Football anthems usually are a hit-or-miss affair. With the World Cup boasting a massive global following, it is a challenge to craft a rousing song that appeals to all. Here are five of the best-loved anthems associated with the tournament.
A Little Less Conversation by Elvis Presley vs JXL (Asia, 2002)
The Dutch producer Tom Holkenborg's (known as JXL) funky take on The King's classic 1968 song A Little Less Conversation was released a few months before the 2002 World Cup; it became attached to the tournament after Nike used it for its World Cup advertising campaign. The song also did very well because the 2002 tournament suffered from dire official songs – Boom by Anastacia was insipid and Anthem by the classical composer Vangelis was more likely to put you to sleep than to catch a game.
Waka Waka by Shakira (South Africa, 2010)
After Shakira scored an unofficial World Cup anthem with 2006's Hips Don't Lie with Wyclef Jean, she was tapped to come up with the official song for the 2010 tournament in South Africa. The result is the irrepressible Waka Waka with its screwball lyrics, African rhythms and that hip-swivelling dance routine that went on to be embraced by everyone from adults to toddlers.
The Cup of Life by Ricky Martin (France, 1998)
One of the best World Cup songs – it was adopted as the official anthem of the 1998 Fifa World Cup in France. Until then, Ricky Martin's fame was limited to Latin America, but the release of this gigantic track made him a global superstar. The Cup of Life has it all, lyrics urging you "gotta be strong" and existential questions ("do you really want it?") before that classic conquering chorus. The Cup of Life is that rarity: a classic sports anthem and brilliant pop song tied into one.
Hot Hot Hot by Arrow (Mexico 1986)
It may also be used as rousing chant in rugby and T20 cricket matches nowadays, but Hot Hot Hot by the Caribbean artist Arrow was first an official anthem for the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. A great fit – those tropical melodies matched the sun-kissed Latin atmosphere of the tournament.
Nessun Dorma performed by Luciano Pavarotti (Italia 1990)
When the legendary Italian composer Giacomo Puccini wrote this aria, it was for the tumultuous final act of his posthumous 1926 opera, Turandot. However, it was the late tenor Pavarotti, whose passionate take convinced the BBC to adopt it as the anthem for its coverage of the 1990 World Cup in Italy. They scored big: as well as the bumper television ratings, Nessun Dorma reached No 2 on the British pop charts.
sasaeed@thenational.ae
