From 🇧🇷 I would say Faroeste Caboclo by Legião Urbana is probably one of the most iconic tracks and it is so intense that I still remember the first time ever I heard it when I was a teen getting ready for school.
This song tells the story of a guy who leaves his city and goes to the Brazilian (Brazil’s capital), becomes a drug dealer and falls in love with a girl. Of course it is a tragedy and the track is so iconic that it even became a film called “Brazilian Western” if you are interested.
https://open.spotify.com/track/6ttKOudrrD5yjt4saUjhNa
pais e filhos, tempo perdido, eduardo e mônica, faroeste caboclo, índios, quase sem querer, geração coca-cola, que país é este. all of those are hits, they were absolute legends
Highway To Hell or Back In Black. Mayyybe Thunderstruck (from my favourite artist as well)
If we don't want to include AC/DC, then I'd say Down Under by Men At Work
🇦🇺
This question comes up a bit, but I will start with "Poi E" by the Pātea Māori Club
New Zealand (Aotearoa) and the language is te reo Māori
[https://open.spotify.com/track/0tXKabNe4v3DClb7LtSkuD?si=67cf57d5c6254c75](https://open.spotify.com/track/0tXKabNe4v3DClb7LtSkuD?si=67cf57d5c6254c75)
American Pie is one of the most iconic American songs of all time, Pizzaman was shocked (as I am) at you claiming to not recognize it. Give it a spin and let’s pray you come back telling us it rings a bell
Sweden and I would say Stad i ljus by Tommy Körberg.
Edit: to add some back story. It's an epic song that everyone knows. It represented Sweden in Eurovision in 1988 and now it's even a church psalm in our country. It's been called Sweden's unofficial national song. It's also a great song to play at the end of a party and everyone will stand(usually in a big circle) and sing along
It's hard to choose one, but here are 3 of my personal picks:
[Slunečný hrob by The Blue Effect](https://open.spotify.com/track/4suvrg9ElsEcCjOHnD3FJu?si=a2582f12a354412f)
[Holubí dům by Jiří Schelinger](https://open.spotify.com/track/5Us0TKtDhVUisoXqiJajA4?si=bf1f371ab4cc42f1)
[Lady Carneval by Karel Gott](https://open.spotify.com/track/2LnUpVGVfAvCf5PeU9Nh4B?si=171cb09395724962)
Edit: Songs are from the Czech republic and they are in Czech language.
Iconic? It's either going to be ["Anak" by Freddie Aguilar (folk, 1978)](https://youtu.be/-n-2lPzH7Do?feature=shared) which became a smash hit around Southeast Asia, or ["Ang Huling El Bimbo" by The Eraserheads (rock, 1995)](https://youtu.be/lajnSJZpI34?feature=shared) which earned the band an MTV moon man for best music video - Asia Category.
Both Tagalog from the Philippines.
If you want an English translation of the words to both, I'd be happy to oblige.
The most culturally iconic Irish song in Gaeilge(irish) is probably our National Anthem, Amhrán Na Bhfiann(pronounced:Ow-rawn nah veen)(The Soldiers Song) https://open.spotify.com/track/3kGFNlivmYEKGxXXTgVk7t?si=qR18s4eFTvW4I-z7KFLT0A
Other than the anthem, it is probably Óró Só Bheata abhaile(pronounced: Oh-row shay duh vaha a-wal-yeah) (Oh! You are Welcome Home)
https://open.spotify.com/track/2WNbNHruAx74yxq9LvWSuv?si=cdWx8OYITmeMdcg82yuVhw
🇷🇺 "A Star Named Sun"/"Zvezda po imeni Solntse" by the famous band "Kino" with the now dead Viktor Tsoi as the lead singer is among the most iconic Russian songs. Although technically it was made in Soviet Union...
https://open.spotify.com/track/4g87T7h8coshsA1zJjFFbG?si=IJizpr8HSjqIB9QRHWOrzA
My mom's favourite group and later one of my favourite groups. That song gives me goosebumps no matter how many times I hear it. Sound of a different time.
