Ranked: McFly’s biggest songs based on nostalgia, from Star Girl to Obviously

Before he was ever associated with I’m A Celeb, Danny Jones was singing songs as one part of McFly, the One Direction of the UK years before Harry Styles had even picked up a microphone.

In November, the UK was reminded of their love for Danny Jones when he signed on as part of 2024’s I’m A Celeb cast. Before he was crowned king of the jungle on Sunday, Danny had a few notable moments like dance lessons with Oti Mabuse, a fatherly bond with Barry McGuigan, and opening up about his mental health.

There has literally never been a better time to blast some McFly and learn how Danny Jones made his millions. Just quell your torches and pitchforks until you’ve at least finished the article.

6. All About you

I’m sorry, ok? I get it, It’s All About You was THE song of 2005, but I didn’t like it then, and I don’t particularly like it now.

In 2024 my position on All About You has not changed, and while I can see why it’s so popular with hardcore McFly listeners, I usually skip it for something that doesn’t make me want a nap.

5. Love Is Easy

Love Is Easy is a late addition to McFly’s repertoire, coming in 2013 following the success of other monotonous toe-tapping songs. It’s cute. What All About You lacks in excitement, Love Is Easy makes up with a slightly cheerier beat and an adorable pink ukulele.

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By 2013 McFly knew their audience well. Love Is Easy capitalises off of that with its boy-next-door vibe and stripped-back music video. While it is incredibly simple, it goes to show that sometimes you don’t need big displays or a fast beat. Sometimes, you just need a tiny, tiny guitar.

4. Shine A Light

Shine A Light came out in 2010 to a fairly good reception as their fifth song on the UK singles chart. Soon enough, the entire UK was integrating the song’s signature “Eh Ehs” into their daily lives, from humming it around the house to annoying family members. The song is about missing an ex, a universally understood plight, and Taio Cruz’s vocals mix perfectly with the rest of the band.

The video became a mainstay on my YouTube account and I’m pretty sure my watches account for the majority of its 6.3 million views.

Honourable mention: Don’t Stop Me Now

I know, I know, it’s not strictly a McFly song, but I just can’t ignore the effect their cover of Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now had on my adolescent brain. I was feral and wondering why none of my school friends looked like McFly – in reality, McFly were all over 20.

The music video was set in a school and saw Danny Jones, Dougie Poynter, Tom Fletcher, and Harry Judd step into tiny shorts and gym clothes as they seemingly spent most of the song running across a big field. Admittedly, I still pick this version over Queen’s. Whoops.

3. Obviously

Now we’re on to the top three of McFly’s songs, with the bronze spot going to the belter that is Obviously. The 2004 tune paid tribute to Giovanna Falcone, Tom Fletcher’s ex who he would eventually marry despite her being “out of my league.”

I too understood what it was like to be in love with someone out of my league, though looking back I understand why 13-year-old me could never have dated Harry Judd who was then 21. But Tom got Giovanna in the end, so I should surely be expecting Harry any day now?

2. Five Colours In Her Hair

2004’s Five Colours In Her Hair was undoubtedly cheesy, but no one remained seated once its signature surf beats came through the speaker – it’s upbeat, fun, and timeless. Even now in 2024, it regularly comes on the radio.

Kowabunga, dude.

1. Star Girl

I don’t think placing Star Girl in the top spot is controversial at all, after all, as of 2024, it’s still one of McFly’s best songs. As is the case with all great works of art, Star Girl was birthed from a dream Tom had about falling in love with an alien woman.

Star Girl is the best example of McFly’s style of music and what made them so popular in the early 2000s, somehow managing to compete with bands such as Busted and Girls Aloud. It’s been nearly 20 years, and yet I still believe many of us are trying to live up to the standards of the mysterious Star Girl.

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Featured image credit: ITV/Danny Jones