10. "El Rock del Mundial" - Los Ramblers (Chile 1962)
Gotta give at least some credit to the first World Cup song ever. It used some of the hippest, stylin' music at the time to create a great World Cup anthem. And of course, it's not complete without shouting "GOOOOOOAAAAAAA-" ow, my throat.
9. "Futbol" - Maryla Rodowicz (Germany 1974)
This is a really offbeat World Cup song to me, and I kind of respect that. It's not really trying to be a bombastic World Cup anthem; it's just a simple song about futbol. And a charming one, at that. Maryla Rodowicz has a great, captivating voice.
8. "Gloryland" - Daryl Hall and Sounds of Blackness (United States 1994)
Now here's a song trying to be an anthem, and I didn't really think it would work all that well, but it does, proving that The United States have just as much capability of making a great World Cup song as anyone else. (Now, if only their neighbours up north would get a decent team for once... bitter, who, me?)
7. La Cour des Grands (Do You Mind if I Play)" - Youssou N'Dour and Axelle Red (France 1998)
France was the first nation to have multiple official World Cup songs, and while I still don't know what the hell this is, they did have a really nice World Cup anthem in "La Cour des Grands". It's almost a kids' song, sounding so happy and simple. Perfect to symbolize the game of soccer. Minus the biting, that is.
6. "Un'estate Italiana (To Be Number One)" - Edoardo Bennato and Gina Nannini (Italy 1990)
Oh man, this video is just hilarious, especially the girl. Look at her, she doesn't seem to have a clue what she's doing there. Thankfully, the song makes up for the incredibly awkward video, having all the charm of late 80's power ballad as well as all of the cheese. I don't think this song could have been made any other year but FIFA '90. (Well, maybe '86, but that's a whole other song...)
5. "Anthem" - Vangelis (South Korea/Japan 2002)
South Korea and Japan's year by far had the best overall songs, and all three of them make the list. This one comes in last, but make no mistake: it's still an awesome World Cup anthem. I actually think it's great that there's no lyrics; it makes it more inclusive. Everyone can understand the language of music, and I think that's what the artist intended.
4. "Boom" - Anastacia (South Korea/Japan 2002)
This song is only slightly better than "Anthem", but I do like it better for legitimate reasons. I like the more "hard rock" tone the song takes, and even though I did appreciate "Anthem"s lack of lyrics, "Boom"s lyrics really fit the spirit of competition. BOOM, here to rock ya. Awesome.
3. "Let's Get Together Now" - Voices of Korea/Japan (South Korea/Japan 2002)
But if I have to give the prize to best South Korea/Japan World Cup song, it would be this one, which brings together the flavours of both nations with singers from each nation. It works great as an inspiring anthem that pumps you up for the World Cup and the nations hosting.
2. "Hot Hot Hot" - Arrow (Mexico 1986)
Obligatory pick. You can't talk about World Cup anthems without talking about probably the most universal of them all. Anyone can sing along to that chorus. Anyone can enjoy the blending of different genres to create a bombastic anthem to ring in Mexico's FIFA games... Except maybe Arrow, who has grown to loathe the song in his later years. It happens. Kurt Cobain hated "Teen Spirit" too. They just don't know what's good for us, it seems. Olé, olé! Olé, olé! Feelin'... like introducing the #1 song.
1. "La Copa de la Vida (The Cup of Life)" - Ricky Martin (France 1998)
Yes, that's right. Ricky fuckin' Martin of all people tops my list. Say what you want about the guy, but he knows how to party hard and how to get you hyped. And this song was the single most exciting World Cup song we've ever had, courtesy of Ricky Martin. Ricky Martin, my #1 pick, You're all welcome. Now go enjoy some football.
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