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Tainted Playlist

1. Somebody to Die For - Hurts

This is the PERFECT song for the Preface of Tainted. As Gabe lays there, dying on the cold wooden floor, gasping for air, and clinging to the last shreds of his failing life, he hears a name whispered in the wind.

 

Could this be someone worth dying for? 

Only time will tell...

Somebody to Die For - Hurts
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2. Beating Heart - Ellie Goulding

Heartbeats are a common theme throughout Tainted. This song exquisitely depicts the dizzing rush that floods your head when you meet that special someone who just always seems to steal your breath away and make your heart run a marathon.

 

"Wanna hear your beating heart tonight, Before the bleeding sun comes alive, I want to make the best of what is left, hold tight. And hear my beating heart one last time. Before daylight."

 

Keep those lyrics in mind when you read the last few chapters...  

Beating Heart - Ellie Goulding
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3. All These Things That I've Done - The Killers

Thanks to my fantastic boyfriend, I was reintroduced to this song. He told me that this song would be PERFECT for the first chapter. After listening to this song and rediscovering my love for The Killers, I realized the same thing that he did, this song fits so well! 

I can just so easily picture this song in my mind as Faye and Jack are speeding down the highway in the first chapter, enjoying being with each other, before things escalade...

All These Things That I've Done - The Killers
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4. Brighton - Forest Fire

From the second I heard this song randomly while scrolling through YouTube, I fell in love with it. Instantly. 

It fits Faye's feelings for the two mysterious guys in her life, like a glove. Love it! 

Another thing about this song that I can't seem to resist is the motion. Although it has a slow tempo, or beat, there's a lot of things going on in the background. The guitars are always moving, the drums are always laying down a strong beat, and the melody is always climbing.

This motion is key to the story. Throughout the story, Faye is constantly struggling with the ever-changing events that are occuring in her life. This song is perfect for her.

"Oh, I hope you know, that you're my home. And now I'm lost, so lost without you."

Brighton - Forest Fire
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5. Ghosts That We Knew - Mumford & Sons

"So give me hope in the Darkness that I will see the Light. Cause oh, they gave me such a fright. I will hold, as long as you'd like, just promise we will be alright."

Need I say more?

6. Meteor Shower - Owl City

Ever since their debut hit single, "Fireflies" in 2009, I've been obsessed with this band. This song in particular is one of my favorites. With al of the busy background music, it never loses it's sweet melody and laid back beat. 

Which verse fits the best with the story? You guessed it:

"I am not my own, for I have been made new. Please don't let me go. I desperately need you."

Simple, sweet and to the point. In one word: Perfect!

Meteor Shower - Owl City
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7. Figure 8 - Ellie Goulding Xilent Remix

I first found this song while I was looking for new spinning music for my classes. After listening to it, I was instantly reminded of Tainted. I love Ellie Goulding. She's an incredible artist and unlike many popular artists out there currently, she actually sounds like her studio music when she performs live! (In all honesty, she's even better live!)

Her original studio version of Figure 8 is awesome, but the reason I posted this remix is because it is an electrifying remix that I think adds a little special something to Faye and her relationship with Gabe. 

Want to see what I mean? Sneak peeks of Moonlight will be coming out soon and you'll be able to feel that electrifying connection too!

Figure 8 (Xilent Remix) - Ellie Goulding - IEM
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8. All You Wanted - Michelle Branch

An oldie from the early 2000's. But hey, it's an awesome song. Not only is it catchy and get's stuck in your head, but Michelle does an excellent job of conveying her emotions in 3 minutes and 38 seconds. 

What's my favorite lyric?

"Please can you tell me, so I can finally see. Where you go when you're gone?"

Why this lyric? Well, you're just gonna have to wait to find out!

9. Closer - The Chainsmokers

I am currently OBSESSED with this song. I was scrolling through new songs to add to my spin classes when I came across this song. The Chainsmokers have had a lot really great success lately with Roses, Don't Let me Down, and now debuting with a top iTunes chart song, Closer.

What do I love about Closer? It's emotional, it's addicting, and it's fun. I was instantly reminded of Tainted and I just had to share it with you all.

What's my favorite lyric? 

"You, look as good as the day I met you, I forget just why I left you, I was insane. Stay, and play that Blink-182 song, that we beat to death in Tuscon, okay."

