"We Are One (Ole Ola)", the official theme song of FIFA 2014, failed to impress the fans, following which several recording artists released their own compositions for the World Cup. And it won't be an overstatement to conclude that unofficial songs seem to be better liked.
Five songs from the World Cup Official Album "One Love, One Rhythm" has been released till now, and the first one is the official theme song "We Are One (Ole Ola)", performed by Cuban-American rapper Pitbull, American entertainer Jennifer Lopez and Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte.
But most football fans simply 'hate' the song as it was just not up to the mark. The song fails to impress as the music is not just dull and poor but also lacks imagination, according to Brazilian music journalist Gaia Passarelli.
"What I don't like about the music is that it's a poor, dull, generic pop theme. It's a shame considering Brazil's rich musical tradition, which is admired all over the world," he told Billboard.
2014 World Cup's official anthem Dar um Jeito (We Will Find a Way) is the third song in the album. But unlike other World Cup songs, it is climbing the charts. The song, featuring Carlos Santana, Wyclef Jean, Avicii and Brazilian singer Alexandre Pires, will be performed on 13 July at the World Cup closing ceremony.
Among all, the saving grace is Shakira's "La La La (Brazil 2014)", which is a re-work of her song "Dare (La La La)" featuring Brazilian singer Carlinhos Brown, which has earned the admiration of the critics. It is the fifth World Cup song included in the official album.
Shakira's "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)", the official theme song of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, still continues to be a favorite among fans.
Meanwhile, South London pop and reggae band Scarlett's Roses' unofficial World Cup song "Roll On Rio" is said to be doing well on the charts.
Similarly, other unofficial World Cup songs such as Coca-Cola's "The World Is Ours," M&J's "Summerdreams of Brasilia", O Globo's "Somos Um Só, which explore the controversial side of the game - like the government spending on the World Cup, are among the people's favorites.
There are also parody songs which have become a hit on YouTube such as "Red, White & Blue: The Official Unofficial U.S. World Cup Song", starring former US football legend Alexi Lalas, and "Zinedine Zidane ft. Les Murray" by Vaudeville Smash which keep the fans' entertained.