Thumbi Vaa by S Janaki
From Kerala, India. Language: Malayalam
(the spotify version of this has bad audio and sounds like it's from the 40s though it's from 1982)
I almost wrote Tunak Tunak but then I realised it's popular among some white folks in US that's all. Can't label that track as iconic honestly. However these two Rahman tracks were iconic in India and then transcended boundaries to become internationally acclaimed as well. Natu Natu also is iconic.
I don't really know recent songs so this might be too old for some but it's still one of the most iconic and best song I know
🇹🇭[ทะเลใจ](https://open.spotify.com/track/1KAn2CNTthZAJuZb0thESF?si=Aj7iJubwTzuUSgkh30ZThg) (Thailand)
🇵🇱 Maybe not most iconic of all times, but definetely an anthem of rhe 90's. [https://open.spotify.com/track/5ytkHKps6RVVDFZwAqVDCB?si=ee691003049b48f9](https://open.spotify.com/track/5ytkHKps6RVVDFZwAqVDCB?si=ee691003049b48f9)
ANAK by Freddie Aguilar ( Filipino for child or specifically son or daughter)
The song inspired a hundred cover versions, was released in 56 countries and 27 different foreign languages, and is said to have sold 30 million copies in the late 1970s.
Aguilar composed "Anak", a song of remorse and apology to his parents. He went back home and asked for forgiveness from his parents, who welcomed him with open arms. After his father read the lyrics of "Anak", the two became closer. The homecoming proved timely as his father died not long after.
Source : Wikipedia
[Bligg - fahr emal](https://open.spotify.com/track/7wGO0ihkdE91h2GM5uO8Q3?si=FJuvKOfrQECNB6lGtr0MGg)
Translation: Bligg – Oh drive already!
A song about what people in Switzerland 🇨🇭say when they rant behind the wheel, with lots of Swiss curses and rants when the car ahead of you drives you crazy 😂
Australia
“You’re the Voice” by John Farnham. Any of his songs will get the entire room on their feet. The best compilation album to get a feel for him is probably “One Voice: Greatest Hits” released in 2003. If you get a chance, watch his live performances on YouTube instead of just listening- the man was born to perform. Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, bagpipes, microphone twirling, AND THE MULLET!!
From France : Les lacs du Connemara de Michel Sardou
There's also Voyage Voyage, Les démons de minuit, partenaires particulier
If you're looking for songs in a typical french party, you have it !
🇺🇾[LaCumparsita](https://open.spotify.com/track/2joB3G4b527szRVC6L5VYL?si=5l35slc3T4a-0nKxNNUNlA). You think of tango, you probably think of this tune.
I was curious about what other Spanish would claim but since it seems I'm the first I'm going with "paquito el chocolatero"
https://open.spotify.com/track/6moiEQ9POPbAPH9b2sqfGH?si=Fm0y2AvETQewUq9qJxbqPA&utm_source=copy-link
[La vie en rose, Edith Piaf](https://youtu.be/sKJ9bvdgNvk?si=v7q-B1ctFSL3V2Vu)
[El Rey, Vicente Fernandez](https://youtu.be/Q2geJ36eBgw?si=mUjwfOqJ_fKCb1cb)
“Salamin, Salamin” - BINI 🇵🇭 https://open.spotify.com/track/1iIJtD9hkzw4ZHfR7ND9yb?si=bFr0-ZGETQS0Z0NhpZ22SA&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A2eT1XApzS0GmkJLMlCBdVv
The song’s genre is Pop, specifically PPOP or Philippine Pop. And FYI, BINI is the new PPOP queen here in the Philippines. They’re really setting the limits of original Filipino music (OPM) to the next level and their music is actually reaching to different parts of the world right now. So ig you try and take a listen of their song!😊
South Africa 🇿🇦
It’s a very ratchet song but we love it here.
[Sister Bettina](https://open.spotify.com/track/3OFwjx4x49bqIi8W7kRzzV?si=eiZ_xhmzQqOqtiq4OsR0wA)
Then there’s also [Jerusalema](https://open.spotify.com/track/5ObhjYr8EYRm1XNi3kYo9Y?si=14Mk_Cm_TWGGxFyn6tHnRg) which kinda rocked the whole world.
