The first song that comes to mind when I think about influential pop songs of my time is Where Is the Love, by the Black Eyed Peas, released in 2003. The song discusses many social, worldwide issues. They sing about terrorism, gangs, discrimination, youth vulnerability, war and hate all in one song. The song won a Grammy award in 2004 for Best Rap Song. 
Another song is not so popular, but definitely shares an important message. It’s called Gift of Acceptance, and is sung by India Arie and Idan Raichel. The song was created for the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in December of 2010. They sing about accepting each other differences, and respecting fellow humans even if we don’t necessarily agree with them. The song expresses hope for a future of peace, love and acceptance.
When I asked my Dad which songs from his past expressed a desire for change or critique of society, he had a whole list. The first he chose was Joe Hill, by Joan Baez. She performed the song at Woodstock in 1969. Joe Hill was a songwriter and labor activist. He organized workers in anti-union regions of the world and participated in the protest music tradition of that time. He was executed in 1915 after being framed for a murder. Joan Baez’s song is about him coming back, and continuing his work of standing up for workers rights.
The second song my Dad talked about was Oh Freedom, recorded by Odetta. It was first performed by Joan Baez in the 1963 March on Washington. It is about blacks becoming free from slavery. It has been sung by many different artists over the years, and the lyrics have been changed slightly too. The original lyrics are hard to find, but they all carry the same message.
N.A.G