Your Pump Up Playlist For The World Cup Final!

Post several days of manic anticipation, doomsday is finally upon us. Night after night, after blaming and celebrating our favourite teams, we will finally witness the deciding game to see who comes up triumphant. As the countdown comes to an end, spirits need to be high and rising. What better way to get in the groove than revisiting the most iconic anthems of the past? Build your playlist on our recommendations to get pumped and prepared for the finals tonight.

Eye of the Tiger by Survivor

I simply refuse to believe any ‘pump up’ playlist that does not include Eye of The Tiger, period. I mean you play this to me in my sleep and I’ll jump straight up and start shadow boxing in the dark, you play this for me during my work hours and you’ll find me on the roof of our office, in a tank top, needlessly punching our office generator. Why you ask? I blame it on Survivor, their execution was too perfect if anything.

We Are The Champions by Queen

No amount of critical or public appraisal will ever do justice to the brilliance of Queen’s discography. There is a track for every occasion, especially the upcoming match. Need for motivation demands a run (or maybe twelve) of We are the Champions, for obvious reasons. Freddie Mercury’s voice to the background of an electrifying guitar riff is nothing short of riveting. And as the verses pour into the chorus that we all know verbatim, a mutual adrenaline rush is undeniable.

The Final Countdown by Europe

An inevitable sports event tradition, the mention of The Final Countdown should come as no surprise. Every second of the song screams victory. The synth introduction builds up to an epic chorus- obviously inducing mandatory head banging. And if the guitar solo doesn’t get you to throw your fists in the air, I don’t know what will. Even the name is apt for the occasion, what more can I say?

Lose Yourself by Eminem

If you’ve seen 8 Mile; if you’ve seen the struggles of Jimmy ‘B-Rabbit’ Smith i.e. the music behemoth Eminem himself, you just cannot disregard this tune. You could travel to any end of the globe and be sure that even if language is a barrier, Eminem will surely be a point of commonality. Most people recognize Eminem but when you truly ascertain the conflict behind the man, his music is perceived in a whole other perspective, one that is all too real.   

Song 2 by Blur

This 2-minute anthem is a faultless exemplification of the phrase ‘short and sweet’. A pop culture phenomenon in the 90’s, its recognition over the years surely hasn’t diminished and neither has its ability to get the juices flowing. This satire on grunge music will surely have fans pumping their fists in the air and woohooo’ing along in a sign of approval.

Hall of Fame by The Script ft. will.i.am

I admit, the choice stands out more groovy than the rest of the options. However, when it comes to inspiration and overcoming obstacles, this is an obvious go-to. If you’re a fan of hip-hop and frustrated with the often interwoven sexual and materialistic lyrics, tune into this number. Soothing as the music may be, the strikingly stimulating lyrics will make you croon along, maybe even with a tear in your eye.

Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes

A song so seamlessly tailored for war, if the lyrics are anything to go by, “I’m gonna fight ‘em all”, “a seven-nation army couldn’t hold me back”, need I say more? The very rarest of songs possess that knack whereby they sweep you off your bottom and deliver that colossal dose of stored adrenaline that you, the owner of your own body, were not aware you possessed.

Chariots of Fire by Vangelis

It may be the subject of parodies and memes, but absolutely nothing can take away from the credibility of this breathtaking melody. It is rare to find contemporary instrumental music as impactful and uplifting as Chariots of Fire. The song is the epitome of what can be created by only a handful of instruments and a simple tune. If you find yourself busting into a slow-motion Olympic run to a background of the enchanting note progression, you wouldn’t be the only one. Try and resist the urge to sprint onto the pitch though.

England will take on New Zealand in London on July 14, 2019.