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My Top 50 Canadian Anthems 

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My Top 50 Canadian Anthems

This is a list of my personal favourite Canadian anthems. To me, anthems are songs Canadians from Victoria to St. John’s would likely recognize and sing along to without feeling a shred of shame! Not necessarily, #1 hits but songs that resonate with Canucks for one reason or another. It could be a childhood favourite or that summer jam that takes you back to that time you first heard it.

I grew up in the 90’s so my list won’t have Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes or The Weeknd on it…YET! Keep in mind this just my personal collection of Canadian songs I consider anthems and these are in no particular order. I would love to hear some of yours.

I should also point out, originally this was supposed to be a Top 25 but, then I realized 25 is not enough. So I opted to make it a Top 40 and still that was not enough. I could go well passed a Top 50 but I had to cut it off at some point.

  1. Hockey Night in Canada Theme: This is basically the 2nd national anthem after Oh Canada; the true Canadians can hum this theme with ease. Growing up in Canada, Hockey Night in Canada was religion on Saturday nights from fall to spring.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAjgpVy2rMQ

  1. The Hockey Song – Stompin’ Tom Connors: If HNIC is the 2nd national anthem this could be considered the 3rd national anthem in Canada. Stompin’ Tom is a Canadian legend if you don’t know you better ask somebody.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS3GQverRiQ

  1. Log Driver’s Waltz – Wade Hemsworth: This classic folk song was a part of the Canadian Film Board’s ‘Canada Vignettes’ series which started back in the 1979. It tells the tale of a young woman who is told to love someone like a doctor or lawyer but she can’t escape her affection for the log drivers. This was a staple during my elementary school days, when I would watch YTV.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Srp7k-9oCkw

  1. Blackfly – Wade Hemsworth: Another classic folk song about those pesky blackflies. If you have ever been to North Ontar-I-O-I-O you probably know all about this. Back in elementary school I think in 3rd grade our class had to learn this song in South Ontar-I-O-I-O. Oh the memories.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2q8jEuH3nk

  1. Skinnamarink – Sharon, Lois and Bram: These 3 wonderful people were staples of kids’ lives back in the 80’s and 90’s. There way of making simple things into unforgettable songs that were interactive to all people was amazing. While one could argue songs like ‘Peanut Butter and Jelly’ or ‘Fish and Chips and Vinegar’ or ‘One Elephant’ were great (and they were) their signature song was no doubt ‘Skinnamarink’ with the hand motions every child talent show from the 1980’s onward in Canada. I believe this was probably the first kid song I remember performing as a kid probably back in Grade 1 or 2. Not really sure if my vocals improved since then. Also, R.I.P Lois.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPdV8jXAjUQ

  1. Down By the Bay – Raffi: This was the jam back in music class in elementary school. Raffi is beloved by many of us born in the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s. His family emigrated here from Egypt when he was 10 years old. His other hits include ‘Baby Beluga’ (remember that from Full House), ‘Apples and Bananas’ and ‘Bananaphone’ but for me, ‘Down by the Bay’ sticks for me because it is where watermelons grow!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CSxGHve60E

  1. Summer of ’69 – Bryan Adams: This song is the quintessential song at every cottage weekend or BBQ in the summer. People over the years have had the argument of what ‘69’ meant if it was the year 1969 or something else. Apparently, it is meant to be nostalgic and about making love in the summer. Either way this is forever an iconic Canadian anthem!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f06QZCVUHg

  1. If You Could Read My Mind – Gordon Lightfoot: Mr. Lightfoot is a national treasure and this is easily one of the most recognizable Canadian songs in history. Now, growing up in the 90’s I knew this song more from the ‘Stars of 54’ dance remix but, still it brought me to this version….eventually.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkvPkSpg1OQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97ZbiemJ1KU

  1. Life is a Highway – Tom Cochrane: If you have ever been on a road trip in Canada, this song is necessary listening material. Or if you have kids, you have been driven insane by the Rascal Flatts version from the Pixar film ‘Cars’…Thanks Lightning McQueen! Either way if you don’t get your air harmonica on during the bridge something is wrong with you. Also, shout out to ‘Big League’ that’s banger too.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3sMjm9Eloo

