Twilight - Various Artists

...on the soundtrack introduces some Twilight fans and others to the band. In my opinion they are simply one of the best rock bands of all time and the powerful songs, vocals and musicality really sets the mood if you're sitting down to read parts of Meyer's novels.
On the other hand I do question whether 'Supermassive Black Hole' was the best song to include on the soundtrack. Whilst it's still good it isn't my favourite Muse song and I think ...
...allowing so many viewers of Twilight to be introduced to such a beautiful song.

Track 12: Carter Burwell ~ Bella's Lullaby

I am very glad they included this on the album as I do not believe that most films could be complete without a good piece of classical music. Originally it was Yiruma's 'River Flows in You' which was to be Bella's lullaby, the piece Edward writes for Bella in the book. This is a beautiful piece of ... more

I received the 'Twilight' soundtrack as a gift for Christmas. The film which it relates to is one which in turn relates to the 'Twilight' series of books by Stephanie Meyer which I read last summer/autumn. It is a series which charts the story of a vampire who falls in love with a 17 year old girl. From the first chapter I was hooked. But did I find that the soundtrack fitted in well with the film?

Track 1: Muse~ Supermassive Black Hole

Having read the acknowledgements in 'New Moon', Meyer presents herself as a music fan drawing influence from rock, alternative and indie performers in the writing of her works. These include Travis, Elbow, Coldplay, Marjorie Fair, the Strokes and My Chemical Romance- none of which are included in the album. However, one of her biggest influences in the writing of her works is Muse. She cites that 'there were emotions, scenes, and plot threads in this novel that were born from Muse songs and would not exist without their genius.' When I read this I was instantly pleased and could only hope that Muse would turn up in the film.
I was right. Whilst being quite the Muse fan and its inclusion in the album makes very little difference to me, I hope its inclusion on the soundtrack introduces some Twilight fans and others to the band. In my opinion they are simply one of the best rock bands of all time and the powerful songs, vocals and musicality really sets the mood if you're sitting down to read parts of Meyer's novels.
On the other hand I do question whether 'Supermassive Black Hole' was the best song to include on the soundtrack. Whilst it's still good it isn't my favourite Muse song and I think they could have picked better. I was kind of surprised they didn't use 'Unintended' for the film as it a beautiful love song with such fitting lyrics. Edward Cullen IS Bella's unintended and vice versa. That was my one big disappointment with the film. I can only think that the reason they didn't use this song was the pacing of the film and an inability to fit it in but there are no really GREAT love songs on the album and I think this could have been a fitting representation of their love. I think they have instead chosen to be somewhat 'cool' and used one of their faster, somewhat techno-inspired tracks. There are songs of Muse that are better musically such as 'Stockholm Syndrome', 'Hysteria', 'New Born' ,'Apocalypse Please' and 'Invincible' (to name but a few!) but I do understand why they have chosen the song they did. It fits in with the baseball scene in the film and the production of the film isn't hindered by unfitting lyrics. Although I must point out that the lyrics of this song, whilst quite repetitive and sparse bear little relation to the themes and story of the film. I really hope they use more Muse songs in the future films (New Moon next year.). If they don't use 'Unintended' at some point, needless to say I will be rather disappointed.

Track 2: Paramore~ Decode

This song was written specifically for the film and I think that is probably one of the best Paramore songs recorded and a favourite of mine. Musically it's fantastic with its great chorus and the pop-rock vocals of Hayley Williams reminiscent of many of rock's great frontwomen. I quite simply love Hayley and whilst others may think I'm overrating her voice I really feel that she has as a lot of promise and potential in her capabilities as an artist. As for the song itself, I feel it effectively reflects the dilemma of the character of Bella in the film. A few of the lyrics do not seem to fit the film so well ('When I used to know you so well?' - Did she ever?) but I don't consider this too important since the soundtrack of a film is largely to set the tone of a film. Even so, some of the lyrics are very fitting. ('What kind of man you are, if you're a man at all' and 'There is something I see in you. It might kill me. I want it to be true.') I adore this song and it's definitely a favourite of 2008.

Track 3: Black Ghosts ~ Full Moon

The film doesn't just include some well-known names within music but has introduced me to new songs and artists such as this. I really enjoy this track but in many ways find it difficult to put my finger on exactly why. It is a song I find difficult to place into any genre. For some reason it reminds me like a slice of folk-like music brought up to date with some electronic sounds. I was surprised with what part of the film this matched up to (the very beginning as Bella moves from Phoenix to Forks) as the first time I heard it reminded me of the character Jacob and the Quiliete Indians, the group to which Jacob belongs. This is not necessarily to do with the title (Those who have read New Moon will know very well why) but to do with the general atmosphere of the music. It is a really interesting piece of music and really quite calming.

Track 4: Linkin Park ~ Leave Out All the Rest

Another one of Meyer's influences cited in the Acknowledgements of 'New Moon' is Linkin Park. Personally I am not much of a fan of Linkin Park. I find most of their music far too moody, uninteresting and rather samey. It is, however, probably one the better Linkin Park songs that I've heard. Quite often the band seems to write from the perspective of a tortured soul and I can only too well imagine that the lyrics are from Edward's viewpoint as he tells Bella 'I can't be what you are.'

