Some songs are typical festival anthems. A catchy chorus, the way they play it, or because it feels summary. Here’s 10 of them you must have heard in a festival camping, or sang along with in a crowd.

All My Friends – LCD Soundsystem

“But if you’re worried about the weather, then you picked the wrong place to stay“. The perfect festival lyrics for a perfect song. James Murphy is a genius. And sometimes, all of the stars align: when he sings this sentence, under a pouring rain, at Hurricane festival. People don’t care about the weather and dance worry-free. The song also ends with ” If I could see all my friends tonight “, which makes you want to hug them and hug everyone around you.

Take Me Out – Franz Ferdinand

“So if you’re lonely, you know I’m here waiting for you“. Such a cheesy line, but oh boy how efficient it is on the dancefloor! Whether you sing it to your concert-crush, or jump along with the crowd, or create your own moshpit, this song by Franz Ferdinand is a guaranteed pleaser.

Dog Days are Over – Florence + The Machine

Maybe this video is special because of the relationship between Florence and Glastonbury. But I witnessed it from my computer countless times with many friends, and it still gives us goosebump. The way she sings, smiles, laughs, freely, barefeet… Her voice, the chorus, the clapping, everything makes this moment magical.

Rebellion (Lies) – Arcade Fire

When you think Arcade Fire, you probably think ‘Wake Up’, which is another festival anthem. But the way they play ‘Rebellion (Lies)’, the way Will Butler gets super intense, climbs electric poles and destroys his instrument, and the way sometimes the introduction of the song is the transition from ‘Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)’, make the song a great closer. LIES! LIES!

Mr Brightside – The Killers

The moment you hear those notes, you’re ready to sing along with the whole bar. It’s only natural that people play it at the campsite, at the festival bars, but it’s even better when it’s Brandon Flowers himself who performs it. In 2018, they even played it twice in a show. It was in Paris and the band wanted to start, but Nekfeu was still playing on the second main stage. So The Killers started with a BANG! and eclipsed Nekfeu in his own country, by the power of ‘Mr Brightside’.

Fire – Kasabian

Like Florence, maybe it is a Glastonbury moment. But this band, this song, and the flares. Everything is just magical. Thousands of people shouting “Cause I’m on FIRE”. Sergio and Tom know how to entertain a crowd, and ‘Fire’ helps a lot too.

Song 2 – Blur

Damon Albarn never disappoints. Especially if you’re in a field with thousands of other festivalgoers shouting “WOO-HOO”, “When I feel heavy metal!!”. ‘Song 2’ is short but explosive, and sometimes that is all you need for a good time.

Bittersweet Symphony – The Verve

Another Glastonbury moment, and one for the ages. But I’m sure that ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ would have the same effect on any crowd: instantly recognizable, easy lyrics ” No change, I can’t change, I can’t change, I can’t change, ” and it helps that Richard Ashcroft has an amazing stage presence.

Are You Gonna Be My Girl – Jet

‘Are You Gonna Be My Girl’ is an indie classic by Jet. It is perfect to find someone to flirt with during a show. One look, one sentence and you are connected. It’s also a great song by itself, with the catchiest chorus.

Age of Consent – New Order

Yes, everyone knows ‘Blue Monday’. But for me, the best festival anthem of New Order is ‘Age of Consent’. The kind of intro to give people time to prepare to a never-ending song. An epic way to close a week-end of dance and happiness.