This week will see the British public voting in a referendum to decide whether to remain part of the European Union or not. We are a music site, not a political one, so we aren’t here to influence whether you vote in or out and we will remain impartial.
However, if you are voting and not sure which way to jump, perhaps our European Referendum Top 10 will help you to decide.
British Sea Power – Waving Flags
Immigration is a hot topic in the European debate. British Sea Power take a more welcoming stance than many “Oh welcome in” they sing.
Bis – Eurodisco
“The party’s at its end” sing Scottish popsters Bis. Is this an unlikey foreshadowing of the end of our relationship with the EU?
Allo Darlington- Europe
A British band with an Australian singer performing a song about Europe in Vienna. If that isn’t an endorsement of freedom of movement I don’t know what is.
The Divine Comedy- Europop
“It’s taken time but I’ll think you’ll find that everything is alright” sings Neil Hannon. Is he singing about the European project? Probably not.
Guided By Voices- The Littlest League Possible
This song is about independence and being a big fish in a small pond. Will the UK be better off as the only fish in a small pond?
Billy Bragg – There Is Power In A Union
Billy isn’t a European Union enthusiast exactly but he is voting remain, so that seems reason enough to see this as an endorsement of a different kind of union than it was originally intended.
The Clash – Should I Stay Or Should I Go
Stay of go? That is the big question. And this is the laziest song choice on a fairly lazy list.
Phil Ochs – Love Me I’m A Liberal
Liberals get a lot of bad press from both sides in the debate. Phil Ochs had a similarly disparaging view back in 1966.
Gruff Rhys – I Love EU
Gruf Rhys is pretty clear when he sits in the debate and this is his “official” pro-remain anthem. I’m sure that there are Brexit songs out there, but I suspect they aren’t very good.
Roxy Music – A Song For Europe
I have no idea where Bryan Ferry stands on the Europe question, I suspect he is closely monitoring any potential effect on his share portfolio. Former Roxy Music colleagues Brian Eno and Phil Manazanera have both come out in favour of remaining however. Read into that what you will, this is an excellent song whichever way you look at things.
Compiled by Dorian Rogers