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solaestial · 21 days ago

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Thinking of You - A Chrissell Playlist

Youtube | Spotify (note that Spotify is missing a few songs)

My playlist for Chris and Russell that I've been adding to and adjusting for months! Expect quite a lot of headcanon, with there not being a lot between them established in the game to work from, and a likely somewhat strengthened view of their relationship, with this being a ship playlist and all haha (but also though while I call it that, a lot isn't explicitly romantic either, even if I see it that way myself). I put a lot into sorting the songs with both a fairly canon-based progression of the lyrics/story and a natural flow of sound in mind, so please listen in order if you're able to!

Note that not remotely all songs I associate with them fit were able to fit into here, so I may make other playlists for them eventually too.

Tracklist: (with explanations, so VERY LONG POST warning)

It's completely up to you whether you want to listen to the playlist on its own first, read through here alongside listening, or not read the explanations at all and simply judge through your own interpretations of the songs in relation to them! The 🎨 emojis link to the artworks I've drawn so far inspired by said songs in the playlist.

Track 1. I'm glad you're evil too by Pinocchio-P (🎨)

Russell POV - A heartwarming song in introduction to the playlist, of the fond memories in their friendship and camaraderie within their delinquent lifestyles. Being "bad people" within society.

Track 2. Namid[A]me by Hitorie (🎨)

Russell POV - An optimistic song, for when possibly first meeting Chris. The carefree boy's liveliness melting through Russell's cold and closed-off walls, and the latter feeling confusingly captivated. A sense of hope for something ordinary.

Track 3. Young Hearts by Strange Talk

Chris POV - Another optimistic song. The two having fun together. Finding delight in the freedoms they find, and feeling young.

Track 4. Lowlife by That Poppy

Russell POV mainly, but a bit of Both - More down to earth, as a song for the two of them finding comfort and a bit of lighter joy despite their hard lives through each other's company. They're the highlights of each other's 'low-lives'.

Track 5. Cigarettes & Feelings by The Haunt

Alternating POVs - Another song of enjoying each other's company in a down to earth, but fresh and fond way. A feeling of prediction for an unhappy ending weaves through the words of the lyrics, but with them being unable help but enjoy each other despite that. I'll admit this one is more of a strong and vivid vibe for them than anything to me. I'd really like to draw something for them inspired by it at some point.

Track 6. The Sweet Escape (🎨) by Poets of the Fall

Russell POV - Feeling at peace around Chris, and wishing to escape from his parents and everything else together to somewhere far away.

Track 7. Are You Bored Yet? by Wallows

Chris POV primarily. Russell for the song's bridge - This is one I'd really still like to draw something for sometime. A sweet but somewhat sad song. Chris wanting to spend time with Russell, but feeling a sense of distance from him and a lack in communication. Chris wanting him to open up, while Russell doesn't understand his own feelings enough to either.

Track 8. Heart by Jessie Early (🎨)

Russell POV - Russell wanting Chris' company, to confide in and escape to him, but not being able to take initiative. This one is easy to summarize, but it's one of my favorites honestly 😭

Track 9. Heather by Conan Gray (🎨)

Russell POV - (But I watch your eyes as she walks by // [...] She's such an angel // But then again, kinda wish she were dead // Wish I were ————") OH BOY. This song is an extent of an easy fit that I am OBSESSED with. Russell feeling an attachment or a crush of sorts to Chris that he isn't able to understand, but the boy's attention is always on Gardenia rather than him. Russell feeling jealous of Gardenia for even more reasons than those he was described to have killed her for in canon. A loving parent, happiness and a lavish life, his birthday, as well as the eyes of his only friend. Yet even after her death, Chris only mourns her instead, and Russell feels even farther away from him than before.

Track 10. Play Date by Melanie Martinez (🎨)

Chris POV - Chris feeling frustration towards Russell's increasing distance and coldness in their friendship. They still spend time together, but without any sense of connection from Russell, and Chris feels dragged around like merely a casual pastime and source of entertainment to escape to, and not an actual friend. He wants to help Russell, but has no idea what he wants or needs in any ways that he has power to give, and wishes he didn't care so much.

Track 11. The Run And Go by Twenty One Pilots (🎨)

Russell POV - Russell, still unwilling to burden Chris with his situation and troubles themselves, but giving in momentarily to his desire for the other's comfort and company. Either after possibly one of the literal murders, or after a time of especially harsh abuse from his parents (probably more likely). It fits well to me with the related dialogues in-game from Chris, as well as the offer for Russell to live with him that Russell must have declined.