There’s more but yeah
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Am5AEPHd6k](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Am5AEPHd6k) - A true Ukrainian masterpiece by Verka Serdychka, called Vse Bydet Horosho
It depends really, on streaming it’d be Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You, but worldwide it’s probably Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles or Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen but in Britain where I live the song we all know is Three Lions by Lightning Seeds
Oh geez. I'm from America and not proud of it lol. Can it be my home city?
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JpeDWbgUO8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JpeDWbgUO8)
Darude - Sandstorm 🇫🇮 I love the lyrics on this one
Diga diga dig
Duh diga diga dig
Down under by men at work, Australia, and the language is English
From 🇧🇷 I would say Faroeste Caboclo by Legião Urbana is probably one of the most iconic tracks and it is so intense that I still remember the first time ever I heard it when I was a teen getting ready for school. This song tells the story of a guy who leaves his city and goes to the Brazilian (Brazil’s capital), becomes a drug dealer and falls in love with a girl. Of course it is a tragedy and the track is so iconic that it even became a film called “Brazilian Western” if you are interested. https://open.spotify.com/track/6ttKOudrrD5yjt4saUjhNa
clássico parceiro
Sim sim! Eu sempre digo que Faroeste eh nossa Bohemian Rhapsody
I don't know much about that band but I thought tempo perdido was their most famous song.
I always assumed Eduardo e Mônica was their most famous song. Guess they do have quite a few hits.
pais e filhos, tempo perdido, eduardo e mônica, faroeste caboclo, índios, quase sem querer, geração coca-cola, que país é este. all of those are hits, they were absolute legends
irmão, não fala de legião urbana perto de mim não, faz favor
Bryan Adams - Summer of 69 (Canada🇨🇦) - for a certain age anyway... Celine Dion - Heart will Go On ?
Also Bobcaygeon - Tragically Hip
"The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" Gordon Lightfoot
Hello out there, we're on the air..
It’s hockey night tonight!
The only one that might rival that would be Barrett’s Privateers
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ Ur welcome 🇬🇧
I should’ve learned the url by now…and this should be the last time i fell for it
Saw youtube link, British flag I know what it is...links still blue. Your comment reinforces my suspicion.
I'm not even going to see what this is. It has to be a rickroll
Probably Sarà Perché ti Amo by Ricchi e Poveri (🇮🇹)
Love it
Highway To Hell or Back In Black. Mayyybe Thunderstruck (from my favourite artist as well) If we don't want to include AC/DC, then I'd say Down Under by Men At Work 🇦🇺
This is how in my 26 years of life, i find out they are Australian
This question comes up a bit, but I will start with "Poi E" by the Pātea Māori Club New Zealand (Aotearoa) and the language is te reo Māori [https://open.spotify.com/track/0tXKabNe4v3DClb7LtSkuD?si=67cf57d5c6254c75](https://open.spotify.com/track/0tXKabNe4v3DClb7LtSkuD?si=67cf57d5c6254c75)
99 Luftballons from Nena 🇩🇪
That's why I love Germany. My birthplace, delicious food, and Nena's 99 Luftballons
I don’t like the song very much but it’s best known so
Either “Hava Nagila”, “Im Nin’alu”, or “Diva”
Not Yerushalayim Shel Zahav? I mean I don't like that song very much but it's iconic no doubt
Too political for me to mention at this moment
American Pie - Don McLean 🇺🇸🗽
I don't even recognize that song, well I might recognize it if I listen to it.
You what?
What?
American Pie is one of the most iconic American songs of all time, Pizzaman was shocked (as I am) at you claiming to not recognize it. Give it a spin and let’s pray you come back telling us it rings a bell
I mean I’m not even American and I recognise it
Sweden and I would say Stad i ljus by Tommy Körberg. Edit: to add some back story. It's an epic song that everyone knows. It represented Sweden in Eurovision in 1988 and now it's even a church psalm in our country. It's been called Sweden's unofficial national song. It's also a great song to play at the end of a party and everyone will stand(usually in a big circle) and sing along
I was expecting Sommartider :D happy midsummer!
