Sometimes I read with music playing in the background. When it’s the right kind of music, and I’m in the right kind of mood, it seems to add to the atmosphere of the book. The same goes for writing. Good sounds bring an energy that feeds the imagination.
Today, I’m rounding up eight of the gorgeous, romantic tunes that have graced my playlists over the last couple of years. Hope you like them!
8. Lo-Fang — You’re The One That I Want
This slow jam cover of that song from Grease — yep, that one indeed — features sultry vocals, warm percussion and woeful strings. It’s the perfect soundtrack to heavy emotional moments, perhaps where we learn the truth of what the MC and LI mean to each other even before they know it themselves.
7. Crywolf — Lemniscate
Another delectably moody song, only this time with airy vocals against a dreamy backdrop. Ideal for a paranormal romance or urban fantasy, maybe? I’m picturing that crucial moment in a vampire or shapeshifter story, where we walk the precipice between fear and love; savagery and compassion; immortality and the fleeting preciousness of life.
6. Ledes Diaz (feat. Santos Real) — Despacito
There are so many covers of Luis Fonsi’s Despacito, but I chose this one for its mellow and fat kizomba beat, plus Ledes’s smooth loverboy voice. Call it a chilled out, feelgood version of Fonsi’s smoking hot original, nicely matched with that turning point where the MC and LI realise their mutual attraction and look forward to the rest of the book together.
5. The Motans — 42
This wordy, easy-listening pop track from Romania carries an introspective yet optimistic mood. If you structure your playlists to suit the ups and downs of a story format, I’d pop this just after the middle. Right about where the LI comes up against a challenge that could easily be overcome with the right kind of effort.
4. Le Flex — Tangled
If you saw my post on retrofuturistic love songs, you’ll recognise this synthpop track. It’s got some serious romantic crush vibes, like say the kind you’d hear playing when the MC first falls for their love interest. It captures that dreamy split second where they realise they’re really into that person, and experiences that anxious joy of not yet knowing if those feelings are reciprocated.
3. Lo Moon — Tried to Make You My Own
An atmospheric track with a sexy beat, intriguing melody, and lush, layered vocals. Maybe this is our couple’s first pinch point, or those reflective scenes after a big fight: don’t leave me, I want you, here’s what I’m willing to do. Thank you, Stefanie Simpson, for recommending this song.
2. Nico Santos — Play With Fire
How’s this one for an angsty NA or YA romance? Even if you ignore the on-the-nose lyrics, this track conveys frustration and inner conflict within that smooth, high-produced contemporary commercial pop sound.
1. Blackpanda (feat. Mabbi) — Antes de Que Acabe el Verano
This song is a versatile one. The lyrics tell a “will they or won’t they” story, but that dreamy sound and driving beat might also work to foreshadow a “they definitely will”. In that vein, I’d call this one a good addition to a friends-to-lovers playlist, perhaps even a boy/girl-next-door kind of story.
Thank you, Nomad Authors, for having me today!
About JL Peridot
JL Peridot writes love letters to the future from her home beneath the southern skies. She currently resides in Boorloo (Perth, Australia) on Whadjuk Noongar country. Visit her website at jlperidot.com for the full catalogue of her work.
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It Starts with a Kiss — preorders now open
Celeste is a talented engineer who doesn’t realize her job’s going nowhere fast. She’s a little naïve. She’ll cut code and solder cables forever as long as Owen’s around. Owen, on the other hand, knows exactly how badly things suck—he just doesn’t care. Sure, his skills aren’t what they used to be, but they’re still better than what Halcyon Aries deserves.
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