Track 12. All Signs Point to Lauderdale by A Day to Remember

Chris POV - A fairly Chris-focused song in general, even if only really in a headcanon way. Disliking the city/town they live in, feeling disconnected in ways from his other friends, and not really knowing how to talk to Russell anymore.

Track 13. Nan Nan by Mass Of Fermenting Dregs (🎨)

Russell POV - All in all, a very Russell song. His emptiness, his longing, pain, and envy. As he walks together with Chris, Russell treads towards an unseen path of red, branching from Chris' into the further darkness of the blood he spills. The cold intensity of the music reflects Russell's own pain and impulse, as well as the chaos of the pain he causes perfectly to me.

Track 14. In The Dark by Cathedrals (🎨)

Chris POV - A heavier sequel to the air of Play Date. The more Russell kills unbeknownst to Chris, the more increasingly distant he drifts. Chris wants to help Russell, but can't seem to grasp him at all anymore—can't see him, can't find him or feel him. Russell's light left on in the lyrics of Heart is shut off. He's left to only offer out a hand that Russell won't take.

Track 15. Tsumi to Batsu by Shiina Ringo

Russell POV - This song... isn't honestly a Chrissell song at all to me haha, and I'd like to eventually replace it with something more fitting for them specifically if I'm ever able to. So it's mainly only here for the progression. But— as a Russell song, it's great. (My tiny little room with no place for me to even stand, indulges the loneliness I feel // Your voice was more precious to me than anything in the world. Did I make that hoarse too...? // Touch my body, all I need is this: acknowledge me) It represents the finale of Russell's life, returning from school to the death of Yumi by the hands his father, and the bloodbath from Russell that follows. All mixed in with the feelings of craving a mother's love—from his that would never give it, as well as possibly wishing it from Yumi. One 'mother' dead because of his perceived irresponsibility, and his real one by his own very hands, coated with blood, hatred, and the longing for what had never been.

Track 16. Revelations by Poets of the Fall (🎨)

Chris POV - (Bittersweet revelations, let the mirror come alive // Glorified sensation, your name in the headlines) While it's hard to say how much would've realistically been revealed publicly of Russell being the murderer, this song fairly straightforwardly paints the picture of Chris beholding that revelation himself. Even if the intended meaning behind the lyrics is definitely likely not so literal haha. The art I drew was of the moment being from the news on his television, but I can also picture it as something he pieced together himself in attempt to find answers, or through any other means. In addition, the song is a BANGER.

Track 17. Reversible Campaign by DECO*27 (🎨)

Primarily Russell POV but mixed/leaning towards Chris in the final chorus - This song is honestly hard to assign to any single point in time for them (in a way that I can imagine an entire video to it pretty much HAHA), and so a little less necessarily chronological-based to me in the playlist. Mainly, feelings of conflict—and in general—from Russell throughout their relationship as he indirectly destroys it through the murders, and while looking back on it later. Russell viewing any feelings between them as something surface level and mundane, or even fake, and telling himself that Chris is merely a minor regret, and nothing more. But no matter what there is on his end or Chris', none of it matters, because none of it can reach the other anymore regardless.

Track 18. Oh Raven (Sing Me A Happy Song) by Unlike Pluto (🎨)

Chris POV - Chris haunted by memories of Russell, feeling bitter over, hurt, and betrayed by him after learning or figuring out what he did. Representing the most hostile feelings I imagine Chris feeling at a point. Russell is regarded as a viscous villain as he regrets the entirety of their friendship, while feeling wounded and deceived.

Track 19. Sayonara End Roll by Eve

Russell POV - Another less entirely chronological one, reflecting Russell's thoughts and emotions within their friendship, as well as his life and mindset in general. The majority is focused on Chris and the past, but the later end brings things to the happy dream period, where he reflects on his feelings and begins experiencing the happiness within the dream. Especially as a more recent addition than others, I may end up moving this song to another spot later if I find somewhere better. Kind of crazy how well this song fits considering the name itself on its own 😭

