CD Review

Title: Twilight: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Artist: Various Artists

Label:  Atlantic Records

Released: November 4, 2008

Reviewed by: Meghan Masterson (Calgary Correspondent)

After I listened to the “Twilight” soundtrack, my first impression was that it would be particularly enhanced by the gentle background patter of raindrops on the roof and wet streaks decorating the glass of the window. It’s just that kind of CD. I don’t mean that it is depressing; rather that it is laid back with just the merest hint of melancholy—shades of silver, if you will, rather than grey.

Most of the songs are on the slow side, and are perfect for listening to whilst dreaming about the lack of mystery and adventure in your own life. (I just thought you might be on that tangent anyway, if you were watching or reading “Twilight.”) To me, the most upbeat songs were “Supermassive Black Hole” by Muse, and “Tremble for my Beloved” by Collective Soul. It’s not exactly the kind of soundtrack that will get you dancing around as you tidy up your apartment, but it’s soothing and makes for some easy listening.

With twelve tracks, the “Twilight” soundtrack is just about the ideal length: perhaps one more song wouldn’t be amiss. Many of the songs present an indie/alternative kind of feel. Linkin Park and Collective Soul are the most famous artists on the soundtrack, and it’s a nice change to have some less well-known, but still talented, musicians featured. Two of the songs, “Decode” and “I Caught Myself” are performed by Paramore, and to be honest, I kind of wondered why a soundtrack of this length would feature any repeat artists.

One of the songs is performed by Rob Pattison, the actor who will probably forevermore be recognized as Edward Cullen. Called “Never Think,” it is an acoustic track and is the slowest of all the songs on the album. Pattison is a better singer than I expected (I will admit that I did not know he sang until this soundtrack came my way) but the song is sadly a little dull. It definitely strikes a sombre note, but is not displeasing to the ear.

“Bella’s Lullaby” stands out as the only instrumental song of the soundtrack, using strings and piano to bring to life the lullaby that Edward wrote for Bella, which has been sighed over and imagined by thousands of adoring fans. It has an eerie quality—I don’t think I would fall asleep to it—but is a beautiful track nonetheless.

Like the “Twilight” phenomenon itself, this soundtrack will likely be best enjoyed by girls. It seems fairly clear that this has been anticipated; the booklet can be folded out into a poster of Edward and Bella.

Track Listing:

1.)   Muse – Supermassive Black Hole

2.)   Paramore – Decode

3.)   The Black Ghosts – Full Moon

4.)   Linkin Park – Leave Out All The Rest

5.)   MuteMath – Spotlight (Twilight Mix)

6.)   Perry Farewell – Go All The Way (Into the Twilight)

7.)   Collective Soul – Tremble For My Beloved

8.)   Paramore – I Caught Myself

9.)   Blue Foundation – Eyes on Fire

10.) Rob Pattinson – Never Think

11.) Iron & Wine – Flightless Bird, American Mouth

12.) Carter Burwell – Bella’s Lullaby