Bryan Ferry’s five favourite love songs
“For me, music always generally has to be about emotion or feelings, and there’s nothing stronger than the feeling of love.” – Bryan Ferry
Bryan Ferry could do just about anything and still impress his fans. The suave English singer, once the electrifying frontman of Roxy Music and the embodiment of glam rock’s allure, has cultivated an unparalleled fandom. Singers who rose to fame in the 1970s often found themselves at the centre of an ocean of devoted followers. One need only look at the tribalism of the decade’s subcultures to understand how deeply revered these artists were by their audiences, and Ferry’s magnetic persona only heightened that level of admiration.
What this all means is that Ferry only needs to post a few words on social media to keep his devoted fans eagerly craving more. So, when a message from Ferry appeared on his Facebook account in 2013, it was clear it would delight many. In the post, Ferry reveals his five favourite love songs, and unsurprisingly, they are a collection of beautifully romantic, schmoozy tunes.
Shared on Valentine’s Day, Ferry revealed his five favourite songs to get him in the mood, offering a list that is both soppy and sophisticated—an essential collection for any romantic playlist. This list was compiled in collaboration with NPR for a special romantic episode of All Songs Considered. Ferry, long regarded as a master crooner with his suave, magnetic presence, has often found himself cast as the male lead in many fans’ romantic fantasies. His deep connection to love songs only enhances his legendary status in the realm of timeless romance.
With Roxy Music, Ferry—alongside the innovative Brian Eno—helped create some of the most forward-thinking rock sounds since Bob Dylan first plugged in his guitar. Together, Eno and Ferry cultivated an otherworldly sound that leaned heavily on electronic technology, which, until then, had largely been confined to science lessons in high school. While Eno managed much of the technical, experimental side of music-making, Ferry commanded attention with his captivating presence. Not only was he a powerful and sincere performer, but his mastery of vocal tone and style made him truly unique, setting him apart from his contemporaries.
Given Ferry’s unique artistry, it was only a matter of time before he moved on from Roxy Music and saw his own star rise. This evolution led him to explore a wide range of songs, including covers, and his album These Foolish Things remains one of the most outstanding cover records ever made. While Ferry has written many love songs himself, they are often shrouded in lyrical mystery, making them difficult to fully decipher.
When Ferry took on the role of DJ for NPR and was asked about some of his favourite love songs, he started strong: “Speaking of Otis Redding, ‘That’s How Strong My Love Is’, it’s a beautiful song and beautifully performed by him […] I eventually covered it actually,” said the singer. “One of my better efforts in the cupboard. You have to love a song if you’re gonna cover it and I love the feeling of that song.”
Ferry also picks out the classic number ‘Let’s Stay Together’ from Al Green, an artist who Ferry has also covered, providing a jumping rendition of ‘Take Me To The River’ that can blow the roof off of a venue. He also shares how difficult it is to write a truly great love song: “It’s such a universal feeling that you’re always trying to write a song that transcends barriers of language and so on. For me, music always generally has to be about emotion or feelings, and there’s nothing stronger than the feeling of love.”
Hearing a master like Ferry speak about his craft is a truly rewarding experience. When it involves his smooth tones discussing the essence and complexity of love and crafting music to capture it, it’s even more captivating. Add in his reflections on Roxy Music and the Bryan Ferry Orchestra, and you’ve got a conversation that sends music enthusiasts straight to heaven.
