The very notion of an “anthem” promotes the idea that people can relate to it, that it resonates with them, that it identifies a particular movement or feeling or point of view. But not only that – (for me, anyway) the idea of an anthem suggests widespread understanding. Songs that practically the whole world can sing along to.
This guy’s list of the top ten anthemic bands of all time is crap. I don’t know how he got this job, but he’s an idiot. (I like the Waterboys and the Arcade Fire too, but I’m betting most people aren’t in the know!)
This is how the list should read:
- Queen – We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions
- U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday
- Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama
- Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit
- the Beatles – Let It Be
- the Doors – Light My Fire
- the Rolling Stones – (I can’t get no) Satisfaction
- the Ramones – I Wanna Be Sedated
- the Who – My Generation
- Led Zeppelin – (tie) Rock and Roll / Stairway to Heaven
There are also some solo artists who need to be recognized for their anthemic contributions:
- David Bowie – Changes
- Elton John – (tie) Your Song / Goodbye Yellowbrick Road
- Iggy Pop – Lust For Life
- Tom Petty – American Girl
- Aretha Franklin – Respect
- Neil Diamond – Sweet Caroline
- Bruce Springsteen – Born to Run
- Pat Benetar – Hit Me With Your Best Shot
- Elvis Presley – Burning Love
- Prince – Purple Rain
There. Glad I got that off of my chest. This guy has come up with ridiculous musical lists before. I think that from now on I will correct them here.
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