Following recent events, I am much prouder to be a Canadian. Although I’ve always been proud, I have spent the last two years holding on to my accent and partiality to harsher weather.
As a Northern expat in this failing nation, I often have to defend myself from cruel taunts such as “out and about, eh?” and “we are going to annex you.” This, of course, was disproven on Feb. 20, 2025, when Canada defeated the United States in the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off finals, effectively winning the war and claiming the U.S. as our 4th territory. But I digress.
For the purposes of this playlist, I have chosen some of our nation’s most recognizable songs and artists while trying to avoid the obvious (Celine Dion, Rush, Alanis Morisette, Neil Young, The Guess Who, Bryan Adams, Shania Twain, Joni Mitchell, etc.) These are the biggest, boldest, catchiest hits that never made it south of the border. What a shame.
- Red Rider: “Lunatic Fringe”
The ultimate late-night cruising tune. Toronto’s Red Rider spawned a handful of hits, including some that made it to the States, such as the original “Life is a Highway.” “Lunatic Fringe” builds from an eerie synth groove to a slow and steady, stationary rocker. Tom Cochrane’s lyrics call out bigots on the fringe of society. Best consumed cranked in your car’s cheap stereo system while barreling down the highway at 120 (kilometres, of course). Can you feel the thunder?
2. Kim Mitchell: “Patio Lanterns”
Former Max Webster guitarist Kim Mitchell ditched head-spinning progressive blues for ’80s pop at the turn of the decade. “Patio Lanterns” is the sing-along for a hot summer night in the North, a sweet tale of teenage romance under the patio at night — something you might hear at a high school grad/formal (prom for you Americans).
3. Tragically Hip: “Ahead By A Century”
The obligatory Tragically Hip tune. Canada’s best kept and most beloved secret somehow never made it south of the border. “Ahead By A Century” is the Hip at their hit-making best, featuring a relatively simple structure and relatively comprehensible lyrics from unbridled wordsmith Gord Downie. When the drums kick in halfway through, you can’t help but get up and move.
The Tragically Hip tragically disbanded following frontman Downie’s death in 2017. He was diagnosed with a terminal form of brain cancer in late 2015, so, naturally, the band promptly embarked on what would be their last tour ever. Millions of Canadians congregated all around the country over the summer of 2016 to see our nation’s dying poet giving his all against all odds. CBC broadcasted their final concert on Aug. 20, 2016 in their hometown of Kingston, ON, for the entire nation to see. A recording of their beautiful, three-hour farewell remains on YouTube.
4. Loverboy: “Working for the Weekend”
Back to the ’80s hits. Calgary’s Loverboy perfected ’80s synth rock and sing-along choruses. “Working for the Weekend” opens with perhaps the most obnoxious synth intro of all time. This workingman’s anthem could be your hump-day motivation. Just a couple days to go.
5. Glass Tiger: “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone)”
The archetypal ’80s hit, from the resounding horns to the saturated synths. Twinkling guitars and Alan Frew’s steady tenor float over a thumping bass line. Infectious, cheesy and with Bryan Adams on backing vocals. George Michael meets Toto, what more could you want?
6. Corey Hart: “Sunglasses at Night”
The ultimate ’80s hit. This is the final form, a song every Canuck recognizes from the brooding synth intro. Dark and stormy, with a punk flair reminiscent of Billy Idol at his best. If Loverboy and Glass Tiger aren’t stuck in your head yet, this’ll do it. Sorry.
7. Chilliwack: “Fly At Night”
A ’70s soft rock classic from Vancouver’s Chilliwack, named after another city in British Columbia. Bill Henderson’s lilting tenor dances over the driving acoustic guitar riff. These days, Chilliwack, BC, is more known for its homelessness problem. They grow great corn, though. Growing up in BC, summers are marked by the sudden surplus of delicious sweet corn from Chilliwack. Wish I could bring you some.
8. Alannah Myles: “Black Velvet”
’80s blues-infused pop perfection. Toronto one-hit wonder Alannah Myles had Canada’s most promising voice of the decade, her soulful rasp and dynamic sensibilities evoking the best of Bonnie Tyler and Ann Wilson. “Black Velvet” is instant hit material.
9. April Wine: “Just Between You and Me”
Canada’s hardest working band formed in the early ’70s, producing rock and roll as catchy as it was aggressive. The rowdy Haligonians sported a three-guitar lineup years before Lynyrd Skynyrd or Iron Maiden. Myles Goodwyn soars between a delicate tenor and dog-whistle shrieks with enviable ease. This one’s more on the ballad side, but that doesn’t mean the guitar solos won’t keep coming.
10. Barenaked Ladies: “If I Had $1,000,000”
Scarborough’s BNL have always been entertainers above all. Steven Page and Ed Robertson showcase their unapologetically brash humour on “Million Dollars.” It’s worth listening to just for their interplay as they pull and push back and forth, deciding what to spend their fictitious money on. The list includes chesterfields (translation: couches), Kraft Dinner (translation: Kraft Macaroni and Cheese), emus and a pet monkey. And dijon ketchup? Don’t question it. Let the Barenaked Ladies blabber on.
(Fun fact: They did the Big Bang Theory song.)
11. Blue Rodeo: “Till I Am Myself Again”
Canada’s most beloved country group scored hit after hit starting in the late ’80s, but none as ubiquitous as “Till I Am Myself Again.” Blue Rodeo have always fused pop and country effortlessly, bringing steel guitars and mandolins into Canadian radio rotation. Their trademark country twang slips through on their biggest hit, and Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor’s spectacular harmonies carry its chorus across the nation. There is no escaping this song. Might as well sing along.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2chx9nL0KnbkG32ExXKR8X?si=01075834e1cc480f
Josh Yiu is a sophomore in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He can be reached at jy793@cornell.edu.