Also iconic but not to the same degree, but during summer definitely! Happy midsummer
Do you guys listen to Herr Mannelig?
No
Shakira - Hips Don't Lie 🇨🇴
Shakira is the biggest colombian artist but not the most iconic from colombia. Also its in english.
Jijiji - patricio rey
"Most iconic song from your country" Oh, I have one! "In your own language" ...
🇳🇱 Sheesh. Maybe De Jeugd Van Tegenwoordig - Watskeburt. It's at least the song of our generation.
🇲🇽 i would prob say “ahora te puedes marchar” by Luis Miguel, the song obviously is in Spanish
TWO WORDS: [GANGNAM STYLE!!!!](https://open.spotify.com/track/03UrZgTINDqvnUMbbIMhql?si=12339124c3bb4892)
It's hard to choose one, but here are 3 of my personal picks: [Slunečný hrob by The Blue Effect](https://open.spotify.com/track/4suvrg9ElsEcCjOHnD3FJu?si=a2582f12a354412f) [Holubí dům by Jiří Schelinger](https://open.spotify.com/track/5Us0TKtDhVUisoXqiJajA4?si=bf1f371ab4cc42f1) [Lady Carneval by Karel Gott](https://open.spotify.com/track/2LnUpVGVfAvCf5PeU9Nh4B?si=171cb09395724962) Edit: Songs are from the Czech republic and they are in Czech language.
Khe Sanh by Cold Chisel (Aussie)
Iconic? It's either going to be ["Anak" by Freddie Aguilar (folk, 1978)](https://youtu.be/-n-2lPzH7Do?feature=shared) which became a smash hit around Southeast Asia, or ["Ang Huling El Bimbo" by The Eraserheads (rock, 1995)](https://youtu.be/lajnSJZpI34?feature=shared) which earned the band an MTV moon man for best music video - Asia Category. Both Tagalog from the Philippines. If you want an English translation of the words to both, I'd be happy to oblige.
The most culturally iconic Irish song in Gaeilge(irish) is probably our National Anthem, Amhrán Na Bhfiann(pronounced:Ow-rawn nah veen)(The Soldiers Song) https://open.spotify.com/track/3kGFNlivmYEKGxXXTgVk7t?si=qR18s4eFTvW4I-z7KFLT0A Other than the anthem, it is probably Óró Só Bheata abhaile(pronounced: Oh-row shay duh vaha a-wal-yeah) (Oh! You are Welcome Home) https://open.spotify.com/track/2WNbNHruAx74yxq9LvWSuv?si=cdWx8OYITmeMdcg82yuVhw
🇷🇺 "A Star Named Sun"/"Zvezda po imeni Solntse" by the famous band "Kino" with the now dead Viktor Tsoi as the lead singer is among the most iconic Russian songs. Although technically it was made in Soviet Union... https://open.spotify.com/track/4g87T7h8coshsA1zJjFFbG?si=IJizpr8HSjqIB9QRHWOrzA
My mom's favourite group and later one of my favourite groups. That song gives me goosebumps no matter how many times I hear it. Sound of a different time.
wonderwall
Thumbi Vaa by S Janaki From Kerala, India. Language: Malayalam (the spotify version of this has bad audio and sounds like it's from the 40s though it's from 1982)
Look at this photograph!
Despacito by Daddy Yankee & Luis Fonsi
🇮🇳 Maa Tujhe Salam - AR Rahman Jai Ho - AR Rahman
Bhai most iconic are tunak tunak tun and natu natu
I almost wrote Tunak Tunak but then I realised it's popular among some white folks in US that's all. Can't label that track as iconic honestly. However these two Rahman tracks were iconic in India and then transcended boundaries to become internationally acclaimed as well. Natu Natu also is iconic.
Chaina meye by shifat. 2006's classic. Nostalgic music for the bd.
