
Britain’s Greatest Living Songwriters
From Paul McCartney and Ray Davies to Paul Heaton, Kate Bush and Jarvis Cocker—a personal ranking of Britain’s ten greatest living songwriters.
VERSO MEDIA / ARCHIVE

From Paul McCartney and Ray Davies to Paul Heaton, Kate Bush and Jarvis Cocker—a personal ranking of Britain’s ten greatest living songwriters.

Released in 1986, Happy Hour became a defining indie hit—and my introduction to The Housemartins, Paul Heaton and music that finally felt like mine.

Released in October 1990, Choke found The Beautiful South pairing sweet melodies with sour truths—and delivered their only UK number-one single.

Paul Heaton headlines Bramall Lane with a celebration of sharp lyrics, enduring melodies and British pop history.

From Wombles and Wings to Woolworths, mixtapes, CDs and unforgettable gigs—a personal journey through the music that shaped my life.

A fourteenth Paul Heaton concert and another reminder of the warmth, wit and enduring strength of his songbook.