Paul Heaton, a name synonymous with British music royalty, boasts an impressive track record that rivals the greats. Alongside his flourishing solo ventures, he’s belted out chart-toppers with bands like The Housemartins and The Beautiful South. With classics such as “Caravan of Love” and “Happy Hour”, the array of hits under his belt is simply remarkable.
Now, aged 62, the vocalist harbors personal favourites in his music collection. A Reddit thread ignited curiosity around The Beautiful South’s notoriety stateside – shining a spotlight on Heaton once more. Choosing a standout hit from Heaton’s archive is no easy feat amidst such rich pickings. However, in a past interview, he divulged his top nine tunes of all time.
The selection process seemed almost effortless for Heaton, with specific tracks resonating deeply with him. Here are the songs that made the cut.
“Grandma, Grandpa” by Owen Gray
First up is Owen Gray’s “Grandma, Grandpa”, a ’60s ska gem that stole Heaton’s heart with its vibrant beat and pure pop finesse.
“We Are Getting Careless with Our Love, Parts 1 & 2” by Reverend W. Leo Daniels
Another captivating Heaton’s musical soul is “We Are Getting Careless with Our Love, Parts 1 and 2” by Reverend W. Leo Daniels – a testament to Heaton’s eclectic taste, hinting at his penchant for collecting sermons, which continues to this day.
Heaton is a man of many surprises, and this addition to the list may shock many.
“Just Give Me A Chance” by Silas Hogan
Heaton shared his fondness for discovering hidden gems in charity shops, where he would often pick up various records. One artist he stumbled upon during this time was Silas Hogan, whose music he would play repeatedly.
Around the same time, Heaton began learning to play the harmonica and tried to find one that fitted the key. Although the one he found wasn’t perfect, it didn’t deter him.
“Another Like You” by Hayes Carll ft. Cary Ann Hearst
Heaton also expressed his admiration for Hayes Carll, describing him as an “interesting character” with a significant following. He has purchased several of Carll’s tracks over the years, but “Another Like You” holds a special place in his heart.
He even revealed that the song was played at his wedding, showcasing his deep affection for it.
“I Wanna Be by Your Side” by Syreeta with G.C. Cameron
Heaton’s musical tastes also extend to Syreeta Wright, also known as Syreeta, an American singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s. Syreeta collaborated with her ex-husband Stevie Wonder on several songs, but one track in particular resonates with Heaton.
Upon first hearing it, he felt an instant connection, thinking: “I know Syreeta.”
“Nightmares” by Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside
Another artist who has captured Heaton’s attention is Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside. He first discovered their song “Nightmares” on CD in 2010 or 2011, and was immediately captivated by Sallie’s voice.
He found himself listening to it repeatedly, drawn to the album’s quality and Sallie’s talent as a singer and musician.
“Lucky Sometimes” by Pokey LaFarge
Heaton mentioned his appreciation for Pokey LaFarge’s “Lucky Sometimes”. Pokey LaFarge is a renowned American musician and singer-songwriter, having released his debut album in 2006.
However, it’s one particular track that has caught the attention of Heaton. Heaton has confessed that his wife compares his singing style to LaFarge’s, a sentiment he’s shared on social media platform X before. He describes LaFarge’s “Lucky Sometimes” as a “joyous” tune.
“Surround Sound” by JID ft. 21 Savage and Baby Tate
“Surround Sound” is a hit by American rapper JID, featuring British-American artist 21 Savage and American rapper Baby Tate. This track served as the lead single for JID’s third studio album, The Forever Story.
By the end of 2023, the song experienced a viral resurgence on TikTok, thanks to a trend dubbed the “Ceiling Challenge”. As a result, the track was featured in over 57,000 videos on the platform.
“You Will Always Have a Friend” by Louis Jordan
Heaton regards Louis Jordan as a “humorous lyricist” with a multifaceted musical talent. Not only did Jordan excel at playing the alto saxophone, but he was also proficient with other saxophones, the piano and the clarinet.
Jordan wasn’t just a skilled singer, as he was also known for his comedic touch and led his own band for more than 20 years. His career also saw him perform alongside some of the most iconic solo artists in history, including Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong.