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.

It's a Mystery was by the new wave band Toyah, fronted by Toyah Willcox, released in 1981. The song was a hit in the UK where it peaked in the Top 5

29. It's a Mystery - Toyah Willcox

It's a Mystery was by the new wave band Toyah, fronted by Toyah Willcox, released in 1981. The song was a hit in the UK where it peaked in the Top 5 | Getty Photo: David Jackson

1974's Far Far Away was the lead single from the band's first soundtrack album and fifth studio album Slade in Flame

30. Far Far Away - Slade

1974's Far Far Away was the lead single from the band's first soundtrack album and fifth studio album Slade in Flame | Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

In Iron Man, the lyrics, composed by bassist and lyricist Geezer Butler, tell the story of a self-fulfilling prophecy in which a man travels into the future and witnesses the apocalypse

31. Iron Man - Black Sabbath

In Iron Man, the lyrics, composed by bassist and lyricist Geezer Butler, tell the story of a self-fulfilling prophecy in which a man travels into the future and witnesses the apocalypse | Getty Images for iHeartMedia

This heavy metal hit became one of Judas Priest's signature songs along with "Electric Eye" and "Breaking the Law", and a staple of the band's live performances

32. You've Got Another Thing Coming - Judas Priest

This heavy metal hit became one of Judas Priest's signature songs along with "Electric Eye" and "Breaking the Law", and a staple of the band's live performances | Ticket Factory

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