Member-only story
The Soundtrack to “Forever”: On Memoir, Music, and Remixing the YA Romance
Like many people, I spent the weekend binge-watching the Netflix series “Forever.” Growing up, I was a fan of young adult fiction, and as an OGJudy Blume fan, I will never forget the first time I discovered “Forever” in my middle school library. What struck me then, and still does now, is Judy Blume’s intention to tell a story about a girl and a boy having sex, without turning into a morality tale.
That resonance strikes even deeper when you consider the culture I grew up in, where narratives about sex, particularly for young Black girls, are frequently centered around warnings, abstinence, and the fear of pregnancy. Seeing Mara Brock Akil lead this series adaptation, with a predominantly Black cast, felt like more than just a casting decision; it was a statement about the unique sexual politics and burdens that continue to shape our communities.
But after finishing the series, I kept thinking about it. And while I was somewhat focused on the romance that unfolded, I was even more drawn to the soundtrack. The way R&B music wove…
