There’s nothing that screams summer in the UK more than a BBQ. According to research by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), the summer of 2023 saw 64 million BBQs throughout the country. The craziest part is, while that number sounds huge, it’s actually a five-year low. If this doesn’t show how popular they are, what will?
Well, data on the most popular songs that appear on playlists might help to really push the point home! Logs Direct, leading suppliers of kiln-dried firewood in the UK, have analysed 994 BBQ playlists with a total of more than 260,000 songs to find out which inspire the biggest BBQ vibes. This way, you can build your ultimate BBQ playlist for when the weather’s warm enough to bust out the charcoal and burgers.
Van Morrison – Brown Eyed Girl
As far as debut singles go, it’s hard to get as good as Van Morrison’s ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ from 1967. After the Northern Irish singer’s band ‘Them’ broke up in 1966, Van wasted no time writing and recording his solo music which is recognised as one of the most influential and popular songs of the ‘60s for the whole decade. So much so, that as of 2015 it’s the most downloaded and played song from the 1960s.
The upbeat tempo, as well as mentions of “Standing in the sunlight laughing”, and the singalong chorus of “Sha-la-la, la-la, la-la” feels as though it could part the clouds on its own. Playlist makers all agree, with the song placing top of the list for most featured song across all BBQ playlists on Spotify according to Logs Direct’s data.
Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama
There are very few opening notes that are as recognisable as Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd. First featured on the band’s 1974 album ‘Second Helping’, the song is one of the band’s crowning achievements alongside Free Bird, peaking at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US.
With 86 additions to BBQ playlists from the Spotify data, it’s not hard to understand why it’s so popular for those sunny days on the grass when the fat of the meat on the BBQ is sizzling. The guitars are lilting and though listeners may never have been to Alabama “Where the skies are so blue”, looking up at our own blue skies fills us with a sense of optimism that can be hard to acquire with regular British weather.
Eagles – Hotel California
The twinkling guitar intro, the slapping base, and the unmistakable vocals of Don Henley make Hotel California by Eagles a surefire entrant into almost every summer playlist. First released in 1977, the song is a testament to American decadence and all things right and wrong with popular culture for our friends across the Atlantic.
Despite its message, it’s often lost amidst a chorus that you just can’t help but sing along to. Featuring in a total of 66 playlists across the 994 researched, it’s the third most popular across BBQ playlists on Spotify.
Electric Light Orchestra – Mr. Blue Sky
If there were ever a song that embodied the relief felt when British summertime presents nice weather, there’s no other option than Electric Light Orchestra’s Mr. Blue Sky. Originally written in a Swiss chalet after two weeks of bad weather, the song is a tribute to feeling the sun on our skin after it breaks through the clouds and has become a standout pop anthem for warmer weather.
65 playlist makers agree and have made it a staple of their outdoor cooking queue. It’s hard to disagree with the choice, as when you hear the opening piano keys, it’s instantly recognisable and sure to put a smile on the faces of your guests.
These tracks are popular for a reason, so while you might not think they’re to your taste, they’re proven to be ways of getting everyone in the mood for a BBQ. You don’t have to include all of them in your next playlist, but sprinkling a one or two in is sure to rouse some excitement from your guests when they pop up on shuffle.
