Netflix launched its Queer Eye reboot earlier this month to rave reviews. The new cast features Antoni Porowski, specializing in food and drinks; Bobby Berk, focusing on interior design; Jonathan Van Ness, tackling grooming; Karamo Brown, engaging the show’s subjects in important cultural conversations; and Tan France, the group’s wardrobe wizard. Across the eight episodes, our new heroes makeover everyone from a Trump-supporting police officer to a closeted leather daddy (notice they’ve dropped the For the Straight Guy suffix from the series’ title).
The fivesome caught up with Billboard to create a playlist, each choosing a song everyone should know, a track they associated with their personal coming-out stories, and a song specific to their specialty. With tracks from everyone from D’Angelo to Dixie Chicks to Drake, this mix is as eclectic as its creators. Follow the playlist on Spotify below.
TAN FRANCE
Before signing on as Queer Eye’s resident fashion expert, France launched Kingdom & State, a women’s clothing line in the UK.
Everyone should be listening to
I’m really loving Billie Eilish’s “idontwannabeyouanymore.” Her dreamy vocals offer such a lovely moment of escape and there’s a sophistication to the lyrics that are so surprising coming from a teen artist.
Song that helped me come out
I would have to say Kelly Clarkson’s “Because of You” would be the song I would associate with coming out. It’s really emotive and personally, it reminds me of my father.
Go-to for getting ready
“Gemini Feed” by Banks. It has the most wicked beat and you can’t help but feel fierce.
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ANTONI POROWSKI
Hailing from Canada, Porowski is a mostly self-taught chef. After making his way to NYC, he found a mention in the original Queer Eye food and wine guy, Ted Allen.
Everyone should be listening to
Arcade Fire’s “Everything Now” and “We Don’t Deserve Love.” As a fellow Canadian, I have to give some love to Arcade Fire and I couldn’t settle on which of these songs is my current favorite. Both are beautiful and complex.
Song that helped me come out
“Slow Show” by The National is what I think of for that time in my life because it’s a song about true love.
Setting the (food) mood
I would suggest Geoffroy’s “Coastline. It just reminds me of romantic dinners in the Caribbean.
KARAMO BROWN
Fans may recognize Brown from The Real World: Philadelphia, where he was the franchise’s first out black man. After that, he became a social worker and spent 10 years working in the field.
Everyone should be listening to
Drake‘s “God Plan” has been on my mind lately. It’s a good reminder that I can’t do this on my own.
Song that helped me come out
I am going to cheat a little bit and give this to Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow.” It’s a new song, so it wasn’t around when I was coming out. But it’s the kind of empowering, “take me or leave me” anthem that can help you feel invincible during a time when you need that boost of confidence.
Culture critique
I would have to say Kendrick Lamar’s “Fear” off the Damn album because this song shows how we’re conditioned to feel like we’re not enough and how that affects our lives. If you can break through that, you can accomplish anything.
BOBBY BERK
Berk has been a name in the interior design world for a while — he even has a line of furniture and home goods to prove it.
Everyone should be listening to
I am currently into Camila Cabello’s “Havana.” It’s the perfect slow groove. You can put it on in the car, in the club or when you’re just at home cleaning the kitchen and you’re going start dancing. Give into it!
Song that helped me come out
Richard Ashcroft’s “Check The Meaning” is my pick. It’s underrated song that is about faith and spirituality, which are two things I struggled with while coming out.
Tool time track
“Work, B**ch” by Britney Spears. Why? Because, you better werk, bitch!
JONATHAN VAN NESS
Queer Eye’s grooming guru (and his luscious locks) had already made a name for himself on the web: as the host of Funny or Die’s Gay of Thrones, he styled celebs’ hair while chatting about the latest episodes of Game of Thrones.
Everyone should be listening to
I’m really into Dixie Chicks’ “Cowboy Take Me Away” because it’s giving me just the perfect mix of nostalgia and cowboy fantasy that I need right now.
Song that helped me come out
I vividly remember D’Angelo’s “How Does it Feel?” as a song I listened to around the time I came out. When I saw that music video, I remember thinking, “OK, there is no denying my feelings for the male body.”
Shower soundtrack
When I’m having a song-in-the-shower moment, I go to The Blessed Unrest by Sara Bareilles. I mean, the whole album is just SO GOOD, so I couldn’t pick just one track. I also take long showers.