Football World Cup Anthems - It's A Knockout (Current Vote: Round 1, Ties 5-8)

[Corki]

The Band of the Red Hand is taking an extension to its short break in the search for our Dream Band. So far, the following have been nominated:

 

- Freddie Mercury of Queen won the position of Male Vocalist

- Carlos Santana will be on Guitar

- Geddy Lee is the bass player

- Within Temptation's Sharon den Adel as the female vocalist

 

April saw the Band focus on Soundtrack music and composers, and May saw a focus on Classical Music. Now we move onto the World Cup Anthems over the years. 15 are official endorsed by FIFA, the World Governing body of Football, and a Classic tune from the BBC, who cover the World Cup here in the UK.

 

"It's A Knockout" remains with the longer format this month - and this means there are 16 World Cup Anthems instead of 8!

 

 

"It's a Knockout" - Format

For those of you who have not been involved with a "It's A Knockout" thread before, the rules are quite simple. The Band of the Red Hand is DM's travel, music and eating out Social Group, and "It's a Knockout" is a knock out competition to find out the winner of the chosen category (past categories include Micheal Jackson songs, Classical Music, One Hit Wonders). Each day, 2 or 4 World Cup Anthems will be posted in either 1 or 2 ties, along with links so you can listen to the music if you do not know it, and all you have to do is post which composer you think is the better of the two in the tie. After a day, the votes will be counted, and the winning song will progress to the next round, until we only have 1 song left as the winner at the end of the competition - who will named the Band's and DM's Favourite World Cup Anthem. It's very simple, so I look forward to seeing you getting involved!

 

So without further a-do, let the competition begin!

[Corki]

RESULTS

 

Round 1

 

1. Nessun Dorma performed by Luciano Pavarotti lost to The Cup of Life/La Copa de la Vida by Ricky Martin (0-4)

2. Un'estate italiana by Edoardo Bennato and Gianna Nannini beat Celebrate the Day/Zeit Dass Sich Was Dreht by Herbert Grönemeyer with Amadou & Mariam (3-0)

3. Sign of a Victory by R. Kelly with Soweto Spiritual Singers lost to Boom by Anastacia (1-2)

4. Wavin' Flag by K'naan beat A Special Kind of Hero by Stephanie Lawrence (2-1)

5. The Time of Our Lives by Il Divo with Toni Braxton vs. World Cup Willie (Where in this World are We Going) by Lonnie Donegan

6. We Are the Champions by Queen vs. Waka Waka (This Time For Africa) by Shakira with Freshlyground

7. Anthem by Vangelis vs. Mundial '82 by Plácido Domingo

8. Together Now by Jean Michel Jarre and Tetsuya Komuro vs. La Cour des Grands by Youssou N'Dour & Axelle Red

 

2nd Round

 

1.  vs.

2.  vs.

3.  vs.

4.  vs.

 

Semi-Final

 

1.  vs.

2.  vs.

 

3rd/4th Play-off

 

1.  vs.

 

Final

 

1.  vs.

[Corki]

THE CHOSEN SONGS

 

1. Waka Waka (This Time For Africa) by Shakira with Freshlyground

This is one of the Official World Cup Songs for South Africa 2010. It is sung by South American superstar Shakira, and features South African band Freshlyground. There is a Spanish version, called Waka Waka (Esto es África). In my eyes, it happens to be another poor song for the current World Cup.

 

 

2. Wavin' Flag by K'naan

To be honest, I am really disappointed with the songs associated with the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Despite that, I feel this is the best out of a poor selection. K'naan is a Somali-Canadian artist, and this song comes from his album Troubadour. A version of the song featuring will.i.am and David Guetta in an aim to achieve international success. It is not an official FIFA World Cup Song, but Coca-Cola's song endorsed for the World Cup.

 

 

3. The Time of Our Lives by Il Divo with Toni Braxton

This song was recorded for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, and featured international best selling operatic group Il Divo and American R&B singer Toni Braxton. It was released as a single in continental Europe, and achieved reasonable success.

 

 

4. Celebrate the Day/Zeit Dass Sich Was Dreht by Herbert Grönemeyer with Amadou & Mariam

Celebrate the Day/Zeit Dass Sich Was Dreht was the official song for the 2006 World Cup held in Germany. It features well known German singer Herbert Grönemeyer, together with blind couple, Amadou and Mariam from Mali.

