I know a number of authors have playlists for their books, or ones that they listen to while writing books or certain scenes. This got me to thinking – not so much about what inspires an author, as… what songs I thought would be great for certain heroines. A number of very kind individuals also helped me pick out songs; so thanks, ladies! I hope you had fun.
If you’re an author or aspiring author, maybe one of these songs will inspire. Or at least introduce you to a new artist you might like. Obviously this applies in general as well. Some of these songs I absolutely adore. Some, I find hilarious.
First up, we have The Betrayed Heroine – you know, maybe before she meets the hero; how she feels about her ex (or the hero after he does some douchebag thing)
First: (I’m just so entertained by this song. I was driving when I first heard it, not paying attention, then with the chorus the words penetrated, and my reaction was “O_O”.)
Jazmine Sullivan – Bust Your Windows
And as an honorable mention, we have Blu Cantrell’s Hit ‘Em Up Style. (The two are so similar we had to pick only one.)
For our Kick Ass Heroines
Kelly Clarkson – Miss Independent
(Embedding disabled)
Rise Against – Survive
Christina Aguilera – Fighter
(Embedding disabled)
Alicia Keys – Karma
(Embedding disabled)
(Um, apparently I’m friends with angry tweeple, or at least ones that like a really strong, slightly vindictive heroine… 
I have awesome friends.)
For the Angsty Heroine – you know, after the hero did some douchebag asshat thing
Allure -All Cried Out ft 112
For our Heroine who is Moving On
A Fine Frenzy – Near to You
For the Quirky Heroine
Ingrid Michaelson – The Way I Am
[I fucking HATE CLOWNS. but I love this song. 😛 so maybe listen but don’t’ watch]
The “Pulling It Together” Heroine
Anna Nalick – Breathe (2 am)
Our Falling in Love Heroine
Imogen Heap – Goodnight and Go
(Embedding disabled)
So, now that you’ve listened to them all (or at least hopefully some of them)… what do you think? Good choices? Bad?
Obviously this wasn’t a comprehensive list because I didn’t want you stuck in front of your computer forever…
And what are some songs you would suggest as a heroine anthem? Or even… a hero anthem? (Although hold tight – that one is forthcoming, but I’m always open to suggestions!)
Sober by Pink is the Fuck You, I”m Outta Here heroine song!
If I Were a Boy by Beyonce is the I Love You But You Can’t See How Good We’d Be Together heroine’s song 😀
And I vote for Simple Man by Shinedown as the ULTIMATE Hero Song.
Oh fun! Can I play?
For the Betrayed heroine
Seth Lakeman – Kitty Jay
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw6dPKorOBs
Kick Ass Heroine
Basement Jaxx – Get Me Off
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoDaYW8pPnU
Kirsty McColl – In These Shoes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISzoUdtMSH4&feature=related
Angsty Heroine
George Michael – I Can’t Make You Love Me
Massive Attack – Teardrop or Dissolved girl
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT8QT4BEOTo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5I7apl4s-0&feature=related
Heroine who is moving on
There is only one (lol)
I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
The Quirky Heroine
Bjork – Earth Intruders
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9SdugjLl0M
Pulling it together heroine:
Jamelia – Thank you
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxEL7WSbbeo
Falling in Love heroine:
Bjork – All Is Full Of Love
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjAoBKagWQA
And here’s one-
The BDSM heroine
Venus In Furs – The Velvet Underground
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwzaifhSw2c
Coolest band evah!
Fun topic. 🙂 I tend to make playlists for books if I’m into them enough, especially series.
I would add Beyonce’s “If I Were a Boy” for betrayed heroines, and Amy Winehouse’s You Know I’m No Good for a kick-ass heroine.
Um…hm. Anyway.
Ames, Lynne, Heidenkind – Thanks for the suggestions! Will click through now 🙂 I know some of them – and I love “If I Were a Boy” – but I thought I had enough songs/thought the ones I chose would be embedded and this post would be too long.
I thought it was fun, that’s all. I loved your suggestions, though I had to google some of them because of territorial restrictions!
“You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon. Great song. I also like “Rockstar” by Pink.
There’s also a song by The Killers, where the chorus is “I don’t feel like loving you right now …” I think that one’s called “All The Pretty Faces.”
And I like the Pretenders too, especially “Human” and “Back on the Chain Gang.”
And I love me some Kelly Clarkson. 😉
I forgot how much I love that Breathe song (Anna Nalick). I heard it on Cable radio one day when I was writing, wrote down teh song/artist and promptly forgot about it. Off to iTunes!!!
and for the sensual awakening heroine, can I please put a word in for Kate Bush – The Sensual World
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJc64xncBt4&feature=related
Just because I love it so much!
Whoa – just got to listen to that song, Lynne – very layered; I like it. Thanks for sharing!
Jennifer – great song contributions! And I LOVE “You’re So Vain” it always makes me think of that one scene in “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” though :X
Ames – Loved Anna Nalick – was surprised she came out with the song a few years before it actually got really popular though. Very interesting.
Closer by Nine Inch Nails for the heroine courtesan who lives on her own terms.
I love rise against! They were so camp and so fun at BDO in Australia a couple of years ago!
Just thought I would throw that random comment in.
Also thought I would add another one for betrayed-break-up heroine: Untouchable Face – Ani DiFranco