National anthems of the world ranked
Patriotism. Pride. Immortalised in song. These are the best national anthems of the world - if your country is not here don't take offense - sing louder! I'm ranking these on the musical qualities of the anthems and based on youtube videos of sporting events to best get a feel for each respective anthem. |
| 1 | Wales
Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of our fathers)
When it comes to National anthems, no other country in the world can touch the Welsh anthem. The level of pure emotion is incredible. If your Welsh, I envy you to be born in a country with the most amazing voices. To sit in a full Millennium Stadium before the Welsh play the All Blacks would be an unbelievable experience.
Check out this link and prepare to have the hairs stand up on your neck
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AM4mIlYKG9s |
| 2 | Scotland
Flower of Scotland
There's something about the Celtic anthems that stirs up so much emotion in their people. And the bagpipes give it such a triumphant feel, the idea of men running around butt naked in kilts makes you laugh but man they are fierce warriors on the Rugby or football field. |
| 3 | Ireland
Both Ireland's Call and the official one.
Another stirring Celtic anthem, both the Republic and the Northern Irish anthems equally powerful from a neutral perspective - I won't touch on politics - but the Irish people are renowned singers and madly patriotic. |
| 4 | South Africa
Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika and Die Stem van Suid-Afrika
For a country with such a troubled split between races, they sure come together to sing in harmony
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdG7pEgzV5Q |
| 5 | New Zealand
God Defend New Zealand/ E Ihoa Atua (Maori version)
I prefer the Maori version for it's soaring musical harmonies, and when it's sung back to back with God Defend New Zealand, preferably before a Rugby match there's hardly a better sight (or sound). |
| 6 | Mexico
Himno Nacionale Mexico
Macman you were right, this one is fire. Can't believe I hadn't heard it before. The Mexican people really get into it! |
| 7 | Russia
Cold country, (generally) cold people, but what a hot damn piece of music. |
| 8 | France
La Marsellaise
Another triumphant sounding anthem which sounds incredible when sung by a full crowd. |
| 9 | England
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
I know it's kinda the unofficial English anthem but when it's sung by a crowd of 80,000 at Twickers or Wembley it's so much more powerful than their other anthem God Save The Queen. |
| 10 | U.S of A
X
Star Spangled Banner. It's an obvious source of national pride, and when it's sung by everyone at a large sporting event it's hard not to get caught up in the hype. It loses marks for the over the top orchestral shit, when you compare it to the Welsh anthem which has no instruments, no gimmicks, nothing but voices. |
| 11 | Argentina
Himno Nacional Argentino |
| 12 | Japan
Kimigayo
A short, simple but nonetheless stirring anthem when they all sing it. |
| 13 | Canada
O Canada!
Sarah McLachlan you sexy songbird. She does a stirring rendition of this but I would love to hear Devin Townsend sing aboot Canucks, pioneering gold rush days, wild moose and Kokanee beer. |
| 14 | Italy
Il Canto degli Italiani |
| 15 | Netherlands
Wilhelmus |
| 16 | Germany
Deutschlandlied |
| 17 | Australia
Advance Australia Fair
To be honest i'd rather hear Waltzing Matilda for it's real true blue ridgy didge fair dinkum Aussie culture than the official anthem. Musically it's not too bad, it just feels like it lacks something. |
| 18 | Kazakhstan
Greatest country in the world.
Borat's anthem was actually played during a medal ceremony. |
| 19 | England
God Save The Queen
They should've let Morrissey sing it! But seriously though, how much longer will this anthem remain relevant. (How long will the Royal family remain relevant is even more pointed) It's just a steaming pile of turd (even many English people admit it). Tis a jolly shame, the English people are fantastic singers and love a good singsong (Barmy Army) but i'd rather listen to Swing Low, Sweet Chariot anyday. |
| 20 | West Indies
From the islands that brought the world Bob Marley, Cool runnings and the people with the coolest accents, they sure deserve a better anthem. This one sounds like they were going for a reggae-pop vibe but missed the mark completely. |
| 21 | Spain
Marcha Real
Watched a video of the Spanish football team and not one player sung the words. Not one. Take away the singing and it just sounded like carnival music with trumpets. Uninspiring. |
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