Breaking Dawn (Part 1) Official Soundtrack
As divisive as the Twilight Saga is, the soundtracks for the vampire films usually get a more universally commendable response.
This is the penultimate collection, released ahead of Breaking Dawn - Part 1 hitting the screen later this month.
For the first time, Muse won't be making a contribution to the soundtrack, but the artists that do appear more than pull their weight to keep the quality at a high.
Despite wanting to be included, Evanescence as also absent, which is a genuine disappoint, as their sound would be a perfect fit.
Moving onto what does appear on the soundtrack, The Joy Formidable start things off well with 'Endtapes'.
Starting off quite unassuming, it builds into a wonderfully powerful anthem.
Admirable in the soundtrack's organisation is the balance between big names (Bruno Mars, Christina Peri) and those sitting just under the mainstream's radar (Sleeping At Last).
The latter (who have been releasing monthly EPs since October 2010) contribute a moving, piano-driven ballad that overshadows most of the collection.
There's a great amount of diversity on the record, highlight by hip-hop ballad 'Neighbors' by Theophilus London, further proof that the New York rapper is definitely going somewhere.
Also a nice inclusion is a re-recorded version of 'Sister Rosetta (Capture The Spirit)' by Noisettes, showing the fantastic range and energy of vocalist Shingai Shoniwa.
Mia Maetro makes a notable appearance as the only cast member featured on the soundtrack, with the beautifully haunting 'Llovera', a surprising highlight on an album stacked with many more established artists.
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack manages to continue a fine tradition of stellar collections.
It will provide a fitting companion to the film, whilst featuring a solid collection of songs that could stand alone as a great, diverse compilation.
Female First - Alistair McGeorge
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