Lewis Capaldi song named ‘the most streamed track of 2019’
Songs were streamed 114 billion times in the UK last year.
Lewis Capaldi’s Someone You Loved was the most streamed song of last year in the UK after being played 229 million times, according to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).
Despite the success of the Scottish singer-songwriter’s hit, tracks released in 2019 only accounted for just over a fifth of music played on streaming services.
Lil Nas X’s Old Town Road, which was released in 2018, ranked in second place.
The BPI also revealed which was the most streamed song in 2019 from each decade going back to the 1940s, with Christmas music featuring heavily on the list.
The Killers’ Mr Brightside was the most popular song from the noughties, while Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You was the top ranked 90s song.
Wham’s Last Christmas was the most streamed song from the 80s and Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody was the top pick for the 70s.
Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles was the most streamed 60s track.
Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee was the most popular 50s track while Bing Crosby’s White Christmas scored the most streams of any 40s song.
BPI researcher Rob Crutchley said: “The reasons certain songs resonate with us are many and varied – they can lift our mood, reflect how we’re feeling at a certain time, or evoke a particular happy memory.
“Older songs can enjoy a renaissance at any time, maybe by being used in a film or TV show, being shared online via social media or by being discovered in a playlist.
“A much-loved artist going on tour can spike interest and there is a wealth of catalogue classics that are always in great demand at Christmas time – we’re streaming the hits of today in huge numbers but we’re also enjoying delving into our rich musical heritage.”
Sir Elton John’s music reached a “huge and new audience” in 2019 thanks to the release of biopic Rocketman, according to the BPI.
In 2019 songs were streamed 114 billion times in the UK, which is a 7.5% increase on the previous year.
The BPI analysis is based on data published by the Official Charts Company.
