(Album Review) The Hunger Games Soundtrack

I have a rule that I never review soundtracks. But being I have been hearing all this hype about The Hunger Games and being Buzznet is well, "buzzing" about it i guess I will break my rule just this once. Then again the soundtrack for Garden State was nothing short of epic so what can be so bad?

I'll be honest, I haven't gotten into The Hunger Games hype that is buzzing all over the interwebs and not just on Buzznet. I have been meaning to read the books and I do have all three of them on my iPad, actually I just started the first book yesterday but thanks to interruptions, I only made past the first four pages of the first chapter. I will admit the film looks very bad-ass and will be seeing it sometime next week (but not before I see 21 Jump Street!). So with with every film, we get a soundtrack that either ties in with the film or the songs are played in scenes that tie in. I could go into filmmaking ethics, but that would end up taking away from this review. But anyways a great soundtrack always make's the film and this soundtrack doesn't disappoint.

The first track off the album is Abraham's Daughter from Indie greats, The Arcade Fire. This isn't the normal Arcade Fire song you would hear on one of their albums (especially Funeral) but it's dark elements and grungy feel are a great way to kick things off. Another standout track on this album is One Engine from Portland natives The Decemberists. I was a bit surprised to see them contribute to a film soundtrack but after Death Cab For Cutie being featured on the New Moon soundtrack, all bets are off. For me this one of the stand out tracks on the album as it's classic Decemberists and there is nothing wrong with that.Other stand out tracks on the album include songs from Glen Hansard (of Once fame), Kid Cudi, The Low Anthem, Neko Case and Maroon 5. A track that really surprised me that I found enjoyable was Miranda Lambert's Run Daddy Run, it has this haunting folky sound to it that gives you chills down your spine and fits well with this film.

The only problem I have with this is Taylor Swift's two tracks Safe and Sound and Eye's Open. Safe and Sound has moments where it's enjoyable but get's irritating after a few listen's. Eye's Open is a good song, but Taylor Swift wasn't a good choice. I really couldn't get into both songs but that may be because I never really understood Taylor Swift as an artist and never got her music... Or it could be due to the fact I had to hear her songs non stop when I worked retail.

Overall, this is actually a really good soundtrack for what it is. The Indie elements make it great and with bands like The Arcade Fire, The Decemberist's and Neko Case being featured, it's great way to diverese the music genere's featured. I wouldn't let the Taylor Swift songs get in the way, you either like her or you don't but that should not stop you from enjoying this.