10 Things I Hate About You is the perfect rom-com. It’s full of great lines, plays with a modern Shakespearean adaptation, and contains a sweet and genuine portrayal of teenage romance. It’s easily watched again and again, with many (I among them) listing it as one of their comfort movies. Its top tier status is not up for debate…what is up for exploration is the kind of music Kat Stratford would burn onto a Valentine’s Day CD for her beloved Patrick Verona.
Collected here is an estimation of the songs Kat Stratford might pick for Patrick Verona in a classically nineties Valentine’s Day mix.
- “I See” by Letters to Cleo
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In the film, Letters to Cleo is Kat’s favorite band, so she would definitely pick at least one song from them. She goes to their Seattle show, and it’s the first time in the movie that we see Kat genuinely happy. It’s also the first time Patrick really approaches Kat in her own space. It’s a beginning, of sorts!
- “Beautiful One” by The Cardigans
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According to the movie, The Cardigans are one of Kat Stratford’s favorite bands. So this song, in which singer Nina Persson sings so lovingly, would be perfect for a CD to Patrick from Kat.
- “Les and Ray” by Le Tigre
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Kat is definitely influenced by the riot grrrl movement of the 90s. But rather than going for Bikini Kill in a Valentine’s CD, she might choose a more mellow descendant of the movement like the band Le Tigre.
- “In Love” by The Raincoats
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Kat mentions The Raincoats at several points throughout the movie, so it would make sense that she would pick one of their “love” songs for Patrick. This song is complex, abrasive, and entirely suited to Kat.
- “The Weakness in Me” by Joan Armatrading
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Okay, so yes, Kat listens to this song after Patrick breaks her heart, but it would serve as a good reminder of their journey, and the song is just beautiful!
- “Lovefool” by The Cardigans
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Another classic by The Cardigans! This one would make for an appropriate dance break, not unlike Kat’s famous table top dance.
- “Iris” by The Goo Goo Dolls
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In all this eclecticism, Kat has to choose at least one classic 90s love ballad. This song definitely fits the bill!
- “Fullscreen” by Adult Mom
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Though this song is more contemporary, the vibes are pure Kat Stratford. Making Patrick just a little uncomfortable is all the fun of Valentine’s Day!
- “I Want You to Want Me” by Letters to Cleo
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Yes, a second Letters to Cleo song! This one serves as a quasi-anthem for the film, and the band performs it on top of the school as the credits roll at the end of the movie, so this list would feel incomplete without it!
- “Linger” by The Cranberries
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The Cranberries seem right up Kat’s alley, and the lyrics of the song align with the story so well. This would be Kat’s closer.