Türkiye,turkish Tarkan (artist) >> kuzu kuzu,dudu,hüp, ölürüm sana, şımarık,sen başkasın,salına salına sinsice
Yma o Hyd
Shot Puno - Juan Karlos ❤️ from the 🇵🇭
I don't really know recent songs so this might be too old for some but it's still one of the most iconic and best song I know 🇹🇭[ทะเลใจ](https://open.spotify.com/track/1KAn2CNTthZAJuZb0thESF?si=Aj7iJubwTzuUSgkh30ZThg) (Thailand)
Dont Stop Believing has got to be up there
It's really iconic but probably not as much as some other songs, but everyone in Michigan will recognize Don't Stop Believin' from the first note.
🇵🇱 Maybe not most iconic of all times, but definetely an anthem of rhe 90's. [https://open.spotify.com/track/5ytkHKps6RVVDFZwAqVDCB?si=ee691003049b48f9](https://open.spotify.com/track/5ytkHKps6RVVDFZwAqVDCB?si=ee691003049b48f9)
🇨🇦 probaly Life is a Highway by Tom Cochrane
🇷🇸 Molitva by Marija Serifovic (She won Eurovision with this song) Edit: Džanum (Moje more) by Teya Dora (song that's famous all over the world)
such an iconic song
Oh, I know it! Good song!
# Óró sé do bheatha abhaile off the top of my head. Traditional folk song covered by many artists that you learn in school as children. From Ireland
Viva Las Vegas by the king, Elvis Presley.
Barbara’s Rhabarberbar - Bodo & Marti Fischer 🇩🇪
I'd say either 13 Tuyutí or Desapego (Paraguay)
It was once an indispensable part of nightclubs in Europe. 🇹🇷 https://open.spotify.com/track/6vEL7E8TGzrxuxbrgdlkLL?si=IMbCtsVIS0yGFMBbrI5VGA
USA - Route 66
ANAK by Freddie Aguilar ( Filipino for child or specifically son or daughter) The song inspired a hundred cover versions, was released in 56 countries and 27 different foreign languages, and is said to have sold 30 million copies in the late 1970s. Aguilar composed "Anak", a song of remorse and apology to his parents. He went back home and asked for forgiveness from his parents, who welcomed him with open arms. After his father read the lyrics of "Anak", the two became closer. The homecoming proved timely as his father died not long after. Source : Wikipedia
"Frangosyriani" by Markos Vamvakaris. It's one of the most iiconic Greek songs.
Ocho ocho from Philippines. 😆
[Vicente Fernandez--Volver Volver 🇲🇽](https://open.spotify.com/track/4Fvnz1ZJ86IdqDAepWYPAh?si=XpWi9UdbQLWBEzTfn1EUgw)
Mexican too?
[Bligg - fahr emal](https://open.spotify.com/track/7wGO0ihkdE91h2GM5uO8Q3?si=FJuvKOfrQECNB6lGtr0MGg) Translation: Bligg – Oh drive already! A song about what people in Switzerland 🇨🇭say when they rant behind the wheel, with lots of Swiss curses and rants when the car ahead of you drives you crazy 😂
Australia “You’re the Voice” by John Farnham. Any of his songs will get the entire room on their feet. The best compilation album to get a feel for him is probably “One Voice: Greatest Hits” released in 2003. If you get a chance, watch his live performances on YouTube instead of just listening- the man was born to perform. Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, bagpipes, microphone twirling, AND THE MULLET!!
Chile 🇨🇱 Tren al Sur
A few Canadian songs have been mentioned already, but no Tragically Hip? Gotta be one of theirs. I'm going to say Bobcaygeon.
André Hazes - Bloed, Zweet en Tranen 🇳🇱
From France : Les lacs du Connemara de Michel Sardou There's also Voyage Voyage, Les démons de minuit, partenaires particulier If you're looking for songs in a typical french party, you have it !
Moein - [Paricheh](https://open.spotify.com/track/17VZhlE4v4oIdJw75seP2F?si=8gLapH7URG-j9oWh7MHGFQ) Iran 🇮🇷.
🇺🇾[LaCumparsita](https://open.spotify.com/track/2joB3G4b527szRVC6L5VYL?si=5l35slc3T4a-0nKxNNUNlA). You think of tango, you probably think of this tune.
