Music is such an integral part of our lives. There is hardly a culture in the world that has not assigned importance to music. Sports fans are no different. A couple of weeks ago I rated my favourite sports films of all time. This week I give you the greatest sports songs ever. Is your favourite here?
10. Dario G – Carnaval De Paris
The 90s saw the emergence of a genre called techno. While this is hardly a techno song it was the first piece of electronic music that truly left its mark on a sporting event; the 1998 Fifa World Cup.
9. R Kelly – The World’s Greatest
R Kelly has contributed to sporty/motivational/inspirational songs perhaps more than any other artist. It was inevitable that one of his tracks made the list. This is from the 2002 flick Ali.
8. Queen – We Are The Champions
You were just waiting for this one, weren’t you? It’s become so clichéd but who cares? Few things in sport are as demoralising as having just lost a championship match and then this starts playing to celebrate your conquerors.
7. Survivor – Eye Of The Tiger
Even though this track only arrives in time for Rocky III many associate it as the song that defines the franchise and honestly how could you have a top ten without it?
6. Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballé – Barcelona
This collaboration represents not only a superb piece of music but also one of the greatest Olympic Games theme songs.
5. Knaan – Wavin’ Flag
Shakira’s Waka Waka was the official 2010 Fifa World Cup theme song and while it got the job done this was the fans’ song. Wavin’ Flag is a true work of art and brings back all the memories from what was a great time to be a South African.
4. Bill Conti – Gonna Fly Now
Download this song onto your iPad and go for a run or cycle and if you come back and tell me you weren’t inspired to perform better I’ll drop it from the list.
3. PJ Powers & Ladysmith Black Mambazo – World In Union
This is the Rugby World Cup’s (RWC) theme and every four years someone else sings it. You’ll excuse my bias and understand that this is the one that makes my list. As a stand-alone it’s a superb piece of music that stirs all the right emotions. It helps that South Africa won the RWC in the year that this version was the theme.
2. Whitney Houston – One Moment In Time
This was not the official song of the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games but similar to Knaan’s Wavin’ Flag it just dominated. If you are looking for an inspirational track motivating you to be better than what you are capable of then you need look no further.
1. Gloria Estefan – Reach
My number one sports song of all-time. If Whitney was going to inspire you beyond your abilities then this song would turn you into a super athlete for sure. Beat this:
If I could reach, higher.
Just for one moment touch the sky
From that one moment in my life
I’m gonna be stronger
Know that I’ve tried my very best
I’d put my spirit to the test
If I could reach