Simon Amstell is a funny guy. That's literally his job; as comedian, TV host, and recent feature film maker. He got his start as the scathing host of UK TV show Popworld, and made a name further afield when he hosted Never Mind the Buzzcocks in the late noughties. But he's been a stage performer his whole life, and in between whippity quick barbs on set, he’s invited audiences into longer and deeper conversations via his stand up. He's known for his sometimes existential, sometimes neurotic, and always highly analytical comedy. It's fair to say, Simon Amstell doesn't take things at face value.That questioning has led him through a life of therapy (in rooms and in public) and when he came to write and direct his first feature film, it spilled over to the big screen. With all of that in mind, I asked Simon Amstell to pick five songs that tell his story. Music that has soundtracked moments of personal narrative, or songs that have helped him understand the world. From anthems to ballads, to charming soundtrack throwbacks, this is a peek into Simon’s coming of age.

Patrick Wolf - ‘This City’

Adele - ‘Someone Like You’

Cardigans - ‘Lovefool’

Whitney Houston - ‘I Will Always Love You

James Righton - ‘I Still Don’t Know'