Eclipse Soundtrack Appraisal
Last week I posted my review of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, which at the time I found a little lackluster. I took in a repeat viewing of it this weekend, and I’m happy to say I enjoyed it much more the second time around. I think with all of the heavy expectations out of the way, it was much more fun to just sit and get sucked into the world of Bella & Edward again.
Then there is the soundtrack. With New Moon, I downloaded the soundtrack the moment it was available and I was disappointed. After seeing the movie, I enjoyed it within the context of the film, but as a stand alone compilation it fell a little bit short for me. So, this time around I decided to wait until after seeing the movie before I listened to the soundtrack all the way through.
Well, simply put: it’s amazing.
I got it yesterday and listened to it repeatedly on my way home from my weekend trip to see Saluki. While I love some songs more than others, I enjoy the entire album. I got the Deluxe Version that includes Jacob’s Theme, a bonus track “The List”, and two remixes. Normally I don’t go for remixes, but I actually like them better than the originals.
After about 3 thorough listenings, my early picks for favorites are:
Heavy in Your Arms, by Florence + the Machine. Funny story; yesterday, Saluki told me I could go through her iTunes and see if there was any music I wanted to share (that whole sharing between 5 computers thing is pretty win, IMO). There were a few albums I wanted, and she suggested Florence + the Machine. I scrunched up my nose and said, “Mmm, I don’t think I’m that into them.” I am kind of kicking myself now, because this was probably the first song on the album that I was just blown away by.
What Part of Forever, by Cee Lo Green. I love this voice, and I really liked Gnarls Barkley, so this song just struck me. It was sweet, poppy, and fun. I like the remix even better too.
Let’s Get Lost, by Beck feat. Bat for Lashes. This is so ghostly and pretty. I’m pretty sure I might have some obsessive love for Beck now.
With You in My Head, by UNKLE. I’m pretty sure this was from the scene where Jasper is instructing everyone on how to fight the newborns in the clearing, which is one of my favorite scenes in the movie. I love the part where Alice & Jasper are sparring and they both have those silly smirks on their faces. *sigh* This song is also going on my Dance Party USA playlist.
A Million Miles an Hour, by Eastern Conference Champions. This is also because I love the scene this song is played in, where Jacob shows up at Bella’s school after she returns from Jacksonville. I love the look on Jacob’s face when he turns around and glares at Edward. This song has a very sexy quality about it, and it fit that scene perfectly. Okay, stop me…I’m about to start squeeing.
Some other highlights were My Love, by Sia and Life on Earth, by Band of Horses. My Love is a beautiful soulful ballad that fit the proposal/leg hitch scene perfectly. Life on Earth reminds me a little bit of Mazzy Star with it’s breathy vocals.
Neutron Star Collision by Muse is another highlight, though it’s not my favorite Muse song and I was a little disappointed with it’s placement in the movie. But I love the vocals and the piano and the whole song in general, it just isn’t one of my faves on this compilation.
The Eclipse soundtrack, in my opinion is miles above the previous two. I think the songs fit the movie perfectly and now I’m excited to check out some new artists that I had previously never heard of. If you haven’t picked it up, I highly suggest it. There is definitely something on there for everyone. You can even click the handy picture of the cover art and it’ll take you straight to Amazon.com to order it. This version doesn’t have the remixes on it, but it is a great deal and a few bucks cheaper that its iTunes counterpart.
I hope you enjoy the soundtrack as much as I do. Did you like it? What are you favorites? Talk back in that little comment box and let me know what you think!
Until next time, have a blessed day!
I love the album as well!
Can I start by saying that I thought the placement of “Neutron Star Collision” in the movie was strangely disappointing to me as well. I was like, really?
My favorites ATM (because they constantly change):
Ours by The Bravery: This song is on my Dance Party USA mix – it just puts me in a really good mood and it’s a refreshing upbeat song in the middle of heavy emo stuff. I can’t get enough of the line “So let’s stay up until the sky bleeds red.” Great imagery there.
Heavy in Your Arms by Florence & the Machine: For the above stated reasons
My Love by Sia: Sia is always haunting and I love the emotional quality of her music (Breathe Me is a long standing favorite of mine) and to me this song in particular added even more weight to what I consider one of the most emotinally affecting scenes of Eclipse.
What Part of Forever by Cee Lo: Just a great feel – this is the kind of song I would love to play at a back yard BBQ.
With You in My Head & Lets Get Lost for the same reasons you state above.
I also love Chop and Change by the Black Keys – this makes me think of Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction for some reason and I appreciated it’s hefty addition to the album.
I just realized that I could keep going on and on about every song – definitely my favorite soundtrack born out of the three films (though there are some individual songs off of the Twilight album that will remain forever favorites).
I have to agree with your assessment. I think this is the best soundrack so far. Don’t get me wrong, I love the other two, but this one is just solid from start to finish. Florence & the Machine is total win (I’ll send you some tunes btw) and Heavy in Your Arms is probably my favorite song, closely followed by Let’s Get Lost. I agree that the music fit the feel of the movie perfectly. I was impressed how well the songs blended into the scenes as well.
For all of the gripes I’ve had with Summit over the Saga so far, one highlight for me has always been the soundtracks. I have discovered some incredible bands that I might not have heard of otherwise.
Great column Sue!