Edinburgh songbook: 11 of the best songs by Edinburgh bands and artists from Callum Beattie to Pilot
By Neil Johnstone
Published 22nd Sep 2023, 13:58 BST
Updated 22nd Sep 2023, 13:58 BST
There are some big hits by bands and artists from Edinburgh
There are many famous faces who hailed from Edinburgh – from everyone’s favourite 007 actor Sean Connery to great writers like Muriel Spark and Sir Walter Scott.
And when it comes to music, Edinburgh has produced some brilliant bands and artists known the world over. We asked our readers to tell us the best song by an Edinburgh band or artist, and there were hundreds of suggestions.
From football anthems and thumping floor fillers to songs that reflect a sombre depiction of the Capital – here are 11 songs by Edinburgh artists that our readers said were the very best.
From football anthems and thumping floor fillers to songs that reflect a sombre depiction of the Capital – here are 11 songs by Edinburgh artists that our readers said were the very best.
9. A Girl Like You
The 1994 smash hit that reached high chart entries around the world, Edwyn Collins’ ‘A Girl Like You’ is a grungy, iconic 90s song with a captivating guitar riff combined with Collins’ distinct deep voice making for a unique and memorable song. In the song we hear about a mystical girl who seems to have Collins under her spell, sparking a fascination that is sadly unrequited. Photo: alterna2, Wikimedia Commons Photo: alterna2 wikimedia commons
Featured in the Bay City Rollers’ debut album, ‘Shang-a-Lang’ from 1974 is a floor thumping track about enjoying a night out ‘dancing the night away.’ Written by prolific Scottish songwriter, Bill Martin, he once suggested the Scottish rugby team should sing the song after the New Zealand All Blacks preform the haka. Photo: contributed
Known for his soulful voice, Finley Quaye’s catchy 1997 track, Your Love Gets Sweeter,’ describes the evolution of a relationship that grows stronger over time. In the song we hear Quaye longing to make a special someone ‘his queen’ whilst still a teenager. We later learn the Edinburgh born signer got the girl years later and ‘things are riding to plan.’ Photo: Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
Penicuik group, The Lost Soul Band, started out in the early 90s with a Sunday night residency at the St James Oyster Bar on Calton Road (now The Bunker) – quickly establishing a loyal fanbase. And in 1993 they released this heartfelt number about ‘living on coffee and hope’ - a message many can probably relate to. Photo: LaShawn Wiltz, flickr Photo: LaShawn Wiltz, flickr
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