I'm one to get attached to a story rather quickly, whether that be from a book, movie, television show, etc. I find myself invested in the characters' happiness and overall well-being, especially when I see their lives being played out on screen. As crazy as it may sound, I feel like I know these characters and so when something goes wrong, or right, in their lives, I feel their pain in real life too. So, here is my go-to playlist based on songs from television shows and movies that I may have gotten way too invested into. I know we've all been there.
1. "Love My Way" by the Psychedelic Furs
Before reading any further, just know that you need to read the book first. "Call Me by Your Name" is the most beautiful, yet heartbreaking book that I have ever read, and seeing Elio and Oliver's story played out on the big screen did not help me get over my feelings after reading the book. Among the soundtrack to the film itself, this song is played during a rather happy moment in the movie, when Elio, Oliver and all of their friends go out for a fun night at the disco in Italy. Originally released in the 1980s, this song really gives the illusion that you're right there with them, partying it up in the summer of 1983. I'm a big sucker for 80s music, and this song always puts me in a good mood, and makes me want to disco just like they did in the movie. But, if you take one thing away from this article, READ THE BOOK. You won't regret it.
2. "Can’t Take My Eyes Off You" by Frankie Valli
Seriously, who doesn't love the movie "10 Things I Hate About You"? This song is also a classic, and if you don't know it then you've been missing out for a long time. Late actor Heath Ledger's character sings this to Julia Stiles' character in front of everyone at the stadium while she is at soccer practice. Although this might just give you some unrealistic expectations of how guys try to get your attention when they like you, you can't deny that this is arguably the most iconic scene from this 90s classic. This song for those moments when you just want to sit and belt out a song with some friends, I know I've done it.
3. "Dancing in the Moonlight" by Toploader - 2001 Remix
From another 90s classic, "A Walk to Remember" this remake of a 70s classic definitely adds a little bit of happiness to a rather dreary, and overall sad movie. Mandy Moore and Shane West portray somewhat of an odd couple in this movie, but needless to say they broke everyone's hearts with this movie, and it still haunts me today. This is another great song to just sing with your friends and is even my go-to song while walking to class. Listening to this just puts me in a good mood, so if you're feeling down, I would give it a listen.
4. "Shove It" by Santigold
Ah, "Gossip Girl". If you are a girl over the age of seventeen and haven't watched "Gossip Girl" yet, what are you doing with your life? I've watched this show multiple times, and each time feels like the very first. "Gossip Girl" is one of my all-time favorite shows, not just because of the characters, but because of their lifestyles. Whose mother would let their 15-year-old daughter just jet off to Paris because she was upset about something? No one. And that's why I love it so much. It is so unrealistic that watching it and imagining you doing those exact things is actually more entertaining than the show itself. Besides being incredibly unrealistic and drama-filled, "Gossip Girl" had an awesome soundtrack. "Shove It" by Santigold is a gem that plays in the earlier seasons of "Gossip Girl", within the first few episodes of the actual show. It plays when everyone is mad at Dan (what's new) and adds to the overdramatic-ness that was this show. This song makes me feel like I am the most important person in the world, kind of like Blair Waldorf thinks she is.
5. "Mrs. Robinson" by the Lemonheads
"The Wolf of Wall Street" is quite possibly the most insane movie that I have ever seen, and I wouldn't trade that for anything. The fact that it is a true story gets me every time, and I just can't fathom that what happened in this movie, actually happened. Leonardo DiCaprio is fabulous as the male lead, as he always is, and probably should have won his first Oscar for this performance. This movie does a great job of depicting just how crazy and money-hungry some people can be, but I overall enjoyed the interactions between the characters, even if they were all very different. 10/10 would recommend watching "The Wolf of Wall Street", and this song gets me just as pumped up as Jordan Belfort was when trying to avoid the FBI throughout the movie.
All in all, I hope listening to these songs helps you discover new movies and shows that you love. A few of the movies and shows listed here are some of my all-time favorites and mean a lot to me. I'm as deeply connected to these songs, no matter how outrageous they are, as I am to the show or movie they are associated with. It never hurts to give it a try and watch something new.
