The Stills- Still in Love
You'll see as this list goes on that you can likely predict I'll consider a song to be an anthem based on a few basic principles: a chorus that reads like a declaration, or a repeated mantra. A backing choir. A driving energy. But while these principles lend themselves to "go get 'em!" kinds of songs on the verge of losing control as they giddily forget to put their feet solidly on the ground, this song reminds me that an anthem is more about the passion behind the declaration, be it happy or painful.
Elton John- Philadelphia Freedom
Seriously, try not to feel like Mary Tyler Moore throwing her cap into the air while you listen to this. This song feels like the song they'd play in a movie when the recently-dumped protagonist, helped by some quirky co-star naturally, decides to embrace life and gets to it. It's totally designed for a morning montage--dude looks at himself in the mirror, shaving. He pauses to smile a self-congratulatory smirk quickly after he wipes away the shaving cream. We see his hands grab a tie and secure it around his neck. He grabs a banana and walks out the door onto a sunny sidewalk, clearly shot during the noonday sun because the morning light just doesn't read cheery enough, damn it!
Ben Folds- The Ascent of Stan
This is somewhat of an unfair pick as it is irrevocably tied with my first summer of freedom, driving around my hometown to and from my friends' homes. But the truth of it is that the piano and harmony in this song used to fill my car to bursting until the chorus would finally let loose the floodgates. There's a kind of accomplishment sewn into this song, a feeling of progress, that to this day catapults me forward--a musical catalyst.
Saves the Day- This is Not an Exit
Apparently the early 2000's were ripe years for anthems. Anyway, this unique anthem speaks to such hopeful desperation, and naive optimism, admittedly the core of most any movement behind an anthem, don't you think?
Smashing Pumpkins- Tonight, Tonight
Beyond the words, ignoring the themes present--just get swept up by the strings.
The Avett Brothers- Matrimony
A song I listened to incessantly while living in Richmond. Something about the energy with which they stumble bewildered into a marriage is impossible to ignore, and while they're certainly not the first to pair lyrics that speak to negativity with an upbeat soundtrack (Reel Big Fish created their entire sound on the premise of Emo in the Key of G Major,) this is just a beautiful execution.
White Rabbits- The Plot
Ideal for road trips, particularly in the last 30 minutes before reaching your destination. I'll say nothing more but to provide simple instructions: Ensure you're alone. Turn it up LOUD. Let the drums get your heart rate going. And of course, sing along. Rinse, repeat.
Chicago- 25 or 6 to 4
Yes. Sir.
Britney Spears- Dance Until the World Ends
Ok, you can't understand how much I struggled with putting this on here. I hated you for making me like a Kesha (NO I will recognize her ridiculous use of a dollar sign) song from one of your past mixes, and I can't say I've entirely forgiven you. But. It has just lowered my self-esteem enough to accept that I can't help but get pumped up by this stupid, stupid song. A few weeks ago, I was running on next to zero sleep with a huge event to run less than 24 hours away, and I put this song on repeat for a little bit while rushing around, printing off schedules and gathering contacts and paying invoices. And, well, it worked--it was my morning anthem. My officemate Erin was telling me a story once that involved that moment where you're just drunk enough when you're at some bar or club that when you hear some guilty pleasure song come on overhead, you're powerless over the impulse to point at the ceiling and yell, "I love this fucking song!" This is totally that song for me.
The Dodos- Horny Hippies
I love tom drums. Have I told you this before? I love tom drums, so much. Incidentally, they are one of the leading causes for my love of White Rabbits, but they are also the perfect driving force in this delicate anthem.
Blitzen Trapper- Furr
As much a fable as an anthem, I love the idea that this song gives us permission to just take in what happens around us and let it move us. Surely a mantra to live by.
