Natalie Shay Picks Her Top 10 Go-To Songs for Self-Reflection

North London singer-songwriter Natalie Shay returns with her new EP, atmosphere, a collection of songs exploring love, self-awareness and the experiences that have shaped her life since her previous release. Written over two years with a combination of long-time collaborators and solo writing sessions, the EP reflects the different chapters of her twenties, from new relationships and heartbreak to personal growth and self-reflection.

Those themes have become a defining part of Shay’s songwriting throughout her career, earning support from BBC Radio 1 Future Pop, BBC Radio 6 Music, BBC Introducing, and more than 20 million streams across her catalogue. With atmosphere serving as her most personal body of work to date, it continues her honest approach to writing about the realities of modern relationships and life as a young creative.

To mark the release, Natalie Shay shares the Top 10 songs she returns to when reflecting on relationships, creativity and personal growth. Featuring artists including Taylor Swift, Katie Gavin, Bo Burnham and Fickle Friends, her selections highlight the music that has helped shape both her outlook and her songwriting.

1. Taylor Swift – “You’re On Your Own Kid”

“The first time I heard this song, I thought it was written about me. I found so many aspects of it relatable and honest, and personally I’ve found being seen/heard/represented is how I feel strong enough to process things.”

2. Natalie Shay – “Problems.”

“My own song. I wrote it to give others the same experience the one above gave me. It’s a list of all my problems and issues and things going on in my brain. Helps me process to write.”

3. Katie Gavin – “Keep Walking”

“This song touches on realising you also played a part in the breakdown of a relationship. It’s powerful and reflective.”

4. ber – “Hey Bluebird”

“This song highlights a dynamic of relationship I’ve seen 1000 times. I’ve seen friends shrink for men, etc. This song is so honest.”

5. Bo Burnham – “Art Is Dead”

“When I first heard this, I felt seen and attacked. It really encapsulates a very specific type of person. I am one of those people.”

6. Tick Tick Boom – “Johnny Can’t Decide”

“From one of my favourite movies/musicals. About being an artist or creative who isn’t successful (yet) and battling the urge to give up and get a normal job, etc. I think anyone who’s been in that dilemma will like this song.”

7. Carol Ades – “Normal Feelings”

“A song about learning to accept you’re allowed to feel normal happy things when you’re someone who’s spent their lives taking an alternative route or thinking they’re not worthy.”

8. Clean Cut Kid – “Get Born Grow Up and Move Away”

“A very on-the-nose song about the cycle of life. But in a way that romanticises the sadness. Makes you appreciate life.”

Natalie Shay ‘Atmosphere’ EP Artwork

9. Audrey Hobert – “Phoebe”

“The perfect piece of lyric if you’re a girl in a certain age bracket in a certain personality type. Audrey writes the most relatable and conversational music. Her entire album is an opportunity for self-reflection.”

10. Fickle Friends – “Happier”

“The words to this song say it all.”