Songs that charted higher in Ireland than in the UK

BOSTIK

"And a Bang on the Ear" - Waterboys #51 UK, #1 IRL

"Guardian Angel" - Nino De Angelo #57 UK, #8 IRL
"All My Life" - Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville #96 UK, #10 IRL

"Mountains" - Prince #45 UK, #15 IRL
"Who Can It Be Now" - Men At Work #45 UK, #18 IRL
"Old and Wise" - The Alan Parsons Project #74 UK, #19 IRL

"Sneaking Out the Back Door" - Matt Bianco #44 UK, #22 IRL

"The Lady Don't Mind" - Talking Heads #81 UK, #24 IRL

"You Belong to the City" - Glenn Frey #94 UK, #26 IRL

"Infected" – The The #48 UK, #29 IRL

Declan A Walsh

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122509568#Comment_122509568

These are all really good examples given the wide disparities between the two charts. I am particularly impressed with the chart placings of the first and third songs.

its_steve116

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122509614#Comment_122509614

It's Interesting how many well-known songs from the 1980s didn't make the UK top 40. "Life is a Highway"* by Tom Cochrane, for example, only reached #62 there.

*Released around 1991/1992, which in my view was the 1980s in all but name.

Declan A Walsh

British Eurovision winners and their subsequent chart placings.

Lulu:

Boom Bang-a-Bang (the Eurovision winner): #2 in the UK, Number 1 in Ireland

Shout (1986 re-recording): #8 in the UK, #5 in Ireland

Brotherhood of Man:

Oh Boy: #8 in the UK, #6 in Ireland

Beautiful Lover: #15 in the UK, #7 in Ireland

Buck's Fizz:

Piece of the Action: #12 in the UK, #11 in Ireland (I know - not much there!)

Now these Days are Gone: #8 in the UK, #5 in Ireland

Run for Your Life: #14 in the UK, #8 in Ireland

When We Were Young: #10 in the UK, #6 in Ireland

London Town: #34 in the UK, #24 in Ireland

Talking In Your Sleep: #15 in the UK, #14 in Ireland (small difference again!)

I Hear Talk: #34 in the UK, #29 in Ireland

Katrina and the Waves:

Walking on Sunshine: #8 in the UK, #2 in Ireland

Sun Street: #22 in the UK, #19 in Ireland

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122509614#Comment_122509614

The Waterboys touring Fisherman's Blues all around Ireland really helped with the single success of And A Bang On The Ear.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122509828#Comment_122509828

Here's 100 favourites of mine that didn't make the UK Top 40. Spotify playlists in the post.

https://apopfansdream.wordpress.com/mixes/pauls-even-more-forgotten-80s/

Declan A Walsh

The Sweet:

Funny Funny: #13 in the UK, #7 in Ireland

The Ballroom Blitz: #2 in the UK, Number 1 in Ireland

Teenage Rampage: #2 in the UK, Number 1 in Ireland

Action: #15 in the UK, #7 in Ireland

Love is Like Oxygen: #9 in the UK, #8 in Ireland

Dexy's Midnight Runners:

Let's Get this Straight (From the Start): #17 in the UK, #9 in Ireland

The Celtic Soul Brothers (re-release): #20 in the UK, #13 in Ireland

Because of You: #13 in the UK, #11 in Ireland

its_steve116

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122514270#Comment_122514270

The former's only UK number one was "Block Buster!".

