11 Sensational Anthem Songs

Reading Time: 12 min read

11 Sensational Anthem Songs features music courtesy of LMFAO, Sex Pistols, UGK, Victoria Monét, and Whitney Houston.

Cutting straight to the chase, 🎧 11 Sensational Anthem Songs is all about anthems. In the context of this playlist, the songs may feature the word, anthem, or the song may be an anthem or associated with an anthem. Limiting the track list, not every anthem ever recorded gets love – that is what future anthem lists are for, right? Right! 🎧 11 Sensational Anthem Songs features music courtesy of 🎙 LMFAO, 🎙 Sex Pistols, 🎙 UGK, 🎙 Victoria Monét, and 🎙 Whitney Houston among others. So, without further ado, let’s dig into these anthems, shall we!

1. Whitney Houston, “The Star Spangled Banner” (Ft. The Florida Orchestra)

💿 Whitney Houston Live: Her Greatest Performances • 🏷 RCA • 📅 2014

“O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave / O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.” ‘Merica 🇺🇸! Anthems begin and end with 🎵 “The Star Spangled Banner”, performed by ONE person and ONE person only. The greatest national anthem of all-time belongs to the late, great, 🎙 Whitney Houston. Houston made us all gag with unique rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl XXV in 1991. Rolling Stone dubs Houston’s version as “the gold standard for all Super Bowl performances,” adding it “Stands as one of the most stunning moments in NFL history.” Agreed. That’s merely one of many publications that have praised this iconic moment in history.

First and foremost, it is the voice that makes this performance among the greatest of all time. Houston’s voice was truly once-in-a-lifetime – in its own league. Her tone, the nuances – special, special, special. Beyond her flawless vocal execution, the orchestral arrangement of the tried-and-true national anthem (John Clayton), makes it unique. Instead of being in triple meter, it’s set in common time, which, is uncommon in this case! The longer, stretched out take is nothing short of sublime. All told, Houston’s rendition = EPIC.

Appears in 🔻:

Whitney Houston, The Star Spangled Banner: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 186 (2023)

2. LMFAO, “Party Rock Anthem” (Ft. Lauren Bennett & GoonRock)

💿 Sorry for Party Rocking • 🏷 Interscope • 📅 2011

Three words: “Everyday I’m shuffling.” Oh, yeah! 🎙 LMFAO had quite a successful run in 2011. 🎵 “Party Rock Anthem” from their album, 💿 Sorry for Party Rocking, spent six weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. That’s success right there. Furthermore, it’s not all just the laughing my fucking ass off by 🎙 Redfoo and 🎙 Sky Blue. They get the assist from 🎙 Lauren Bennett and 🎙 GoonRock on this diamond certified single. So, what makes “Party Rock Anthem” the sugar honey iced tea? The production (Redfoo and 🎛 Listenbee) goes a long way, with its heavy, hard-hitting, dance beat, and electrifying, exuberant synths that hit you right in the chest like POW 💥. The backdrop is colorful. Even more than a decade after its arrival, it still gives off fresh vibes. The bars are mid (they go stupid) but that’s part of the charm of this gargantuan hit from the collective. A prime example, courtesy of Sky Blue: “Booty moving weight like she on the block.” Word. Also, Redfoo asserts, “On the rise to the top, no Led in our Zeppelin.” There’s a blend of rapping and singing, which, believe it or not, is far more common in today’s music than it was in 2011. The biggest selling point beyond the backdrop, however, is the simple but fun, sing-along chorus, courtesy of Redfoo:

“Party rock is in the house tonight

Everybody just have a good time

And we gon’ make you lose your mind

Everybody just have a good time.”

