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Canadian rock star Bryan Adams has voiced his opposition to US President Donald Trump’s policies towards Canada through his music, addressing tensions between the two neighbouring countries in two songs from his upcoming album, ‘How’s It Goin’’.
The songs, ‘Fifty First State’ and ‘Lake Ontario’, reflect the recent strains in US-Canada relations.
Adams’ 17th studio album, featuring 12 new tracks centred on Canada, is set for release on November 6. Several songs criticise Trump’s policies without directly mentioning him.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Adams said the songs were not intended simply to express anger but rather to capture the current situation. They combine protest with satire and emotion, he explained.
Since returning to office for a second term, Trump has imposed steep tariffs on Canadian goods and repeatedly suggested making Canada the 51st US state, creating tensions between the neighbouring countries.
Adams also questioned the use of global political power, arguing that those with enormous influence should use it to benefit the world, but that this was not happening in practice.
The singer said he had been surprised by the positive response to his protest songs from American audiences.
He first performed ‘Fifty First State’ in St Louis during the summer, initially unsure how US audiences would react. However, concertgoers gave him a standing ovation as soon as the song ended.
He received similar reactions at subsequent performances, including in Texas, a state widely regarded as a Republican stronghold.
According to Adams, the response suggested that not all Americans agreed with the actions of the current administration.
The ‘Summer of ’69’ hitmaker also shared the story behind the album. He was initially approached to write songs for a documentary about Canada’s eastern coast. The project gradually inspired him to create more music exploring the country’s history, identity and contemporary political climate.
Adams said he completed the writing and recording of the entire album in just three months.
However, he declined to predict the outcome of the US midterm elections scheduled for November 3, saying his intention was not to forecast political results but to express his perspective through music.