I Could Have Been A Contender

Ever wish you could run up the stairs in your grey sweatshirt and raise your hands in triumph? And then stand there with your arms up high telling everyone about how you rose from the ashes? In times of great sadness or depression, I find that having an anthem makes all the difference in the world. In your mood. In your proactivity--or lack thereof. In your quality of life and your willingness to turn it all around.

I remember very fondly a quote from Vanilla Sky where Penelope Cruz said, "Every second that passes is another chance to turn it all around." In fact, I was quite haunted by it.

In my mind, an anthem is a song that provides you with a newfound sense of confidence you couldn't have had otherwise, an arrangement that strikes a cord in you, telling you that you are worth more than you comprehend at this moment and that you can do something to turn that frown upside down!

In 2011, and in this post 9/11 era, my idea of an anthem is a bit darker, and without complete reasoning or understanding, I have found a peace in my crossing over to the dark side. Why is it that in the songs addressing the ominous, we find an untapped resource for satisfaction? I believe it's because, like I always say, the best writing comes from pain. So when you write a song that talks about the pain, and if that strikes the kind of cord I'm referring to here, then it also strikes the cord in you that contains the possibility of overcoming that pain.

With that thought, here is my list of the ten contemporary anthems that can help you rise from the ashes. Sure, that may seem like dramatic phrasing now, but just keep this in the drawer. You won't regret it. One day, and sooner than you'd probably like to admit, you might need a reminder for why you can conquer anything you set to mind:

(1) I Need A Doctor by Dr. Dre (featuring Eminem and Sklar Grey) Sklar's haunting chorus juxtaposed with Eminem's story of his own comeback is this year's Eye of the Tiger.

(2) Suddenly I See by KT Tunstall It's a cue card for loving the opportunities of your youth. Think of the opening of The Devil Wears Prada. Yeah, that's good stuff.

(3) Magic by B.o.B. (featuring Rivers Cuomo) Oddly, it's upbeat ridiculousness makes you believe in the dancing your way right out of that bad mood.

(4) Badlands by Bruce Springsteen Sure, you weren't always invincible. But does that matter when he makes you feel like you are now?

(5) Viva La Vida by Coldplay It's the antidote to fatigue.

(6) Lose Yourself by Eminem This song literally makes you feel like you can do anything. Tip: Make sure it's on your long distance running playlist.

(7) Dog Days Are Over by Florence + The Machine I can't hear this song without imagining an interminable field and running through it while chasing the setting sun and never--not even once--getting tired.

(8) Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z (featuring Alicia Keys) It makes you feel like you belong. Anywhere. Legitimately.

(9) Diamonds from Sierra Leone (Remix) (featuring Jay-Z)

(10) All These Things That I've Done by The Killers One phrase..."I've got soul but I'm not a soldier." Enough said.

Go ahead, phoenix. Rise up!