Una Healy rose to prominence in 2008 as one-fifth of girl group The Saturdays. With upbeat, catchy tunes and glamorous personas, The Saturdays scored thirteen top ten singles, including the number one "What About Us?", and four top ten albums before taking a hiatus in 2014. However this doesn't mean Una's given up music completely: on 10 February she releases her first solo album The Waiting Game. And of course, she's also found the time to curate this exclusive playlist for Square Mile. Take it away, Una...
First track you fell in love with?
"If It Makes You Happy" – Sheryl Crow. When I heard it on the radio when I was I had really started getting into playing guitar and songwriting. I felt so inspired by this song and Sheryl as an artist.
Most recent track you fell in love with?
I really love my dance music and when Rihanna/Calvin Harris "This Is What You Came For" came out I just loved it and would always put it on to put me in a good mood and motivate me.
Track to start your day with?
"Wake Up Boo!" – The Boo Radleys. I know this sounds cheesy but I love uplifting positive music first thing in the morning. I think we need more music like this!
Track that always cheers you up?
"Daughters" – John Mayer. I first heard this song and loved it long before I became a mother to my little girl, Aoife Belle, but I just love how warm and happy it makes me feel when I hear it.
Track to get you in the mood for a night out?
Blonde – "I Loved You" feat. Melissa Steel - like I said I love my dance music since I was a young teen and this is one of the best i've heard in past five years.
Track to play in the bedroom?
Depends on what I am doing lol. I like relaxing music when I am chilling out in my bedroom. I might put on something like Zero 7 - "Destiny" feat. Sia.
Track you wish you’d written?
"Thinking Out Loud" – Ed Sheeran. It was co-written by my good friend Amy Wadge and I have been fortunate enough to have written a few songs with her that feature on my album The Waiting Game. I also co-wrote my debut single "Stay My Love" with Amy.
If you could only listen to one track for the rest of your life...?
This is a tough one! I feel if you listen to something enough times you will get sick of it but... I love something soft and relaxing and it never gets on my nerves - Norah Jones – "Come Away With Me".
First track at your wedding?
Bryan Adams – "Everything I Do (I Do It For You)". One of the greatest love songs of all time. My husband Ben and I chose this song together as we just love it. It brings back such great memories of our special day.
Track to play at your funeral?
I would like any track from Eva Cassidy. Maybe "Over the Rainbow".
Track of yours that you’re most proud of?
I am really proud of my song "Staring At The Moon" because it was written for my children and I love that so many people have since made it their song for their kids too. [The song isn't available on Spotify but can be found here.]
Recent track of yours that you want to share with us?
"Stay My Love" – feat Sam Palladio. This is my debut single from my solo album The Waiting Game I am a big fan of the TV show Nashville that Sam plays Gunner and was so delighted when he said yes to duet with me on this song. He has an amazing voice.
Una's Playlist
The Waiting Game is released 10 February and can be pre-ordered on iTunes or Amazon. Follow Una on Twitter @UnaHealy
