The Actor's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Dislikes

The earliest song I became enamored with
My most primal memory is entering a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon yelling: ā€œFull speed ahead!ā€ When it arrived at the refrain, I distinctly thought: ā€œThis must be music!ā€

The inaugural single I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.

The song I do at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid public singing and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The piece I inexplicably know all the words to
I recently became aware that I can recall almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The best song to blast at a gathering
It hinges on what stage of the event you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.

The song I can not hear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ultimate song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and beginning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. The moment he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.

The song that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.

The track that makes me cry
Most music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and utter brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord without fail.

The track I’d like to be played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.

Vincent Phillips
Vincent Phillips

A seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience covering UK politics and social issues, known for in-depth analysis and engaging storytelling.