Have you ever wondered why some of the universally beloved music tracks are often called “anthems”? Not every popular piece of music deserves this pompous title. To qualify as “anthemic”, the composition has to have a certain uplifting power to it. Let’s see what kinds of anthems exist out there, and how each of them manages to create those powerful feelings upon us.
The oldest definition of the word “anthem” comes from a religious (Christian) context: it’s most commonly described as a religious text sung by a choir during the mass. These compositions sound deeply contemplative and powerful, magnified by the acoustics of massive cathedrals and churches – something like Tenebrae choir performing a Miserere psalm in the video below:
Another type of anthem is a musical composition officially associated with a nation, known as the national anthem.
And, lastly, the most modern known definition of an “anthem” refers to a song that holds a particular quality of emotion or embodies an important meaning to a certain group of people or a community (sports anthems, for example!). Queen’s song ‘We Are the Champions’ is probably the most famous sports anthem of all time:
It’s not a coincidence that a lot of modern music hits are considered anthems. This type of music is somewhat of a phenomenon because it touches everyone. It infects you with its uplifting energy and catchy choruses, gives you goosebumps, and sticks in your head after a single listen – you can’t help it, even if you consider yourself the biggest music snob!
“Anthemic music” is a rather fluid term that has slight differences in sound, depending on the style of music. For instance, when people talk about rock anthems, they look for qualities such as singalong choruses and grandiose arena-sound. Meanwhile, modern pop anthems have a more profound musical effect on the listener as they’re based on epic soundscapes and a glorious feeling overcoming your senses. But one thing is true to all anthemic music, whatever genre it may be – it arouses sheer joy of music in all of us!
Anthemic music’s capacity to create a strong effect on people wasn’t left unnoticed. With time, this kind of music started being used as a compelling companion to video – from film to ads and TV commercials – that proved to empower videomakers and inspire their audiences.
Let’s remember some of the greatest anthemic songs of all time, from the hippie era songs to euphoric disco to fiery modern pop tunes! Take a listen to the tracklist we’ve compiled below that will take you over the moon!
Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama
Pearl Jam – Alive
Village People – YMCA
ABBA – Dancing Queen
Katie Perry – Firework
Robbie Williams – Let Me Entertain You
Guns n’ Roses – Sweet Child O’ Mine
Alphaville – Forever Young
Sam Smith – Stay With Me gospel,
Miley Cyrus – Wrecking Ball
Bon Jovi – Livin On A Prayer
U2 – Beautiful Day
Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You
Kings Of Leon – Sex On Fire
Imagine Dragons – Radioactive
Looking to license a track for your video to infuse it with uplifting and inspiring vibes? You might find something just right in our Royalty Free Anthemic Music Tracks playlist below!
https://tunereel.com/royalty-free-music-playlist/anthemic
