To truly immerse myself in what I’m reading, I love making a good Spotify playlist to go along with the vibes of whatever book I have picked up. These are some songs that bring all the fantasy energy.
Soldier, Poet, King by The Oh Hellos
As the inspiration for this Solar Flare, I had to put this song first. It screams Lord of the Rings and gets me excited for a dragon-filled adventure. This song reminds of the beginning of a long journey through the forest where the main character encounters mystical beings and new spells. Perhaps they are spending long nights alone under the stars thinking about their long lost lover.
Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Rey
This would be the perfect introduction for a powerful female main character. This could play as she descends down the marble staircase in a gown balancing a jeweled tiara on her head.
When I hear this song I imagine the scene in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series where Feyre goes under the mountain or her and Rhysand descend into battle. Definitely giving intense battle vibes.
Gilded Lily (Sped Up) by the Cults
When the battle seems to be lost and hope is waning, this song would play in the background. Specifically when the main character has received a harmful blow that seems like it could be fatal.
The song is so whimsical and wistful that it has to be included in this Solar Flare. It reminds me of a soft fantasy book where the main character is baking magical pastries or collecting plants to add to her potions.
Back to the high stakes fantasy vibes, this song would also be played during an intense battle scene. I can almost hear the clash of swords and shouts of fear under the bass.
This brings all the dystopian energy one could want. For those of you who have read Hunger Games or Divergent, this song is perfect for these series.
Do I Wanna Know? by Arctic Monkeys
This song reminds me of a fantasy romance in which the male main character is extremely loyal to the female main character. I imagine Rowan from Throne of Glass crawling back to Aelin after he is injured.
Even the words of this song are perfect for the end of a fantasy novel. It perfectly embodies that euphoric feeling when you finish a series that has forever changed you.
I hope you enjoyed listening to this playlist and are inspired to sit down and get cozy with a good book. Reading fantasy is always an excellent seasonal pastime during autumn.
You can find the playlist here.
Emma Robinson is a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences. She can be reached at elg229@cornell.edu.
‘Solar Flare’ is a weekly playlist column where Sun contributors spotlight a slice of musical taste with the campus community. It runs every Monday.