 

 

5. Boom by Anastacia

Anastacia's Boom served as the Offical World Cup song for the tournament held in Japan and South Korea in 2002. It was released as a single in Europe, Australia and Asia in June 2002, and achieved mixed success in the charts.

 

 

6. Anthem by Vangelis

Another official song for the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea. It was performed by the Greek Vangelis (real name: Evangelos Odysseas Papathanassiou), with production and mixing by Takkyu Ishino. Vangelis is an Oscar-award winning composer, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Music Score for the 1981 film, Chariots of Fire.

 

 

7. Together Now by Jean Michel Jarre and Tetsuya Komuro

Another musical helping from the 1998 World Cup in France. It sees French composer/producer link up with Japanese composer/producer Tetsuya Komuro. Olivia was the vocalist and the lyricist for this song. It was only released as a single in Japan, and achieved reasonable success there.

 

 

8. The Cup of Life/La Copa de la Vida by Ricky Martin

The Cup of Life is a translation of the song La Copa de la Vida that appeared on Martin's fourth album. The translated version proved popular, and became the official song of the 1998 FIFA World Cup. The song was awarded "Pop Song of the Year" at the 1999 Premio Lo Nuestro awards.

 

 

9. We Are the Champions by Queen

This is one of Queen's most famous songs, and is quite suiting for a sports event. Taken from their 1977 album News of the World, it was the Official Song for the 1994 World Cup in the USA.

 

 

10. Un'estate italiana by Edoardo Bennato and Gianna Nannini

This song is also known under the title Notti magiche, and was part of the official music for the World Cup of 1990 held in Italy. The song achieved success in the Italian and Swiss charts. Between January and September 1990, it was the best selling single in Italy.

 

 

11. A Special Kind of Hero by Stephanie Lawrence

Mexico 1986 saw A Special Kind of Hero by Stephanie Lawrence as the official song. She was better known as a musical theatre actress, and starred in many hit shows - Evita, Cats and Starlight Express. She sadly died in 2000.

 

 

12. Mundial '82 by Plácido Domingo

1982 saw the World Cup head to Spain. The 1982 song was sung by Spanish tenor and conductor Plácido Domingo. He is well known for his versatile and strong voice, possessing a ringing and dramatic tone throughout its range.

 

 

13. Sign of a Victory by R. Kelly with Soweto Spiritual Singers

Sign of a Victory is one of the two official songs for the current World Cup in South Africa. It is written, produced and sung by American R&B artist, R Kelly, with support from the Soweto Spiritual Singers.

 

 

14. La Cour des Grands by Youssou N'Dour & Axelle Red

And yet more music from World Cup 1998 in France. This time, Youssou N'Dour & Axelle Red join forces to produce this little number.

 

 

15. World Cup Willie (Where in this World are We Going) by Lonnie Donegan

This was the first and original World Cup Song, used for the 1966 World Cup in England (which we won, and will probably be our only victory!). It was sung by Lonnie Donegan, who was Britain's most successful and influential recording artist before The Beatles.

 

 

16. Nessun Dorma performed by Luciano Pavarotti

The BBC used Nessun Dorma as their theme music for Italia '90, and Pavarotti sang it live at the World Cup in 1994 in the USA. One of Pavarotti's greatest known exploits, it rocketed the aria to "super song status", where it charted at number 2 in the UK Singles Charts. The aria comes from the final act of Giacomo Puccini's opera Turando.

[Corki]

Banders, Please Note:

 

Voting in "It's A Knockout" threads counts towards posting in an activity thread for points gained through the roll call. However, in order for that to qualify, you need to post and vote at least 4 times.

 

Corki

Marshal-General

Social Group Leader

[Corki]

Round 1, Tie 1

 

One of the greatest known singers ever, who is sadly not with us any more, takes on a Latin flavoured song.

 

Nessun Dorma performed by Luciano Pavarotti

The BBC used Nessun Dorma as their theme music for Italia '90, and Pavarotti sang it live at the World Cup in 1994 in the USA. One of Pavarotti's greatest known exploits, it rocketed the aria to "super song status", where it charted at number 2 in the UK Singles Charts. The aria comes from the final act of Giacomo Puccini's opera Turando.

