While the “Twilight” series can easily be labeled as subpar film entertainment, the soundtracks to each of Stephanie Meyer’s teen-vampire flicks have continually served as the films’ silver linings. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, the third installment of the “Twilight” soundtrack collection, is no exception to this trend.
Like the previous two “Twilight” soundtracks, Eclipse was produced by Alexandra Patsavas, whose previous work includes primetime teen soaps such as “The O.C.” and “Gossip Girl.” Patsavas gathered songs from a variety of genres for Eclipse, from indie-pop acts such as Vampire Weekend to British prog-rockers such as Muse. The album also features contributions from Band of Horses, Florence + the Machine, The Black Keys and Metric.
Vampire Weekend’s track “Jonathan Low” veers from the band’s typical afro-pop style, opting for a more somber sound. The album hits a raucous high note with The Bravery’s “Ours,” bursting with energy and melodic guitar riffs. The Dead Weather’s Jack White and Alison Mosshart create a crazy-cool yet haunting mix in “Rolling in on a Burning Tire.”
Bat for Lashes and Beck’s previously unreleased duet includes catchy lyrics, electric beats and echoing vocals, as could only be expected from such a union. Australian soul-infused pop singer Sia’s “My Love” perfectly mirrors the film’s themes of love and conflict, reminiscent of Lykke Li’s “Possibility” from the second “Twilight” soundtrack.
Most notable, however, is Muse’s “Neutron Star Collision (Love is Forever).” Already featured in the first two films, Muse has become a kind of mascot for the musical frame of the “Twilight” series, and “Neutron Star Collision” continues the tradition by setting the tone for the action of the film with the band’s quintessential blend of dynamic rock sounds and orchestral arrangements.
As was the case with New Moon, the majority of the tracks for Eclipse are either brand-new or were written specifically for the film. However, the style and tone of Eclipse is a significant departure from New Moon, exhibiting less gloom and more rock.
A deluxe version of the soundtrack, featuring an acoustic version of Metric’s “Eclipse (All Yours)” and two bonus remixes of songs already on the album, will be available for purchase.