10 Pop Songs For Fantasy Book Lovers

Cheyenne Johnson
Jul 26
4 min read

A picture of a foggy forest with the article's title in the center.

With a rise in the popularity of reading fantasy novels in recent years, it only makes sense to explore music to match the genre. We all long to escape from reality sometimes, losing ourselves in fantastical stories or through the songs we blare from our headphones. From Halsey to Lord Huron to Florence + The Machine, there are a plethora of tracks to create the perfect fantasy-inspired playlist to accompany the harrowing adventures depicted in your favorite stories. If you're looking for songs to take you on an epic journey, join us as we talk about these "10 Pop Songs For Fantasy Book Lovers."

10. Halsey - "Castle"

Originally recorded for her debut album, Badlands, Halsey's "Castle" was later re-recorded for the soundtrack for The Huntsman: Winter's War and released in 2016. The track is an intense electropop hit, depicting conflict within a kingdom over a cinematic soundscape of lush instrumentals, impactful percussion, and an ominous, lush choir. It's the perfect accompaniment for any fantasy book delving into political unrest or battles of epic proportions.

9. Nothing But Thieves - "Holding Out For a Hero"

Covering Bonnie Tyler's 1984 power pop hit, Nothing But Thieves reimagined this track with their version of "Holding Out For a Hero," recorded for the television series Vikings. The English indie band ditched the song's heavy use of exuberant synths, turning the peppy '80s tune into something dark and suspenseful. Full of tension and mystery, Nothing But Thieves' "Holding Out For a Hero" sounds like the ultimate setup for a fantasy setting, foreshadowing some of the darker days to come when someone might need to call upon a hero to save them.

8. Ruelle - "Madness"

The titular track on her second studio album, Ruelle's "Madness" stays true to the artist's huge, grand cinematic sound, being one of many of her songs that could be included on this list. "Madness" has rightfully been featured on several soundtracks and trailers, including shows like Siren and Behind Her Eyes. With the track's immersive, pulse-pounding soundscape, it's no surprise that "Madness" is on this list as it sonically paints the perfect picture for a monumental fantasy battle.

7. Lord Huron - "Ends of the Earth"

A softer, more tender entry on this list, Lord Huron's "Ends of the Earth" gives us an indie/folk-pop song that delves into themes of love and adventure. The track comes from the band's debut studio album, outlining the story of our main character asking his lover to see the world with him and go on a journey into the unknown. Between the song's folk composition and the romantic narrative, "Ends of the Earth" is an excellent addition to a fantasy playlist as it captures the cute, swoon worthy feelings we have for certain character relationships in a book.

6. Ed Sheeran - "I See Fire"

Commissioned for the soundtrack of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Ed Sheeran's "I See Fire" rounds out this list with a haunting folk-pop ballad. The tender track evokes feelings of sinking despair as the movie comes to a close, giving us an amazingly beautiful song that captures the essence of all hope being lost and overwhelming grief that is often felt in emotional fantasy stories.

5. Lorde - "Everybody Wants To Rule The World"

Reimagining Tears For Fears' 1985 synth-pop hit, Lorde put a new spin on "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" with her 2013 rendition for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. The artist takes the song's original peppy sound and turns it on its head, creating a foreboding electropop soundscape dripping with tension as it builds into a fiery conclusion. Embodying the darker, suspenseful side of pop, Lorde's "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" fits well into the world of dystopian fantasy, proving itself to be worthy of accompanying thrilling, action-packed stories.

4. Billie Eilish - "you should see me in a crown"

A song perfect for plotting world dominance, Billie Eilish's "you should see me in a crown" is a different take on songs that would go well with fantasy novels. The track comes off her debut studio album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, and is an addictive mix of electropop, industrial, and trap. Oozing suspense over a fast-paced, dark soundscape, Eilish creates a compelling accompaniment for a morally grey character striving to take down a kingdom.

3. Alex Warren - "Ordinary"

A BookTok/Bookstagram sensation, Alex Warren's chamber pop hit "Ordinary" gives us a taste of romantasy in song form. The track is love incarnate, translating feelings of loving someone extraordinary and how that feels otherworldly. Given that plenty of fantasy and romantasy novels feature powerful, swoon worthy stories of falling in love with someone out of this world, Warren's "Ordinary" put those feelings into sound and creates a truly immersive love song to fall head over heels for.

2. Hozier - "First Light"

Often referred to as a majestic forest nymph, it's no surprise that much of Hozier's catalog is well-suited for the fantasy genre. One such song of Hozier's is "First Light" from his 2023 album, Unreal Unearth. The track embodies light at the end of a tunnel, serving as the album's climax after a daunting journey through the circles of Hell in Dante's Inferno. A hymn-like folk-pop song, "First Light" combines Hozier's arresting, otherworldly voice with rich harmonies and lush instrumentals that convey a sense of liberation, celebration, and relief that often comes at the conclusion of an emotional fantasy adventure.

1. Florence + The Machine - "Seven Devils"

Coming from another artist with a plethora of fantasy-appropriate songs, Florence + The Machine's "Seven Devils" wraps up this list in an explosive way. The indie-pop track comes from Florence + The Machine's 2011 album, Ceremonials, sounding like a battle cry as a heroine vows to burn a kingdom to the ground to enact revenge against someone who has wronged her. Perfect for a fight, "Seven Devils" features a rousing, impassioned soundscape that blends cinematic, dramatic instrumentals with Florence Welch's powerful, commanding vocals.

Did you hear any songs on this list that you love? Are there any you would add to this list? Let us know on our socials!

Written By Cheyenne Johnson