21 Pop Songs With Trumpets

“Fire in Me” by John Newman

Song year: 2018

John Newman announced to the world that we can expect a lot more from him with his song “Fire in Me.” The artist was diagnosed with a brain tumor and had to undergo surgery two years prior, so the fans rejoiced when Newman returned to producing music.

The song features an uplifting blend of Newman’s iconic voice and energetic instrumentals. Furthermore, the trumpets in the chorus fit the theme perfectly.

“Bathwater” by No Doubt

Song year: 2000

Though it allegedly took only ten minutes to write “Bathwater,” this underrated gem by No Doubt masterfully tackles the difficult subject of bad romantic relationships.

The song starts with Adrian Young’s beatboxing intertwined with New Orleans funeral brass. As Gwen Stefani’s introspective lyrics reach a boiling point, trumpets become more prominent and carry the song to its conclusion.

“The Distance” by Cake

Song year: 1996

When you hear the phrase “going the distance,” you most likely think about competition and winning. That may or may not be the case with this song by the British band Cake.

The lyrics examine a man entangled in a race which some interpret as an actual car racer, but others think it is symbolic and a woman wounded by the man.

The song features ingenious guitar licks, a loftier melodica sound, and the magical trumpet stylings of Vince Defiore’s trumpet.

“All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles

Song year: 1967

Stanley Woods and David Mason belt out the incredible trumpet flairs in The Beatles’ classic “All You Need Is Love.”

The uncomplicated song examines the significance of love that echoed the sentiments of young people in the late 1960s.

The song became an anthem for the anti-war counterculture’s embrace of flower power attitude and topped sales charts in Britain, the United States, and worldwide.

“You Can Call Me Al” by Paul Simon

Song year: 1986

“You Can Call Me Al” recounts the tale of an arrogant man who goes on a journey of self-awareness and becomes more conscious of the world around him.

The song’s title was inspired by a dinner party whose host didn’t know Simon and his wife, so he introduced them as “Al” and “Betty.”

The music video is hilarious, featuring actor Chevy Chase lip-syncing the song and “playing” the trumpet parts that jazz musician Morris Goldberg actually recorded on a penny whistle trumpet.

“Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder

Song year: 1976

Written as a homage to music legends, specifically Duke Ellington, “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder shows gratitude and appreciation for the musicians who have profoundly impacted their audiences.

Duke Ellington was a jazz bandleader and composer who significantly influenced Wonder as a child. Other noteworthy influential artists mentioned in “Sir Duke” include Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie.

The song features fantastic trumpet playing techniques of Steve Madio and Raymond Maldonado. It was top-ranked on the US Billboard Hot 100 and Black Singles chart and peaked at number two on the UK Singles chart.

“Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba

Song year: 1997

Ask anyone for the name of this smash hit by Chumbawamba, and they’ll likely sing you the chorus instead. While the song’s title, “Tubthumping,” is unusual, the word means voicing your opinion in an aggressive manner and perfectly describes the band’s anarchist stance on various social and political subjects.

Though the band’s been around since the 80s, “Tubthumping” introduced them to the world, as the song topped charts in numerous countries. It peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the UK Singles chart.

The distinctive trumpets in the song are from the musical arrangement Trumpet Voluntary, also known as The Prince of Denmark’s March.

“Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia)” by Us3

Song year: 1993

“Cantaloupe Island” is all about feeling good and appreciating the sounds and vibes of incredible jazz music. The song features mesmerizing trumpet stylings of Gerard Presencer.

Though the song didn’t find much success initially in the band’s native UK, it was positively received in the US, where it ranked top ten on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America a year after its release. In addition, Slant Magazine placed it at number 76 on their list of the best singles of the 90s.

“Knights of Cydonia” by Muse

Song year: 2006

“Knights of Cydonia” by Muse is a song that grabs you at the start and refuses to let go. The fabulously spooky song beginning is a call-back of the five-tone musical phrase from the film “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”

The vocals from the lead singer Matt Bellamy are aggressive and reverberating, spotlighting his higher and lower ranges. Layered on top of the vocals are both synthesized and live trumpet parts to add more coatings to this song than can be fully appreciated.

The song’s message is to guide people to stand up for themselves. Inspired by unethical and corrupt political leaders, “Knights of Cydonia” was voted number eighteen in 2009’s Hottest 100 of All Time countdown by Triple J.

“High Hopes” by Panic and the Disco

Song year: 2018

“High Hopes” is an exceptional model of the effective use of brass horns and music enthusiasts’ adoration with trumpets particularly. The immediately recognizable piccolo trumpet plays throughout this hit song.

Peaking at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100, the band’s highest-charting song has everything from well-placed brass sections to incredible vocals.

Pop Songs With Trumpets, Final Thoughts

Trumpets have a distinct ability to take sounds and emotions to a crescendo, and these pop songs exemplify that in many ways. So whether you’re in the mood for joyous or somber tunes, consider adding a few of these pop songs with trumpets to your playlist.