You must be aware of the swedish pop group ABBA. Have you ever found yourself driving along, singing at the top of your voice when your favourite song comes onto the radio? If the answer is yes, then you certainly aren’t alone, but would you be willing to let others know about your cherished music choices? A recent survey by online bingo site, Jackpotjoy asked 2000 UK adults to reveal their favourite secret song and the results are somewhat surprising.
Dancing Queen, a 1976 hit by Swedish pop group, ABBA is a much-loved karaoke classic and features in the ever-popular film, Mamma Mia. Yet despite its familiarity, Dancing Queen took the top spot for the most loved song by Brits that they don’t wish to admit to. With a quarter of Brits keeping their love for ABBA’s hit a secret.
The survey also found that It’s not just the older generation that likes to keep their Dancing Queen listening habits on the down low, with 28% of 18-24 year olds admitting to secretly listening to the famous song.
ABBA may take the top spot overall but it’s joint number one with The Spice Girl’s hit, Wannabe in the 18-24 year olds age category. With the Spice Girls splitting up in 2001 it seems the song has reached a new, younger audience, even if these new listeners don’t like to admit it. With Mel C taking the stage with the Blossoms at Glastonbury this year, many fans are feeling hopeful for a reunion and the possibility of seeing their secret band live.
Taking second place overall for the song we love to listen to in secret is, I’m Gunna Be (500 Miles) by Scottish duo The Proclaimers. A very catchy song often found being sung in pubs up and down the country and yet 16% of Brits like to keep their love for this song quiet, especially in the Scottish city of Glasgow, with over a quarter of Glaswegian adults (28%) announcing their secret love for the record.
James Blunt’s number one hit, You’re Beautiful is a memorable tune, sung in by Blunt’s distinctive voice, one we might try and replicate when belting out the song when alone. It takes third place with 14.6% of Brits confessing to it being their secret favourite song. Again it’s the younger generation who take the lead with almost a quarter (24%) confessing to it being a song they enjoy in private.
Other songs to make the top ten, were:
- John Denver- Take Me Home, Country Roads, 13.9%
- Celine Dion – My Heart Will Go On, 13.1%
- Nickelback – How You Remind Me – 12.5%
- Spice Girls – Wannabe, 12.3%
- Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’ – 12.2%
- Wham! – Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go – 11.4%
- Avril Lavigne – Sk8r Boi 10.2%
These cheesy, much-loved songs are ones we hear being played and find ourselves knowing all the words, whether we want to or not. Perhaps next time, sing out loud and not in silence!
