I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony) Single Chart: 1972

The New Seekers' Coca-Cola Harmony No. 1

As published in New Musical Express on January 22, 1972, The New Seekers’ “I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony)” retained its No. 1 position on the NME Top 30 chart. Originally created as the jingle for a Coca-Cola TV commercial (“I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke”), the full-length single version became a global hit, symbolizing peace and unity in the early 1970s. Written by Bill Backer, Billy Davis, Roger Cook, and Roger Greenaway, the song’s uplifting message and catchy melody made it one of the decade’s most recognizable anthems.

Track Listing

A: I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony)

B: Boom Town

UK Chart Performance

Peak position: 1

21 weeks total – entry December 18, 1971 to May 6, 1972

32 → 32 → 4 → 1 → 1 → 1 → 1 → 2 → 4 → 7 → 13 → 15 → 21 → 22 → 20 → 24 → 31 → 29 → 34 → 47 → 49

Legacy

A defining early-’70s pop single — born from an advert but embraced as a genuine peace anthem.

Do you have I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing in your collection? Ready to buy the world a Coke? Share in the comments!

Sources

Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia and BBC Official Charts Company

Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, mistakes do happen. Simply leave a comment and the post will be updated. Thank you.

Cat Stevens released Teaser and the Firecat in October 1971, his fifth studio album, on Island Records (UK) and A&M Records (US). Inspired by a children's book concept Stevens illustrated himself, the album explores themes of spirituality, peace, and self-discovery through folk-rock introspection. Recorded at Morgan Studios in London with producer Paul Samwell-Smith, it features Stevens’ acoustic guitar, piano, and warm vocals, backed by subtle strings and percussion. Standout tracks include “Morning Has Broken” (a reimagined Gaelic hymn), “Peace Train” (an optimistic anthem), “Moonshadow,” and “The Wind,” blending melodic hooks with philosophical lyrics.

The album topped the US Billboard 200 for three weeks, reached #3 on the UK Albums Chart, and sold over 3.5 million copies worldwide by 2025. It spawned three hit singles: “Peace Train” (#1 US, #7 UK), “Morning Has Broken” (#6 US, #4 UK), and “Moonshadow” (#30 US). Critically acclaimed for its accessibility and charm, it marked Stevens’ commercial peak before his conversion to Islam.