No copyright infringement intended on any of these songs or artists! Look them up or buy their music on your own - I am not distributing anything but their titles and positive recommendation.
This is a list of songs that inspired me while I was writing. I hope you enjoy the selection! (And try to ignore most of my rambling – so sorry. Bad habit. Austenese – also known as Dickenson's Disease? (No one will understand that…))
1: All Too Well – Taylor Swift
When I first heard this song, I thought it was pretty cold. I mean… wow. A little personal. Pretty harsh. But I was quickly addicted because for some reason, this song gives me limitless inspiration. I credit it for my speed. Without it, I might not have even started this story – or written some of my other ones. So… strangely, thank you.
Because it was such a heavy influence on me, I'm sure if you listen to the song, you'll be able to see this story in it as clearly as I can. Was almost the title! I wonder, what do you think?
2: I've Got What it Takes – Alex Day
This finally came out! Yay! Bought it immediately. I used to keep going to YouTube to listen to his live version at Stupid Fest. I absolutely love this song, and I think it fits Molly as the protagonist very well.
3: Let's Dance to Joy Division – The Wombats
Obviously, because it's the title! I actually had a rough time keeping it as the title. I went between a million things and finally decided that this was indeed the perfect fit. Because even after everything turned sour and was over, they can love again and always find happiness. Life isn't a miserable mess. I find that really uplifting, and so I wanted it to be a major point I made in the story. This allusion to the song really did that for me. Perhaps if you knew this song going into the story, you could have drawn that conclusion before the end of the first chapter? :)
Also, I love The Wombats, and this song is perfect. I sincerely hope you look it up and listen to your heart's content. It's so quotable. "Celebrate the irony! Everything is going wrong, but we're so happy!" "Let the love tear us apart - I've found the cure for a broken heart. Let it tear us apart." Absolutely in love with this song!
4: Just Give Me a Reason – P!nk ft. Nate Reuss
To be honest, I heard this on the radio while driving, and I didn't like it at first. But when it reached the chorus and Nate jumped in, I almost got into an accident because all I saw were Julius and Molly. It gave me an ending to the story – even though it almost put me off the road! I really need to be more careful when inspiration strikes…
5: Ordinary Day – Vanessa Carlton
This song is always a treat. It's adorable, and I think it's perfectly matched to the view of Julius behind Molly's eyes.
6: Like We Used To (Piano Version) – A Rocket to the Moon
So good! So sad! I love A Rocket to the Moon, and I highly recommend them. This song puts a fist in your gut and rips painful memories out. It's so real and strong.
7: Red – Taylor Swift
Another Taylor Swift song? Good gracious she's an interesting songstress. I like this song in relation to Molly and Julius though because of its ups and downs and learning from the relationship. And it's rather catchy, too. That never hurts.
8: Change My Mind – One Direction
I love One Direction. There. I said it. Happy? I'm a Directioner. So it was a no brainer that I would be listening to the boys while I was writing, but this song really stuck out. Especially for chapter six (when Molly ran after Julius in the snow? DAW). :D
9: It's Time – Imagine Dragons
I just really like this song, and I had it playing on repeat for a few hours. It was responsible for a few of the middle chapters, so I had to recognize it in here somehow. I think it relates best to Molly not wanting to ever leave Castanet and the wander lust that Julius still harbors.
10: U.N.I. – Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran is lovely. Such a lovely guy. So I listened to quite a bit of him when writing. (Proud Sheerio! What's with all these musician following names? They're so weird and cultish. xD) This song is such a lovely break-up song for Molly and Julius. Anyone catch the hair tie reference? Aaaaaaaaahhhhh. Yeah. Totally did that. This was almost the title, too. So close!
11: The Only Exception – Paramore
This song is the epitome of cute. And Molly's never tried a relationship before, but she's willing to give it a go for Julius. Pretty sweet, I think.
12: All About You – McFly
This was cited for the 'dancing on the kitchen tiles' reference (chapter nineteen dancing), much like 'All Too Well.' That's… kind of all I have to say about that. xD
13: Crash – Cody Simpson
YES. I KNOW. I can't decide if I actually like Cody Simpson, but considering I have ten of his songs, I have to say I do. UGH. I'm sorry, but I really don't like over half of his music. But… a few songs slipped through. I blame this on his Australian-ness. Anyways, this song is really cute and fluffy. So… defeat.
Also, this song got me through writing the kisses (WHICH I HATED). My God, so much hate. So thank you very much, sir.
14: So – Ed Sheeran
Yay, more Ed! This chorus is so cute. Nothing but love. This was totally and completely my chapter eight song.
15: Not Meant to Be – Theory of a Deadman
The title kind of says enough. "One step forward and two steps back – no matter what I do, you're always mad." That lyric got me through some of the harder, sadder, angsty-er chapters. Good stuff.
16: White Houses – Vanessa Carlton
In my top five songs of all time; no question. So of course I replayed the hell out of this towards the end. So much growing up to do!
17: Take it All Away – Owl City
This is… probably Adam's only break-up song. He has that one lullaby, but most of his songs are very… not focused on heartbreak. I think that's why I like him so much. But this song is great and powerful, and it's straight off his new album. Well, it's not so new anymore, but I think you ought to check it out if you're an Owl City fan! The song 'Dementia' is perfection. Wow, I advertise. A lot. Sorry.
18: We Can Work it Out – The Beatles
Yay, Beatles! But obviously, things didn't 'work out' for Molly and Julius. It was a struggle to write, but I'm glad that they can be solid friends. This was the chapter twenty-one song. Though only by reference – I avoided this song while writing it. I needed lots of sad, serious music. This song is way too upbeat.
19: Don't Wake Me – Skillet
"I know I've got to let you go, but I don't want to be alone." THAT. That was perfect. Completely the reason why Molly and Julius have such a hard time breaking up even though they know it won't last. Fell in love with this song so fast. Then that switch? "I know I've got to let you go, but I don't want to wake up." Seriously. This song knows me and Joy Division so well.
20: Just Be Friends – Amanda Lee
This is a Vocaloid cover. And it's really, really good. The original is sung by Luka, but this version is on the piano, and it's been slowed down. It's really melodic but sad. Kudos to this girl! You can find it on YouTube if you have the time to check. She even gives a free download! (Advertising over, sorry.)
21: There's a Fine, Fine Line – Avenue Q
A musical's song? Yes! Because this song is inspirational and excellent. At first, I thought the vocals could be improved, but I really like them now. They feel so much more raw and real. And these lyrics are perfect for the story. :)
