The Beautiful South are a band beloved by many. Formed in 1988, their songs still sound as good today as they ever did. Here we take a look at their best songs of all-time.
Best Beautiful South Songs – Top 10
10. Manchester
I wanted to include a song from one of the later albums and for me, there’s no better track than Manchester. It’s simply classic Paul Heaton with his trademark witty whimsy. Anyone who has had the pleasure of being in Manchester knows how much it rains. It’s a playful tune that doesn’t take itself too seriously and as often with the band, brilliantly catchy.
“So convertibles stay garage-bound, save after-sun for later
If rain makes Britain great, then Manchester is greater”
9. Let Love Speak Up Itself
From their Choke album, it’s a complicated song about the rollercoaster of love and how it can’t be forced. It speaks of love as an uncontrollable force and highlights the folly in trying to understand it. The simple instrumentation and brilliant vocal of the song makes it all the more powerful.
“And let it rise up in the morning and take us for the walk
And let it do the talking when we’re too tired to talk”
8. Perfect 10
An anthem for anyone who doesn’t have the ‘perfect body’. The affirming song is sassy and fun while delivering a powerful message. It has that wit and charm that sets The Beautiful South apart from almost every other band.
“I love her body, especially the lies
Time takes its toll, but not on the eyes”
7. You Keep It All In
Briana Corrigan sings on a few of the band’s greatest tracks and this is one of them. The song is about the man’s failure to open up to his feelings, even with some serious life events happening to him such as a robbery and a murder. Many people will be able to relate to the frustrations of having someone who doesn’t open up. This fast-paced song plays on that with lyrics that are quite dark.
“Midnight
A husband getting ready to fight
A daughter sleeps alone with the light turned on, she hears
But keeps it all in”
6. Prettiest Eyes
It’s such a wonderful song and another which is body positive. This time about someone you love getting older but still finding them attractive, knowing that the lines on their face chart your history together.
“You can’t have too many good times, children
You can’t have too many lines
Take a good look at these crow’s feet
Sitting on the prettiest eyes”
5. Rotterdam (Or Anywhere)
Their most played song on Spotify and it’s easy to see why. The beautiful acoustic intro and Abbott’s vocals just put you in a great mood. The chorus flows beautifully and it’s a song that’s impossible not to love. The lyrics are quite sad in a way, in contrast to the style of the song. The result, however, is a song you simply have to sing along too.
“everyone is blonde
And everyone is beautiful
And when blondes and beautiful are multiple
They become so dull and dutiful”
4. I’ll Sail This Ship Alone
Most The Beautiful South songs put you in a good mood as soon they start. This song does the opposite as it immediately grabs your heartstrings. It has a desperation that takes you on an emotional journey. Even though it’s a sad song, we still get a smattering of witty lyrics which put a rye smile on your face. Probably Heaton’s best ever vocal. It’s perfect.
“Now if, if you insist
That this is for the best
Well then, I’ll sail this ship alone”
3. Don’t Marry Her
I’ve shocked a few people down the years who had no idea about the explicit album version. It’s a hilarious song which is, of course, about hoping that someone chooses you instead of marrying someone else. It always brings a smile to your face and trying to choose a favourite lyric is very difficult.
“And your socks smell of angels
But your life smells of Brie
Don’t marry her, fuck me”
2. Song For Whoever
A gloriously fun song aimed at all the women in this life who have been the inspiration for the songs he’s written. Heaton has always had a knack of writing about things you’ve never heard a band sing about before. This is the perfect example. We can only say a thank you to all those women for being the creative spark behind so many wonderful songs.
“Deep, so deep
The number one I hope to reap
Depends upon the tears you weep
So cry, lovey, cry”
1. A Little Time
The best song and also the best music video. The story of a man wanting to see if the grass was greener only to be left with nothing at all. A song of female empowerment, the lyrics are stunningly good too. The back and forth is brilliant and song tells a brilliant tale. As with so many of these songs, it has an endless charm and is impossibly catchy.
“You had a little time and you had a little fun
Didn’t ya, didn’t you?
While you had yours, do you think I had none”
Best The Beautiful South Songs
We hope you enjoyed our list of the 10 best The Beautiful South songs. We found it incredibly difficult to pick a top 10 and I’m sure yours would have been different. That’s hardly a surprise when you have a band as good as this! Whether you agree or not, we hope you enjoyed a look back at these brilliant songs. If you enjoyed this list, then be sure to check out our top 10 The Housemartins songs and enjoy a little more of Heaton’s genius.