"Anthem" is a slow ballad composed by Kenny G and Sam Hirsh for Kenny G's 2021 album New Standards on Concord Records. Written in G minor at approximately 64 BPM, the piece features a clear, singing melody for soprano saxophone accompanied by acoustic piano, cello, strings, and a gentle rhythm section across a duration of about four and a half minutes. The composition exhibits high acousticness and melodicness, creating a contemplative, introspective mood through sparse instrumentation and smooth phrasing. Like the other tracks on New Standards, "Anthem" reflects Kenny G's stated intention to compose original melodies over more sophisticated jazz chord progressions than those found in his earlier work, drawing inspiration from the harmonic language of classic jazz while maintaining his signature smooth jazz approach. The arrangement by William Ross features prominent string and cello parts performed by Steve Erdody, lending the piece an expansive, orchestral quality that suits its stately title. Additional personnel on the original recording include Greg Phillinganes on keyboards, Nate Light on bass, Rick Montalbano on drums, and Ron Powell on percussion. "Anthem" has not been widely covered or adopted into the broader jazz repertoire and remains associated exclusively with Kenny G's original recording on the New Standards album.
