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.

An emotional track from Ali Campbell an co, Don't Break My Heart is a love ballad about a break-up

13. Don't Break My Heart - UB40

An emotional track from Ali Campbell an co, Don't Break My Heart is a love ballad about a break-up | Getty Images

Reggae artist Pato Banton's song Handsworth Riots captured the unrest that took place in 1985.

14. Handsworth Riots - Pato Banton

Reggae artist Pato Banton's song Handsworth Riots captured the unrest that took place in 1985. | Getty

The break-up song Go Now was made popular by the Moody Blues after they released a cover in 1964.

15. Go Now - The Moody Blues

The break-up song Go Now was made popular by the Moody Blues after they released a cover in 1964. | Getty Images

Night in White Satin was the first significant chart entry by the band since Go Now and was a hit in the UK

16. Go Now - The Moody Blues

Night in White Satin was the first significant chart entry by the band since Go Now and was a hit in the UK | Getty Images

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