Ever since rock and roll came on the scene in the mid 50’s there have always been those certain songs that have become anthems for the music. Every decade has had those anthems where you raise your fist in the air and go, “Yeah!!” Here is a look at some of those great anthems that have spurred on the history of rock and roll music.
1954 – “Rock Around The Clock,” Bill Haley & His Comets – This was the breakthrough for the teens of that time and their own way of life. It was the perfect song to capture just what the music meant to the youth of that time.
1968 – “Born to Be Wild,” Steppenwolf – This was popular with the biker community because it was in the film “Easy Rider”. But more than that with the youth it was their anthem of rebellion and freedom.
1971 – “American Pie”, Don McLean – If there was ever a song the personified Americana and the meaning of rock and roll, this was it. The ‘day the music died” is one of the most iconic anthems to be written and performed.
1973 – “We’re An American Band”, Grand Funk Railroad – While song itself is basically a tribute to the band, the tours, the good and bad, the fans, it is still one of those songs you cannot forget and always hear on a classic rock station.
1974 – “Sweet Home Alabama”. Lynard Skynard – If ever there was a song that personified like below the Mason-Dixon line, America, rock and roll and life, this is it. No matter what your music taste this song is one you don’t forget.
1975 – “Born to Run”, Bruce Springsteen – This classic has been around for forty five years and still resonates with music lovers of all ages. It was the right song at the right time both for Springsteen and music lovers of rock and roll.
1977 -“We Will Rock You”/”We Are the Champions”, Queen – These two are inseparable and might be the most revered and perfect examples of a rock and roll anthem you could ask for. It doesn’t get much better than this.
1979 – “Old Time Rock and Roll,” Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band – This is pure celebration of rock and roll and what it meant to everyone. The fact that it was in the film Ricky Business helped, but this anthem stands on its own.
1980 – “Another One Bites the Dust,” Queen – Freddie and the boys gave music another classic anthem with this one. It has been used for many different sports related events and with its funkadelic appeal it is a true anthem.
1984 – “Born in the U.S.A.,” Bruce Springsteen – You cannot have a list of classic rock anthems without including this one. It speaks of the Viet Nam era, and it is a rousing and powerful anthem in a subtle protesting way.
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