While one of fall’s most anticipated movies, “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” does not premiere in theaters until Nov. 20, the soundtrack has been released a month in advance due to fan anticipation.
As anyone who has read the book knows, “New Moon” takes a darker approach than its predecessor, exploring heartbreak and depression.
The soundtrack’s tone mimics the book’s, allowing the listener to feel as though the songs chosen relate to the story told in the novel. With the exception of a song contributed from Muse, the tracks have never been released and are unique to this album.
“Meet Me On the Equinox,” performed by Death Cab for Cutie, gives a strong beginning to a solid compilation.
The chorus claims, “Everything ends,” and this could truly be applied to the emotions the characters feel within the book. The dreamy, alternative rock style allows the listeners to immerse themselves completely within the melody and lyrics.
Muse is the only band returning from the first Twilight soundtrack, and its song, “I Belong to You,” is one of the best on the album.
Two of the most outstanding songs are “Monsters” by Hurricane Bells and “The Violet Hour” by Sea Wolf.
Both are more upbeat than a great portion of the soundtrack and balance out the melancholic tones.
“Rosyln,” by Bon Iver and St. Vincent, is eerily haunting and sets the perfect mood for anyone imagining the scenes within the novel. The mystical quality of the song can transport the listener to the world Stephenie Meyer created within the original novel.
The final track on the CD, “The Meadow,” composed by Alexandre Desplat, uses piano to paint a picture in the listener’s imagination as the notes rise and fall. This song manages to encompass just as much emotion as the rest of the soundtrack together, feeling at times both hopeful and doubtful.
The ambiguity of the piece truly makes it one of the most meaningful on the album.
Though “New Moon’s” soundtrack is an overall triumph, there are some flaws.
Band of Skulls contributes the song “Friends.” Though it has a driving tempo, the repetitious lyrics cause the track to feel monotonous after three minutes.
At times, some of the songs can blend together, not allowing the listener to hear the subtle change of tone and harmony.
As most of these tracks are about endings, feeling lost and heartbreak, it is easy to get caught up in the theme of the music instead of enjoying each song for its individual subtleties.
Despite this, it is a powerful compilation in which any fan of the movies, books or even expressive music should invest.
Truly, the question is not whether or not the soundtrack is worth buying: it is. The greater conundrum is which version to buy.
The official Web site offers Deluxe and Limited Editions of the soundtrack which include bonus items – though both are ridiculously overpriced. The Limited Edition costs $500.
While some fans may find the price worth the paraphernalia they receive in addition to the soundtrack, most college students are on a limited budget.
The best bet is the iTunes version, which offers three bonus tracks: “Solar Midnite,” “All I Believe In” and “Die Fledermaus.”
While none of these songs are must-haves, it is worth the price to own every song heard in the movie.
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‘New Moon’ soundtrack shadows original film’s tunes
Hannah Rogers
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November 6, 2009
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