Why Are Anthems Such A Big Part Of Rock’s Identity?

Rock was never designed to sit patiently or quiet in the background. From the very beginning it was about being felt, and anthems I feel are the purest form of that. I’d love to know what your favourite rock anthem is in the comments!

The Crowd Is The Point

If a song doesn’t have that little something extra when it’s being sung by 1000’s of voices at the same time then its missing something. The big choruses, catchy hooks are the key ingredient to getting a crowd onside. Somehow in that moment the band becomes secondary, the song becomes everyone’s.

That is the real reason why these songs in particular last, they are not just remembered, but lived.

Bon Jovi – Livin’ On A Prayer (All Rights Are Retained By Bon Jovi)

Rock Needs Something To Say

Rock has always had a voice, but anthems are rock shouting at its loudest. It’s where frustration, defiance or something else gets turned up to the max. There is no metaphors here, just straight up expression.

The key thing however is when people don’t just listen to the song they agree with it, they embody it. It becomes part of them.

Bruce Springsteen – Born In The U.S.A (All Rights Are Retained By Bruce Springsteen)

Go Big Or Go Home

If you like restraint then rock is not for you, anthems prove that! Is is where things get pushed further, bigger riffs, louder drums and choruses that feel like they are built to explode. It’s about impact.

Anthems tend to define bands because they are them working at their absolute peak. Not only technically but creatively and emotionally. It’s the music form of going all in on a poker table.

The Killers – Mr. Brightside (All Rights Are Retained By The Killers)

It’s About Belonging (Without Saying It)

This is the part I think people don’t talk about enough, it is truly about belonging. Everyone listening to the song is on the same wavelength and one.

Even if just for a few moments, nothing else in the world matters, it isn’t just the sound its what it does for people.

Nickelback – How You Remind Me (All Rights Are Retained By Nickelback)

I’d love you know though what is your favourite rock anthem, let me know in the comments.

All rights to the songs used in this post are retained by the relevant artists. This site claims no rights over them.

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2 responses to “Why Are Anthems Such A Big Part Of Rock’s Identity?”

  1. Sambuca (✿◠‿◠) avatar

    I don’t really know much about Mr. Brightside and Nickleback, I prefer their “Burn It to the Ground” over the one posted. And don’t forget Green Day and blink-182’s anthems!! 😀

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