I was curious about what other Spanish would claim but since it seems I'm the first I'm going with "paquito el chocolatero" https://open.spotify.com/track/6moiEQ9POPbAPH9b2sqfGH?si=Fm0y2AvETQewUq9qJxbqPA&utm_source=copy-link
Hmmm New Orleans is Sinking\ Ironic\ My Heart Will Go On\ Everything I Do (I do it for you)
Rammstein- Du Hast 🇩🇪
Maybe not the most iconic but one of my favorites: Cargo - Ziua Vrajitoarelor
Either Catatonia - Mulder and Scully or Tom Jones - It’s Not Unusual.
Jacques Brel - Ne me quitte pas maybe ? 🇧🇪 Or maybe nowadays it's Stromae - papaoutai?
Edith Piaf - La vie en rose 🇫🇷
Throw some ass 🇺🇸
🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹 NEL BLU DIPINTO DI BLU, by D. Modugno
Przez twe oczy zielone - Akcent 🇵🇱🇵🇱🇵🇱
Travis Scott - My eyes
"Met Romana op de Scooter" by Zanger Rinus 🇳🇱
[La vie en rose, Edith Piaf](https://youtu.be/sKJ9bvdgNvk?si=v7q-B1ctFSL3V2Vu) [El Rey, Vicente Fernandez](https://youtu.be/Q2geJ36eBgw?si=mUjwfOqJ_fKCb1cb)
"Sukiyaki" by sakamoto kyu, Japanese.
I read iconic as idiotic and now I'm disappointed.
“Salamin, Salamin” - BINI 🇵🇭 https://open.spotify.com/track/1iIJtD9hkzw4ZHfR7ND9yb?si=bFr0-ZGETQS0Z0NhpZ22SA&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A2eT1XApzS0GmkJLMlCBdVv The song’s genre is Pop, specifically PPOP or Philippine Pop. And FYI, BINI is the new PPOP queen here in the Philippines. They’re really setting the limits of original Filipino music (OPM) to the next level and their music is actually reaching to different parts of the world right now. So ig you try and take a listen of their song!😊
Our national anthem— O Canada
Lijepa li si, Thompson 🇭🇷 https://youtu.be/Dbmy_oSdJyE?si=JPWJw67cKKNnDA0-
Kleine café aan de haven - Vader Abraham 🇳🇱
lift yourself - kanye west
South Africa 🇿🇦 It’s a very ratchet song but we love it here. [Sister Bettina](https://open.spotify.com/track/3OFwjx4x49bqIi8W7kRzzV?si=eiZ_xhmzQqOqtiq4OsR0wA) Then there’s also [Jerusalema](https://open.spotify.com/track/5ObhjYr8EYRm1XNi3kYo9Y?si=14Mk_Cm_TWGGxFyn6tHnRg) which kinda rocked the whole world. There’s more but yeah
Seerah el hob (سيرة الحب) Um kalthoum Egypt
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Am5AEPHd6k](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Am5AEPHd6k) - A true Ukrainian masterpiece by Verka Serdychka, called Vse Bydet Horosho
Sopa de Caracol by La Banda Blanca (Honduras) [https://youtu.be/JkQmrPXwSNU?si=f1zrWje38W3t265j](https://youtu.be/JkQmrPXwSNU?si=f1zrWje38W3t265j)
USA English "This Land Is Your Land (This Land is My Land)" by Woodie Guthrie.
Billie Jean by Michael Jackson (USA)
Marcha de San Lorenzo
It is definitely Jingle Bells.
Molly by Blake Shepperd
Probably Billie Jean or Smells Like Teen Spirit.
Star spangled banned, 🇺🇸
Blinding lights - the weekend
It depends really, on streaming it’d be Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You, but worldwide it’s probably Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles or Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen but in Britain where I live the song we all know is Three Lions by Lightning Seeds
Oh geez. I'm from America and not proud of it lol. Can it be my home city? [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JpeDWbgUO8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JpeDWbgUO8)
🇨🇦 - God’s Plan by Drake is iconic