A Royal Playlist: The King’s Music Room
This morning, the nation is in high spirits as we unveil a carefully curated selection of songs that have received the royal seal of approval. The King’s Music Room, now available on Apple Music, is a one-hour radio show hosted by none other than King Charles himself. The playlist is designed to uplift our spirits and bring joy, coinciding with the celebration of Commonwealth Day.
While the concept of a royal playlist is not entirely new—former US President Barack Obama has released his own annual compilations for years—King Charles navigates this terrain with a unique approach. Although he remains politically neutral, the King recognizes the importance of sending a positive message, fostering happiness, and enhancing his own personal brand, which is intrinsically linked to the identity of the nation.
So, how does this playlist measure up? It’s important to acknowledge that the reigning monarch’s choices, featuring songs from various former British colonies, may not resonate with everyone. However, it’s evident that his selections have been made with sensitivity and inclusivity in mind. The playlist is light-hearted, joyful, and comprehensive, starting with Bob Marley’s iconic “Could You Be Loved” and continuing with Millie Small’s delightful “My Boy Lollipop,” before journeying through musical landscapes of Africa, India, Australia, and New Zealand, with a few British artists sprinkled throughout.
King Charles and Queen Camilla have often mingled with cultural figures, including playing with a rasta band in Kingston, Jamaica, which adds an authentic touch to his musical endeavors. While the King may lack the down-to-earth relatability of a contemporary DJ like Nick Grimshaw, the presence of music has a remarkable way of creating connections. Throughout the show, Charles shares personal anecdotes related to certain songs, including a charming story about meeting the Prime Minister of Ghana at Balmoral when he was just eight years old. His interjections, though occasionally archaic, offer a comforting, if somewhat formal, presence, akin to listening to the shipping forecast.
That said, some phrases from the King, such as “afro beats,” “Beyoncé,” and “Hot Hot Hot” (the latter by Montserratian artist Arrow, a true party anthem), can sound a bit out of place coming from him, reminding us that this is very much a PR initiative. While some tracks—like “The Very Thought of You” by the 1930s British-South African crooner Al Bowlly, Grace Jones’s rendition of “La Vie en Rose,” and Ghanaian artist Daddy Lumba’s “Mpempem Do Me”—feel heartfelt, others appear to be more about ticking boxes. For instance, Canadian crooner Michael Bublé and Australian singer Kylie’s debut hit “The Locomotion” seem like obligatory inclusions rather than genuine favorites. Even the choice of Raye, who has Ghanaian heritage, feels somewhat misaligned with her more recent hits, as “Love Me Again” is rather generic compared to her current prowess in the soul genre.
The inclusion of Nigerian artist Davido’s afrobeats track aligns with the overarching theme, yet it feels unlikely to be the soundtrack at Highgrove’s gatherings anytime soon. As a whimsical touch, the playlist concludes with two unexpected bonus tracks: Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love” and Diana Ross’s “Upside Down.” One might wonder about the rationale behind these additions.
Ultimately, we cannot view this as a traditional Desert Island Discs selection; rather, it resembles a collection of songs from islands that are no longer within our grasp, presented with a subtle hint of nostalgia. The royal family must find innovative ways to resonate with the contemporary world, and music serves as a universal equalizer. While we may never witness King Charles breaking out into the YMCA at a wedding reception, by the end of this musical journey, one might feel a slightly closer connection to him, as if he shares a bit of our musical joy.
The King’s Playlist in Full:
- Bob Marley and The Wailers – “Could You Be Loved”
- Millie Small – “My Boy Lollipop”
- Kylie Minogue – “The Loco-Motion”
- Al Bowlly – “The Very Thought of You”
- Grace Jones – “La Vie en Rose”
- Raye – “Love Me Again”
- Daddy Lumba – “Mpempem Do Me”
- Davido – “Kante (feat. Fave)”
- Miriam Makeba – “The Click Song”
- Jools Holland and Ruby Turner – “My Country Man”
- Anoushka Shankar – “Indian Summer”
- Siti Nurhaliza – “Anta Permana”
- Kiri Te Kanawa – “E Te Iwi E (Call to the People)”
- Michael Bublé – “Haven’t Met You Yet”
- Arrow – “Hot Hot Hot”
Bonus Tracks:
- Beyoncé – “Crazy in Love (feat. Jay-Z)”
- Diana Ross – “Upside Down”
