Despite being one of the highest-grossing film franchises of all time, “The Twilight Saga” movies were known more for the quality of their soundtracks than the actual quality of the films. While I enjoyed the books (written by Stephanie Meyer), I felt that the films didn’t really live up to my expectations. In fact, if I’m being honest, I thought they were terrible. The soundtracks, on the other hand, exceeded expectations. Here, I’ve put together my top ten favorite songs from the five movies that made up the series. Are there any (obvious) choices that I’ve missed out? If so, be sure to add your own in the comments below!
Number One: Bon Iver & St. Vincent – Roslyn (The Twilight Saga: New Moon). While some of the others proved difficult to arrange, this song was the easiest to place. The sheer emotion evoked within this song, a sadness laced with a curious but growing sense of enlightenment, is simply stunning. The pairing of Bon Iver and St. Vincent is a match made in heaven.
Number Two: Lykke Li – Possibility (The Twilight Saga: New Moon). Lykke Li’s debut album Youth Novels is one of my favorite records of all time, so it came as no surprise that I was also smitten with her contribution to “New Moon,” “Possibility.” No other song in any soundtrack that I’ve heard has been more perfect for a scene than this. It’s quite simply a perfect fit.
Number Three: Sia – My Love (The Twilight Saga: Eclipse). Another artist with an absolute stunning and unique voice is Sia. Just before it was announced that Sia would pen an original song for “Eclipse,” the Australian singer had released We Are Born, her fifth solo studio album. “My Love” is one of the most heart-breaking ballads I’ve heard, and no one but Sia could have performed it any better.
Number Four: Florence + The Machine – Heavy In Your Arms (The Twilight Saga: Eclipse). The darker tones in “Eclipse” called for a darker aesthetic in the soundtrack, and “Heavy In Your Arms” by Florence + The Machine, fit the bill wonderfully. Hearing Florence Welch’s powerful voice in a deeper, denser atmosphere was incredibly refreshing and intriguing. The control in the vocal delivery is impeccable.
Number Five: Muse – Supermassive Black Hole (Twilight). One of my favorite scenes in both the books and the films has got to be the baseball clip in “Twilight.” It’s by far one of the highlights of the movie, and the main reason for that is courtesy of “Supermassive Black Hole,” the epic contribution from author Stephanie Meyer’s favorite band, Muse. Tension, excitement, love: it’s all there.
Number Six: Bruno Mars – It Will Rain (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1). During the time this was released (November 2011), Bruno Mars was arguably the biggest male popstar in the world. Doo Wops & Hooligans, his stellar debut album, was storming the charts and breaking records left, right and center, and to top it off, Mars announced the release of “It Will Rain.” Led by a simple piano melody, the track is as strong as any, as Mars’ clever songwriting and powerful vocals shine through.
Number Seven: The Magic Numbers – All I Believe In (The Twilight Saga: New Moon). I have to admit, “All I Believe In,” was quite an oddball when it came to compiling this list. It’s arguably one of the more eccentric offerings from the entire set of songs, but at the same time, it’s also one of the more carefree and freeing. It carries a certain quality that simply puts a smile on my face.
Number Eight: Bombay Bicycle Club – How Could You Swallow So Much Sleep (The Twilight Saga: Eclipse). Bombay Bicycle Club are one of my favourite bands, period. When I heard that they’d be on the soundtrack for “Eclipse,” I was ecstatic. “How Could You Swallow So Much Sleep” serves as a kind of lullaby, with its dreamy soundscape, flowing and growing with every second. The song is also featured on the band’s fourth studio album, A Different Kind of Fix.
Number Nine: James Vincent McMorrow – Ghosts (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2). With one of the most delicate and fragile voices around, James Vincent McMorrow’s inclusion in the soundtrack to “Breaking Dawn – Part 2” was (and still is) a perfect fit. His falsetto-laden delivery mirrors the pain Bella feels as she realizes that she and Edward may not survive the battle they are about to enter.
Number Ten: The Black Ghosts – Full Moon (Twilight). Played during the opening credits and first scene of “Twilight” (the first film from the series), it only makes sense that I include “Full Moon,” by The Black Ghosts, in this list. Not only does it set the perfect tone for the movie, but it’s also a wonderfully-crafted track.