In previous posts, I introduced the soundtrack to my new stand-alone contemporary romance Cicadas: A Totally Ordinary Epic Love Story, a soundtrack you can find in all these places:
- Tidal (I use this service because it pays artists more and has the best sound quality)
- Spotify (embedded below)
- YouTube (also embedded below)
- Amazon
- Apple Music
Notes on Part 3 (2021)
Though I had one “playalong while writing” playlist for 1987 and 2004, I created separate 2021 Joel and 2021 Daniel playlists. I would listen to Joel’s playlist when I was writing his scenes and Daniel’s when I was writing his.
At the time, I split them simply because of the sheer volume of albums. But looking back, I think it helped create and reinforce the sense of their physical separation. These weren’t albums they were listening to together (I can’t see Joel listening to Demi Lovato any more than I can see Daniel listening to Fred again..). These were albums that gave each of them strength in their isolation. (The one artist they shared was, of course, Taylor Swift.)
No Time for Love Like Now by Michael Stipe and Big Red Machine (a Joel song): Oh, man, this song just embodies that hope-tinged desolation of the pandemic. Joel tells Daniel about the song in their first Zoom call.
Your voice is echoing love, love, love, love, love
I hear it far, far away
And I am waiting for you
Whatever waiting means in this new place
I am waiting for you.
Dim by SYML (a Joel song): This is about Joel losing his mom. Grab a box of tissues when you listen.
Though you had to go,
I won't forget your light.
The world got a little more dim tonight.
John Cusack by Olivia Wendel (a Daniel song). Is there an artist you feel like only you know? I wish I could remember who first told me about Wendel so I could thank them. She’s amazing. The song title is a reference to the movie Serendipity, where two people meet briefly and form an instant connection only to accidentally lose each other (this was before the internet as we know it).
The Last Man on Earth by Wolf Alice (a Joel song): This is apparently about the arrogance of humans always seeing themselves in other people’s texts, especially songs. In Chapter 26, Joel and Daniel use Taylor Swift songs to shine a light on their own lives and their shared experiences, but they weren’t all written to be universal.
Vitamins by Cassia (a Daniel song): A simple, sweet song about long-distance relationships.
I Need You by Jon Batiste (a Joel song): This was one of several albums I discovered via this Guardian article on making joyful music during the pandemic. Whenever you’re feeling down, check out this video:
In My Arms by Lou Barlow (a Daniel song): Their reunion. ‘Nuf said.
Now (Forever Momentary Space) by Black Monument Ensemble (a Joel song): This group I found through Part Two of the Guardian article mentioned above on hopeful music in the pandemic. I love the whole album, but I had to include this song not just because Joel and Daniel created a forever momentary space but because of the cicadas singing their little timbals out in the background. 💚
Invisible String by Taylor Swift: In a way, this is the theme song for the entire book. When Daniel says this is the song that most makes him think of Joel, Joel is stunned and a little scared.
Did Daniel think they were soulmates? The whole concept was so depressing—what if that predestined love-of-your-life got hit by a bus or eaten by a crocodile before you could ever meet? Would you be doomed to a life of misery or at least vague dissatisfaction?
Maybe Joel was looking at it the wrong way. “We are where we are,” Daniel had just said. “We are who we are.” But if he believed in that ‘Invisible String’ song, he was saying something bigger. He was saying that who they were now was who they were meant to be, that their journeys had brought them to this place at this time and made them ready for each other.
Which meant the actual existence of soulmates wasn’t the fucking point.
Or, as Taylor puts it:
Hell was the journey, but it brought me heaven.
In the book there are oblique references to invisible strings, once in 1987 and again in 2004. If you find them, you win a prize! And that prize is satisfaction.
Heavy Focus by Adrienne Lenker (a Daniel song): Lenker uses the metaphor of photography to portray the exquisite terror that comes with an intense connection. There’s a bit that reminds me of the end of Part One:
Shaky like the first dance
Shaky like the first time
Our palms met in the clam sweat
Pow by The Go! Team: SUCH a fun song. I put it on my “Wake the F*** Up” playlist, which is caffeine for my ears. It’s the favorite song of Hailey, Daniel’s daughter and thus his ringtone for her, because he’s an adorkable dad.
Telepath by Manchester Orchestra (a Daniel song): Okay, THIS is actually also the (other) theme song for the book. The song and its video tell of a love in three parts, through the couple’s life (and, in the video’s case, the death of one). The final verse hits me particularly hard as an older person still deeply in love who often can’t believe that her usually foolish self was wise enough to choose the right companion on life’s journey. I cannot sing it all the way through without happy-pain crying.
In my mind you are the road I chose to travel
Might as well have been the very last thing I decide
Half the time I'm lost, afraid that you're just borrowed
Don't matter much to me, man,
I'm not afraid to die.
Baby, are you with me?
Do you forgive me?
You're the one I wanted,
one I want when I am old.
...When I'm falling
*wipes tears*
Meant For Me by Angelique Kidjo: Just a fucking joy.
I don't care if you're rich or poor
From Milano or from LA,
I don't care about your DNA
All I know is you're meant for me.
I don't care if your money goes,
I don't care if your beauty fades.
All I know is we'll be okay.
All I know is you're meant for me.
Thanks for tuning in!
