” might be scary for most. However, It has allowed me to refocus, not over-stress the election outcome and be confident that regardless, I will survive. Lastly, as with many Tribe songs, this song speaks to the condition of the Black experience, which couldn’t be more relevant at this time.. -Danielle Anderson, Social Media Manager, BAMS Fest

Lemon Demon, “Reaganomics”

Lemon Demon playfully transforms the 40th president Ronald Reagan into a retro cult icon in his hard-driving song, “Reaganomics.” Imagine Ronald Reagan as the frontman of a boy band belting out an anthem of how he will save his damsel in distress, the U.S. economy. Niel Cicierga, a comedian and musician who composes and performs as Lemon Demon, sings the internal monologue of this Reagan from another dimension. “Are you unhappy, girl, in this confusing world? Where everything you earn is getting left to burn?” / “Cause you’re worth saving baby, deregulating baby, I’m Ronald Reagan baby” Listening to “Reaganomics” injects a healthy dose of absurd humor into today’s messy political landscape. Suddenly, the world is a little less confusing. The 2020 election has loomed large for everyone. For some, a source of optimism; for others, dread. However you are feeling about this election, Lemon Demon reminds us of the redeeming power of satirical song. The only thing “trickle-down” about “Reaganomics” is Lemon Demon’s infectious humor.-Tristan Geary, Staff Writer at Sound of Boston

Bruce Springsteen, “We Take Care of Our Own”

The working class has been talked about a lot during this election, and when I think of artists who speak to their struggle, I, of course, think of Bruce Springsteen, ambassador of Americana. He released a new album this month, but this is the song I return to during the election season, which was extensively used by the Obama campaign in 2012. “Wherever this flag’s flown / We take care of our own” — it’s a simple philosophy, one that gets often lost in political battles. -Meghan Smith, Digital Producer, GBH

Billy Dean Thomas, “Trump Vs. Biden”

In September, Boston-based hip-hop artist Billy Dean Thomas came to GBH for Front Row Boston's first-ever socially-distant field recording. The local style icon brought infectious energy with their polyrhythmic flows and performed songs covering everything from intersectional feminism to social justice. But it's when Thomas presented their new song "Trump vs. Biden" that we knew we were capturing something extraordinary. It's a tune that challenges our divide with a fresh perspective. Is this really about Trump and Biden, or does it go deeper? And what about those who disagree with their chosen candidate? There's a lot to unpack, including a landslide amount of racial injustice, and Thomas does it with captivating creativity that demands attention. I can't recommend it enough. - Stacy Buchanan, Managing Producer, GBH

Thomas' new EP For Better or Worse dropped today and includes the single.