Declan A Walsh

Abba:

SOS: #6 in the UK, #4 in Ireland

Money Money Money: #3 in the UK, #2 in Ireland

Summer Night City: #5 in the UK, Number 1 in Ireland

Chiquitita: #2 in the UK, Number 1 in Ireland

Does Your Mother Know: #4 in the UK, #3 in Ireland

Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight): #3 in the UK, Number 1 in Ireland

One of Us: #3 in the UK, Number 1 in Ireland

Head Over Heels: #25 in the UK, #14 in Ireland

The Day Before You Came: #32 in the UK, #12 in Ireland

Under Attack: #26 in the UK, #11 in Ireland

BOSTIK

None of these reached the UK Top 40 Singles Charts but all went Top 30 in Ireland. Most charted during the 1983 - 1990 period

“Feet on the Ground” – Hothouse Flowers #157 UK, #1 IRL

“High on Emotion” – Chris de Burgh #44 UK, #5 IRL

“Haunted” - The Pogues (vocals by Cáit O'Riordan) #42 UK, #7 IRL

“Love Don’t Work This Way” - Hothouse Flowers #101 UK, #7 IRL

“Desert Moon” – Dennis DeYoung #182 UK, #8 IRL

“Wild Wild Life” – Talking Heads #43 UK, #9 IRL

“Red Rose Café” - Fureys & Davey Arthur #132 UK, #10 IRL

“Gone Forever” – Cry Before Dawn #80 UK, #11 IRL

“Heroine” – The Edge & Sinead O'Connor #89 UK, #12 IRL

“This Is” – Aslan #112 UK, #12 IRL

“Talkin' 'Bout A Revolution” – Tracy Chapman #85 UK, #13 IRL

“Witness for the World” – Cry Before Dawn #67 UK, #13 IRL

“End of The Line” - Traveling Wilburys #52 UK, #14 IRL

“I’m Sorry” - Hothouse Flowers #53 UK, #14 IRL

“Sun of Jamaica” – Goombay Dance Band #50 UK, #14 IRL

“Drowning In the Sea Of Love” – Adventures #44 UK, #15 IRL

“Mannish Boy” – Muddy Waters #51 UK, #15 IRL

“One of the Living” – Tina Turner #55 UK, #15 IRL

“Sunshine Reggae” – Laid Back #127 UK, #15 IRL

“All I Wanted” – In Tua Nua #69 UK, #17 IRL

“Oh L’Amour” – Erasure #85 UK, #17 IRL

“The Seed That's Been Sown” – Cry Before Dawn #159 UK, #17 IRL

“Years Later” – Cactus World News #59 UK, #17 IRL

“You're A Friend of Mine” - Clarence Clemons & Jackson Browne #152 UK, #18 IRL

“Some People” – Paul Young #56 UK, #19 IRL

“Let’s Go” – Wang Chung #81 UK, #20 IRL

“Loving Me Lately” – Aslan #104 UK, #20 IRL

“My Bag” - Lloyd Cole & The Commotions #46 UK, #20 IRL

“Nobody Knows” – Nik Kershaw #44 UK, #20 IRL

“Battleship Chains” – Georgia Satellites #44 UK, #21 IRL

“Better Be Good To Me” – Tina Turner #45 UK, #21 IRL

“Love Like A Rocket” – Bob Geldof #61 UK, #21 IRL

“Baby Can I Hold You” – Tracy Chapman #94 UK, #22 IRL

“Crime of Passion” – Mike Oldfield #61 UK, #22 IRL

“Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes” – Paul Simon #77 UK, #22 IRL

“Ordinary Girl” – Alison Moyet #43 UK, #22 IRL

“Don’t Touch Me” – Hazel O’Connor #81 UK, #23 IRL

“Isn't It Midnight” – Fleetwood Mac #60 UK, #23 IRL

“Stages” ZZ Top - #43 UK, #23 IRL

”I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect For You)” – Grace Jones #56 UK, #24 IRL

