Jeremy Vine's honest playlist reveals the songs that shaped his life, from unrequited love to karaoke disasters. In this exclusive feature, the broadcaster shares his most personal music choices, including tracks by Psychedelic Furs, REM, and David Bowie. Each song carries a memory, a lesson, or a raw emotion that resonates with his journey.
The Soundtrack of a Life
Music has a unique power to anchor us to specific moments. For Jeremy Vine, the first song he fell in love with was Love My Way by the Psychedelic Furs, tied to a sixth-form crush and a dawn that marked the start of adulthood. That unrequited love story is a universal experience, and his choice to replay it 18 times captures the intensity of youthful longing.
Karaoke Confessions and Party Anthems
Vine admits his karaoke go-to is Losing My Religion by REM, a song he once used to clear a bar in the US. He jokes about trying Stan by Eminem, but notes he can only hit one note. At parties, he loves dancing to Shackles (Praise You) by Mary Mary, even if a dance with Rylan Clark left him feeling arthritic. These anecdotes reveal a man who embraces joy and humor in music.
Songs That Hit Deeper
Some tracks are more than entertainment. Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town by Kenny Rogers tells a heartbreaking story of a paralyzed Vietnam veteran, and Vine knows every lyric. He also admits a secret love for Mandy by Barry Manilow, despite its soppiness. The key change, he says, is a car crash, but he doesn’t care—it’s a guilty pleasure.
Then there are the life-changers. Sound and Vision by David Bowie awakened him at 12 with its weird brilliance and delayed vocals. Diamonds & Rust by Joan Baez makes him cry, as it captures the imbalance of love between Baez and Bob Dylan. And Big Yellow Taxi by Joni Mitchell is now too painful to hear, because its message about paving paradise mirrors human behavior too closely.
Song Comparison Table
| Song | Artist | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Love My Way | Psychedelic Furs | First love and the start of adulthood |
| Losing My Religion | REM | Karaoke go-to that clears rooms |
| Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town | Kenny Rogers | Heartbreaking story of war and loss |
| Sound and Vision | David Bowie | Awakened his musical curiosity |
| Diamonds & Rust | Joan Baez | Makes him cry due to its emotional depth |
Key Takeaways from Jeremy Vine’s Playlist
- Music is deeply personal and tied to memories.
- Even celebrities have guilty pleasures and karaoke fails.
- Certain songs can evoke strong emotions, from joy to tears.
- Vine’s choices span genres, from rock to country to pop.
- His playlist reflects a life of introspection and humor.
FAQ
What is Jeremy Vine’s favorite karaoke song?
Which song makes Jeremy Vine cry?
What song changed Jeremy Vine’s life?
Jeremy Vine’s honest playlist is a window into his soul. From the first flush of love to the pain of loss, these songs tell a story that many can relate to. Whether you’re a fan of his broadcasting or just love music, this list offers a fresh perspective on how melodies shape our lives.