Anthem Rock
tagStarted 1977Peak 1982-1989Last big hit still active
Located in 1 route
Songs built entirely around the fist-in-the-air communal hook: shout-along choruses, motivational lyrics about fighting, winning and never surrendering, big four-on-the-floor stomp, and a key change for the final chorus. Built to be chanted by a whole crowd with no rehearsal. Triumphant, defiant, hook-first.
History
Grew out of arena rock's biggest singalong moments into a sound of its own around 1980, supercharged by film and sports use — Survivor's 'Eye of the Tiger' from Rocky III being the template. Europe, Twisted Sister and Survivor pushed the chant-anthem to its commercial height through the mid-'80s; the songs became evergreen stadium staples.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arena_rock
- https://www.allmusic.com/style/arena-rock-ma0000011890
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eye_of_the_Tiger