Link:

 

vs.

 

 

The Cup of Life/La Copa de la Vida by Ricky Martin

The Cup of Life is a translation of the song La Copa de la Vida that appeared on Martin's fourth album. The translated version proved popular, and became the official song of the 1998 FIFA World Cup. The song was awarded "Pop Song of the Year" at the 1999 Premio Lo Nuestro awards.

Link:

 

 

Voting ends Friday 18th June 2010 at 11pm (BST)

[Corki]

The thread is now open to votes!

[Majsju]

La Copa de la Vida. While Nessum Dorma is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever composed, it is not a football song.

[Krakalakachkn]

La Copa de la Vida. While Nessum Dorma is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever composed, it is not a football song.

 

Couldn't have said it better

[Talya]

I third that... La Copa de la Vida

 

though I notice the best aren't there... World in Motion, Three lions  and Vindaloo ;D

[Imperium]

I'm voting Three Lions despite it not being there!

 

And I am going to vote it every single tie I can get to! :P

 

and we really don't need Vindaloo Talya ;D

[Talya]

I wondered if anyone had heard of it ;)

[Imperium]

well I am English...

[Corki]

Please note that these are Official Songs for the World Cup that FIFA have recognised, not individual songs for each country (otherwise, the likes of Vindaloo and Three Lions would be on there).

 

While I like Nessum Dorma, as has been said, it really isn't a football song (plus I did put it in to make up the numbers!). So it is a vote for La Copa de la Vida.

 

I will probably tie this up shortly, and get a bumper load up as I was away at the weekend playing cricket. Now that is a summer sport!  ;D

[Corki]

That is a 4-0 victory for La Copa de la Vida by Ricky Martin.

 

A handful of ties are now going up.

[Corki]

Round 1, Tie 2

 

The songs for Italia '90 and Germany 2006 go head-to-head for a place in Round 2.

 

Un'estate italiana by Edoardo Bennato and Gianna Nannini

This song is also known under the title Notti magiche, and was part of the official music for the World Cup of 1990 held in Italy. The song achieved success in the Italian and Swiss charts. Between January and September 1990, it was the best selling single in Italy.

Link:

 

vs.

 

 

Celebrate the Day/Zeit Dass Sich Was Dreht by Herbert Grönemeyer with Amadou & Mariam

Celebrate the Day/Zeit Dass Sich Was Dreht was the official song for the 2006 World Cup held in Germany. It features well known German singer Herbert Grönemeyer, together with blind couple, Amadou and Mariam from Mali.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yq2YWF9T0LU

 

 

Voting ends Tuesday 22nd June 2010 at 11pm (BST)

[Corki]

Round 1, Tie 3

 

Two big American singers compete for a place in the second round with their songs which were picked as Official World Cup songs.

 

Sign of a Victory by R. Kelly with Soweto Spiritual Singers

Sign of a Victory is one of the two official songs for the current World Cup in South Africa. It is written, produced and sung by American R&B artist, R Kelly, with support from the Soweto Spiritual Singers.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4k46ZTmBQo

 

vs.

 

 

Boom by Anastacia

Anastacia's Boom served as the Offical World Cup song for the tournament held in Japan and South Korea in 2002. It was released as a single in Europe, Australia and Asia in June 2002, and achieved mixed success in the charts.

Link:

 

 

Voting ends Tuesday 22nd June 2010 at 11pm (BST)

[Corki]

Round 1, Tie 4

 

A relative unknown for the 1986 World Cup takes on an offering from the latest contest in South Africa.

 

Wavin' Flag by K'naan

To be honest, I am really disappointed with the songs associated with the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Despite that, I feel this is the best out of a poor selection. K'naan is a Somali-Canadian artist, and this song comes from his album Troubadour. A version of the song featuring will.i.am and David Guetta in an aim to achieve international success. It is not an official FIFA World Cup Song, but Coca-Cola's song endorsed for the World Cup.

Link:

 

vs.