Track 20. SLEEPWALK by Hitorie (🎨) - Link to Song Translation

Russell POV - Firstly, a BANGER, and one of my new favorite songs of all time. 🫶 I see this as both a Chrissell song, and a Russell song in general. Russell deeply wanting love, but not knowing how to be open, whilst Chris and everyone else he seeks it from—his mother, Dogma and Cody's mother, Tabasa in a manner, etc—have their eyes focused on others. He asks questions towards god of why there's no one beside him, sending out an SOS, only for his efforts to 'shine light on the gray of asphalt' in the end... The halfway or so point brings things fully to the happy dream, where he meets the memory created of Chris, and all the regrets are brought back to surface. With a fieriness throughout the song, he accepts that his pleas were for naught, yet feels driven to give love a spin regardless. ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL SONG AND LYRICS HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

Track 21. Ghost Strait by TadanoCo (🎨) - Link to Song Translation

Chris POV - Another fairly bitter song for Chris, but with conflicted feelings mixing within despite how badly he wants to simply hate him. Russell now pictured as a ghost haunting him and taunting him, Chris sees him in windows and reflections, and in the ripples of the ocean itself. He sees visions of a deeper Russell than the mere villain that would've made everything simpler. Chris shouts curses towards the apparitions, and the song occasionally mixes somewhat with Russell's side as they both acknowledge their regrets as well as wishes for the happier times they had together. Chris eventually through the loneliness and frustration, admits to a hope still that someday he can understand and be honest with his feelings.

Track 22. The Unknowing by Jfarrari (🎨)

Russell POV - A very self-reflecting song for Russell. Him meeting Chris in the Happy Dream, knowing his mind more clearly, and better understanding feelings he'd felt in their friendship previously. The song lyrics acknowledge an innate fear of the unknown and the loss of control that relates easily to Russell's violent impulses in general. He questions if it'd ever been right for them to have the bond they did from the start, knowing that Chris would've probably been better off without ever knowing him.

Track 23. Yowamushi Mont Blanc by DECO*27 (🎨) - Link to Song Translation

Alternating POVs - While Chris begins to make peace with the heavy, complicated feelings over Russell, the two both look back on their relationship with a bittersweet acceptance. Chris somewhat bitterly acknowledges how invisible Russell felt even when they were close, and how little he truly knew him. Knowing there's nothing he can change now, he convinces himself of wanting even just the truth from Russell. Russell's end, meanwhile, recollects all the feelings of sweetness, the indulgence he'd felt in their time together, and wishing that he could've conveyed things somehow. While Chris curses him through the hurt, Russell admits to a cowardliness as he surrenders to the fate he brought himself. This is a song I really wanted to draw a whole video to for them at one point HAHA. Can't say whether it'll ever happen by now, but the way I've ended up viewing the different points of the lyrics might've been influenced by all the planning for that.

Track 24. On the Frontline by Hitorie

Russell POV - Definitely a more upbeat sound and impression with this one. Russell acknowledges how far the illusions of the Happy Dream have taken him, while feeling the weight of the regret and how helpless he is to fix anything he did. That the scars he did upon others won't simply heal, and that he can only hope that they'll be able to move onward still. He wills himself to not let go of everything he learned through the dream. Honestly writing this out makes me realise there's like, nothing actually directly connecting it to Chrissell, OOPS. Might go better on my Russell playlist instead.

Track 25. Flashback, Francesca by Hitorie (🎨) - Alternate translation

Chris POV - (Songs only they can hear... The frequency only 'Fransesca' knows) Chris is filled with a sense of loneliness, haunted not by taunting ghosts of Russell any longer, but the simple sad lacking of the friend he lost, and a sense of emptiness remaining. The simple fact that Russell was gone. Thoughts of deeper feelings he'd never let himself entertain while they knew each other itch inside his chest. A deep sense of sadness and loss permeates through the song. Chris wonders about all the things relating to Russell he'd never known about, wishing he could ask him, all while a bitterness remains at how suddenly and silently Russell had gone away. I'll admit this is one of my favorite fits for them.

Track 26. Haunted House by Florence + The Machine

Russell POV - A fairly short and straightforward one, largely of Russell reflecting further on his own heart, but while fondness of memories with Chris drift through his mind with a heavy weight.

Track 27. The Night We Met by Lord Huron (🎨)

Chris POV - Chris through the hurt and yearning, wanting nothing more than to go back. To return to the time he first met Russell and never have become so close to him. To even just see him again, or have a chance at improving things.

Track 28. Autumn Has Come by The Coral

Chris POV - Another sad Chris one! Simply lamenting the end of all the pleasant times they'd had, and feeling the effect on himself of everything he'd lost. Everything around him feels less alive, dying like the green in the coming of autumn.

