8. The Undertones - Teenage Kicks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAtUw6lxcis Legendary radio DJ John Peels self-confessed favourite song of all time is an absolute powerhouse of a tune from Irish punks The Undertones. Although released way back in 1978, its hardly aged at all and even a lacklustre cover from One Direction and erm, Jedward, cant take away its raw punk energy. Signed to legendary punk record label Good Vibrations, The Undertones remain the most successful band to come from Derry, Northern Ireland, and its all down to the strength of this legendary first single. Alongside songs like God Save The Queen and London Calling, Teenage Kicks is always going to be mentioned among those talking about the British punk movement and remains popular with young and old alike today. The less said about that One Direction cover, the better, but Teenage Kicks is one of the most covered songs of all time, with versions from bands like Franz Ferdinand, Supergrass and Green Day all coming to light at some point. However, the original is still the best and a perfect example of how one killer debut single can echo throughout music history. Choice Lyric: I wanna hold you, wanna hold you tight / get teenage kicks right through the night
Matt Jones
Contributor
Student. Geordie. Adopted Welshie. Watches way too much TV. Lover of fantastic pop music. Follow me on Twitter at @matthewjones93.
See more from
Matt