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.

Another classic from Duran Duran, Girls on Film became Duran Duran's Top 10 breakthrough in the UK Singles Chart, peaking at Number 5 in July 1981. Today, it's one of their best loved songs

21. Girls on Film - Duran Duran

Another classic from Duran Duran, Girls on Film became Duran Duran's Top 10 breakthrough in the UK Singles Chart, peaking at Number 5 in July 1981. Today, it's one of their best loved songs Photo: Contributed

Johnny Too Bad is an upbeat classic from the reggae masters that has darker lyrical themes including: 'Walking down the road with a pistol in your waist. Johnny, you're too bad'.

22. Johnny Too Bad - UB40

Johnny Too Bad is an upbeat classic from the reggae masters that has darker lyrical themes including: 'Walking down the road with a pistol in your waist. Johnny, you're too bad'. | (Photo by Kimberly White/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)

Ozzy has referred to this song as "heartbreaking". It's quite different from Sabbath's previous work, the song was described as a "forlornly pretty" ballad

23. Changes - Black Sabbath

Ozzy has referred to this song as "heartbreaking". It's quite different from Sabbath's previous work, the song was described as a "forlornly pretty" ballad | Getty Images

Higher Love was Winwood's first Billboard Hot 100 number-one song, topping the chart for one week from August 30 – September 5, 1986. It also spent four weeks atop the US Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart and earned two Grammy Awards

24. Higher Love - Steve Winwood

Higher Love was Winwood's first Billboard Hot 100 number-one song, topping the chart for one week from August 30 – September 5, 1986. It also spent four weeks atop the US Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart and earned two Grammy Awards | Getty

Previous
6 / 8
Next Page
Related topics:BirminghamOzzy OsbourneArtistsMusiciansWest Midlands
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice