When Tyne and Wear Metro was first built in the 1980s the portable cassette player was a major part of the trip for customers. As technology has evolved we’ve gone from Walkmans to Discmans to iPods and now the smartphone with access to a millions of songs at the touch of button. 

Our resident Nexus music-lover has put together our list of albums you could listen to on your next trip on the Metro. Happy listening!

1. Dua Lipa - Future Nostalgia

Ever since we heard New Rules come out, Dua Lipa has made us want to dance all day. With funky electronic pop and classic pop records, Future Nostalgia harps back to a golden time of 80s-style synths and powerful vocals. If you get the chance, seeing her live is not to be missed, with a unique warm energy to shows the atmosphere is electric. She performed in Newcastle in the summer of 2022 and we hope to welcome her back in the future! 

 2. Girls Aloud – Ten

We could write this list without mentioning our connection to Girls Aloud, one of the biggest bands of the 2000s era. Love or hate them we know you know all the moves and lyrics as soon as you hear it. But what you might not know is Nicola Roberts of the band wrote a song about us. Yes, you heard that right there is a Girls Aloud song about the Tyne and Wear Metro! It's one of the final tracks on this greatest hits album and it's fair to say we listen to it a lot! The song has a catchy beat and depicts a typical Metro journey. Check it out here

3.  Sam Fender- 17 Going Under 

The North Shields lad’s latest album has been a huge success in not just the UK but across the pond too. The easy-to-listen-to tracks and the indie pop vibe, of the songs really makes this album one to have on repeat. Sam is actually a regular Metro user  when he's at home and not singing around the world. He also lit up St. James’ Park in the summer of 2023 with an iconic homecoming gig. 

4. Elton John- Diamonds 

When he played Sunderland Stadium of Light last year it was a hit parade of music. From “Saturday Night’s Alright (or Fighting)” to classics like “Rocket Man” you cant beat the sounds of Elton. A Metro ride is not enough time to listen to the sheer volume of hits he has produced throughout decades in music. Upbeat songs like  I’m Still Standing” are a great soundtrack to any day, with a unique voice and catchy lyrics Elton really knows how to make a hit. What’s your top three Elton John songs? Ours are 1- Your Song 2- Rocket Man 3- Sacrifice. 

Any blog about music couldn’t miss out one of the biggest global artists of our time. Adele has had phenomenal success  - with her unique song writing ability and a mezzo soprano voice she is dominating charts around the world, despite having only released four albums. We chose 25 to sample on the Metro.  This album features classic Adele tracks like “ When We Were Young”  and “Sweetest Devotion”. This follow-up to 21 has impressive production credits too. If you’re looking for an album with more of a beat listen to 21 and tracks like “Set Fire to the Rain “ and “Rumour Has It”.

7. Becky Hill- Only Honest On the Weekend

Rising to fame on The Voice, Becky Hill is all about soaring vocals across huge dance tracks. Her music and voice make you want to dance and, while we can't promote dancing on the Metro, we can promote foot tapping music that is dance floor ready. This album is full of major tracks like “My Heart Goes” and “ Remember” which features legends like David Guetta and Sigala. Becky has made her infectious music but also has a soulful edge with rich texture. 

We hope you enjoyed this run through of our music recommendations, but do get in touch with us about what you are listening to on the Metro! Who have we missed out, who should we be hearing? Contact us with your recommendations at  [email protected].