3. Victoria Monét, “Cadillac (A Pimp’s Anthem)”

💿 JAGUAR II • 🏷 Lovett Music, Inc. / RCA • 🗓 2023

“We keep it smooth like a Cadillac / With the diamond spinners in the back.” Ooh, wee, 🎙 Victoria Monét – yes indeed! 🎵 “Cadillac (A Pimp’s Anthem)” is a highlight from her debut album, 💿 JAGUAR II. The sound shines with a robust bass line, and sophisticated production touches (🎛 D’Mile and Tim Suby) that are classic, yet refreshing – horns, keys, and sound effects. The groove sends, helping to fuel Victoria’s fire. Her vocals are resplendent – balanced, nuanced, and matching the soulfulness of the backdrop. The second verse features hip-hop-infused, rhythmic melody lines. This is a prime example of Monét having one foot in the door ofthe past and another firmly in the present. “Just like the sand, I’ll always be for shore / Deal any hand, I couldn’t love you more…” Aww 🥰!

4. PARTYNEXTDOOR, “Savage Anthem”

💿 PARTYMOBILE • 🏷 OVO Sound / Warner • 🗓 2020 

“Don’t hold your breath / Don’t wait on my love / Don’t hold your breath / Don’t wait on my love.” 🎵 “Savage Anthem” appears as the six-minute penultimate cut from 💿 PARTYMOBILE, the 2020 studio album by Canadian R&B artist 🎙 PARTYNEXTDOOR. “Savage Anthem” features a slow pace, typical of the Canadian brand of R&B.  Furthermore, the production is incredibly lush, thanks to the skills of 🎛 Andrew Cedar and Noah “40” Shebib.  When PND opts for longer melodic lines, he sounds incredibly expressive and nuanced. The thing is, he doesn’t limit himself to more legato melodic lines.  He contrasts with more hip-hop oriented lines on the verses confirming the ‘savage’ element of this “Savage Anthem.” A prime example is the third verse (“Tucked you, then went to the strip club / VIP, I got my dick sucked / Came back to you and I kissed ya /That led to fucking on the tour bus…”). Savage! The gorgeous outro by the choir does provide some atoning grace to PARTY’s sketchy, sexed-up behavior. 

Appears in 🔻:

5. Charli XCX, “Anthems”

💿 How I’m feeling now • 🏷 Warner UK • 📅 2020

During a global pandemic, in 2020, 🎙 Charli XCX delivered a brief, but creative and intriguing ‘quarantine’ pop album with 💿 how i’m feeling now. 🎵 “Anthems” marks one of the very best moments from the LP. Sleek and in-your-face if you avoided “anthems,” well, it would totally come after you.  🎛 Danny L Harle and Dylan Brady outdo themselves on the production, with the dizzying, rhythmic synths and hard-hitting drum programming.  Charli sings in an aggressive, exaggerated, and passionate style, beginning with opening lines that speak directly to the effects of quarantine:  “I’m so bored (Woo) / Wake up late, eat some cereal / Try my best to be physical / Lose myself in a TV show…” Ultimately, well, she wants “…Anthems / Late nights, my friends, New York / … Finally, when it’s over / We might be even closer, uh, uh.” Basically, she wants to party – live it up! The good news is the lockdown is done!

Appears in 🔻:

Quarantine Sucks, But At Least We Have Bops! (2020)

6. Sex Pistols, “God Save The Queen”

💿 Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols • 🏷 Warner • 🗓 1977

“God save the Queen / The fascist regime…” Uh-oh! You cannot talk about a popular queen 🎙 Sex Pistols and NOT expect controversy. Furthermore, characterizing The Queen as fascist? Woo! 🎵 “God Save the Queen”, which appears on the iconic punk rock band’s sole album, 💿 Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols, is considered to be one of the more controversial tunes of them all. And no, we’re not referencing the British national anthem, which this legendary punk anthem mocks. Interestingly, the release of “God Save the Queen” coincided with the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, something that only amplified flack received by the band. It’s unapologetic in its criticism of the monarch and the state of England under her reign. Given how younger individuals tend to be more liberal and rebellious, the notion of a strong reaction against the status quo (the monarchy in general) isn’t far-fetched.

“God save the queen

She ain’t no human being

There is no future

In England’s dreaming.”

