21 Pop Songs With Trumpets

Trumpets are diverse and versatile instruments typically heard in classical and jazz music. However, many pop songs have found creative ways to achieve all sorts of moods, vibes, and rhythms with the help of trumpets.

The following list features some of the best pop songs with trumpets that showcase the brass magic these instruments are renowned for.

“Trumpets” by Jason Derulo

Song year: 2013

“Trumpets” examines being in love and how that feeling is like an explosion. Jason Derulo likens that feeling to trumpets exploding in your head whenever you are with your heart's desire.

The song was a global success, peaking at number fourteen on the Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the UK Singles Chart. It also made waves on music charts in other countries, most notably the Netherlands, Australia, and New Zealand.

“Kevin Carter” by The Manic Street Preachers

Song year: 1996

Inspired by the life and suicide of Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Kevin Carter, the song “Kevin Carter” by The Manic Street Preachers is a contradiction of incredibly sorrowful lyrics over top of an exhilarating trumpet solo.

The optimistic and joyful melody of the trumpet played by the drummer of the band, Sean Moore, emerges from observing and celebrating the life of Carter-that ended too early.

“Check the Meaning” by Richard Ashcroft

Song year: 2002

The trumpet featured in “Check the Meaning” by Richard Ashcroft is as gorgeous sounding as it is grieving. The song speaks about scouring for some meaning in life.

“Check The Meaning” also points out that finding that missing meaning does not always fill the void.

Just like the trumpet details in the song, the lyrics in the song have an intense contrast with the darkness and mistreatment of life balanced with a quest for hope and enjoyment.

“The Rascal King” by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

Song year: 1997

Known for their ska music blended with punk and brass instruments, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones has been carrying trumpets to the stage and music fans since 1983.

The song “The Rascal King” was the second single from their 1997 studio album, Let's Face It. and reached number seven on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.

The song describes the saga of a Boston man named James Michael Curley. Curley was a member of the House of Representatives and, probably more notably, the only mayor to be reelected to the office while serving a prison.

“The National Anthem” by Radiohead

Song year: 2000

“The National Anthem” by Radiohead examines the anxiety and fear that people feel in society. It encourages people to break free from the rules and constraints of extensive groups of people and finishes with a part of the British National Anthem, which is how the song earns its title.

Complementing the theme is a free jazz improvised section performed manically by eight musicians from the St. John's Orchestra.

“Going Out” by Supergrass

Song year: 1996

Supergrass's trumpet-filled song “Going Out” is the first single released from the band's second album. It was composed specifically in the key of E to match the pitch of their tour bus engine. The brass peals pinging in the song are played by English musician Robert Joseph “Rob” Coombes.

The song examines the idea of being spotlighted in newspapers and media press no matter what a person of fame does, regardless of whether they stay home and do nothing or go out on the town and act wild.

“Born of Frustration” by James

Song year: 1992

“Born of Frustration” by the English band James features regressive and reminiscent guitar licks of the 70s and a melancholy trumpet score driven into a disconnected sensation that, of course, seems born of frustration.

Andy Diagram is the trumpet master in this song, bringing those despairing notes to the tune. Even though the band preferred the idea of underground status, the song peaked at number five on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and number 13 on the UK Singles chart.

“On a Rope” by Rocket From The Crypt

Song year: 2002

Rocket From The Crypt is a punk rock band with the soul and magnetism of a jazz concert tucked away in the corner of New Orleans. The brassy, both musically and metaphorically, the song “On a Rope” was the band's highest-charting single, peaking at number twelve.

The piece is a mixture of boisterous and energetic punk music with the right amount of trumpets and other brass instruments launched in for additional chaos.

“Wake Up Boo!” by The Boo Radleys

Song year: 1995

For the British indie band The Boo Radleys, “Wake Up Boo!” is their most significant hit with fans and over the airwaves.

The song captures the sunny positiveness of Britpop, featuring sampled vocals and harmonies from the Beach Boys, tons of hand-claps, upbeat drums, and an uplifting ensemble of trumpets and brass fanfares at the onset and outset of the song.

“Nice Weather for Ducks” by Lemon Jelly

Song year: 2003

“Nice Weather for Ducks” is a lively, quick-tempo song and features superb trumpet playing sampling by founding members of Lemon Jelly, Fred Deakin, and Nick Franglen.

With a combination of charming guitar licks, child-like whimsical lyrics, and outlandish trumpet sounds, this song is best described as cheerful music for joyful people.

“September” by Earth, Wind & Fire

Song year: 1978

“September” is an upbeat song by the famous American band Earth, Wind & Fire that has been setting the dance floors on fire since the 70s. The song features a playful chord progression and harmonious vocals accompanied by the trumpets that raise the excitement even further.

The song was a huge commercial success, ranking highly on various charts worldwide, including the eighth spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 and third on the UK Singles chart. It was also added to the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress in 2018.