Track 29. Usotsuki (Liar) by Mezame-P (🎨) - Link to Song Translation

Alternating POVs - Them both thinking of each other and missing each other. Russell wanting to see Chris, satiates the yearning sadly through the illusion of him in his dream. Chris dreams of Russell's disappearance, feeling emotionally worn, sad, and alone. They both tell themselves they're alright, because there's nothing they can do about it, until the song ends with Russell's final feelings of fondness as he approaches his ending. I'd found this song through the MMD motion it has, and plan to make their models dance to it hehe!

Track 30. Midnight/0 o’clock At Late Night by Hitorie - Link to Song Translation

Primarily Russell POV - Moving things back into a faster paced beat with this one, as a somewhat more standalone addition probably, unless viewed in a more figurative way. It's a little harder to figure out how to describe because of that, so for now, I'll just suggest to give the lyrics a read because it definitely gives a Chrissell vibe.

Track 31. The Knack by Mother Mother

Russell POV - Russell, and love. It fits somewhat for his eventual feelings in general of wishing to get to love and understand someone also, but in this case, the focus is on most of all wishing he knew how to love how other people did, and for knowing how to love Chris. An impatient feeling of just 'wanting to have the knack'.

Track 32. Aitai no End by YM (🎨)

Russell POV - (I want to see you. I want to see you, but— You know, I wonder why? The sounds of our hearts don't resonate.) More longing!! Extra strong here! This explanation will be mostly just reworded from what I wrote under the art I drew based off it, but the feeling is one of Russell reflecting within himself over Chris through the Informant, as an existence who serves as Russell's usual guidance while representing a more straightforward and understanding part of his heart and mind. He misses Chris so deeply, but knows that there's no way of going back, alongside a feeling of having wanted to spend more time with Chris before, but having felt held back. He realises that he loves him and wants to love him, but all he can do now is acknowledge the feeling of having ruined what they had. There is no happy ending left for them. His 'cold heart crumbles apart'.

Track 33. Give Me Back That Youth by Kanzaki Iori - Link to Song Translation

Alternating POVs - (I should’ve hurt you more. I should’ve forgiven you more. I wanted to hold you in my arms more. There must’ve been something that could’ve been saved with just that. Yet… I didn’t tell you anything. I couldn’t ask you anything. Anything…) Initially, I'd thought of this as a Chris POV song, but it really works best as a mix of them both. Through the powerful and emotional music, the two feel a sadness, frustration and bitterness over their lives, and deep regret, alongside an essence of simply missing their days together despite the many imperfections there were. Chris wants back the youthful feeling of those days, while they both regret that they hadn't reached out to each other more.

Track 34. Mirror by Hitorie

Primarily Chris POV - Between the differences and lack of deeper understanding they have of each other, Chris wishing he knew Russell better, and Russell feeling the same towards him, while Chris finally gives in to an uninhibited sadness. Part of him just doesn't even care about any of it. Even if it wasn't right to miss Russell so much, he still really does.

Track 35. Gomennasai by t.A.T.u.

Russell POV - Russell's feelings and regrets he likely felt over Chris by a ways into the Happy Dream, word for word. Understanding now how real and precious what they had was and being able to appreciate it in its fullest, he acknowledges how much he wishes he still had him, and can only apologize now in his heart for everything. I imagine a lot of things probably prevented Russell from reaching out more to and connecting more deeply with Chris, from the feeling of not wanting to burden him, to his own difficulties with his emotions and relationships, and a possible feeling too of insignificance and envy over both Chris' many other friends and crush on Gardenia. He didn't let himself acknowledge the full comfort and peace their friendship would've been able to provide, until it was finally far too late.

Track 36. Colder Heavens by Blanco White

Mixed POV - A very interwoven combination between both of their emotions, where the lyrics have their meanings for the two in their own both individual and mutual ways. It's hard to summarize as well past that really, so I really recommend just giving it a good listen because GOD it's amazing and just a really beautiful fit for them imo. If I can find a more in-depth way to describe it that does it justice, I'll update this when I do. The first verse and chorus I'd say are more Chris-focused, while the second verse and chorus are more Russell-focused, but the lines mix in a lot of places.

Track 37. Good Luck by Broken Bells

Primarily Chris POV - A song for Chris communicating through his heart of wanting the best for Russell, and hoping that he can eventually still find a better path and get to live it, somehow. The beginning of verse two is also a piece of Russell's side as he goes through the rehabilitation experiment before it returns back to Chris. While I may not be able to ramble about this one as much as some others through it being fairly simple and therefore easy to summarize, it's one of my favorite songs for them, and one I just really really love in general.

