In this ‘Listed’ feature, we get to know the most radicalist up-and-coming stars through a themed list of their top musical picks.

This time we explore the songs that mean the most to Hazel English, who has just released her unmissable debut album Wake UP!

We began the journey towards this essential record which lives in the spaces between folk, indie and dream pop with our indoctrination into the cult of Hazel English in ‘Shaking’. The song itself celebrates self-confidence within a swirling whirlpool of dream-pop melodies and hook-fronted guitars, all the while putting a playful spin on the Summer of Love motif. 

From here, we next joined up with English on ‘Off My Mind’. Again, we hear that retro-pop recording style and as you’ll discover below, it’s something the songwriter adores listening to in her own time as well. While ‘Off My Mind’ embodies limbo, the album’s title-track ‘Wake UP!’ “is about confronting difficult truths in order to step into a more mindful reality,” as English explains. This is just one of the pivotal moments from the artist’s recent life that structures the entire record and this vulnerability connects each of English’s songs.

Wake UP! LP is out now via Marathon Artists. 

*** 1. Jefferson Airplane - Somebody To Love



Love the drums in this song and the very hooky melody that just immediately brings you in.

2. The Zombies - Time of the Season



I love how sassy this song is and also the percussive elements are just perfect.

3. Roy Orbison - In Dreams



Love the arrangement of this song and the melodrama of it all - also Roy Orbison’s vocals are heavenly.

4. The Beatles - Strawberry Fields Forever



Ugh the drums in this song are so damn good, but also everything in this song is so damn good. 

 5. Sam Cooke - Ain’t That Good News



This song always puts me in a good mood and makes me want to dance.

6. Carole King - I Feel the Earth Move



I love how funky this song is, and how emotive her vocals are. I could listen to Carole King forever.

7. Havana Moon -  Chuck Berry



I love Chuck Berry’s lyrics, he is such a great storyteller. This song always sticks with me because it is both humorous and tragic at the same time.

8. Aretha Franklin - Respect



The ultimate feminist song, love to belt this one out when I want to feel powerful.

9. The Ronettes - Be My Baby



Does anything feel as classic as this song? A perfect pop hit.

10. The Mamas & The Papas - Monday, Monday



Ahhh those heavenly background vocals that just hook you in from the get go, they get me every time. Nobody can harmonise like The Mamas & The Papas.

By Hannah Thacker