October 25, 2010

When you need to feel: angry

Writers often need to mimic the emotions of their characters in order to write authentically. One of the best ways to do this is to surround yourself with the right type of music, so welcome to part II of my new series, When You Need To Feel.

Click for Part I, Sadness.

(Note this is angry music, not sadistic or violent. In researching this post, I came across many angry songs and bands I consider kinda sick or just don't listen to and thus didn't have a reference point for them. They are not included, obviously.)

This was a tough emotion to find songs for since I don't naturally listen to a lot of angry music, but here's what I'd listen to if I needed to feel angry to write a scene. As always, add your suggestions in the comments!

Political anger:
  • Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue by Toby Keith
  • Dear Mr. President by P!NK
  • Mosh by Eminem
  • Not Ready to Make Nice by The Dixie Chicks
Break-up-induced anger:
  • Before He Cheats by Carrie Underwood
  • Call Me When You're Sober by Evanescence
  • Caught Out There by Kelis
  • Cry Me a River by Justin Timberlake
  • Ex-Girlfriend by No Doubt
  • Fighter by Christina Aguilera
  • Gives You H*ll by All-American Rejects
  • Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac
  • Hate Me by Blue October
  • How Do You Like Me Now by Toby Keith
  • If It Makes You Happy by Sheryl Crow
  • Love the Way You Lie by Eminem featuring Rihanna
  • My Happy Ending by Avril Lavigne
  • Never Again by Nickelback
  • Should've Said No by Taylor Swift
  • Skater Boi by Avril Lavigne
  • These Boots Are Made for Walkin' by Nancy Sinatra
  • You Oughta Know by Alanis Morrisette
  • You're So Vain by Carly Simon
Just-generally-a-bad-day anger:
  • Break Stuff by Limp Bizkit
  • Freak on a Leash by Korn
  • Last Resort by Papa Roach
  • The Way I Am by Eminem
  • I'm Shipping Up to Boston by Dropkick Murphys 
Self-righteous anger:
  • B**ch by Meredith Brooks
  • Bad Reputation by Joan Jett
  • Overprotected by Britney Spears
  • They Don't Care About Us by Michael Jackson

6 comments:

Marquita Hockaday said...

Oooh...you know I am loving this topic! I so wish it was something I thought of :( Anyway, great choices here. I can think of a few, but you might find them a little sick :) I heart your choices for "Just-generally-a-bad-day anger" which is the kind of anger I have on almost a daily basis. Korn, Papa Roach, and Eminem are some of my fave artists. Great post!

Sierra Gardner said...

I find that music can be helpful (really helpful!) but role playing is a big one for me too. Make sure not to do this around others (they will think you are crazy), but getting into the head of my MC and then expressing out loud their anger or frustration puts me right there. I often have to do my calm breathing exercises afterward =)

Pam Harris said...

I love this topic! You have some great choices. Eminem is great for venting. Another good one of his for a breakup would be Kim--then again, that one's a bit creepy. :) The band Chevelle has good angry music, too. Try listening to "Forfeit."

Lydia Kang said...

I love how you classified the angry songs! Perfect. Now I know where to go to when I'm in a certain angry mood and need the accompanying music.
Cool!

Claire Dawn said...

Great list!

Can I add one?
Misery Business by Paramore

Digital Kitsune said...

I second the Chevelle recommendation, but I'll suggest "I Get It".

I'll also add in few more songs:

Bullet For My Valentine - 4 Words (To Choke Upon)
A Day to Remember - Show 'Em The Ropes
3 Days Grace - I Hate Everything (About You)
From First To Last - The Latest Plague
Head Phones President - Chain
Rage Against The Machine - Guerrilla Radio
The Gazette - Filth in the Beauty
Dir en grey - CLEVER SLEAZOID

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