[Western Music] Official Olympic Theme and Cheer Song

SURVIVALMuse

Muse – Survival – London 2012 Olympic Games | Music Monday

It was the official theme song of the 2012 London Olympics.

It’s the lead single from Muse’s album “The 2nd Law,” and it’s said to be themed around the Olympic spirit of “steadfast belief in victory and pure determination.” Muse is a British rock band formed in 1994.

I feel a strong heart that won’t be hindered by anything.

Wake Me UpAvicii

Avicii – Wake Me Up (Official Video)

During the 2016 Rio Olympics, Mizuho Financial Group aired commercials in collaboration with the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Some of you may remember the ads featuring fencer Takahiro Shikine and para-badminton player Mamiko Toyoda.

The song used in those commercials was “Wake Me Up,” released in 2013 by the world-renowned music producer and DJ Avicii.

While an EDM track, it incorporates country-style guitar, and the melody—carried by Aloe Blacc’s rich, soaring vocals—is endlessly beautiful and deeply moving.

For athletes, whose daily lives can be described as battles with themselves, the song’s themes of conflict and struggle may be especially encouraging.

Having overcome global hardships, let’s watch the athletes’ outstanding performances with the overwhelming sense of uplift that this song brings to our hearts.

Winter GamesDavid Foster

David Foster – “Winter Games” – Official Video

When you think of the Winter Olympics, doesn’t this “Winter Games” come to mind? This piece is by David Foster and was released in 1988 as the theme song for the Seoul Olympics.

Its biggest charm is, without a doubt, the lively strings.

The tone is formal and bright, yet the bassline is strikingly cool, creating a wonderfully balanced whole.

It might be a great track to listen to before the Winter Olympics to boost your excitement.

HeroMariah Carey

Mariah Carey – Hero (Official HD Video)

For the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, TBS chose Mariah Carey’s 1993 song “Hero” as its support anthem.

The title “Hero” perfectly fits the Olympic spirit.

Athletes giving their all at the Olympics are truly heroes! But the song also says that the hero is within you.

It conveys the dream that everyone has potential.

Who KnowsAvril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne – Who Knows – Live @ Olympic Closing Ceremony [2006-02-26]

At the closing ceremony of the 2006 Turin Olympics, Canadian singer Avril Lavigne made an appearance.

You might wonder, “Why in Turin?” Apparently, it was a promotion for the next Olympics to be held in Vancouver, Canada.

This song, which evokes a sense that a new battle is about to begin, seems like an anthem for teens facing hardships, doesn’t it? It really makes you feel like giving it your all!

Light the Fire WithinLeAnn Rimes

LeAnn Rimes performs Light the Fire Within – Opening Ceremony Salt Lake City 2002 | Music Monday

The Salt Lake City Olympics were held in 2002.

This piece was composed by David Foster, who created one of the signature songs of the Winter Olympics.

Reflecting the music scene of the time, it features an R&B ballad style reminiscent of artists like Mariah Carey and Celine Dion.

Not only does it work perfectly as a theme song, but it also stands out as an excellent R&B ballad in its own right, so if you want to experience LeAnn Rimes’s vocal prowess, be sure to check it out.

Fire in your heartSissel

Sissel – Fire in your heart 1992

Here is the official theme of the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics.

Sissel is a nationally beloved singer from the host country, Norway.

Known as the “Crystal Voice” for her clear, soaring vocals, she has an international career.

The lyrics are sprinkled with Nordic motifs while conveying the importance of a partner who fights alongside you and the feeling of love.

It’s a soothing kind of cheer song.