Full Breakdown
Jehnny Beth's Musical Journey: An Honest Playlist
3/16/2026, 1:14:33 AM
Personal Connections to Music
Jehnny Beth, the French-British musician, shares her deep emotional connections to various songs in her curated playlist. She recalls her early musical influences, particularly from her piano teacher who introduced her to jazz records. Among these, Chet Baker's charm left a lasting impression on her, as she fondly remembers attempting to sing "My Funny Valentine."
Beth's playlist also highlights significant moments in her life, such as her connection to David Bowie's "Dollar Days," which she performed at the British Library for the tenth anniversary of Bowie's final album, *Blackstar*. This song resonates with her due to its personal significance, showcasing her ability to connect music with pivotal life experiences.
Songs of Joy and Pain
In her selection, Beth emphasizes the emotional weight of music. She expresses a fondness for "Contortion" by Sextile, a band she collaborates with, noting its infectious energy that gets people dancing. Conversely, she reveals that "A Hero’s Death" by Fontaines DC, a song that once brought her comfort during her father's illness, has become too painful to listen to. This duality of joy and sorrow illustrates the profound impact music can have on personal memories.
Beth also discusses her conflicted feelings towards Kanye West's "Black Skinhead," admitting that while she once enjoyed the song, she can no longer support it due to West's controversial political views. This reflects a broader theme of how artists' actions can influence listeners' relationships with their music.
Transformative Tracks
One of the standout tracks in Beth's playlist is "Deceptacon" by Le Tigre, which she discovered serendipitously. This song, released in 1999, profoundly affected her, igniting a passion for music that is both angry and feminine. She describes the experience of dancing to it repeatedly, highlighting its transformative power in her life.
Beth also mentions "Heaven Hell Anywhere Else" by Chastity, a post-hardcore track that resonates with themes of isolation and youth, emphasizing its underappreciated nature.
Reflective Choices
In her playlist, Beth includes "Pure Love," composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross for the film *Queer*, as a song she finds fitting for intimate moments. She also expresses a desire for "Eden" by Talk Talk to be played at her funeral, calling it a masterpiece that offers spiritual solace.
Beth's new album, *You Heartbreaker, You*, is set to release soon, and she will embark on a UK tour starting March 17. Through her playlist, she not only shares her musical influences but also invites listeners to reflect on the emotional narratives that songs can evoke.
