We need to talk about the Twilight: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. Not only is this album compiled of some of the best artists of our time, but it accomplishes so much lyrically and sonically. With every song you hear, you can imagine the scene in Twilight that coincides with each song. In this essay, we will… just kidding. This is not an essay, but a review of the incredible songs that accompanied such an iconic film.
To begin, the first track is “Supermassive Black Hole” by Muse. This song is met with sexy guitar riffs and heavy drums from the beginning. Matt Bellamy, the lead singer of Muse, has these vocals that pack a punch along with the seductive lyrics. Altogether, the song creates a moment and is perfect to accompany the iconic baseball scene with Bella and the Cullens.
The second track, our personal favorite, is “Decode” by Paramore. In our opinion, a better song has not been made for a movie than this one. Although this track is part of the end credits, its placement in the film does not devalue its art. It begins with a winding guitar intro and drums that set the tone for a dark, yet passionate sound. The lyrics in this song are so fitting because it feels like Bella wrote them herself. Hayley Williams’ vocals are insane, and it only feels right to scream the song along with her.
The next song, “Full Moon” by The Black Ghosts, plays when Bella begins her journey in the rainy and gloomy Pacific Northwest after coming from hot and dry Arizona. This song has a more upbeat and folk sound. The bass is fascinating and is accompanied by the violin and echoing vocals.
“Leave Out All The Rest” by Linkin Park is another song that falls victim to the end credits of Twilight. Chester Bennington’s vocals and the lyrics are the main stars of this track. The song is very heartfelt and falls in line with some of the somber tones displayed in the movie.
The fifth song on the soundtrack is “Spotlight” by Mutemath. This song is another alternative jam riddled with powerful drums and a catchy chorus. The song perfectly fits the scene where Bella is getting out of Edward’s (the love interest) car in front of everyone at their high school and the spotlight is on her.
Although this song is not available to stream with the rest of the album, “Go All The Way [Into the Twilight]” by Perry Farrell has an 80s nostalgia feel, full of synthesizers and duo vocals that make for the perfect song for Bella and Edward to enter prom.
“Tremble For My Beloved” by Collective Soul is the seventh song on the album and plays a pivotal role in the scene where Bella is saved by Edward from being squished by a fellow schoolmate’s van. With lyrics like “To a world where hope’s enslaved/ Oh, I’ll tremble for my love always”, this 90s rock anthem beautifully sets the scene.
Now, this next track is another masterpiece created for this film. “I Caught Myself” by Paramore is a thrilling song stacked with stormy vocals and a memorable breakdown that is done so well. The head-banging drums and guitar strumming that sounds like the glimmer of Edward’s exposed skin combine with a melody that can’t escape our heads for weeks.
This next song is a grunge fantasy. “Eyes on Fire” by Blue Foundation is made up of striking guitar riffs and breathy vocals that make for a song that encourages you to feel every emotion all at once. This song is about addiction, and that addiction is comparable to Bella and Edward’s intense relationship.
“Flightless Bird, American Mouth” by Iron & Wine has been dubbed Bella and Edward’s song. As one of the more romantic-sounding tracks on the album, this song plays during their charming scenes at prom, and is even played (Spoiler Alert!) during their wedding in Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1.
The soundtrack comes to an end with “Bella’s Lullaby” by Carter Burwell. A lullaby fictionally written by Edward for Bella, it has a soft yet distinct melody played by the piano. This song is played off and on throughout the movie creating a sweet tone that shows Edward’s affection for Bella.
An honorable mention goes to “Never Think” by Robert Pattinson, which can be found only in dark places like YouTube and in the movie Twilight, itself.
In conclusion, this soundtrack plays such an important role in the movie. The music in a film can either make or break it, and it seems as though this movie was made for this soundtrack. Not only did this album accomplish setting the perfect tone to accompany this angsty, yet grungy and romantic film, but it also helped promote the movie by using artists like Paramore, Muse, Linkin Park, etc., who were also at the height of their alternative music careers. Although Twilight may not have needed it, there is no contesting that the soundtrack gave the movie the flair that it needed to be so iconic.
Now that we’ve discussed one of the most emblematic soundtracks made for a film, which ones were your favorites? Let us know in the comments below.
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