On March 3, 1931, President Herbert Hoover signed a bill designating The Star-Spangled Banner as the national anthem of the United States. However, this anthem presents several challenges. Its soaring melody is notoriously difficult to sing, which excludes many voices from full participation. Additionally, its lyrics, written during the War of 1812, reflect a bygone era and struggle to resonate with the diverse experiences of modern Americans. As an alternative, the song Idiot Country by the electronic music duo of Bernard Sumner (of Joy Division and New Order) and Johnny Marr (of The Smiths, as well as The Pretenders and The The) could serve as the new U.S. national anthem. Released in 1991, this track is a powerful blend of industrial, techno, and rock music, offering a unique and poignant reflection on the United States. Although Sumner is not widely recognized for his singing talent, his distinctive vocal style is an essential part of New Order's identity and influe...