Browse the A-Z
See which of your favourites have made it onto our list of nominees.
99 Red Balloons – Nena (1984)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
This classic anti-war song played on '80s fears of impending nuclear doom. The lyrics in the song told the story of red balloons triggering an apocalyptic overreaction by the military. Apocalyptic overreaction was also triggered here in the UK when Nena lifted her arms on 'Top of the Pops' to reveal... hairy armpits!
All By Myself – Eric Carmen (1976)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 12
The soundtrack for single women everywhere, this power ballad was originally penned by Eric Carmen and based on a classical theme by Rachmaninoff. It was more recently popularised by Celine Dion and the familiar opening scene of 'Bridget Jones's Diary'.
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 12
The soundtrack for single women everywhere, this power ballad was originally penned by Eric Carmen and based on a classical theme by Rachmaninoff. It was more recently popularised by Celine Dion and the familiar opening scene of 'Bridget Jones's Diary'.
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Monty Python (1991)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 3
Over a decade after Monty Python's Life of Brian, 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life' was resurrected by Radio 1's Simon Mayo. Back on the airwaves over ten years after it was recorded, the song's huge popularity helped it to number three in 1991. Our very British sense of stoicism means the song is still regularly heard at times of strife, having been sung by a crowd in Manchester in 1993 upon hearing the city had lost their bid for the Olympics, and is often heard at rainy football matches all over the nation.
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 3
Over a decade after Monty Python's Life of Brian, 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life' was resurrected by Radio 1's Simon Mayo. Back on the airwaves over ten years after it was recorded, the song's huge popularity helped it to number three in 1991. Our very British sense of stoicism means the song is still regularly heard at times of strife, having been sung by a crowd in Manchester in 1993 upon hearing the city had lost their bid for the Olympics, and is often heard at rainy football matches all over the nation.
Axel F – Harold Faltermeyer (1985)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 2
This 80s instrumental smash hit was better known for being the theme tune to the Hollywood blockbuster 'Beverly Hills Cop'. A remix of the classic reached number one in the UK charts in May 2005 after being teamed with the Crazy Frog ringtone - sparking a raft of complaints from crazy parents.
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 2
This 80s instrumental smash hit was better known for being the theme tune to the Hollywood blockbuster 'Beverly Hills Cop'. A remix of the classic reached number one in the UK charts in May 2005 after being teamed with the Crazy Frog ringtone - sparking a raft of complaints from crazy parents.
