The search for the greatest British chart single of the past 25 years is on.
Seventies stars including David Bowie and Kate Bush are up against 80s and 90s groups such as ABC and Oasis and more recent artists like The Streets and Coldplay.
A judging panel of music industry
and media figures have drawn up a list of 25 tracks in a competition to mark the 25th anniversary of the Brit Awards, the annual celebration of the British music industry organised by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).
Those who made the cut - which the organisers admit is likely to provide a controversial winner - testify to the enduring appeal of the ballad.
Slow songs shortlisted include Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush, Careless Whisper by George Michael, Why by Annie Lennox, I Don't Want To Talk About It by Rod Stewart and Angels by Robbie Williams.
Of the rock anthems of the past quarter century, Wonderwall by Oasis and Queen's We Are the Champions are in contention.
The shortlist will be narrowed down to five contenders and the winner will be announced on February 9 at the 25th Brits at Earl's Court, London.
Music fans will vote for their favourites on the internet or by text or telephone.
Judging panellist Colin Martin, editor of BBC Radio 2, said: "British chart music is a massive part of our popular culture, and looking back at what has been produced since the Brits began in 1977 has highlighted what a wealth of outstanding talent we have produced over the decades."
He said distilling a quarter-century of hits to a list of 25 was "one of the most difficult tasks I have ever shared in".
The singles had to have first appeared in the charts between January 1, 1977 and December 31, 2004. Re-issues were not eligible.
- INDEPENDENT
