The most played song of the 21st Century has been revealed 🎶

Once you know, it'll make so much sense!

Author: Naomi Holland and Emma DoddsPublished 17th Jul 2019
Last updated 17th Jul 2019

In the last 19 years, there's been one song in particular that has been played on the radio more than any other - and it's now been uncovered!

Snow Patrol's ballad 'Chasing Cars' has been crowned the most-played song of the 21st century on UK radio! The band's frontman Gary Lightbody has previously said the track is "the purest love song'' he has ever written.

Although 'Chasing Cars', which featured on the band's 2006 album 'Eyes Open', failed to reach number one in the UK Charts when it was released, it did feature in TV shows including Grey's Anatomy, and a number of movies. It was also the last ever song performed live on Top Of The Pops.

Gary was presented with a special gong by music licensing company PPL, telling the BBC it was "unbelievable", adding, "I'm not sure how that happened".

More upbeat numbers Black Eyed Peas' 'I Gotta Feeling' and Pharrell's 'Happy' are second and third on the list.

Swipe through to see which songs turn 10-years-old in 2019...


The most played song of the 21st Century has been revealed 🎶
2 of 19

Announcing the news on Twitter, the PPL - who track all the music played on radio and TV - shared a photo of Gary receiving an award, writing, 'In honour of our 85th birthday, we delved into our data to identify the Most Played Song of the 21st century & we are delighted to reveal it is Chasing Cars by @SnowPatrol. Tonight our CEO @PeterLeathem presented @garysnowpatrol with an award to recognise this amazing achievement.' sic

When asked what he thought the draw to the song was, Gary said, "It's an emotionally open song and it's a simple song. But it's also unabashedly a love song, and we don't really have any others.

"The way it unifies an audience is the thing I most cherish about it. It's a beautiful moment every time you play it."

PPL chief executive officer Peter Leather said, "Chasing Cars is a song that has become a popular anthem, securing huge success across radio, in public and especially TV, where its huge appeal has led to its use in many programmes and especially Grey's Anatomy."

Congratulations, Snow Patrol!

NOW WATCH: Little Mix Reveal Their Thoughts On A Collaboration With Ariana Grande

For great music, brilliant banter and incredible competitions tune into Northsound 1 on 96.9, 97.6 or 103.0 FM, online, on our Northsound app, your DAB digital radio, or say ‘Play Northsound 1’ on your Smart Speaker. We give you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists. You’ll find new favourites every day and hear the songs you've missed from the last few years.