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.

All over the World was the third Top 20 ELO single released from the 1980 soundtrack album, peaking at number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100

17. All over the World - ELO

All over the World was the third Top 20 ELO single released from the 1980 soundtrack album, peaking at number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100 | Getty Images

Released in 1971, the song lyrically continues with the same anti-war themes brought on by "War Pigs" and "Electric Funeral" from Paranoid.

18. Children of the Grave - Black Sabbath

Released in 1971, the song lyrically continues with the same anti-war themes brought on by "War Pigs" and "Electric Funeral" from Paranoid. | Getty Images

This 1988 track from the Brummie band hit the top of the US charts and is considered one of the 80s' best loved songs

19. She Drives Me Crazy - Fine Young Cannibals

This 1988 track from the Brummie band hit the top of the US charts and is considered one of the 80s' best loved songs Photo: Steve Gunn

Another Sabbath entry, Symptom of the Universe was composed largely by guitarist Tony Iommi, with lyrics by Geezer Butler and was a major influence on thrash metal

20. Symptom of the Universe - Black Sabbath

Another Sabbath entry, Symptom of the Universe was composed largely by guitarist Tony Iommi, with lyrics by Geezer Butler and was a major influence on thrash metal | Getty

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