Alfie Boe 4th Annual Best Song: No.6

Number six of the 2017 Best Ever Alfie Boe Song is the only song from Alfie’s 2016 collaboration with Michael Ball, Together:

Anthem did not feature on the set list for the live shows but obviously made an impression on fans – I know that many fans have wanted Alfie to record the song for a long time.

Anthem is one of the most famous songs (although for me, I have more of an affection for the Elaine Paige / Barbara Dickson song I Know Him So Well) from the Tim Rice, Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus musical, Chess, which opened in London in 1986 before closing three years later.  A subsequent Broadway production was much less successful.  Prior to either show, a concept album was released, from which Paige and Dickson’s recording derives as Dickson was unable to open in the London production.  The other leads, Paige, Tommy Korberg and Murray Head all appeared; Anthem is sung by Korberg’s character.

The song has become a musical theatre standard and has been recorded by many artists, usually male, but here it is with a female voice, Kerry Ellis, who recorded Come What May with Alfie a few years ago:

I’m thinking that Alfie would love this rockier version with Brian May on guitar!

Next week we’ll be half way to the top!

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5 thoughts on “Alfie Boe 4th Annual Best Song: No.6”

  1. Pauline Routier

    I don’t know why but I hadn’t heard Anthem until Together, it’s now yet another favourite! I love it when Alfie lets rip at full throttle………….what a voice.

  2. Marie Louise Blair

    I saw the musical Chess and hated it apart from Anthem and I Know Him So Well.
    My favourite versions of Anthem are by Josh Groban and Scotland’s own Jai McDowell who won BGT.
    I must say I much prefer it sung as a solo.

  3. Cathy

    I had never heard this song nor heard of the musical until it showed up on the the Together album. I love it. It’s a great anthem and although I am not British, I also like “I vow to thee my country” sung my Alfie, of course.

  5. Linda McCann

    I’m glad Alfie was persuaded to include this on the album.
    I did like the Tommy Kroberg version but not keen on Kerry Ellis one.
    I saw the musical Chess and LOVED it and could never understand why it was not more popular than it was.

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