The Birthday Game! My Birthday No 1s

Equally inspired by The Scott Mill’s Birthday Game and the anniversary of my first breath, I thought I’d use my GOB this week to look back on the different number 1 hits in place on every 17th February since 2002. Some I align with much more than others … the less said about the others the better …

Me, birthday bashing

2002 – Hero by Enrique Inglesias

I vividly remember learning to play this song on a classical guitar in primary school. That is both my initial and only thought on this track by Enrique Inglesias. Popping out with this song topping the charts may or may not have later influenced my sporadic embodiment of narcissistic tendencies.

2003 – All The Things She Said by Tatu

It's an absolute banger, which I have now, thankfully, rediscovered. Let my month-long hyper-fixation on this song commence.

2004 – Take Me To The Clouds Above by LMC & U2

A Clubland classic that I was entirely unaware Bono had anything to do with? Now I hear it, I can’t unhear it … This was immediately added to my party playlist, obviously.

2005 – Like Toy Soldiers by Eminem

I had never before heard of this track, but being born in the early 2000s I’d have been shocked if Marshall didn’t make an appearance in my Birthday Game.

2006 – Nasty Girl by Notorious BIG ft Diddy, Nelly, Jagged Edge and Avery Storm

This one didn’t age too well …

2007 – Grace Kelly by Mika

YES, YES, and YES! To this day, I adore this song and Mika’s ever-admirable falsetto. A childhood pop classic that I can only imagine will never get old. This is one of those tunes that suits any setting. Road trip? The whole car’s singing. Shower? Will never fail to provoke an arse-wiggle. Pres and party? No one’s gassed when you hear the progression of the intro, but you just wait until you reach that first ‘VIOLET SKYYY’. Helpful, purple, everything I like.

2008 – Now You’re Gone by Basshunter ft DJ Mental Theo’s Bazzheadz

You have to respect an earworm.

2009 – The Fear by Lily Allen

I loved this song when it came out, I had an infatuation with Lily Allen from a very young age. My obsession with this track, at the ripe old age of 7, was purely based on its sonic prowess; it was only when I got a little older that I realised that I am riddled with THE FEAR. Looking back, this song was so ahead of its time. In an age of eerie social media dominance and dependence on commodities and LOOKING wealthy for the followers, Lily’s lyricism, across her broader artistry as well as here, simultaneously reveals her inner battles with her unapologetic authenticity whilst also encapsulating the concerns of her listeners. The fact that 16 years later, this track is still so relevant is a testament to her unwavering songwriting ability.

2010 – Fireflies by Owl City

My only rule with this song is that it has to be sung in the accent. Non-negotiatable.

2011 – Price Tag by Jessie J

I distinctly remember auditioning for LMJS’s Got Talent, covering this Jessie J classic. I also recall spending much more time deliberating the dance moves than learning the lyrics … I didn’t let it hold me back.

2012 – Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye ft Kimbra

This one soundtracked my summer before big school. I played this, along with its truly puzzling video, on repeat for months on end. To this day, I’m still curious as to whether the pair were stained by the geometrically arranged body paint…

2013 – Thrift Shop by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis

Charity Shop to me and you!

2014 – Rather Be by Clean Bandit ft Jess Glynne

This track is etched on my brain forever and always. It reminds me of the time when Jess Glynne’s tone was tolerable, before Jet 2 got their hands on her.

2015 – Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding

Absolutely not.

2016 – 7 years by Lukas Graham

My mind’s eye is kindly showcasing the music.ally that I made to this one. More than enough said.

2017 – Shape of You by Ed Sheeran

The opening sequence sends me instantly into a cold sweat. Sorry birthday twinnie.

2018 – God’s Plan by Drake

Life was simpler when Drake was just the ex-Disney kid that had just dropped Scorpion. How are the mighty fallen.

2019 – 7 Rings by Ariana Grande

If I speak I am in trouble…

2020 – Blinding Lights by The Weeknd

This song provides me with the worst kind of nostalgia. As a general rule, I love Abel. I had the pleasure of seeing him at Wembley in August 2023 and it was the most ethereal experience, once we actually managed to get inside Wembley that is. However, I’m sure I’m not the only one that is deeply scarred by this track, its dance and the sorrowful weeks that were to follow. I turned 18 on the cusp of Covid, so many-a-hour were spent doom scrolling on TikTok, watching teens from across the globe aimlessly flail their limbs to the incessant, grinding beat of what should have been a perfectly happy clappy kids bop. Not The Weeknd’s finest hour, although I’m sure his accountant disagrees.

2021 – Drivers License by Olivia Rodrigo

Sad. Lockdown. Sad.

2022 – We Don’t Talk About Bruno by Gaitan, Casillo, Adassa, Feli

I’ve never watched this film. I feel as though the moment has passed. I most certainly, therefore, do not talk about Bruno.

2023 – Flowers by Miley Cyrus

The most justified way to rip off Bruno Mars. Her feeding into the feminine urge to write a distrack, which happens to be one of the catchiest pop songs this side of Covid AND THEN film a video of her prancing around their old mansion, hot as hell, is the most respectable thing Miley Cyrus has ever done. Can’t knock this one.

2024 – Stick Season by Noah Kahan

That modern folk song. SUCK YOUR MOOOOMM.

2025 – Messy by Lola Young

I am the messiest messy girl. I feel as though my GOB and I have given Miss Young a hard time, but there is no denying that this song is going to be timeless. Pure, authentic and unadulterated chaos. I just hope she doesn’t ever become a clean girl, like when Meghan Trainer claimed that it was all about that bass and then halved in size. Love you Lola, thanks for this scatty girl anthem.