  1. Born to be Wild – Steppenwolf: So this classic was first made famous on the soundtrack of ‘Easy Rider’. If I am being completely honest, I have always known this song but for the longest time I never knew Steppenwolf originated from Toronto. Also, this song coined the term ‘heavy metal’ when describing a motorcycle. This track still ROCKS and it will never die! The ultimate cruising song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UWRypqz5-o

  1. Let Your Backbone Slide – Maestro Fresh Wes: Calling this classic an anthem is an understatement I would probably consider this the most important song in Canadian Hip-Hop as Maestro showed Canada that rap music was not a fad it was here to stay. The road was not easy for him but, he is a legend today and the first person I can ever recall using ‘sacroiliac’ in any music lyric that alone is a feat. ‘Backbone’ still rocks the party like it was 1989. Remember kids, without this song Drake might not even be rapping today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eQt3KFNeh4

  1. You Oughta Know – Alanis Morissette: Potentially one of the breakup songs in music history. When this song dropped back in 1996 this was not the Alanis we grew up on, not the teen pop singer. Although ‘Too Hot’ was nice and ‘An Emotion Away’ was my jam, she repackaged herself as this young woman filled with emotion, angst and raw energy who was not afraid to be heard. The rest as they say is history. After a few drinks at the bar, you can’t help but belt out the chorus as loud as possible.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPcyTyilmYY

  1. Sunglasses at Night – Corey Hart: Thanks to Corey Hart we now know why you should wear your sunglasses at night. This song is another banger that the average Canadian rocks bars, bonfires and house parties from coast to coast.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56HSPQHSqEE

  1. American Woman – The Guess Who: No, this song wasn’t done by Lenny Kravitz. Interestingly enough, this rock classic was created by accident. The famous riff starting the song happened on the fly and they started jamming and ‘American Woman’ was created. This track is timeless is another one of those songs you scream at the top of your lungs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_3yeQeBOAI

  1. Don’t Forget Me When I’m Gone – Glass Tiger: The pride of Newmarket, Ontario hit the big time when this single dropped. This song used to be on CBC Video Hits and MuchMusic on heavy rotation. This is another one of those singalong tracks after a few beers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JG2IFsz_n5c

  1. Working for the Weekend – Loverboy: As I’m going through this list I see the obvious trend of 80’s music but, whatever this is good track. I didn’t learn about this track until later on in life but 35+ years later it still kicks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL8G5pBZ5CI

  1. Lay it on the Line – Triumph: Repping Mississauga, Ontario Triumph was all about that hard rock, metal type of sound. This track is winner just because of the awesome guitar solo midway through let alone the whole song being sweet. Definite headbanging material!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz26fcmq3S8

  1. Black Velvet – Alannah Myles: The mix of rock and country on this song just adds to the power of this track. If you really listen to the lyrics it is a pretty sexy song. I can’t even count the amount of covers to this song there is out there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tT4d1LQy4es

  1. How You Remind Me – Nickelback: So today, it seems like the whole world hates Nickelback but, ‘How You Remind Me’ is an iconic song and is one of the best-selling singles of the 2000’s. Before it was cool to crap on Nickelback they put out some pretty solid tunes. I can recall rocking this track at a karaoke night or two.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cQh1ccqu8M

  1. Superman’s Dead – Our Lady Peace: This OLP song is around 20 years old and for me it never gets old. Mimicking, the ‘aye ee aye ee ah aye yeahhh’ was everyone’s favourite thing to do after the song got popular, and I still try and fail to do it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CBBtorFg2I

  1. It’s All Coming Back to Me Now – Celine Dion: To be fair there is lots of songs in Celine’s catalogue to choose from but for this one is a stand out. Firstly, it’s a 6 minute song but you will listen to the entire thing because the tempo and vocals change it is a power ballad lover’s wet dream. Secondly, this sort of feels like the Canadian version of Meat Loaf’s ‘I Would Do Anything for Love’ which I’m good with. Lastly, Celine throws down some serious vocal acrobatics all over this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDxoj-tDDIU

  1. Rise Up – Parachute Club: Let’s be real ‘Rise Up’ is one of the most important songs in Canadian pop music for its message of peace, unity and equality while still remaining upbeat. It also, brought together Caribbean sounds for the first time in pop music. Today, it is an activist anthem used to inspire and uplift in the LGBTQ community along with feminist movements. This song is 34 years old and still going strong.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwR0CPXZpBs

