REFRAMED PLAYLIST

Hello, all! Almost since the moment I began writing Reframed, I have been anxiously awaiting the moment this blog would enter the world. Seriously, creating these mixes for my books is one of my favorite parts of the process. It makes everything feel…complete. It's the necessary bow on top, one that completely captures the characters I know and love so well. 

I hope you love the music, and pick up pieces of Mari, Chet, and even Gracie in between each and every note. 

“One of Us” - ABBA

I actually had a Kelly Clarkson song here at first, but as Gracie fully came into being, it was obvious she is an ABBA loving girlie. Plus, I couldn’t get the mental image of Gracie sobbing into her pillow, all alone and pining for Ryan, out of my head. Or, “idiot”, as Chet aptly describes him. (Or is it aptly? You might want to read the next book to find out 😉)

“Lovin’ You Is Fun” - Easton Corbin 

At least half of this playlist is just my favorite tunes, and this country track is no different. Plus, the juxtaposition between the lyrics and Mari and Chet’s relationship is quite hilarious. Although, if I had to venture a guess, I’d say Chet feels that either way, the chorus rings true. 

“This Was a Home Once” - Bad Suns

I’ve noticed that with each and every one of my books, a band emerges whose songs carry many of the themes featured in the story. This time around, one of Mari’s beloved bands, Bad Suns, bore that mantle. You’ll be seeing a lot of them along the way, so buckle up. 

The feel of this song just really captures Mari’s home life, especially the lines that speak of the worries surrounding a younger sibling. That’s got Mari written all over it. 

“Travelin’ Man” - Ricky Nelson

I love this song! And although the playboy antics of the singer don’t truly equate to Chet’s love life, the roaming spirit definitely does. 

“Dancing with Myself” - Billy Idol, Generation X

Mari’s theme song? Perhaps. 

“La Carcacha” - Selena

I was blessed to grow up in a hometown, and with great friends, that taught me of the legend of Selena. Her voice immediately brings me back to church dances. Listening to this song, I could perfectly picture Mari dancing backwards out of a bathroom stall, toilet wand in hand, unaware that her jamming session is seconds away from being ruined. 

“Write This Down” - George Strait

The King of Country, as we know, has lots of hits to choose from. His voice, too, reminds me of church dances. However, this track, I believe, holds underlying messages that Chet was trying to send Mari’s way. Did she get them? You’ll have to read and see. 😉

“Salt” - Bad Suns

One of my favorite Bad Suns songs. Also, a good description of Mari’s views towards her relationship with her father. 

“Wake Me” - The Bleachers

Ok, if we’re being honest, I thought the lyrics of this one were a little different. I heard, “If you love me”, in the chorus, rather than a line about being alone 😂 However, it’s got some good foreshadowing to it, and I felt it perfectly fit the moment Chet was awoken in the middle of the night. The second time. 

“Bruised and Scarred” - Mayday Parade

I have been trying to get this song in a playlist since my very first book. It doesn’t have any plot syncing, but does feel like a song Mari would blast to drown out the noises of her life. Plus, I just really like it. 

“You Can’t Hurry Love” - Phil Collins

Ahh, Chet. His mother didn’t give him this warning, in fact, she was leaning far towards the opposite. But he tried his best to live out the adage, for Mari’s sake. 

“The Way It Was” - The Killers

One of my absolute favorite Killers’ songs. And I agree with Mari, it is a travesty if the only claim you have to this band is “Mr. Brightside”. 

“Violet” - Bad Suns

Purple. That’s all I’m going to say. 

“Volare” - Gipsy Kings

Venturing into a genre of music I didn’t know that much about was so much fun, and as soon as I heard this one, I was hooked. It’s got such a fun beat, and the lyrics that lend thoughts to blue eyes go flawlessly with the feelings Mari is trying desperately to repress. 

“Para Siempre” - Vicente Fernández

I had a much harder time finding a slow song for Chet and Mari to dance to, but it was so worth the hunt. Could a better song be dedicated to Chet’s feelings, hopes, and the truths he is trying to get Mari to believe? No. Well, maybe a few later on. But all contenders are tied in my eyes.

“Perfect Day” - Collective Soul, Elton John 

I couldn’t let a playlist pass without putting a Collective Soul song in there. Again, I feel like this is a song that Chet would sing to Mari, if he could. Or, if she’d let him. All he wants for her, especially after her visit home, is to give her a flawless twenty-four hours. And then repeat the process for all the ones that follow after. 

“Talk Too Much” - COIN

Finding a first kiss song for Mari? Nigh impossible, I tell you. Mushy gushy was never going to work for her. However, insulting Chet, insisting it’s not a big deal, and justifying her actions to base, animalistic instincts? That is Mari, all the way. 

“Falling In” - Lifehouse

My 2000’s self is screaming in outright joy. And here we are, again, with yet another Chet song. Every word describes his feelings for Mari, and the song also adequately displays his reassurances and attempts to sway her before the giant blow-up. 

“Kings & Queens” - ChinChin 

The theme to the tv show, The Rookie. 

“Life Was Easier When I Only Cared About Me” - Bad Suns

As Mari comes to grips with her newfound reality, she has yet another revelation. Everything was easier before Chet came along. But, she kind of likes it. Even if she denies it.

“The One” - Gary Allen

I feel like this could be Chet’s theme song for the whole book, but even in the scene with Charlie, he realizes that letting Mari figure it out herself might be his best course of action. 

“Peachy” - Bad Suns

This song tastes like reunion, surprise, and complete joy, to me. 

“Walking On Sunshine” - Katrina & The Waves

The most un-Mari song there ever was. 

“Fall Into Me” - Emerson Drive

There were many spots this song could have been placed, and honestly, I thought it was going to be Chet’s theme song. But, it kind of has an epilogue feel to it, doesn’t it? Chet’s promises to Mari will always be there.