The Actor's Honest Playlist: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Aversions

The initial tune I became enamored with
My earliest recollection is entering a space at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The first record I acquired
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The tune I perform at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The track I inexplicably recite all the words to
I just discovered that I know almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The ideal track to put on at a party
It hinges on the point of the party you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.

The song I can no longer bear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ultimate track to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The LP that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.

The track that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.

The song that gets me emotional
All music makes me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and utter brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord every time.

The music I’d like performed at my funeral
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.

Tamara Salazar
Tamara Salazar

Elena is a technology strategist with over a decade of experience in IT consulting and digital transformation, passionate about helping businesses leverage tech for growth.