“Devil Inside” – INXS #47 UK, #25 IRL

“Dreams” – Van Halen #62 UK, #25 IRL

“Slip Away” – Les Enfants #89 UK, #25 IRL

“Emergency” - Kool & the Gang #50 UK, #26 IRL

“Houses in Motion” – Talking Heads #50 UK, #26 IRL

“Come On Home” - Everything But The Girl #44 UK, #27 IRL

“Funny How Love Is” - Fine Young Cannibals #58 UK, #27 IRL

“Graceland” – Paul Simon #98 UK, #27 IRL

“Big in America” – The Stranglers #48 UK, #28 IRL

“Love Will Conquer All” – Lionel Richie #45 UK, #28 IRL

“Mad About You” – Belinda Carlisle #67 UK, #28 IRL

“Seven Wonders” – Fleetwood Mac #56 UK, #28 IRL

“We Almost Got It Together” – Tanita Tikaram #52 UK, #28 IRL

“Dancin’” – Chris Isaak - #92 UK, #29 IRL

“Eaten Alive” – Diana Ross - #71 UK, #29 IRL

“Modern Romance” - Francis Rossi and Bernard Frost #54 UK, #29 UK

“Pop Life” – Prince & the Revolution #60 UK, #29 IRL

“The Lucky One” – Laura Branigan #56 UK, #29 IRL

“Who’s Holding Donna Now?” – Debarge #83 UK, #29 IRL

“Panama” – Van Halen - #61 UK, #30 IRL

Declan A Walsh

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122519949#Comment_122519949

I am particularly surprised at the very low UK chart placing for Graceland by Paul Simon.

its_steve116

This was #33 here but surprisingly only #144 in the UK.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Rip0bX2qrIs

Declan A Walsh

George Michael:

I Want Your Sex: #3 in the UK, Number 1 in Ireland

Father Figure: #11 in the UK, #2 in Ireland

One More Try: #8 in the UK, Number 1 in Ireland

Monkey: #13 in the UK, #8 in Ireland

Kissing a Fool: #18 in the UK, #9 in Ireland

Praying for Time: #6 in the UK, #3 in Ireland

Waiting for that Day: #23 in the UK, #11 in Ireland

Freedom! 90: #28 in the UK, #17 in Ireland

Heal the Pain (original version): #31 in the UK, #16 in Ireland

Cowboys and Angels: #45 in the UK, #15 in Ireland

the Listen Without Prejudice singles underperformed in the UK

lordleitrim

2 well known Whitney Houston songs "Didn't We Almost Have It All" and "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" both never made the top 10 in UK (both peaked at #14) but made #4 and #2 respectively in Ireland.

its_steve116

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122521306#Comment_122521306

"Praying for Time" was the only one to reach the top 10 and top 20.

Declan A Walsh

Imagination:

In the Heat of the Night: #22 in the UK, #11 in Ireland

Looking at Midnight: #29 in the UK, #26 in Ireland

Meatloaf:

Two Out of Three Ain't Bad: #32 in the UK, #25 in Ireland

Dead Ringer for Love (with Cher): #5 in the UK, #2 in Ireland

Modern Girl: #17 in the UK, #16 in Ireland

Dead Ringer for Love (re-issue): #53 in the UK, #28 in Ireland

Two Out of Three Ain't Bad (re-issue): #69 in the UK, #25 in Ireland (yes - same chart position in Ireland both times!)

its_steve116

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122521463#Comment_122521463

Meat Loaf was always very popular in Ireland, enough so to do a small town tour of Ireland in the early 90s, going to places like Shinrone, Moate, Croom, Bundoran...

Ko Chow

A few Grunge singles -

Soundgarden

Fell on Black Days: UK #24, Ireland #14

Black Hole Sun: UK #12, Ireland #7

Alice in Chains

Them Bones: UK #28, Ireland #22

Stone Temple Pilots

Plush: UK #23, Ireland #16

Felt like Grunge in general was a bigger deal here than in the UK.

Declan A Walsh

Some more Irish Artistes.

