Edge Of Love, The - Various Artists

...have not yet seen The Edge of Love but the costumes and era is exactly my thing so I decided to splash out on the soundtrack.

The soundtrack contains original songs and score by Angelo Badalamenti who has been composing for films since 1973. His previous work has mostly included horror/thriller scores for some well-known movies (Mulholland Drive, The Beach etc.) The majority of the lyrics were written by the films Director, John Maybury.
...then you will absolutely adore this score. It's very pleasant and the pieces all flow together. I've had it on in the background while doing other things, which works brilliantly but turn it way up and the story comes alive. Many of the songs pertain to World War II which is an integral part of the film and its story. Badalamenti has really captured the excitement and terror of the bombs and has created very fitting music for each moment. My favourite ... more

As a huge fan of Keira Knightley I eagerly await each and every movement she makes. I have not yet seen The Edge of Love but the costumes and era is exactly my thing so I decided to splash out on the soundtrack.

The soundtrack contains original songs and score by Angelo Badalamenti who has been composing for films since 1973. His previous work has mostly included horror/thriller scores for some well-known movies (Mulholland Drive, The Beach etc.) The majority of the lyrics were written by the films Director, John Maybury.

Instrumentals
If you like the 40s then you will absolutely adore this score. It's very pleasant and the pieces all flow together. I've had it on in the background while doing other things, which works brilliantly but turn it way up and the story comes alive. Many of the songs pertain to World War II which is an integral part of the film and its story. Badalamenti has really captured the excitement and terror of the bombs and has created very fitting music for each moment. My favourite piece is 'Under Fire' which has made me cry each time I've heard it. It is terribly tragic with such beautiful melody. I find music is very emotive and I believe this piece will have many people reaching for the tissues.

Vocals
The soundtrack features performances from Patrick Wolf, Madeleine Peyroux, Siouxsie, Beth Rowley and Keira Knightley. Siouxsie sings 'Careless Love' which is an off-centre cabaret piece, very much suited to her voice. Unfortunately it has not yet been published what Wolf, Peyroux and Rowley perform.

Keira Knightley displays such a stunning talent that I am still gob-smacked. She has always maintained that she cannot sing and she has said of the film that she was most scared by these performances. She sings so naturally in 40s style and really brings the lyrics to life, singing intimately and with perfect conviction. I bought the soundtrack for her performance alone and if you are at all a fan of her I urge you to do the same. She sings five tracks in all, though the majority are very short. The one song I cannot stop playing or singing is 'Careless Talk' where her talent is displayed most prominently. She certainly could be a stronger singer but her intimate voice works perfectly here.

If you like...
the Atonement soundtrack, then you will love this. The same type of era and the score is similar in its emotions. There really is something for everybody; from slightly up tempo cabaret to beautifully tragic instrumentals. I would not miss this if you are a fan of this era.

Maybe it's because I love you too much
I feel awful to have reviewed two things and given both five stars but this deserves it. I have so many movie soundtracks in my collection and this has beaten every single one. I realise I am probably quite biased because of Keira but I feel that so many actresses are mediocre singers but are being praised as the next best thing (ahem...Scarlett Johansson) and none of them come close to Keira. Despite my glowing report I have but one disadvantage, and that is the cover-art. I live my life through downloads so I unfortunately cannot review the entire art booklet but the front is very bland. No denying that it is a beautiful picture of both Keira and Sienna but just not enough.

Apart from the mediocre cover-design the soundtrack is not to be missed out on and I would urge everyone to, at the very least, have a listen. 

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