Released in the summer of 1982, Come on Eileen has become a staple of British culture over the years. The Dexys classic reached number one in the United States and was the band's second number one hit in the UKplaceholder image
Released in the summer of 1982, Come on Eileen has become a staple of British culture over the years. The Dexys classic reached number one in the United States and was the band's second number one hit in the UK | Getty Images

The 30 best songs ever released by Birmingham bands as chosen by Brummies

Joe Forte
By Joe Forte

Reporter

Published 10th Nov 2023, 17:03 GMT
Updated 10th Nov 2023, 17:32 GMT

From rock legends such as Black Sabbath to soul and the reggae sounds of UB40, Birmingham has a music history to be proud of - but what are the greatest songs by Birmingham bands?

Birmingham and the West Midlands has always been a major centre for great music.

With the likes of ELO, Ocean Colour Scene, Lady Leshurr, Laura Mvula, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, Brum has produced many top artists over the years.

The city is known for being the birth of heavy metal, thanks to Ozzy and Sabbath, but there are numerous bands with links to the second city. Musicians from this part of the world have certainly had a big impact on music culture around the world, with a number of classics from Birmingham bands going on to be worldwide hits and number one singles.

But what are the very best tunes produced by bands from the city? We asked our readers to tell us the best song ever released by a Birmingham band with over a hundred people getting back to us with their suggestions.

We've gone through the answers and can now unveil the 32 best songs from Birmingham bands, as chosen by you. Let's take a look.

What a classic! originally performed by Neil Diamond, UB40's cover version in 1983 went to No. 1 in the UK and later number one in the States

9. Red Red Wine -UB40

What a classic! originally performed by Neil Diamond, UB40's cover version in 1983 went to No. 1 in the UK and later number one in the States Photo: Ali Campbell

Slade may be from Wolverhampton but how could we emit this West Midlands hit? One of the UK's most loved Christmas classics, Merry Christmas was a number one single in the UK in 1973 and has remained in the charts every Christmas since its release. It's a song that sure to get you in the Christmas spirit

10. Merry Christmas - Slade

Slade may be from Wolverhampton but how could we emit this West Midlands hit? One of the UK's most loved Christmas classics, Merry Christmas was a number one single in the UK in 1973 and has remained in the charts every Christmas since its release. It's a song that sure to get you in the Christmas spirit | Getty Images

One of the band's biggest hits, War Pigs is an iconic protest song. In it, Ozzy take aim at military commanders, comparing them to sorcerers and “witches at black masses”. The song has inspired many artists since its 1970 release, including the likes of Arctic Monkeys. It is also featured in the trailer for Ridley Scott's new film Napoleon featuring Joaquin Phoenix

11. War Pigs - Black Sabbath

One of the band's biggest hits, War Pigs is an iconic protest song. In it, Ozzy take aim at military commanders, comparing them to sorcerers and “witches at black masses”. The song has inspired many artists since its 1970 release, including the likes of Arctic Monkeys. It is also featured in the trailer for Ridley Scott's new film Napoleon featuring Joaquin Phoenix | Getty Images

One of the Birmingham group's most famous tunes, Pass the Dutchie was a major hit, reaching number one in the UK and at least five other countries. Despite many believing the track to be about marijuana, it's actually about extreme poverty. The 'dutchie' refers to a type of pot used for cooking.

12. Pass the Dutchie - UB40

One of the Birmingham group's most famous tunes, Pass the Dutchie was a major hit, reaching number one in the UK and at least five other countries. Despite many believing the track to be about marijuana, it's actually about extreme poverty. The 'dutchie' refers to a type of pot used for cooking. | Getty Images

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