The Corrs:

Runaway: #49 in the UK, #10 in Ireland

Only When I Sleep: #58 in the UK, #10 in Ireland

What Can I Do: #53 in the UK, #30 in Ireland

Heart Like a Wheel/Old Town: #68 in the UK, #49 in Ireland

Sinead O'Connor:

Mandinka: #17 in the UK, #6 in Ireland

Jump in the River: #81 in the UK, #29 in Ireland

The Emperor's New Clothes: #31 in the UK, #5 in Ireland

Three Babies: #42 in the UK, #19 in Ireland

My Special Child: #42 in the UK, #6 in Ireland

Silent Night: #60 in the UK, #12 in Ireland

Success Has Made a Failure of Our Home: #18 in the UK, #11 in Ireland

You Made Me the Thief of Our Heart (with Gavin Friday): #42 in the UK, #14 in Ireland

This is a Rebel Song: #60 in the UK, #17 in Ireland

Troy (The Phoenix from the Flame): #48 in the UK, #37 in Ireland

Enya:

Evening Falls…: #20 in the UK, #3 in Ireland

Storms in Africa: #41 in the UK, #12 in Ireland

Caribbean Blue: #13 in the UK, #8 in Ireland

How Can I Keep from Singing: #32 in the UK, #19 in Ireland

May it Be: #50 in the UK, #30 in Ireland

Amarantine: #53 in the UK, #50 in Ireland

Clannad:

Theme from Harry's Game: #5 in the UK, #2 in Ireland

I See Red: #81 in the UK, #19 in Ireland

Newgrange: #65 in the UK, #30 in Ireland

Robin (The Hooded Man): #42 in the UK, #19 in Ireland

In a Lifetime (featuring Bono): #20 in the UK, #5 in Ireland (Edit - typed 55 in error!)

Both Sides Now (with Paul Young): #74 in the UK, #3 in Ireland

lordleitrim

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122521477#Comment_122521477

I remember that! He used to tour in community centres and parish halls in the most rural of towns or villages. It would suggest he went through a lean period of not being able to headline big city venues before his I WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR LOVE comeback !

Declan A Walsh

Another largely Irish act - Thin Lizzy:

Whiskey in the Jar: #6 in the UK, Number 1 in Ireland

The Boys Are Back in Town: #8 in the UK, Number 1 in Ireland

Don't Believe a Word: #12 in the UK, #2 in Ireland

Dancing in the Moonlight (It's Caught Me in its Spotlight): #14 in the UK, #4 in Ireland

Rosalie/Cowgirl's Song (Medley): #20 in the UK, #14 in Ireland

Waiting for an Alibi: #9 in the UK, #6 in Ireland

Chinatown: #21 in the UK, #12 in Ireland

Killer on the Loose: #10 in the UK, #5 in Ireland

Trouble Boys: #53 in the UK, #30 in Ireland

Cold Sweat: #27 in the UK, #23 in Ireland

Thunder and Lightning: #39 in the UK, #22 in Ireland

Dedication: #35 in the UK, #2 in Ireland

The Boys Are Back in Town (re-issue): #63 in the UK, #16 in Ireland

Edit:

Speaking of Thin Lizzy - Gary Moore (he was a member at different times):

Parisenne Walkways (with Phil Lynott):#8 in the UK, #5 in Ireland

Out in the Fields (and Phil Lynott):#8 in the UK, #3 in Ireland

Empty Rooms (summer 1985 version):#21 in the UK, #12 in Ireland

Over the Hills and Far Away:#20 in the UK, #6 in Ireland

Wild Frontier:#35 in the UK, #22 in Ireland

Friday on My Mind:#26 in the UK, #18 in Ireland

After the War:#37 in the UK, #14 in Ireland

Still Got the Blues (For You):#31 in the UK, #28 in Ireland

Declan A Walsh

Van Morrison:

Have I Told You Lately:#74 in the UK, #12 in Ireland

Whenever God Shines His Light (with Cliff Richard):#20 in the UK, #3 in Ireland

Coney Island:#76 in the UK, #30 in Ireland

Gloria (with John Lee Hooker):#31 in the UK, #17 in Ireland

Hey Mr DJ:#58 in the UK, #41 in Ireland

BOSTIK

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122519996#Comment_122519996

Indeed, it's an excellent song and is much superior to the massive hit "You Can Call Me Al" but the respective UK chart performances of the two singles which preceded "Graceland" signposted that it was unlikely to score high. The album sales obviously had an impact too.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122527046#Comment_122527046

I bought the 7” of Graceland in HMV Dublin in April 1987. Was in a new releases section.

