Politics
Chart Resurgence and Political Statements: ‘Things Can Only Get Better’ Plays During PM Sunak’s Election Speech
"Things Can Only Get Better" rises on the charts following PM's address
Listeners of the prime minister's campaign launch might have noticed the 1993 hit song playing in the background. Who chose this track and for what reason?
Journalism correspondent
Thursday, May 23, 2024 3:27
Yesterday, just a couple of minutes after Rishi Sunak started his announcement for the general election, music started playing loudly close to No 10.
Less experienced or politically savvy audience members might have thought the song was a deliberate choice by the prime minister to motivate the country, especially since he continued his speech seamlessly as the music started.
However, its intended function was quite distinct.
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The track "Things Can Only Get Better" by D:Ream was famously used as the campaign song during Sir Tony Blair’s sweeping win with the Labour Party in 1997.
After being featured during the Prime Minister's announcement of a 4 July election, the song quickly climbed the iTunes music chart, reaching the fifth spot in less than a day. It remains to be seen if the track will secure a position on the UK's official music chart, with updates expected in the coming days.
The group chose a song that had gained widespread popularity following its debut in 1993. During Sir Tony's campaign, the song made a comeback on the charts, with lead vocalist Peter Cunnah singing it live at multiple campaign events.
Brian Cox, a physicist, initially served as the keyboardist for the band.
This time, it wasn't the Labour Party playing the D:Ream track.
Indeed, it was well-known anti-Brexit activist Steve Bray who risked his two loudspeakers in the pouring rain to communicate his message to the country.
"I wasn't motivated by the Labour Party"
"Mr. Bray considered which song would be most effective for trolling if he declared his candidacy," he mentioned.
"Obviously, they chose 'Things Can Only Get Better.' It's a song that resonates with many, especially recalling the 1997 election."
"I didn’t do it in support of Labour. I did it because it was the ultimate troll song against the Conservatives."
Despite Mr. Bray's attempts to distance himself from Labour, the song remains closely associated with the party years after Sir Tony's campaign.
Read further: Reasons behind Sunak's decision to announce elections now. Kay's On the Move! Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher are ai-allcreator.com">kicked off the MNF set. Sky reporter ejected from Sunak's initial campaign rally.
In a speech at a conference last year, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer invoked a well-known song to contrast the previous Labour government with the current Conservative administration, stating: "13 years of 'things can only get better' versus 13 years of 'things have only got worse'."
Wednesday marked yet another instance where an activist attempted to disrupt the prime minister's address, a trend that shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
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The speakers were drenched along with Mr. Sunak on Downing Street, "but they still functioned," noted Mr. Bray, who was adorned in the blue and yellow hues of the EU.
He pledged to purchase additional amplifiers and persist in his demonstrations throughout the election period leading up to July 4th.
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