According to a large number of politicians in the Dutch House of Representatives, the song “This is what it feels like” by Armin van Buuren is the best number ever made. This is apparent in their top 150 songs hit list.

Dutch government hit list

The idea for a government top 150 songs hit list came from CDA member Maurits von Martels and VVD member Zohair el Yassini. They asked their 148 colleagues to send in their top five songs, from which the top 150 songs hit list would be made.

There was one condition, every top five sent in had to include at least one Dutch language song. A great number of politicians sent in their picks for the top five and this resulted in the following:

1. This is what it feels like – Armin van Buuren feat. Trevor Guthrie
2. Thunderstruck – AC/DC
3. November rain – Guns ‘n Roses
4. Messiah van Händel
5. Wish you were here – Pink Floyd

The first Dutch language song in the list comes in at 6th place, Zeeuwse Kust by Bløf. Interestingly, Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, which has taken the top spot on the NPO Radio 2 Top 2000 for the last 15 years, does not make it into the House of Representatives’ top 10. The popular song by Queen takes 11th place on the government’s top 150 songs hit list.

Not everyone is happy with the top 150

The House of Representatives’ top 150 has something for everyone; however, not all members of parliament are pleased with it. Thierry Baudet, leader of the political party Forum for Democracy sent an email to his colleagues in parliament asking, “Where are Brahms, Beethoven, Strauss, Schumann, Debussy, etc.? What is the matter with you?!”

MP Peter Kwint from SP considered clicking “reply all” with the answer, “Sorry that I have to be the one to tell you this, but they are all dead Thierry”. However, in the end, he decided not to. Von Martels and El Yassini hope to be able to present the complete top 150 songs hit list by the House of Representatives in an NPO radio show.