 

 

A Special Kind of Hero by Stephanie Lawrence

Mexico 1986 saw A Special Kind of Hero by Stephanie Lawrence as the official song. She was better known as a musical theatre actress, and starred in many hit shows - Evita, Cats and Starlight Express. She sadly died in 2000.

Link:

 

 

Voting ends Tuesday 22nd June 2010 at 11pm (BST)

[Krakalakachkn]

Un'estate italiana, Sign of a Victory, Wavin' Flag

[Majsju]

Un'estate Italiana, Waving Flag. I think the "songs" of tie 2 are equally repulsive, and can not in good conscience vote for anything so far beneath decent music.

[Corki]

Un'estate italiana

 

Boom

 

A Special Kind of Hero

[Corki]

The results are as follows for ties 2 to 4 of Round 1:

 

Tie 2: Un'estate italiana 3-0 Celebrate the Day/Zeit Dass Sich Was Dreht

 

Tie 3: Sign of a Victory 1-2 Boom (with my additional vote going to Boom to break the tie)

 

Tie 4: Wavin' Flag 2-1 A Special Kind of Hero

 

The next ties will be on the way shortly.

[Corki]

Round 1, Tie 5

 

The first song for a World Cup goes up against a recent World Cup Anthem. Can 1966 prove successful for England against the Old Enemy?

 

The Time of Our Lives by Il Divo with Toni Braxton

This song was recorded for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, and featured international best selling operatic group Il Divo and American R&B singer Toni Braxton. It was released as a single in continental Europe, and achieved reasonable success.

Link:

 

vs.

 

 

World Cup Willie (Where in this World are We Going) by Lonnie Donegan

This was the first and original World Cup Song, used for the 1966 World Cup in England (which we won, and will probably be our only victory!). It was sung by Lonnie Donegan, who was Britain's most successful and influential recording artist before The Beatles.

Link:

 

 

Voting ends Wednesday 30th June 2010 at 11pm (BST)

[Corki]

Round 1, Tie 6

 

One of Britain's greatest rock acts take on a powerhouse from South America for a place in Round 2.

 

We Are the Champions by Queen

This is one of Queen's most famous songs, and is quite suiting for a sports event. Taken from their 1977 album News of the World, it was the Official Song for the 1994 World Cup in the USA.

Link:

 

vs.

 

 

Waka Waka (This Time For Africa) by Shakira with Freshlyground

This is one of the Official World Cup Songs for South Africa 2010. It is sung by South American superstar Shakira, and features South African band Freshlyground. There is a Spanish version, called Waka Waka (Esto es África). In my eyes, it happens to be another poor song for the current World Cup.

Link:

 

 

Voting ends Wednesday 30th June 2010 at 11pm (BST)

[Corki]

Round 1, Tie 7

 

Regular World Cup underachievers Spain have a chance with their 1982 effort, but must get past a Greek from the 2002 World Cup in Asia.

 

Anthem by Vangelis

Another official song for the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea. It was performed by the Greek Vangelis (real name: Evangelos Odysseas Papathanassiou), with production and mixing by Takkyu Ishino. Vangelis is an Oscar-award winning composer, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Music Score for the 1981 film, Chariots of Fire.

Link:

 

vs.

 

 

Mundial '82 by Plácido Domingo

1982 saw the World Cup head to Spain. The 1982 song was sung by Spanish tenor and conductor Plácido Domingo. He is well known for his versatile and strong voice, possessing a ringing and dramatic tone throughout its range.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhL9ipxXfuw

 

 

Voting ends Wednesday 30th June 2010 at 11pm (BST)

[Corki]

Round 1, Tie 8

 

The World Cup in France in 1998 will have at least one song in Round 2 - but which one?

 

Together Now by Jean Michel Jarre and Tetsuya Komuro

Another musical helping from the 1998 World Cup in France. It sees French composer/producer link up with Japanese composer/producer Tetsuya Komuro. Olivia was the vocalist and the lyricist for this song. It was only released as a single in Japan, and achieved reasonable success there.

Link:

 

vs.

 

 

La Cour des Grands by Youssou N'Dour & Axelle Red

And yet more music from World Cup 1998 in France. This time, Youssou N'Dour & Axelle Red join forces to produce this little number.

Link:

 

 

Voting ends Wednesday 30th June 2010 at 11pm (BST)