Vampires, werewolves, and confused teenage girls, oh my! I don’t know about you, but I am extremely sick and tired of seeing Twilight everywhere I go. It is an unstoppable fad. However…Where the film lacks originality, excitement, and intelligence, the musical soundtrack makes up for it.
And no, this does not include Robert Pattinson singing this creepy lullaby.
I’m actually surprised that a teen saga sensation could produce such a unique and fitting soundtrack. Film-viewers, please appreciate the individuality these tunes offer. For non-twilight fans, look beyond all that exaggerated-monster lust and listen to the sweet sounds of the indie bands that are sure out-of-place, but we’re not complaining.
It all started when Muse’s “Supermassive Black Hole” whirled out of nowhere in the first Twilight film. Ignoring the songs by Linkin Park and Robert Pattinson, the soundtrack had hope. The pop-rock band Paramore featured two songs, Mutemath mixed it up, and soothing Iron & Wine sparked a little romance.
The New Moon soundtrack cranked it up a notch with individuality releasing 15 tracks of lesser known bands. Death Cab’s “Meet Me on the Equinox” actually became famous for the film’s use, and The Killers made an unknown appearance. A chase scene in the woods used Thom Yorke’s (Radiohead) “Hearing Damage” and Grizzly Bear adheres to the dramatic scene of an (impossible) attempted suicide. Sweet sounds of Bon Iver and Lykke Li serenaded, as well as upbeat Muse and Hurricane Bells.
Not giving into any popularized pop pressure, the Eclipse soundtrack continues the trend. Known bands like fun Vampire Weekend and Florence and the Machine introduce new tracks for the film. The Black Keys rock to “Chop and Change” and Sia, an Australian pop singer, offers a soulful ballad. Metric creates a feature song “Eclipse (All Yours)” to create the perfect happy ending.
Under the Influence of Music 
Hannah
October 13, 2010
I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve seen the first two Twilight movies (illegally downloaded- at least I didn’t pay to see them in theaters). But you make me feel not so lame about having seen them by pointing out that the music is a ray of sunshine behind that massive gray and smelly Twilight cloud. When I think about it, the only parts of the movie I found bearable (and, I’ll admit it, almost a little good) were the scenes with no dialogue, no “acting,” just characters staring at each other or standing around while music played. Maybe for the next Twilight movie they could do a musical… but without awkward Robert Pattinson ballads.
Elizabeth
October 17, 2010
I’d have to agree with this post. I read the books, which I wasn’t thrilled with. Then I saw the first movie, which I was even less thrilled with. However, I did notice that the soundtrack was pretty impressive. I’m a big Bon Iver fan, and they have a song with St. Vincent in the second movie. I know that Stephanie Meyer has said that she found music to be a huge inspiration in writing the books. I’m pretty sure Muse is one of her favorite bands, so that probably explains them being on the soundtrack.
Mark-Anthony
October 21, 2010
Wow. So the Twilight soundtrack is good? I really don’t know anything about Twilight besides that fact that it apparently sucks. Should I watch the movie just for the soundtrack? Or maybe I should watch the movie ironically (I guess that would be through a mirror or something).
Meaghan
October 23, 2010
Hah, skip the movie and just listen to the soundtrack. I’ve only seen the second one illegally online and I thought the romance scenes were hilarious. But if you like that kind of music, definitely give it a listen, or watch the movie (but beware…)
conzinha
October 26, 2010
I feel better knowing that there are other people out there that really like the soundtrack. I’ve gotten hell for this but they really are full of good songs!
Thanks, Meaghan!