Until recently I had limited experience with soundtracks, other than when I heard them accompanying a movie, but they were never anything I studied carefully. As I began to become more acquainted with the workings of a soundtrack I came to discover what I probably should have realized already–that in general it’s background music as well as mood music. While for most movies this is exactly what is necessary, the Twilight soundtrack does something different.
Have you ever heard a song and really felt like it was exactly expressing how you were feeling at that moment in your life? Well, Carter Burwell managed to put a collection of songs together that really gives you that feeling. Opening with one of my favorite Muse songs, “Supermassive Black Hole”, the soundtrack feels more like what you would find on Bella’s iPod rather than whispery background muzak. I know a few of the songs were in my own iPod before the soundtrack ended up there.
The album is strong on its own, and the part of me that is nostalgic for high school almost wants to believe this is a mixed tape someone made me. Okay, mixed CD, since by high school, tapes were more or less obsolete, but you get what I’m saying. The whole soundtrack really complements the mood and tone of the movie without being overpowering. The Twilight soundtrack can be enjoyed whether you like teen heartthrob vampires or not. It stays away from your usual staples for emotional moments and throws in some bands you may not have heard before.
Overall this is an excellent soundtrack. I barely want to take it out of my cd player to listen to anything else at the moment. While they could have gone with more instrumental selections, I truly believe they went the right direction with the music they chose. It’s music that is relevant to the age group to which it’s directed, can be enjoyed by everyone, and really adds to the movie. I give this soundtrack an easy 4.5 out of 5!