There was an edit on the 7" which is why I bought it but given that there was no extended mix on the 12" plus there was an element of album fatigue meant that few people wanted it.

The Boy In The Bubble was also remixed for 7" and had an extended version on the 12".

Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Heads was edited for the 7" and had an absolutely brilliant extended remix on the 12" - one the best of the decade - I included it on this -

https://apopfansdream.wordpress.com/words/a-pop-fans-dream-the-80s-box/

There was a deluxe edition of Graceland a while back that really should have included all these associated single versions / remixes but sadly didn't.

Declan A Walsh

Diana Ross:

Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To) :#5 in the UK, #2 in Ireland

Love Hangover:#10 in the UK, Number 1 in Ireland

I'm Coming Out:#13 in the UK, #8 in Ireland

My Old Piano:#5 in the UK, #4 in Ireland

So Close:#43 in the UK, #25 in Ireland

All of You (with Julio Iglesias):#43 in the UK, #23 in Ireland

Eaten Alive:#71 in the UK, #29 in Ireland

Experience:#47 in the UK, #14 in Ireland

Workin' Overtime:#32 in the UK, #28 in Ireland

I'm Still Waiting (Phil Chill 1990 Edited Remix):#21 in the UK, #15 in Ireland

Declan A Walsh

Another big Irish act- The Cranberries:

Dreams:#27 in the UK, #9 in Ireland

Linger:#14 in the UK, #3 in Ireland

Zombie:#14 in the UK, #3 in Ireland (Linger and Zombie had identical chart placings!)

Ode to My Family:#26 in the UK, #16 in Ireland

I Can't Be With You:#23 in the UK, #21 in Ireland

Salvation:#13 in the UK, #8 in Ireland

Free to Decide:#33 in the UK, #28 in Ireland

Analyse:#89 in the UK, #28 in Ireland

If you are wondering about When You're Gone, it did not chart in the UK, but reached #21 in Ireland.

its_steve116

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122530403#Comment_122530403

I don't think WYG was released in the UK.

Declan A Walsh

ELO (Electric Light Orchestra):

Shine a Little Love:#6 in the UK, #4 in Ireland

I'm Alive:#20 in the UK, #10 in Ireland

Don't Walk Away:#21 in the UK, #7 in Ireland

Hold On Tight:#4 in the UK, #3 in Ireland

Twilight:#30 in the UK, #18 in Ireland

Here is the News/Ticket to the Moon:#24 in the UK, #17 in Ireland

Rock 'n' Roll is King:#13 in the UK, #4 in Ireland

Secret Messages:#48 in the UK, #14 in Ireland

Calling America:#28 in the UK, #16 in Ireland

OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark)

Genetic Engineering:#20 in the UK, #11 in Ireland

Telegraph:#42 in the UK, #28 in Ireland

Locomotion:#5 in the UK, #4 in Ireland

Talking Loud and Clear:#11 in the UK, #9 in Ireland

Never Turn Away:#70 in the UK, #29 in Ireland

So in Love:#27 in the UK, #13 in Ireland

Secret:#34 in the UK, #24 in Ireland

Kool & The Gang:

Take My Heart (You Can Have It if You Want It):#29 in the UK, #27 in Ireland (starting small!)

Hi De Hi Hi De Ho:#29 in the UK, #23 in Ireland

Emergency:#50 in the UK, #26 in Ireland

Victory:#30 in the UK, #17 in Ireland

Stone Love:#45 in the UK, #29 in Ireland

squonk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122523993#Comment_122523993

He did. He fell very much out of favour towards the end of the 80s and couldn’t get arrested. He did small UK venues too I believe. I have it in my bread that he kind of relocated to the uk for a time presumably because he was at least some way popular in these parts still