Track 5: Mutemath ~ Spotlight (Twilight Mix)

Opening up with a somewhat dramatic instrumental, this song is energetic, fast and highly-charged and I love it for these reasons. From the grammy award winning band, Mutemath, the vocals of Greg Hill have a great, very slightly husky tone to it. This is a mixed version of their song 'Spotlight' and I look forward to hearing more of their stuff as well as the original version of this song. Its pacing and energy is something which reflects the action of the film very well.

Track 6: Perry Farrell ~ Go All the Way (Into the Twilight)

I can imagine that some people might consider this song somewhat annoying with the repetitive 'happy day' intro and its 'la la las'. I think that this is an excellent party song. The song is very sexy in mood and lyrics and definitely reflects the lust (whether blood or body) between Bella and Edward. The vocals of this song are quirky and complemented by some effective electronic tweaking and effects. It is hard for me enjoy most music that resembles electronica or techno in any sense so I applaud Farrell for producing a song which I thoroughly enjoy.

Track 7: Collective Soul ~ Tremble for my Beloved.

This song continues the energy of the previous two tracks and I found it uplifting.
The lyrics are more simplistic than you might realize when you first hear this song but I still find it to be very effective but still manages to reflect the positive elements of Bella and Edward's love.

Track 8: Paramore ~ I Caught Myself

The musical directors of 'Twilight' have been quite indulgent when it comes to Paramore and included not only one but two songs on the soundtrack. This one is the lesser impressive of the two, reflecting the manner in which Bella is drawn to Edward in the film (and maybe even the way Edward is drawn to Bella). It is a decent musical effort but it does make me think that they could have included another Muse song here (You can probably guess which one after my rant about the Muse track).

Track 9: Blue Foundation ~ Eyes on Fire

This is a very calming song and yet the lyrics are really quite harsh and I imagine they are from the perspective of villain James' desire to hunt down Bella. On the other hand, it could also represent Edward's thoughts about killing James. I believe it relates to the former of the two. The female vocals of this song are really quite soothing and despite the scathing tone of it, reflecting a repressed anger and (quite literally) venom, I find this song relaxing to listen to.

Track 10: Rob Pattinson ~ Never Think.

It is quite a risk to include a song on the soundtrack performed by the lead male role himself (unless of course it is a musical) but I was pleasantly surprised by this track. It even made me think that Pattinson may have some musical promise. The song itself is really quite beautiful and not only is it sung by Pattinson but he co-work it too (with Sam Bradley). It is merely a simple love song and if you have read sequels to 'Twilight' the book you may connect the lines 'save your soul before you're too far gone' to the text. For some reason Pattinson's voice seems to bear a slight resemblance to Bob Dylan in the manner in which he sings this. Whilst not included in the main content of the film itself (possibly within the credits) this seems to match the film very well.

Track 11: Iron & Wine ~ Flightless Bird, American Mouth

After Pattinson's piece we are treated to another soothing song. This song actually ended up on the soundtrack because the actress Kirsten Stewart (who plays Bella) did not like the music they had set a love scene she had with Edward to and thus suggested this song. All I can say is - Kudos to Kirsten. This song is utterly gorgeous and I can only go write to the origin of its inclusion and thank her for allowing so many viewers of Twilight to be introduced to such a beautiful song.

Track 12: Carter Burwell ~ Bella's Lullaby

I am very glad they included this on the album as I do not believe that most films could be complete without a good piece of classical music. Originally it was Yiruma's 'River Flows in You' which was to be Bella's lullaby, the piece Edward writes for Bella in the book. This is a beautiful piece of music and I would
not have been unhappy if they included it in the film. However, they changed their mind and brought in Carter Burwell to write the lullaby. Having viewed the film and whilst appreciating Yiruma's work, I also adore Burwell's lullaby too. This is an orchestral version of the piece that the character Edward plays. This is a well-crafted piece of music which reflects the uplifting beauty of the love story in the film.

Cover Art: This features the art from the film poster where Edward stands rather protectively before Bella. They both look very pretty in the shadows, I guess. I have a rather neutral view of the cover art. It is pretty standard for the film and not really that significant. It does fold out to include a minature of poster in the middle but I do not see much use for it. I prefer to keep the sleeve of a CD inside the actual CD itself so it probably would have been more useful if the small poster was separate.

In my review I have tried not to let any bias I have towards the film and book encroach upon my judgement of the soundtrack. I have kept my critical specs on despite how much I love Meyer's novels.
All in all, I think that this is a soundtrack that is worthwhile listening to with its unique mix of artists which so wonderfully capture the energy, the love and the pain of the characters throughout the film. I recommend that anyone, despite their attitudes towards 'Twilight' should take a listen of the tracks on this album. They are very well selected and brought together and introduce you to some wonderful (some of them somewhat unknown) songs and artists. I think many people who like alternative music will enjoy this very much. 

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