2010s
2012 in British Music
Gangnam Style, the London Olympics, and Emeli Sandé's golden year.
The Story of 2012
The year Britain hosted the Olympics, and the music matched the moment. Danny Boyle's opening ceremony was a glorious parade of British music history – from 'London Calling' to 'Chariots of Fire' to the Queen with James Bond – culminating in Emeli Sandé's performance of 'Abide with Me'. Emeli Sandé was the soundtrack of the year, 'Our Version of Events' spawning 'Heaven', 'Next to Me' and 'My Kind of Love'. Her voice was everywhere, including the Olympic closing ceremony. The Olympics themselves were a triumph, with the music reflecting British confidence. Adele's 'Skyfall' single was released – her James Bond theme, a classic. One Direction were now a global phenomenon. Alt-J's 'An Awesome Wave' won the Mercury Prize, their folk-electronica fusion being genuinely new. Frank Ocean's 'Channel Orange' was massive. Mumford & Sons' 'Babel' was huge. The year felt triumphant – a nation celebrating its cultural achievements through music, sport and a summer that felt like the best of Britain.
Key Events
London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony — a celebration of British music history
Emeli Sandé's Our Version of Events becomes the year's UK best-seller
Psy's 'Gangnam Style' becomes global internet phenomenon
Dominant Genres
Notable Trends
- →YouTube becomes a powerful hit-making platform
- →The Olympics puts British music on the world's biggest stage
- →Streaming continues its inexorable rise toward dominance
Key Artists of 2012
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