It often takes several years to be sure which songs will stand the test of time. Of the hundreds of songs released in a year, it’s surprising how few make the cut. I’ve been reviewing 2020’s hits to try and predict which songs might make it into your wedding playlists over the next couple of years!
Music streaming figures soared in 2020, as we looked for entertainment and comfort during lockdown. Perhaps you got engaged last year, and you associate a particular song with your relationship? Or if you’ve had a tough year, there might be one song that helped you get through it all.
Unfortunately, many couples find their favourite songs include one or two lyrics which aren’t entirely appropriate for a wedding. If that’s you, I’ve got good news for you. Even if the words don’t quite fit, you can have an instrumental version by booking live musicians to perform!
Here are a handful of standout tracks from 2020 which I think would be perfect for a wedding ceremony or reception:
1. Blinding Lights by The Weeknd
If you spent the year on TikTok along with every teenager in the country, this song won’t have passed you by! It was the best performing single of the year, reaching Number 1 three times and spending eight weeks at the top of the charts. Its lyrics don’t exactly scream ‘wedding song’, but it’s such a catchy tune that might not matter too much!
2. Dance Monkey by Tones And I
This song was released in 2019 but was still the second most-streamed song of 2020. The jury’s still out on whether it will fizzle out or be around for years to come. But it certainly sounds brilliant in this string quartet arrangement by some of my artists. It would be great for an entertaining piece during your drinks reception.
3. Adore You by Harry Styles
Released right at the end of 2019, this was the singer’s first hit at the beginning of the year. Its lyrics lend themselves well to a wedding, talking of absolute love and devotion:
“I’d walk through fire for you,
just let me adore you”
Weirdly, in the official video, he is singing those words to a massive fish. But I think we can overlook that since it’s such a good song!
4. Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles
It was a good year for Harry Styles, with this popular tune featuring on many people’s summer soundtrack. The lyrics may be a double entendre if rumours (not to mention the suggestive music video) are to be believed. But at a surface level, they’re probably innocent enough that you’ll get away with it in front of your elderly relatives! And if there’s any doubt, it’ll be beautiful in a cool, laid-back instrumental version.
5. You’ll Never Walk Alone by Captain Tom Moore and Michael Ball
Captain Tom Moore captured the nation’s heart by walking laps of his garden during lockdown, at the age of 99, to raise money for the NHS. He went on to partner with West End legend Michael Ball, releasing a version of You’ll Never Walk Alone and raising yet more money for charity. He became the oldest person ever to achieve a UK Number 1 single. You’ll Never Walk Alone has also been a long-term favourite amongst Liverpool FC fans, who won the Premier League in 2020. If you want a bit of 2020 nostalgia in your wedding, a harpist performing this timeless classic would be perfect. (Disclaimer: the harpist in the video below doesn’t work with me. But one of my harpists will easily learn this song for you if you request it!)
6. Times Like These by the Live Lounge Allstars
Sticking with the theme of charity singles, BBC Radio 1 got a whole host of stars to record a version of the Foo Fighters’ song. Its beautiful lyrics will forever remind us of the tough times we went through in 2020, and everything the experience made us grateful for. Perhaps that’s something you would like to honour in your wedding ceremony?
7. A Little Love by Celeste
Back in January, the BBC named Celeste the ‘Sound of 2020’. The prediction that she’d be the number-one breakthrough act certainly came true. Most people will recognise her distinctive voice from this song, featured in the iconic John Lewis Christmas advert. Its lyrics are beautiful and would be ideal for a wedding ceremony. And who doesn’t love a John Lewis Christmas ad? This is another one that would sound gorgeous on the harp.
“Happiness,
Nothing better in this world to get than happiness,
If I give this gift to you,
Wouldn’t everybody get a little love?”
8. What a Man Gotta Do by the Jonas Brothers
Jumping back to one from early in the year, this is a fantastic, lively tune! The lyrics are from a man who’s willing to do anything to prove his love. It might not be a first-dance or entrance song, but it would be a great one to get the party started!
“I’m not tryin’ be your part-time lover,
Sign me up for that full-time, I’m yours, all yours”
9. Physical by Dua Lipa
One of the catchiest tunes from 2020, this 80’s throwback is a brilliant upbeat track. Dua Lipa is definitely still on the rise. The lyrics are a bit racy for a family-friendly wedding. But it would be fun in an instrumental version, or to dance to later in the evening.
10. Dynamite by BTS
This is the absolute party tune of 2020 and the one I’m sure we’re going to be playing for years to come! Whether it’s the closing song to your ceremony or the one that gets everyone up on the dancefloor, I reckon there’ll be no avoiding it for the next decade!
What’s your favourite song of 2020? Let me know in the comments below!
Are you on the lookout for the perfect instrumental version of your chosen track? Book a call with me, and I’ll help you find the ideal line-up.