Closer - The Chainsmokers
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10. I Can't Live Without You - Owl City

Owl City strikes again! I first heard this song on a playlist a friend of mine made me. I think I listened to it about 15 times before I let myself move on to the next song... Oops!

So, what lyric just sticks out so perfectly for Tainted? Check it out:

"You're my only wish for a dream come true. When it goes like this, will you come to my rescue? You're the only hope, that I'm clinging to. Well, I hope you know, I can't live without you!"

It's just something about those lyrics and the pure elecrtifying sound that is so iconic of Owl City, it makes my heart melt and my feet tap.

The amount of times I've danced crazily around in my apartment to this song... it's too many to count.

Enjoy!

Can't Live Without You - Owl City
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11. I Won't - Colbie Callait 

The first time I heard this song was while watching Pretty Little Liars when I TOTALLY should have been studying for my finals... Opps.

Anyway, the second I heard this song I was hooked! Colby does an incredible job of conveying the emtion of unrequited love. You can practically feel the emotion behind her lyrics and in her haunting melodies. 

So, why does this remind me of Tainted? Well, I'll let you in on a little secret. This song is the first song that isn't from Faye's point of view. Can you guess who this song is meant for?

"When you took my heart, you took it all. When you gave it back, it fell apart. So, I won't do what you told me, I won't do what you said. No, I'm not gonna stop feeling, I'm not gonna forget. I'm not gonna pretend that you are not my lover, that you're only my friend."

Once Moonlight is released, you'll know for sure!

I Won't - Colbie Callait
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12. Unsteady - x ambassadors

I first heard this song while I was driving to the grocery store because I ran out of toothpaste. I couldn't help myself. I was immediately transported into the darkened world of Tainted. The lyrics are magical and I just couldn't deny the fact that this song by the X Ambassadors fits so perfectly with Faye, Jack and Gabe. 

What's my favorite lyric?

"If you love me, don't let go."

It might be short and to the point, but it's perfect. Who is this lyric meant for? 

Well, you'll just have to wait and find out!

Unsteady - X Ambassadors
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13. Say You Won't Let Go - James Arthur

I have to admit: I'm pretty sure I've listened to this song at least 50,000 times. At least. I just can't seem to get over it. I just started a Spotify subscription last month and since starting, there's this "Discover Weekly" option where new music that Spotify thinks I'd enjoy is played on my stations...

And that's when I discovered this song. 

"I knew I loved you then, but you'd never know. 'Cause I played it cool when I was scared of letting go. I knew I needed you, but I never showed, I wanna stay with you until we're gray and old."

AWWWW! <3

Can you guess who this is meant for?

Say You Won't Let Go - James Arthur
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14. Dancing On My Own - Calum Scott (Tiesto Remix)

Have you ever listened to a song and it just struck you? Ya know, the type of song that just resonated with exactly what you were in feeling in that moment? Well, this is one of those songs for me. 

I first heard a remix of the original Robyn song on the TV show SMASH. Since then, I've always loved the song. The reason why I chose this song for Tainted was because of the viewpoint. The original song was in the viewpoint of a girl, but this remix by Calum Scott is in a guy's point of view, which I think adds a little something. I can definitely picture Jack feeling the same feelings I felt when I first heard this song.

"I'm in the corner, watching you kiss her, I'm right over here, why can't you see me? I'm giving it my all, but I'm not the guy you're taking home. I keep dancing on my own."

Dancing On My Own - Calum Scott (Tiesto Remix)
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15. Perfect Strangers - Jonas Blue

This song was a hit for me from the second I heard it. What's my favorite thing about it? 

The potential of what COULD happen.

"Maybe we're perfect strangers. Maybe it's not forever. Maybe the night will change us. Maybe we'll stay together."

Perfect Strangers - Jonas Blue
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16. I Won't Let You Walk Away - Mako feat. Madison Beers (Lost Kings)

"I'm just a lighter without a spark, take a bullet right straight through the heart. Oh, I've made my mistakes, but I won't let you walk away!"

Who might this be for? Hmm...

I Won't Let You Walk Away - Mako Feat. Madison Beers (Lost Kings)
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Ghosts That We Knew - Mumford & Sons
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All You Wanted - Michelle Branch
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