Last week it was fifteen years since the original iteration of Virgin Radio UK re-branded as Absolute Radio. And to mark the occasion, the now Bauer-owned station asked its listeners to vote for their favourite song of the last fifteen years. Which is never a good idea. Unless you're a Sam Fender fan. In which case, it all turned out fine.
Because yes, on Friday afternoon the station's Sarah Champion and Ben Burrell revealed that its listeners' favourite track of the last fifteen years was Fender's 'Seventeen Going Under'.
And if you're thinking that's because Absolute listeners have short memories and therefore Fender's 2021 release had an advantage, actually songs from the early years of the radio station's existence generally did better than newer tracks.
In the overall top 50, eight tracks came from 2008, eight from 2009 and nine from 2011. And Fender's record was the only 2021 release to make the chart.
Says Fender: “'Seventeen Going Under’ has been awarded the best song of the last fifteen years! Not sure I agree with that one! Nevertheless I’m buzzing. That’s so wild - thanks to everyone who voted. Happy fifteenth birthday Absolute Radio!"
Here is the top five - and click below if you're interested in the full top 50.
- Sam Fender - Seventeen Going Under (2021)
- Elbow - One Day Like This (2008)
- Muse - Uprising (2009)
- Foo Fighters - Walk (2011)
- Kings Of Leon - Sex On Fire (2008)
Scott Colothan