Adele And Robbie Williams Among Top Funeral Songs In 2012

15 October 2012, 13:06

More people are requesting pop music over traditional hymns, according to a new survey.

Adele and Robbie Williams are among the artists whose songs are most played at funerals.

In a new poll unveiled by Co-operative Funeralcare, Robbie's 'Angels' was the fifth most popular funeral song, while 'Someone Like You' by Adele came in at number 22.

Adele's hit – released just two years ago – was one of the newest releases to make the countdown, which was topped by Frank Sinatra's 'My Way'.

'Time To Say Goodbye' by Sarah Brightman was at number two and Bette Midler's 'Wild Beneath My Wings' came in at number three.

The poll also revealed that pop music at funerals is becoming increasingly more popular, while traditional hymns are declining.

Funeralcare said a quarter of funeral homes also refuse to play 'Imagine' by former The Beatles star John Lennon because it includes the line: "Imagine there's no heaven."

The top 20 pop songs requested at funerals in 2012 are:

1. Frank Sinatra – 'My Way'
2. Sarah Brightman/Andrea Bocelli – 'Time To Say Goodbye'
3. Bette Midler – 'Wind Beneath My Wings'
4. Eva Cassidy – 'Over the Rainbow'
5. Robbie Williams – 'Angels'
6. Westlife – 'You Raise Me Up'
7. Gerry & the Pacemakers – 'You'll Never Walk Alone'
8. Vera Lynn – 'We'll Meet Again'
9. Celine Dion – 'My Heart Will Go On'
10. Nat King Cole – 'Unforgettable'
11. Tina Turner – 'The Best'
12. Whitney Houston/Dolly Parton – 'I Will Always Love You'
13. Monty Python – 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life'
14. Luthor Vandross – 'Dance With My Father'
15. Louis Armstrong – 'Wonderful World'
16. Daniel O'Donnel – 'Danny Boy'
17. Eva Cassidy – 'Fields of Gold'
18. Righteous Brothers (and various) – 'Unchained Melody'
19. Westlife – 'Flying Without Wings'
20. Eva Cassidy – 'Songbird'