QE II The 5th Decade. Continues tomorrow.

Elizabeth II

The SOUNDTRACK To Her REIGN

(1952-2022)

)

With more than 70 years on the throne, Elizabeth II ruled during decades of immense change. Here are songs that demonstrate how radically British popular music evolved throughout her reign. These selections- one for every year she ruled- reflect shifts in popular culture across the seven decades.

N 1992-2001 M

The Royals were frequently in the media, mostly as a source of controversy and gossip. Charles and Diana divorced. His brother Andrew’s marriage to Sarah Ferguson and sister Anne’s marriage to Mark Phillips also came to an end. The Queen described 1992 as an “annus horribilis”. A fire broke out at Windsor Castle. The public mood shifted as many questioned why Britain still had a monarchy.

In 1997, tragedy struck when Diana died in a car accident. The nation grieved this loss. Elton John’s tribute to the deceased Princess- “Candle In The Wind 1997” -became the best-selling single of all time.

On the charts, Britpop was the rage; pitting its leading exponents Blur and Oasis against each other. The Spice Girls launched “girl-power” and spawned a slew of British girl groups that included All Saints, Sugababes, Little Mix and Atomic Kitten. Not to be outdone, the males were well represented with new boy bands such as Take That, Another Level, 5ive and East 17.

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WONDERWALL Oasis  

BACK FOR GOOD Take That  

WANNABE Spice Girls

SONG 2 Blur  

  CANDLE IN THE WIND 1997 Elton John  

PURE SHORES All Saints  

FILL ME IN Craig David

 

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