Katherine Ryan’s playlist connects pop favourites with family memories and humour
Katherine Ryan’s playlist reflects a mix of pop, R&B and comedy, with songs tied to family memories, humour and emotion. The comedian says Adam Sandler’s novelty songs helped her realise music could make darker subjects funny, while Boyz II Men’s “Water Runs Dry” makes her think about her daughter growing up.
Ryan recalls first loving Madonna’s “Material Girl”, and buying records by Alanis Morissette, Sheryl Crow and TLC with money from chores. She says she would happily play the Spice Girls’ “Wannabe”, prefers uncomfortable silence during sex, and currently hears Ms Rachel’s “I’m So Happy” at home with her young children. For her funeral, she would choose Sisqó’s “Thong Song”.
In short
- Adam Sandler’s comedy songs shaped Ryan’s view of music.
- Boyz II Men’s “Water Runs Dry” makes her think of her daughter.
- Her funeral song of choice is Sisqó’s “Thong Song”.
Explained simply
Katherine Ryan is a Canadian-born comedian and broadcaster who has built much of her work around personal stories and observations about family life. Her musical tastes span several decades and styles, from pop and R&B to comedy songs.
Songs can become attached to particular moments, relationships and stages of life. In Ryan’s case, some recall growing up and buying records, while others bring to mind her children or the humour she finds in unexpected places.
Her choices offer a glimpse of how music can carry both emotional and comic meaning in everyday life. The songs she mentions range from well-known pop hits to children’s music and novelty tracks.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “‘I’m not someone who has sex to music. I like uncomfortable silence’: Katherine Ryan’s honest playlist”.