Top 10 Sport Anthems of All-Time
The latest challenge the Funktasy team has taken up is to name the Top 10 Sport Anthems. The team has come together to choose the songs that have proven themselves to be some of the most influential, inspiring, and recognizable. They actually felt bad when the challenge ended and they did not have an excuse to blast banger songs as loud as possible in their homes and while on commute. There are many top songs and they each bring something unique and inspiring to the table. Some pump up the audience with heavy bass and fast beats, while others create suspense or a feeling of defiance. Regardless of how they do it, the following are the crème de la crème among anthem songs. In no particular order, the following are the Top 10 Sport Anthems.
Seven Nation Army – White Stripes
Released in 2003, “Seven Nation Army” is renowned for its catchy and powerful sound. The song’s opening lyric, “I’m gonna fight ’em off,” conveys themes of resilience and determination. Coupled with a distinctive bass and drum pattern, the song makes a perfect sports anthem. The song is used across various sports, most notably featured in the FIFA World Cup.
We Will Rock You – Queen
“We Will Rock You” is the lead track on Queen’s album, News of the World. Its stomp-stomp-clap rhythm encourages crowd participation. Combined with Freddie Mercury’s commanding vocals, the song is sure to unite fans and create a high-energy environment. The line, “We will, we will rock you, sing it,” emphasizes themes of collective strength and camaraderie, which aligns with the spirit of sports.
Kernkraft 400 – Zombie Nation
This standout anthem from German electronic group, Zombie Nation, can be heard in a wide variety of sports venues, particularly in the United States. Despite its lack of lyrical content, the song’s impact on the sporting world is undeniable. For example, Penn State University has incorporated “Kernkraft 400” into one of their football game traditions. Fans will chant “We Are Penn State” to its infectious rhythm. Its distinctive synth hook and driving beat undoubtedly energizes crowds.
Thunderstruck – AC/DC
“Thunderstruck” was the opening track on the band’s album, The Razors Edge. The song has become one of the most electrifying sports anthems of all time. It stands out for its distinctive guitar riff, which is played by Angus Young. The intro is built around the repetition of “thunder,” which builds anticipation and excitement in the crowd. The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most iconic teams in the National Football League, are known to play “Thunderstruck” on game days. Their cheerleading squad even performs a synchronized dance that matches the song’s driving beat, which engages fans and enhances their game experience.
Mr Brightside – The Killers
American rock band, The Killers, released “Mr. Brightside” as their debut single in 2003. Despite its themes of love and jealousy, it has become a staple in sports arenas. For instance, those attending University of Michigan football games can count on hearing the song at the end of the third quarter. The well-known chorus encourages crowd participation, and combined with upbeat instrumentation, creates a high-energy environment.
Who Let the Dogs Out – Baha Men
Performed by the Bahamian junkanoo band, the Baha Men, Who Let the Dogs Out is a classic upbeat song perfect for stadiums and ballparks. The song was originally written and performed by Anslem Douglas under the title, Doggie, however, the Baha Men covered and made the song an international sensation, it is the Baha Men version that has become a sports anthem.
Whoomp! (There It Is) – Tag Team
Whoomp! (There It Is) by the hip hop/pop rap group Tag Team is a staple in most stadiums and athletic fields. The song was their debut single and reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B and number two on the Hot 100. Tag Team are considered a one-hit wonder as their subsequent singles never reached similar heights.
Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi
Livin’ on a Prayer was sung by the American rock band, Bon Jovi and describes the struggles and triumphs of a working-class couple. It is this struggle and triumph that make it a great sports song. It hypes up the crowd, with its easy-to-sing-along lyrics and its driving bass and drums, and encourages the players to believe they can triumph.
Song 2 – Blur
The English Band Blur’s Song 2 was written as a joke to poke fun at record executives and the way mainstream audiences saw the punk and grunge genres. Instead, the executives loved the idea of dropping it as a single and it became a mainstream success. Song 2 is loud, it is lyrically simple, and it is infectious. It makes for the perfect anthem song.
Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) – Shakira
Columbian singer, Shakira, sang Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) as the official song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It was written by Shakira and record producer John Hill, the song is upbeat and infectious. And since it was played so many times during the 2010 World Cup, it has become stuck in our collective psyche. It is perfect for driving the home team to triumph over any adversity.
Those are Funktasy’s Top 10 Sport Anthems of All-Time.
In the world of sports, anthems play a crucial role in motivating athletes and uniting fans. From “Seven Nation Army” to “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” these songs capture the essence of competition with their upbeat rhythms and empowering lyrics. Even decades after being released, they continue to be celebrated around the world. As we look into the future, we can anticipate the next wave of anthems that will forge unforgettable memories.
For more top 10 articles, click here.
