• Crystal Mixtapes #2: Pearl


    Hello! Little Ursa here with the return of Crystal Mixtapes, where I will share my opinions of pairing music with the characters in Steven Universe! And, of course, I insist everyone else share their opinions as well! Today, we will be looking at Pearl and what music I think might work well with the spear-wielding Crystal gem.


    (Now remember, this is an opinion based article of Little Ursa pairing songs that he believes reflect the character. You are more than welcome to share your feedback in the comments, and even share what songs you might think could work. Click on the song title to listen, and on the musician name to go to learn more about them.)

    Pearl is an emotional character who is known for pulling at our heartstrings. Sometimes too much (the first episode I legitimately cried while it was playing was 'Rose's Scabbard'. It hurt me bad). With her desire to be the best she can for Rose and trying to be the best role model for Steven, I tried my best to capture these items along with others when selecting the following songs.

    1. "Good Grief" by Bastille

    This seems to be a song that really reflects Pearl well. Particularly the line "What's going to be left of the world if you're not in it?" It's very evident that Pearl misses Rose and this pop-y but wistful song captures the long very well.

    2. "New Slang" by The Shins

    I see Pearl as someone who, while it doesn't entirely show, she is a bit dissatisfied with how things are in her life. She was perfectly happy with no real plans other than staying with Rose. Now, she is "looking in on the good life" that she is "doomed never to find".

    3. "Drive My Soul" by Lights

    This song by Lights seems perfect for Pearl. The narrator asks how they will be able to survive without the assistance of another.

    4. "The Air" by The Rural Alberta Advantage

    I have little to say about this song other than just give this a listen. To me, it speaks far more with it's music than the lyrics, while the lyrics do have some reflection.

    5. "I Will Follow" by U2

    This song seems to perfectly capture Pearl's relationship with Rose. She will follow Rose with little to no question, even if it means she can never return to Homeworld.

    6. "Vinternoll2" by Kent

    While this song might have Swedish lyrics, it still reflects Pearl in that she sees herself as weak and in need of help. This isn't just pertaining to Rose, bur rather for Garnet and Amethyst as well. (The video does contain a translation to English.)

    7. "Ordinary World" by Duran Duran

    The chorus alone made me choose this song. If this isn't Pearl, I don't know what is.

    8. "All I Ask" by Adele

    This song seems like it's in slow motion, almost trying to prolong the evening, trying to prolong one final dance. Adele's emotion seems to fit Pearl very well.

    9. "Teardrop" by José González

    A song originally performed by Massive Attack and known for being the opening of House, this stripped down acoustic version performed by the frontman of the band Junip creates something that . González's soft melody and classical guitar really adds to the haunting theme of the lyrics.

    10. "Untitled #3" by Sigur Rós

    This song, also called "Samskeyti" by the band, seems to really standout to me for Pearl. It starts with a low organ that starts as the foundation then accompanied with a piano riff that is then played with various strings. Slowly, it builds and creates so much emotion. I highly recommend giving this song a listen.

    11. "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac

    One of Fleetwood Mac's most famous songs, it seems perfect for Pearl, who had literally built her life around Rose.

    12. "Your Hand In Mine" by Explosions In The Sky

    Those of who you have watched Friday Night Lights might recognize this song. Due to this being a beautiful instrumental, I will just say listen to this "cathartic mini-symphony" Also, a little tid-bit, I do believe that the title of the album this song is from, The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place, seems like a line Rose might have said.

    13. "Don't Dream It's Over" by Crowded House

    The best-known song by Crowded House, this 80s ballad really captures a sense of loss that Pearl has without Rose in her life.

    14. "Train In Vain (Stand By Me)" by Annie Lennox

    Lastly, we have one more cover, this time by the frontwoman of the Eurythmics. This song, originally written and performed the punk band The Clash, gives a soulful rendition of a song about love and lost.


    Albums from the listed songs in chronological order

    And that will do it for the first Crystal Mixtape! I do hope you enjoyed giving the songs a listen. But what are some song selections you think that would be fitting for Pearl?