  1. Run With Us – Lisa Lougheed: So, either you know this song because you watched the CBC cartoon ‘The Raccoons’ in the 1980’s or you made conscious choice to watch ‘Hobo, With A Shotgun’ either way you can’t go wrong, this song is so 80’s it hurts and I love it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usFFKNRB2z8

  1. I Beg Your Pardon – Kon Kan: What you know about this? When new wave and dance music was dominating the charts in the 1980’s Kon Kan pulled out this gem. It kind of has that New Order/Pet Shop Boys feel to it which makes it even better!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAw-YYKkqWE

  1. These Eyes – The Guess Who: This song is a rock classic period, Burton Cummings vocals are haunting and pierce right there you. For the hip-hop fans you may recognize the sample from Maestro’s track ‘Stick to Your Vision’.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOBBXfWEdW0

  1. Tom Sawyer – Rush: Once that drum crashes and the guitar hits you already know what song this is. For the new school people you may have heard Paul Rudd and Jason Siegel raving about Rush in the film ‘I Love You Man’ you know ‘slappin da bass’. Iconic rock song and its Canadian!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auLBLk4ibAk

  1. Conductin’ Thangs – Maestro Fresh Wes: Off of Maestro’s 2nd album ‘Black Tie Affair’ listening to a hip hop track with a big band sound was awesome. Once again, putting Canadians on notice that rap music was on the come up in Canada.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUuYtBSe4pU

  1. Dance Desire – Haywire: 80’s glam rock at its best on this one. Maestro sampled this track; ‘Drop the Needle’ came from the opening of this song. This another one of those awesome summer cottage tracks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhAK0WYsELI

  1. Don’t Wanna Fall In Love – Jane Child: As new wave was transitioning into synth-pop and ushering in the 90’s this track was too dope! I still jam hard when this track plays at old school parties, I still recall seeing this on MuchMusic and being in awe of her style the perm looking spikes, braids down past her butt and the earring chain attached to a nose ring that left an impression.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWd__w5UWVc

  1. Heaven – Bryan Adams: To be honest, narrowing down Bryan Adams tracks is difficult there is still ‘Cuts Like A Knife’, ‘Run to You’, ‘Somebody’ and that’s just from the 80’s that doesn’t even include his stuff from the 90’s like ‘Everything I Do’, ‘Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman’, ‘Please Forgive Me’ among others. ‘Heaven’ to me was one of those classic 80’s power ballads and when karaoke nights happen, someone is singing the hell out of this one. Also, the video shows the Stanley theatre in Vancouver, a piece of Canadiana.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6TtwR2Dbjg

  1. Any Man of Mine – Shania Twain: Oh Shania! I remember the first time I ever saw Shania Twain I was smitten pretty much like a majority of Canada. She made country cool and fused it into pop music. Not to mention, she didn’t pull any punches with her content she kept it real. This is another country bar and karaoke classic almost anywhere in Canada. Country girl done good!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N2k-gv6xNE

  1. My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion: I mean this is the biggest power ballad probably ever maybe only ‘I Will Always Love You’ surpasses it. After Titanic was released this song haunted your dreams. Then it followed you at high school dances, weddings and any karaoke bar you entered in the world not just Canada. Just like Bryan Adams, Celine’s catalogue is hard to choose from because there is so much but this is one of the greatest love songs ever hands down. I still remember her from ‘Love Can Move Mountains’ and ‘Je Danse Mon La Tete’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHG2oizTlpY

  1. Northern Touch (Remix) – Rascalz featuring Kardinal Offishall, Checkmate, Choclair, and Thrust: This posse cut was a landmark of Canadian hip-hop. Getting that American love which is what we wanted back then for hip-hop. I remember freaking out when I saw this on BET’s 106 & Park. Crazy that this song is 20 years old. Man, I feel old.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qCJ6Jazpfc

  1. Magic Carpet Ride – Steppenwolf: Another classic rock song that, as I mentioned earlier, I had no clue until recently was Canadian. Trippy psychedelic rock that again is another one of those songs you can cruise to on a road trip.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvidoBef4wA

  1. Steal My Sunshine – Len: Had to put up this guilty pleasure. Sure, Len were one-hit wonders but we all still jammed to the song regardless. And it automatically reminds you of summer and just kicking back with friends.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1fzJ_AYajA

