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Miley Cyrus’ disco-tinged delight “Flowers” was the song that couldn’t stop blooming in 2023. With its psychedelic pop grooves and Cyrus’ spirited vocals in full bloom, “Flowers” took the UK by storm last winter. Nearly 200 million streams can’t be wrong – Cyrus had unearthed one of the year’s biggest hits with “Flowers.”
The single’s kaleidoscopic appeal was evident as “Flowers” held court over the nation’s airwaves for a royal 10 weeks. When the petals finally fell from the chart throne, “Flowers” had blossomed over 1.7 million chart sales – outdoing all challengers with its trippy charm. And with digital download sales blowing past 91,000 tulips, Cyrus’ title track proved an enduring gift that kept giving.
Chasing Cyrus’ high was the dynamic duo of Dave and Central Cee, crashing the party with their high-octane banger “Sprinter.” By setting a record-breaking streaming week of over 13 million, “Sprinter” kicked the door wide open for the new wave of UK rap. Over its 10 weeks leading the charge at Number 1, “Sprinter” clocked up 161 million streams to cement its status as a cultural tour de force.
Gorgeous in its melancholia, “Escapism” by Raye featuring 070 Shake took bronze. Soothing sun-kissed souls all summer long with its 1.2 million chart units, “Escapism” soundtracked the season in all its wistful glory.
Taylor Swift double dipped into the top ten with new hit “Anti-Hero” and the long-awaited single release of “Cruel Summer.” Even old favorites got in on the action, as Wham!’s “Last Christmas” and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas” lit up the holidays once more. But with its psychedelic charm and weeks-long domination, “Flowers” was the song that made 2023 bloom.