Track 38. All That Matters by Blanco White

Primarily Chris POV - Moving further to a softer sound with this one, that is just absolutely pure romance to my heart and poetry to my ears. It's a less chronological-based inclusion, and aligned more with the past, but with a heavier aspect of emotion that makes it still feel a more suitable placement here. It carries a more wishfully optimistic air from Chris towards Russell. A deep part of him that always just wanted Russell to find comfort and happiness in spite of everything. In his heart, he wishfully carries him away from it all. The very end changes to Russell, who is too lost in everything and is unable to answer Chris' calls towards him.

Track 39. Choir of Cicadas by Poets of the Fall

Chris POV - Memories flow vividly through the city/town that they lived in, tinted with a nostalgic hue. Another one that's nice to just listen to and take in directly.

Track 40. Treasure I Once Held by Blanco White

Alternating/mixed POV - ('Cause I know there was more that you wanted us to share) While I'd initially thought of this as primarily Chris, it's really a mix of them both, and almost more Russell if anything. It becomes just a peaceful sadness of their feelings singing softly to each other. They'd both wanted more, and accept that understanding of each other despite there being no way to go back.

Track 41. Strange Illusions by The Coral

Chris POV - More memories, this time lingering more distant and scattered, like illusions of another world haunting Chris' vision as they become broader yet more faded. He sees ghosts of the murders Russell committed in his waking moments and his dreams, passes by the burnt church that used to be the one Russell would visit, sees Gardenia despite no longer even remembering her features, and simply feels deeply lost in a city that now feels too large and lonely. A part of him wishes he could just go away along with them.

Track 42. Re:verb by Sasanomaly (Link to song translation)

Primarily Russell POV - I'm a little stumped on where to best fit this song into the playlist despite how natural of a fit it is, but for now it's over here. The first half is the Russell of the past, where he curses his life while Chris remains kept at a cold emotional distance. The second half shifts to the present where he was made to face it all. He struggles to express his feelings even to the dream's illusion of Chris, and feels reluctant to part from him as well, yet still has to say goodbye. The end maybe shifts to Chris' side, who wishes more than anything that he could just forget it all. All of it with the fitting touch of a very puddle-filled theme haha.

Track 43. In Hell, Let's Meet Again by Pinocchio-P

Chris POV - Chris' final song in the playlist. The lyrics themselves express the sentiment best, so it's another I recommend just giving a listen. A sad sequel for them to the first song in the playlist.

Track 44. Kaze, Hana by Hitorie (Alternate translation)

Russell POV - (Goodbye o’ wind, o’ flowers. O’ our stories which will never cross again. The fact that you were such a nice person to me… I’ll hold it close to my chest as I fall asleep.) Russell's final goodbye to Chris, with a fondness, gratitude, and a wish that he could've been a kinder person like him.

Huge thanks and congrats to anyone who made it this far in reading and listening!! I'm sure there's things that I'll change or add to in time with both the explanations and the playlist itself, but either way, I hope you enjoyed! Sorry if any places might've gotten a little repetitive with the themes eventually. There's just too many songs to work with that I didn't want to leave out 🥺 There's still more songs in it that I have active plans to draw things based on, so expect those hopefully eventually! I'll update with links here whenever I do more.

Lastly, have Used To Know by Lord Huron as a still sad, but slightly more hopeful bonus to heal your heart a little with HAHA, at least compared to where things end normally. It's very Russell, and to me somewhat gives a sense of a possible new beginning. Makes me think of a pretty far out and extra supernatural sort of multi-dimensional/time travely AU that I'm tempted to try and develop based around the lyrics. Alongside some other songs in the album (such as this for Chris' side).

#end roll #chrissell #kurirase #playlist #chris (end roll)#russell seager #non-art tag #i started this like half a year ago SOBBBBB while the playlist itself was mostly done way before that even #i already yapped in the post itself so i'll probably chill over here at least #can you tell how normal i am about them.............#fun fact is that that picture i put in the post and as cover art for the playlist i initially drew with that in mind pretty much #that's how long i've had this playlist in progress for 😭#ignore that it's still only like half the length of the russell playlist....#it was easier finding stuff for that i guess bc there's more to work with #i've listened through it so much and find so much comfort in it #so i hope whoever listens enjoys it even a fraction of that amount too <333

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