Importance Score: 20 / 100 🔵
Paul Heaton’s Top Music Picks: Exploring the Sounds That Shaped a British Icon
Considered a true icon in British music, Paul Heaton’s influence spans decades through his successful solo work and his pivotal roles in bands like The Housemartins and The Beautiful South. With an impressive catalog boasting chart-topping hits such as “Caravan of Love” and “Happy Hour,” his musical legacy is undeniable. Recently, online discussions on platforms like Reddit have highlighted the enduring popularity of The Beautiful South and sparked interest in Heaton’s personal musical tastes.
Choosing a standout track from Heaton’s extensive discography is a challenge for fans. However, in a past interview, the acclaimed singer-songwriter shared insights into nine songs that have profoundly resonated with him. These selections reveal the diverse influences that have shaped his own distinctive sound.
The Songs That Made the Cut
Heaton’s choices reflect a wide spectrum of genres and eras, revealing the eclectic tastes of this celebrated musician.
“Grandma, Grandpa” by Owen Gray
Owen Gray’s “Grandma, Grandpa”, a track dating back to the 1960s, holds a special place in Heaton’s musical affections. Heaton has expressed admiration for the infectious “ska beat” inherent in this style of music. Furthermore, he regards the song as a prime example of excellent pop songwriting.
“We Are Getting Careless with Our Love, Parts 1 & 2” by Reverend W. Leo Daniels
An intriguing revelation from Heaton is his past interest in collecting sermons. He admits to retaining a collection, finding enjoyment in listening to them. This fascination explains the inclusion of “We Are Getting Careless with Our Love, Parts 1 & 2” by Reverend W. Leo Daniels on his list. This unexpected choice underscores the depth and breadth of Heaton’s musical and cultural interests.
“Just Give Me A Chance” by Silas Hogan
Paul Heaton recounted his habit of browsing for records in charity shops, where he discovered the music of Silas Hogan. He recalled listening to Hogan’s albums repeatedly. During this period, Heaton was also learning to play the harmonica. He attempted to find an instrument in the appropriate key to play along with Hogan’s records, though his initial purchase wasn’t perfectly suited.
“Another Like You” by Hayes Carll ft. Cary Ann Hearst
Heaton describes Hayes Carll as a compelling and, in his view, considerably popular artist. While appreciating several of Carll’s songs, “Another Like You,” featuring Cary Ann Hearst, stands out as a particular favorite. Heaton’s fondness for the track is such that he even chose it to be played at his wedding, highlighting its personal significance.
“I Wanna Be by Your Side” by Syreeta with G.C. Cameron
Syreeta Wright, known professionally as Syreeta, was a celebrated American singer and songwriter. She achieved prominence in the music scene throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. She collaborated with her former husband, Stevie Wonder, on some recordings, but “I Wanna Be by Your Side” with G.C. Cameron holds special appeal for Heaton. Heaton recalls his immediate connection to the song upon first hearing it, stating, “I know Syreeta.”
“Nightmares” by Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside
Heaton recalls purchasing “Nightmares” by Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside on CD around 2010 or 2011. He was instantly “captivated” by Sallie Ford’s distinctive vocals. He found himself repeatedly drawn to the song, unable to stop listening. Heaton also expressed appreciation for the entire album and praised Sallie Ford as a talented artist who consistently produces quality music.
“Lucky Sometimes” by Pokey LaFarge
Pokey LaFarge, an American musician and singer-songwriter, released his debut album in 2006. Among his works, “Lucky Sometimes” has particularly resonated with Heaton. Heaton mentioned that his wife has noted a similarity between his singing style and LaFarge’s, a point he has humorously acknowledged on social media platform X. Heaton considers “Lucky Sometimes” to be an exceptionally “joyous” piece of music.
“Surround Sound” by JID. ft. 21 Savage & Baby Tate
“Surround Sound” is a track by American rapper JID, featuring collaborations with British-American rapper 21 Savage and American rapper Baby Tate. It was released as the primary single from JID’s third studio album, The Forever Story. In late 2023, the song experienced a surge in popularity on TikTok due to the “Ceiling Challenge” trend. This trend resulted in over 57,000 videos being created using the song, demonstrating its widespread appeal and viral reach.
“You Will Always Have a Friend” by Louis Jordan
Heaton regards Louis Jordan as a notably “humorous lyricist.” Jordan was a versatile musician proficient in various saxophone types, including the alto sax, as well as piano and clarinet. In addition to his vocal talents, Jordan possessed significant comedic skills and led his own band for more than two decades. He also shared the stage with legendary solo performers such as Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong, cementing his legacy in music history.