It only happens every 4 years, but for much of the world, the FIFA World Cup is the greatest sports event of all. This championship of football (soccer in the US) draws attention from the pop music world as well. In 2006 England is determined to bring the World Cup home for the first time since 1966. These 10 songs hope to help the team to victory.
1. Embrace - World at Your Feet
This is the official song for England in the 2006 World Cup. Some football fans are disappointed, but I find it positive, uplifting, and not a bad slice of guitar rock. Visit the "World at Your Feet" site for audio and video.
2. Sham 69 & the Special Assembly - Hurry Up England
This alternate version of the punk band's classic "Hurry Up Harry" was voted in as the "People's Anthem" by Virgin Radio DJ Christian O'Connell's morning show listeners. It's an excellent track. Check out the video here.
3. Ricky - We Are England
Guitar pop for a good cause in addition to revving up the English for victory. Sales of the song benefit the NSPCC to prevent cruelty to children. Listen to the song at the official site.
4. Dead Poets Society - England My England
If you want a bit more folkie and adult take on the World Cup, you'll want to see and hear Dead Poets Society's song. The group features former BBC Radio 1 DJ Mike Read, and the song is based on a W.E. Henley poem "England My England" that was recited by British troops as they went into battle in World War I. Watch the video here.
5. Crazy Frog - We Are the Champions
It doesn't look like Crazy Frog will ever go away. This could be much much worse than it is. The Queen classic is reworked Crazy Frog style with robotic football players in the video. Watch the video at the official site.
6. New Order - World In Motion
This New Order classic was the official song for England in the 1990 World Cup, and it is still a revered classic. It is New Order's only #1 pop single in the UK. Watch the video and revel in England pronounced with 3 syllables and a special rap from legendary footballer John Barnes.
7. The Laddz - Chant Like and English Fan
It's catchy and fun, and you have to admire an independent effort at breaking into the World Cup song crowd. This one is a reworking of the Bangles' classic "Walk Like an Egyptian." Listen to it at the group's MySpace site.
8. Tone Def All Stars - Who Do You Think You Are Kidding Jurgen Klinsmann?
Ok, now we start to head into the genuinely goofy. Jurgen Klinsmann is a German football legend, and this song was voted on by readers of The Sun online. Listen to it here.
9. Tony Christie - (Is This the Way to) The World Cup
Last year Tony Christie topped the pop singles chart with the unlikely hit "(Is This the Way to) Amarillo," a slice of schlocky 70's style pop. Now it's been reworked for the World Cup. Watch the video.
10. John Leyton - Hi Ho Come on England
Mid-60's British jangle pop is not dead. John Leyton has returned to give us his own World Cup anthem. Listen to it now.
