Exciting new entries into this year’s chart include Tina Turner’s feelgood hit ‘Simply the Best’ at number 4 and Fleetwood Mac’s ‘The Chain’ – whose haunting riffs are used in Grand Prix television packages – at number 7. The Greatest Showman’s theatrical showstopper ‘This Is Me’ enters the chart for the first time at number 10.
Featuring in our top 10 chart since 2014, Monty Python’s cheerful ditty, ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’ ranks at number 3, climbing 7 places from 2019. Songs to make people laugh and smile at funerals are becoming more popular, but this Life of Brian anthem remains the firm favourite in the UK.
Classics such as ‘Time To Say Goodbye’ by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman, ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ by Eva Cassidy and Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll Meet Again’ stand firm at 6, 8 and 9. With their moving and sentimental lyrics, all 3 songs have proven popular time and time again.
Interestingly, this is the second time that traditional hymns do not feature in the top 10, suggesting a shift in musical trends. 'The Lord's My Shepherd', 'All Things Bright and Beautiful' and 'Abide With Me' have appeared in previous top 10's.
2021 modern pop chart
Choosing a loved one's favourite pop song for their funeral is a great way to personalise the service. The lyrics of a pop song can make them the perfect choice for a funeral. For instance, Ed Sheeran's 'Supermarket Flowers' has very emotional and relatable lyrics that many people find make it a perfect funeral song for their mum or grandma.