The third Twilight film, Eclipse, features a hit-or-miss soundtrack full of prominent indie artists performing new material that is solid but rarely earth-shattering. Consequently, the album feels like a collection of B-sides from some prominent artists who cater to the vampire franchise’s moody, romantic vibe. The Eclipse soundtrack is nicely well-rounded – drawing from rock, emo, and hip-hop – but lacks the stellar moments of the previous album, New Moon.
Where's the Rock?
Though ostensibly a “rock” soundtrack, the Eclipse album veers closer to modern rock with its penchant for sophisticated, melodramatic arrangements. So if you can’t stand the vaguely whiny singing of acts like Muse or the Bravery, this record will be a tough slog. But if you like a little experimentation in your rock – and you can tolerate orchestral pop and freaky alternative rock – then Eclipse will offer pleasant treats.
Familiar Artists, Familiar Sounds
On the purely rock side, Eclipse contains several artists whose contributions recall work off their most recent albums, albeit without the urgency and zip of those records’ finest tracks. The Dead Weather’s “Rolling in on a Burning Tire” has the slow, strange weirdness of their Sea of Cowards, prominently spotlighting Alison Mosshart’s sultry vocals. The folk-rock group Band of Horses deliver “Life on Earth,” a pretty, spacey back-porch ballad that evokes the mystical grandeur of Infinite Arms. And the Black Keys’ blues stomper “Chop and Change” has the greasy swagger of Brothers. All of these cuts are worthwhile additions to each band’s catalogue, but they bear the unmistakable scent of being leftover songs that weren’t quite strong enough to make their own albums. Fans of these groups probably will be happy to know that these songs exist, but don’t expect mind-blowing revelations once you unearth these tunes.
More Fun on the Musical Edges
Instead, the Eclipse record is strongest with some of its more outré moments. Beck collaborates with indie ingénue Bat for Lashes for the trippy “Let’s Get Lost,” which has some of the same psychedelic spirit as his Sea Change and Modern Guilt albums. As a break from the mopey cuts elsewhere on this soundtrack, “Let’s Get Lost” is genuinely captivating and enchanting. Likewise, the pop singer Sia’s “My Love” is a fragile, beautiful song that floats above the angst that’s featured prominently on the album. And taking a page from his Gnarls Barkley collaboration, vocalist Cee-Lo Green combines pop and soul on the engaging “What Part of Forever.” None of these Eclipse highlights would be categorized as “rock,” but they’re diverting pleasures for listeners with more eclectic palettes.
'Eclipse' Soundtrack – Bottom Line
If the Twilight soundtrack focused on pop-punk, and New Moon shifted more toward indie-friendly acts, then the Eclipse album can be seen as continuing the previous record’s emphasis on sensitive, softer rock-oriented sounds. All in all, this is a sturdy collection but by no means a remarkable one. Like many a sequel, you could say that the album is simply following an established formula that has been successful in the past. So keep your expectations modest.
Sia – “My Love” (Purchase/Download)
Howard Shore – “Jacob’s Theme” (Purchase/Download)
The Black Keys – “Chop and Change” (Purchase/Download)
Band of Horses – “Life on Earth” (Purchase/Download)
'Eclipse' Soundtrack – Best Tracks:
Beck and Bat for Lashes – “Let’s Get Lost” (Purchase/Download)Sia – “My Love” (Purchase/Download)
Howard Shore – “Jacob’s Theme” (Purchase/Download)
The Black Keys – “Chop and Change” (Purchase/Download)
Band of Horses – “Life on Earth” (Purchase/Download)
Release date – June 8, 2010
Atlantic Records
Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publicist. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.
