Two Soudtracks, Two Addictions

By Matilde Bechet

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    Do you have a particular soundtrack, perhaps a go-to comfort album, that you listen to when completing homework or unwinding from a stressful day? If you don’t, you should consider listening to The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 and 2 original motion picture soundtracks. 
     I can predict your reaction: “The soundtrack of a vampire and werewolf movie? Uh, I don’t think so.” Regardless of whether or not you have indulged in the massive franchise of the Twilight Saga films, these soundtracks should not be prejudged based on biased opinions of the plotlines, so please keep an open mind. It is my hope to acquire a few more members in the Twilight soundtrack fan club. So, sit tight because I am about to take you on a ride to a land full of captivating songs.

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      ​61 minutes and 38 seconds is the total length of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn- Part 1 soundtrack, which encompasses 15 songs. But, if you are feeling adventurous, you can add four more songs to this playlist with the deluxe edition (includes the bonus tracks). 
      When I first watched the film in the theater, I was not intrigued by this movie’s musical composition. However, after re-watching Breaking Dawn - Part 1 in the comfort of my own home, I became engaged in every scene’s song choice. The flow of the tracks was perfect in the sense that they completely captivated me. Have you ever experienced that pang of excitement after watching a film or a television show and that one perfect song is played over the images on screen? And then you ask yourself, how was I not aware that this song existed? The next thing you know, it’s on your playlist for weeks. Well, this was my experience with The Breaking Dawn-Part 1 soundtrack.
     Part - 1 begins with “Endtapes” by The Joy Formidable, an upbeat and catchy song, which reveals a surprise 2 minutes and 34 seconds into it. Then, it’s onto a melancholy Bruno Mars classic with the soundtrack’s title song, “It Will Rain.” However, my favorite remains “Turning Page” by Sleeping At Last. It combines a simple sound with romantic lyrics; it might sound corny at first, but it is truly beautiful. The instrumental (found in the deluxe album) is even more hypnotizing. Songs like “Flightless Bird, American Mouth,” by Iron and Wine and “Requiem on Water” by Imperial Mammoth both voice unwinding melodies and includes ethereal lines such as, “Have I found you? Flightless bird, jealous, weeping. Or lost you?” and “Slow, we paddle through the lake. Straight to the very center of the darkest water…”
      I strongly recommend the aforementioned songs of the Part - 1 soundtrack as well as “A Thousand Years” By Christina Perri, the representative song of Bella and Edward’s relationship. In order to experience the full circle, you have to listen to Perri’s song, as it is the beginning of the end. The Breaking Dawn Part - 2 Original Motion Soundtrack will continue this sentiment.
     Moving on to The Breaking Dawn - Part 2’s set of tracks, which amounts to a total of 53 minutes and 5 seconds, this album will help get any listener through academic assignments. The allurement is incorporated in songs such as “Fire in the Water” by Feist, “Speak Up,” by POP ETC, “Cover Your  Tracks,” by A Boy and His Kite, and, especially, “All I’ve Ever Needed” by Paul McDonald and Nikki Reed (one of the actresses in the film), as well as “Ghosts” by James Vincent. If you are the type of person who enjoys calm but intriguing songs, I suggest that you click the “add” button on your playlist immediately. 
      I also recommend the song, “A Thousand Years, Pt. 2” by Christina Perri, with vocals by Steve Kazee, for it complements the first score, “A Thousand Years,” from the previous soundtrack. Also, if you are a supporter of orchestra music, this soundtrack (and the previous one as well) can instill an appreciation for the instrumental work of art, “Plus que ma propre vie,” by Carter Burwell; sometimes you do not need lyrics to enjoy a song, you just need to pay close attention to the instruments and the flow.
     It is easy to develop preconceived notions of a soundtrack, but The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 and Part 2 are very diverse, and they deserve a first listen. The soundtracks consist of multiple artists, and most of the albums introduce singers whom I had never heard before listening to them on these albums, which is an appealing factor. I absolutely love the sounds that radiate from my headphones when I play these soundtracks, so what are you waiting for? Go experience The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 and 2... Enjoy!