Not a human being? No future in dreaming because it’s fascist! Bold, 🎙 Johnny Rotten (John Lydon), bold! There’s more of course: “God save the Queen / Cause tourists are money / And our figurehead / Is not what she seems.” The question that should be considered, of course, is this more aimed toward 👑 Queen Elizabeth II, who is controversially pictured on the cover art, or the monarchy itself. Lydon has emphasized no ill intent, essentially. Expectedly, “God Save the Queen” experienced ample backlash with no shortage of censorship – looking at you BBC. Interestingly, this single should’ve been no. 1 in the UK, but somehow (*cough, cough*) didn’t reach the no. 1 spot it earned. All told, 🎵 “God Save the Queen” is one of the greatest songs of all time and a supremely, historically important punk rock record.

Appears in 🔻:

7. Lazarus Lynch, “Black Queer Anthem”

🎵 “Black Queer Anthem” • 🏷 Lazarus Lynch • 📅 2021

🎙 Lazarus Lynch is fearless. More people should have the fearlessness and bravery of this self-described black gay artist, intellectual, and activist.  A prime example of his fearlessness is his assertive, bold single, 🎵 “Black Queer Anthem”.  The title alone is enough to make conservatives, homophobes, and racists cringe in sheer ire.  I’m pretty sure Lynch is like, ‘bring it on.’ “Black Queer Anthem” runs just two-minutes-and-change, but that is ample time for Lynch to share both black and queer pride alike.  Honestly, it is an intriguing listen that latches instantly.  The vocals are distorted intentionally, adding a gritty tone to support Lazarus’ cause – thoughtful musical, activist move.  Furthermore, the production is anchored by hard, pummeling drums that scream and incite a march for justice.  The groove is enough to feel this track, sparking body movement but also passion. Lyrically, Lynch keeps it repetitive and simple, constructing a surefire vibe, call for action, and empowering the black, queer army.  Hopefully, allies join the cause as well as Lazarus is preaching good stuff.     

Appears in 🔻: 

8. Lana Del Rey, “National Anthem”

💿 Born To Die • 🏷 Interscope • 📅 2012

“I’m your national anthem / God, you’re so handsome / Take me to the Hamptons, Bugatti Veyron.” Hmm, sounds bougie for sure… Of course, to be fair, prior to the first verse of “National Anthem”, 🎙 Lana Del Rey states, “Money is the anthem of success / So, before we go out, what’s your address.” Shallow and superficial! It’s not the only time she mentions the green stuff, either. “National Anthem” appears in Del Rey’s early catalog, hailing as the sixth track from her 2012 debut album, 💿 Born To Die. Adding to the shallowness, in the second verse, she sings, “I sing the national anthem / While I am standin’ over your body / Hold you like a python.” So, you won’t let his rich ass go, right? That seems to be the case as love is sus but the desire for material things and money are at an all-time high. Del Rey delivers big vocals on the chorus, where she patriotically sings:

“Tell Me I’m your national anthem

(Booyah baby, bow down, makin’ me say wow now)

Tell me I’m your national anthem

(Sugar, sugar how now take your body downtown)

Red, white, blue is in the sky

Summer’s in the air and baby

Heaven’s in your eyes

I’m your national anthem.”

One thing is for sure, this is NOT “The Star Spangled Banner!” Also, Lana Del Rey has become a mature artist since this album and particular song.

9. Arctic Monkeys, “No. 1 Party Anthem”

💿 AM • 🏷 Domino • 📅 2013

“So, you’re on the prowl wondering whether she left already or not / Leather jacket, collar popped like antennae / Never knowing when to stop…” Sigh, five years before 🎙 Arctic Monkeys would deliver the weird, yet oddly satisfying 💿 Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino, the British alternative rock collective dropped 💿 AM.  AM ranks among the best alternative albums of the 2010s, filled with memorable hits including 🎵 “No. 1 Party Anthem.” One would expect “No. 1 Party Anthem” to be quick and incredibly enthusiastic record.  Instead, it’s slow and dramatic.  The harmonic progression is one of many pros. 

Even at the slower tempo, 🎙 Alex Turner expresses plenty of lyrical swagger including “Drunken monologues, confused because / It’s not like I’m falling in love I just want you to do me no good / and you look like you could” from the second verse.  His best lyrical triumph comes courtesy of the smart bridge:   

“The look of love, the rush of blood  

The ‘she’s with me’, the Gallic shrug  

The shutterbugs, the camera plus 

The black and white, the color dodge  

The good time girls, the cubicles 

The house of fun, the number one party anthem.”   

