"Sounds of ABRAHAM" Book Playlist

I know, I know. It’s a book playlist. Some people love ‘em, some people hate ‘em. And making one for a sci-fi novel? But let me explain.

The idea to put together a playlist for ABRAHAM occurred to me after the book was published. I’d heard some songs (mostly while driving to work) that resonated with me and made me think about the book. Not only in terms of plot, but theme, setting, and — mostly — the characters. 

Ultimately, I found myself with three times as many songs on the playlist as I have now, so I cut it down, asking myself: which songs really belong in an ABRAHAM playlist? I also wanted my playlist to have some variety, both in genre, popularity, and tone. 

This playlist isn’t necessarily meant to be listened to while reading the book, so the songs don’t line up with particular chapters. They are, however, in a relative “order” that follows the events of the book. 

So why make a playlist in the first place? Because I enjoy listening to music! Plus, the right songs can do wonders to help boost my creativity. And, hopefully — if nothing else — you’ll enjoy the sound!

Here are links to the playlist on YouTube Music and Spotify. Below that is a list of songs, including a brief description about why I included each one. Happy listening!

Listen on YouTube Music

Listen on Spotify

Playlist:

Deep Water by American Authors

As soon as I first heard this song, I thought of Arthur. A man — boy, really — who is uncertain about his place. “Going for the title” but quickly overwhelmed by it all — and looking for someone to latch onto.

You Don’t Know How It Feels by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

The anthem of Arthur, Sarah, and Ali’s lives. All of them come from vastly different experiences and, despite their shared project, feel a deep and inherent disconnect from one another — one that seems almost impossible to bridge.

Alligator Sky by Owl City

Rocket launches above a Florida sky — few songs visualize that better for me. And, dreaming way out in space far above the sky, is Arthur's new best friend.

Cherry Blossom by Empire of the Sun

Arthur and Sarah have tumultuous lives, but when they’re together, the world seems at peace. Their love is unlikely, and yet to both of them, it feels mysteriously fated. (I also picked this song because the scent Sarah wears is cherry blossom — symbolizing the transience of life).

Waiting for the Sun by The Doors

The first three lines of this song are almost explanatory enough. At first flash of Eden / We race down to the sea / Standing there on freedom’s shore. While this song has many interpretations, for ABRAHAM, it symbolizes standing on the precipice of a solar-powered Eden and a preparedness for the “strangest life” they’ll ever know.

Galaxies by Owl City

It’s another Owl City song, but I couldn’t resist this one. As Arthur visits Neil, he struggles with the religion he’s been estranged from. But to Neil, the mysteries of the universe seem abundantly clear.

Everybody Wants To Rule The World by Tears for Fears

People accuse Sarah Stellos of wanting to conquer the Sun and, thus, control the world’s economy. It’s true that she wants to rule the world — but it’s not this one that she’s interested in.

Demons by Alec Benjamin

The characters all come from places of heartbreak and desperation, and all believe that they are trapped alone with these feelings — that is, until they find that “one” who they can latch onto. To me, ABRAHAM is fundamentally a story about mental health, and this song reminded me greatly of its characters.

Dangerous by Atwood

Sarah, Arthur, and Ali hurt each other badly and irreversibly. To Arthur and Ali, Sarah has forgotten what it is to be human; to Sarah, both Arthur and Ali have destroyed her chance at salvation. This notion comes with dangerous consequences.

Mr. Roboto by Styx

Okay, this selection was a tad predictable. But just like Mr. Roboto, Ali toils and sacrifices for an unaware and thankless populace, yet she houses a very human secret. This song is also one of non-conformity. It seeks to resist a domineering, mechanical control, and to protect one’s own humanity. Sound like someone we know?

Who I Am by The Score

ABRAHAM is about accepting one’s own identity, for better or worse. Arthur has flaws and makes mistakes, but by being true to who he is, he overcomes his challenges. Sarah is also true to who she is: someone who will do whatever it takes to have revenge and reach her paradise. And Ali is true to her found identity: not an unfeeling software, but a human.

Science & Faith by The Script

Before I wrote a single word of ABRAHAM, I knew that it was going to explore the intersection and conflict between science and faith. We can break down our world and its flaws to an unfeeling science, but how do we explain the souls inside us? And why are they so important to protect? You won’t find the answer inside a computer alone.

Thanks for reading & listening! Leave a comment with any songs that you would add to the playlist!