After pouring his heart out on 2016’s Back From the Edge, James Arthur decided to make his latest LP more about everyone around him. He appropriately titled the album You, and decided to take the same approach on his Takeover Tuesday playlist.
“The aim with my album was to focus on other people’s stories rather than my own — to release something that wasn’t so autobiographical, but could be helpful and relatable to others,” Arthur explains of You over email. “I was inspired by a bunch of stuff around me, mainly family and friends, but also movies and art. I wanted the songs to be open to interpretation. With that in mind, here are a bunch of tracks I love that are also about you.”
Arthur chose 22 songs that all have the word “you” in their titles, whether it’s “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel or Kelly Clarkson’s “Because Of You.” Of course, he also included the title track from You, which he jokingly calls the “best track on this playlist by far.”
While all of the songs include “You,” Arthur couldn’t help relating one of his picks to himself. “If I could choose someone to write the soundtrack to my life it would be Eminem,” he says, selecting Em’s 2010 Rihanna collab “Love the Way You Lie” for his playlist as well.
The “Say You Won’t Let Go” singer will be performing tracks from his new LP on the You Tour, which will hit 28 cities across North America next year. Get your tickets here, listen to You here, and check out Arthur’s playlist — as well as some comments from James himself — below.
Bryan Adams, “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You”: This is my go-to karaoke song. Bryan Adams’ Waking Up The Neighbours was the first album I ever bought, so a bit of nostalgia there too.
The Who, “Who Are You”: A classic tune. Brings me back to my childhood.
Adele, “To Make You Feel My Love”: This is a cover of an old Bob Dylan song. Such a great track in terms of songwriting, and Adele does it justice vocally.
The Beatles, “All You Need Is Love”: Another old school banger. Always gets me feeling festive.
Billy Joel, “Just The Way You Are”: Great premise to this track, learning to accept yourself and change for no one.
Britney Spears, “You Drive Me Crazy”: Couldn’t resist this one…
Michael Jackson, “The Way You Make Me Feel”: I listened to a lot of MJ growing up.
Lady Antebellum, “Need You Now”: This is a pretty emotional track. And something I’m sure a lot of people can relate too.
Eminem ft. Rihanna, “Love The Way You Lie”: If I could choose someone to write the soundtrack to my life it would be Eminem, and this collaboration is so great.
James Arthur, “You”: By far the best track on this playlist, everyone should listen to it now!