Appears in 🔻:

11 Songs That Party Hard (2019)

10. Broken Social Scene, “Anthems for a Seventeen Year-Old Girl” 

💿 You Forgot it in People • 🏷 Arts & Crafts Productions Inc. • 📅 2003

“Used to be one of the rotten ones and I liked you for that.” 🎙 Emily Haines sings lead on the 🎙 Broken Social Scene song at hand, 🎵 “Anthems for a Seventeen Year-Old Girl.” “Anthems for a Seventeen Year-Old Girl” appears as the seventh track on their 2003 album, 💿 You Forgot it in People.  Here, Hines sings from the perspective of her older self to her younger self, which is a compelling concept. “Bleaching your teeth, smiling flash, talking trash under your breath.” Throughout this four-and-a-half-minute gem, there are repetitive but truly telling lyrics. It’s always intriguing when a record features fewer, seemingly more abstract, or simplistic lyrics, yet doesn’t sacrifice depth.  Sometimes, one questions if Haines is questioning how she’s changed as opposed to her more adventurous, teenage self.  “Anthems for a Seventeen Year-Old Girl” was written by Haines, 🎼 ✍ Brendan Canning, Charles Spearin, James Shaw, Jessica Moss, John Crossingham, Justin Peroff, and Kevin Drew.  Lots of writers, but ultimately, a terrific classic from the aughts.  

Appears in 🔻:

11 Utterly Compelling Seventeen Songs (2022)

11. UGK, “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” (Ft. Outkast)

💿 UGK (Underground Kingz) • 🏷 Zomba Recording LLC • 📅 2007

“Oh, oh, I choose you girl.” In 2007, rap duo 🎙 UGK – 🎙 Bun B and the late, 🎙 Pimp C – accomplished something special. Their first album in more than five years, 💿 UGK (Underground Kingz), debuted at no. 1 on the Billboard 200. This project marked their sole no. 1 album, and one of two top-10 albums. Furthermore, Underground Kings featured their only charting single on the pop charts (attributed to them as the lead artist), 🎵 “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)”, which reached no. 70 on the Billboard Hot 100. Assisting UGK is the iconic Atlantic rap duo, 🎙 OutKast. DEFINITELY A BIG DEAL! Fueling the fire of all four rappers is production by 🎛 DJ Paul and Juicy J (go on and gag some mo’), who sample the popular, 1973 🎙 Willie Hutch classic, 🎵 “I Choose You”.

All rappers deliver kick ass bars. It kicks off with 🎙 André 3000, who is true to self, in all his glory: “When I shoot the moon, high jump the broom / Like a preemie out the womb, my partner yelling, ‘Too soon! / Don’t do it! Reconsider, read some liter- / Ature on the subject; you sure? Fuck it.” Next, Pimp C takes the reins, unapologetically spitting, “My bitch a choosy lover, never fuck without a rubber / Never in the sheets, like it on top of the cover.” Well, shee-it! Bun B takes the third verse, telling her, “I’ll show you shit you never seen, the Seven Wonders of the World / And I can make you the eighth if you wanna be my girl.” Now that’s some fuckin’ game right there! Of course, last but not least, 🎙 Big Boi playfully kicks off his verse with “Eeny meeny decisions, with precision I pick, or / Make my selection on who I choose to be wit’, girl.” WOO! There’s also the memorable pitch-shifted lyrics, including a personal favorite, “Ask-ask Paul McCartney, the lawyers couldn’t stop it / Slaughter-slaughter of them pockets, had to tie her to a rocket.” Blast off! An entire essay could be written about 🎵 “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)”, among the best rap songs of the aughts, period. This Grammy-nominated banger speaks for itself. R.I.P., Pimp C!

Appears in 🔻:

UGK, Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You): Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 No. 16 (2023)

11 Sensational Anthem Songs (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Arts & Crafts Productions Inc., Domino, Interscope, Lazarus Lynch, Lovett Music, Inc., OVO Sound, RCA, Warner, Zomba Recording LLC; Monstera Production, RDNE Stock project from Pexels]