Flather Favourites

A few months ago my boyfriend got fed up with me constantly saying "Oh I love this song!" and so asked me what my top 10 favourite songs were. This was a seriously tough challenge. Top 20 I can do no problem, but whittling it down to just 10... that's another story.

I've been listening to a lot of the BBC's Desert Island Discs recently; a radio programme where celebrities choose their 8 favourite records and why they would take them to a desert island. 

So here's mine, my Top 10 Desert Island Discs...

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Helen Reddy - I Am Woman

This song is the archetypal get up and belt it song. It has given me massive confidence in times when I've had to face people I haven't wanted to - but I am invincible! (Or so this song leads me to believe...!)

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So Much Better - Legally Blonde The Musical

Another huge confidence booster, I can't help but dance when I hear this. It also amazing fun to play!

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Your Song - Elton John

​I mean, who doesn't love this?!

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Candle on the Water - Helen Reddy

I wouldn't say I'm a Helen Reddy fan, it just so happens that two of her songs are in my top ten! I have never seen Pete's Dragon, which this song comes from, but it has been a favourite ever since I got my first Disney CD aged 6. It is so calming and simple with words you would only say to a true friend. 

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If I Can't Love Her - Beauty and the Beast

30th June 1999, my first experience of a live musical. My parents took me to see Beauty and the Beast and I was enthralled. I distinctly remember scenes of it to this day and was particularly taken with this song. I remember so clearly running round the house singing this at full volume - probably much to my parents' annoyance!

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Tired of Being Alone - Al Green

Al Green's voice is perfect! He makes this song so much more than what it could be, and the arrangement is wonderful. Just a gorgeous song to sway along to.

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Laughter in the Rain - Neil Sedaka

Driving to school every day from South Norfolk to Norwich, my mother used this time to inform virtually all of my musical tastes - whether she was aware of it or not! One artist I particularly remember was Neil Sedaka and his album "Laughter and Tears". The music pulled me in and I just adored every song. I could have chosen any song on the album but this one just pipped the post!

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Sunshine on Leith - The Proclaimers

This song is for two people who at different times in my life have picked me up and brought me back to life. I do believe that people come into your life for a reason, and these two certainly did. This song says it all (I also love The Proclaimers!)

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All About You - McFly

McFly are just brilliant. In the middle of all their upbeat and poppy tunes, they come up with this - just the most beautiful love song. Also my brother's first dance at his wedding!

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You're in my Heart - Rod Stewart

I have known of the existence of Rod Stewart all my life. However, it wasn't until a few years ago when I delved into his greatest hits that I really started to love him. There were, again, so many of his songs I could have chosen but this is a soppy one so it has to go on the list! And the fact that I heard him sing it live is just the icing on the cake.

So there you have it - my top 10 favourite songs. You may have noticed that, apart from the musicals, there is nothing there before 2010. Well, I have an answer to that - they just don't write them like this anymore!

Let me know your thoughts - what's your top 10?

​Harriet x