It’s that time again! The Black Wolf Series: Book Three will be entering its first round of beta reading soon, so I thought I’d pop in to share the playlist that has inspired it all.
As you probably know, if you’ve been following along, I love putting together playlists for my books.
Image by Pexels via Pixabay
I’ve been eager to share this one with you. It gives some fabulous hints about what you’re in for with Book Three, and it’s full of the heart and emotion I’m hoping to bring you.
The songs here chose me like they normally do.
I was just talking to OF last night about the range of genres on this playlist. I’m so glad he recognized the broad scope here because that’s one of the things I was going for. I aimed for a unified tone throughout but wanted to introduce some new, lesser-known stuff and pay tribute to some old and current hits.
Standouts are tough for this one because I really spent some time on the cultivation of this list. If I had to pick, I’d point you to these:
“Please Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” — originally performed by the fabulous Nina Simone, though I’ve chosen the cover by Meshell Ndegeocello. This version fit the overall theme of the playlist, but I absolutely recommend you check out the original. This is one of the first songs that came to me for this playlist. So, so good!
“Wolf” by Losco. I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: this Black Wolf project has introduced me to So. Much. great music! Losco is one of my new favorites. You can find more of their stuff on their SoundCloud page.
“May I Have This Dance” by Francis and the Lights. Do you kinda want to feel like you’re listening to Phil Collins, but like, maybe a Phil Collins who is somehow brain-sharing with a dude from Oakland? Well, my friend, I’ve got you covered. Bonus points: if you also dig Chance the Rapper and want to hear an awesome collaboration, check out the remix that features him.
Wow–I could go on and on with this one. ZZ Ward and Grace Potter both lend a heap of kickassery here. Gavin Mikhail doesn’t disappoint with TWO songs on this one! And Twin Atlantic slows things down from their usual alt rock. Gotta love Sam McTrusty’s accent–it gives Ren something to strive for!
I’m including purchase links to the songs from the Book Three playlist below. You can listen to the whole playlist in order, too, over on Spotify.
Paris (Ooh La La) — Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
Please Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood — Meshell Ndegeocello
Cowards — Raleigh Ritchie
Gravity — Dirk Maassen
Wasted Youth — Sody & Martin Luke Brown
Wolf — Losco
Gorgeous — X Ambassadors
Drunk (Acoustic) — Gavin Mikhail
Closer — Cape Cub
A Scar to Hide — Twin Atlantic
Over You (feat. A Great Big World) — Ingrid Michaelson
9 Crimes — Damien Rice
Hell Of A Girl — Grace
If It’s Not Me — Tyler Ward
About You Now — Meadowlark
Where Are You — The Moderates
Can We Work It Out — Gordi
Never Knock — Kevin Garrett
Speak — Ben Abraham
Let’s Hurt Tonight — OneRepublic
Two Is Better Than One — Gavin Mikhail
Rock Bottom — Hailee Steinfeld, DNCE
Say You Won’t Let Go — James Arthur
Your Love Could Start a War — The Unlikely Candidates
Atlas: Body — Sleeping At Last
Love 3x — ZZ Ward
May I Have This Dance — Francis and the Lights
Wolves of Winter — Biffy Clyro
You Are In Love — Travis Atreo
Let me know what you think of the playlist! Do you have any predictions for Book Three based on the songs here?
J. E. Martin Books 
I have to tell you all. WOLVES by LOSCO is likely my new jam. A few of these songs…well as a musician for a living, music is super important to me and occasionally I get the distinct privilege to recommend a piece or two for the soundtrack…even if I don’t realize I’m doing it. Usually, I’m just saying “listen to this beauty” but every now and then they show up. The opening song…that was one of those moments and I think it is the most PERFECT song there could possibly be for this book. I’m curious what you think, fellow readers!