In 1922 the British Empire held power over 458 million people, a fifth of the world’s population at the time. It was a force to be reckoned with, and in subsequent years British pop and rock would also dominate the world thanks to bands like The Beatles, The Kinks, The Who, The Rolling Stones, and of course, The Spice Girls. These days it’s hard to pinpoint modern bands that compete with the likes of the Blur and Oasis rivalry. At least we still have Ed Sheeran to hold on to.
Here’s a healthy dollop of Britishness. You won’t find any tea, royalty, people driving on the wrong side of the road, or peculiar spellings of colour, but you’ll find a small mix of the best Britain has to offer with a little surprise at the end. Enjoy, and God save the Queen.
- Razorlight - America
- Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody
- Phil Collins - In The Air Tonight
- Coldplay - Magic
- Massive Attack - Unfinished Sympathy
- The Verve - Bitter Sweet Symphony
- Mike & The Mechanics - Over My Shoulder
- David Bowie - Heroes
- Pink Floyd - Another Brick In The Wall
- Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love
- The Rolling Stones - Gimme Shelter
- T.Rex - Get It On
- The Kinks - You Really Got Me
- Blur - Song 2
- Pulp - Common People
- Oasis - Wonderwall
- Amy Winehouse - Valerie
- Adele - Someone Like You
- Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
- The Who - Baba O'Riley