Snow Patrol's Chasing Cars named as most-played song of 21st century

Music analysts have revealed which song is the most-played during the 21st century.

Snow Patrol anthem Chasing Cars has been handed the accolade despite failing to reach number one in 2006.

However, according to HullLive, it has featured in TV shows, including Grey's Anatomy, and a number of movies.

The Northern Ireland band's frontman Gary Lightbody has previously said the anthem is "the purest love song" he has ever written.

Lightbody was presented with a special gong by music licensing company PPL, which tracks music on UK radio and TV.

Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol (Getty Images)

More upbeat numbers Black Eyed Peas' I Gotta Feeling and Pharrell's Happy are second and third on the list.

PPL chief executive officer Peter Leather said: "Chasing Cars is a song that has become a popular anthem, securing huge success across radio, in public and especially TV, where its huge appeal has led to its use in many programmes and especially Grey's Anatomy."

Chasing Cars failed to reach number one in the UK Official Singles Chart.

It was the last song performed live on Top Of The Pops, and featured on the band's 2006 album Eyes Open.