I don’t think songs quoted in novels necessarily reflect the author’s taste. They’re there because a particular scene needs them.

SATURNO is filled with music. Songs playing on the radio, at parties, or simply mentioned in conversation.

Honestly, I have no idea whether book playlists are actually a thing. Probably. Or maybe not. Either way, I decided to make one.

🎵 Playlist Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4sjNOwpL3n2sOcjgTvNc1a

🎵 Baby Jane – Rod Stewart

The song playing on Mariana’s clock radio every morning at 6:45 a.m. Yes, based on annoyingly real life.

🎵 To Sir, With Love – Lulu

Classic Edu. Equal parts humor and romance. He chooses this song to dance with Mariana in 1985. The lyrics are a direct nod to the student-teacher relationship.

Fun fact: John Paul Jones, later of Led Zeppelin, wrote the string arrangement back in 1967, and to me it’s still the best part of the song.

🎵 Got My Mind Set on You – George Harrison

With Jessica singing along at that unforgettable party in 1988.

🎵 Father Figure – George Michael

How could it not be here? It feels as though it was written for this novel, for that party, for that dance… and for everything that happens that night in 1988.

This one’s a personal favorite.

🎵 It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over – Lenny Kravitz

At Tomás’s graduation party, the song is never mentioned by name. Instead, Edu says, “It ain’t over till it’s over. Isn’t that the name of the song that’s playing?”

I’m beginning to think this novel has far too many parties…

🎵 Moon River – Henry Mancini

Imagine it played by a music box.

🎵 Wonderwall – Oasis

Playing on Daniel’s car radio the moment he enters the story.

It’s so Daniel.

🎵 A Estrada – Cidade Negra

Few songs capture the shift in mood, the beginning of a new chapter, and Mariana and Daniel’s afternoons on the road so perfectly.

🎵 A Paz – Gilberto Gil

The live version playing in Daniel’s car that late afternoon, right after the pamonha truck.

🎵 Let It Happen – Tame Impala

Another SATURNO party. This time, near the end of the novel, during the launch of Debug… which will soon become a novel of its own.

🎵 BONUS: Where or When – Benny Goodman

If SATURNO were a movie, this is the song I’d want playing over the final scene.