  1. You’re A Superstar – Love Inc.: I will be the first to admit, dance music in the 90’s was huge in Canada. From ‘Chris Sheppard’s Pirate Radio Sessions’ to the ‘MuchMusic Dance Mix’ series it was inescapable. This was an ultimate feel-good track. Every time I hear this track flashbacks of Electric Circus keep rushing back to me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsidcB-24JU

  1. Let’s Ride – Choclair: After the success of ‘Northern Touch’ when Da Shizknocka dropped his solo album this single was a BANGER! The beat is just so chill this is a driving down Yonge Street on Caribana weekend kinda track. This also, got some love on BET south of the border.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_Nnvl621oo

  1. Dancing Under A Latin Moon – Candi and the Backbeat: Was Candi and the Backbeat a huge deal in Canada? Probably not but, I loved this song from the first time I heard it so it is making my list! Great pop music with a bit of Italian and Latin flavour in it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlF-mX4DrCg

  1. Someday – Glass Tiger: This one is a tune! I think we had the vinyl 45 for this when I was a kid. Alan Frew kills it as usual and the lyrics are simple but you can feel them. We’ve all had those times after a break-up and trying to cope with it. I could see myself belting this one out after last call.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHYtsnSlCg0

  1. My Definition Of A Boombastic Jazz Style – Dream Warriors: I don’t think this one needs much of a description as this was a foundational song in the story of hip-hop in Canada. You had to be living under a rock not to know this song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXAJZmlRMdc

  1. Rocking in the Free World – Neil Young: I mean does it even get more Canadian and rock than Neil Young? I don’t think so; I believe that’s all that needs to be said. Neil Young is an OG no question about it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnAgc1kgvLc

  1. Taking Care of Business – Bachman Turner Overdrive: It doesn’t matter whether or not it is one of the best rock n roll songs ever, that’s undeniable. Who even knows how many covers of this there are?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4sI5DG5sjc

  1. If I Had A Million Dollars – Barenaked Ladies: It’s hard to find someone who hates BNL because they were just so likeable. Shoot, I remember when they were doing videos at Speakers Corner before they got their first break. This song is as Canadian as it gets.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBH2Q_owBHw

  1. Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here – Deborah Cox: There weren’t too many R&B stars in Canada but she was one of them. The lyrics and the vocalization in this song makes you feel her emotions and if this sounds too sad for you well good news there is the dance remix. Now that I’m an adult I totally get what she is going through in this song. Honourable mentions to ‘Sentimental’, ‘ Beautiful U R’ and ‘Who Do You Love’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H947PtHmh0Y

  1. So Into You – Tamia: Representing Windsor, it’s Tamia! Along with Deborah Cox she was one of the few Canadian-born R&B stars. This track is just timeless to me. Honourable mentions to ‘Officially Missing You’, ‘You Put A Move On My Heart’, ‘Still’ and ‘Imagination’.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd0uuy4mDrE

  1. Wavin’ Flag – K’Naan: When this was used as the official anthem in the 2010 World Cup it was incredible and closest Canada has been to participating in a Men’s World Cup since like 1986. This song brought some unity and pride with its lyrics and message.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amXeJrA-wDc

  1. Safety Dance – Men Without Hats: We can dance if want to! You can call this song corny but it’s damn catchy. Men Without Hats were reppin’ new wave in Canada back in the 1980’s and Safety Dance is a worldwide success along with ‘Pop Goes The World’. Classic tunes!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjPau5QYtYs

  1. Informer – Snow: Whether you want to admit it or not, ‘Informer’ was a huge track! A white guy droppin’ Jamaican patois was a novelty. If ‘In Living Color’ does a parody of your song you are doing something right, for better or worse. I remember when people found out he was white, they lost their minds. ‘Girl I’ve Been Hurt’ was my jammmm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv1crUGHi4E

  1. Crying Over You – Platinum Blonde: These dudes were the definition of 80’s glam hair band. This song still goes hard especially when the chorus kicks in you want to scream it at the top of your lungs like they seem to be doing. When the guitar solo happens you gotta pull out the air guitar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkxH-Q7_sbk

  1. I Cry – Bass Is Base: This trio blended jazz, R&B and some hip-hop and this is one of my favourite Canadian songs. Catchy, soulful and for me this is one of those chill out songs I can listen to on repeat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOXqrAv6eEQ

If you made it all the way to the bottom of this list, bless your soul! What songs would make your list?

Cheers,

Waynie