“Black Coal Lung” by Gary Dranow and The Manic Emotions is a moving musical tale about the need for environmental justice. This is a topic that is very current and that is why it moves us so much. The artistry of the song lies in the way it describes a dreary and grim Ohio town, which is fighting the negative influences of a coal power plant located nearby.

Gary’s poignant lyrics and the band’s music take the listener into the atmosphere of this polluted area, where the residents have to struggle every day. This song is not just music but a cry for action, which skilfully entwines the horrors of industrial pollution with the struggles of humankind. A must-listen for anyone passionate about social issues and evocative storytelling in music.