Breaking Dawn Part 1 Soundtrack Review

Okay, so I'm finally ready to review the soundtrack for Breaking Dawn Part 1. I've been listening to it for a while, to really get into the music.



First of all, I have to say that this soundtrack is HANDS-DOWN, my favorite soundtrack of the entire Twilight Saga so far. Brilliant! The overall sound is much softer and more romantic. I can listen to all of the songs (except one) over and over, without tiring of them.

Also, I'm so glad I listened to the soundtrack both BEFORE I saw the movie, and then again AFTER I saw the movie. That way, I could evaluate the music on its own merits, and then re-evaluate it within the context of the movie. It feels very rewarding when the soundtrack fits the movie so perfectly. If only we could add a cool soundtrack to our own lives...

So here's my breakdown of each song:

1. Endtapes by The Joy Formidable
For me, the first song on an album sets the tone for the rest of the album. This song has a strong, driving intensity to it, with a catchy tune that can get stuck in your head. A good "end credits" song.

2. Love Will Take You by Angus and Julia Stone
This is a nice light, happy tune to play while driving. Like, for example, when you're driving off to your honeymoon in your Volvo. Love the fun harmonies with the mellow trumpet and sweeping violins.

3. It Will Rain by Bruno Mars
Very pop-y and angst-y. Another likeable end credits song, but if it was intended to express Jacob's point-of-view, I much prefer Jacob's Theme from the Eclipse soundtrack.

4. Turning Page by Sleeping At Last
A bittersweet romantic song. It's SO Edward, I can easily imagine Edward himself singing this one to Bella as she walks down the aisle. Just beautiful. Made me cry (happy tears) when I heard it in the movie.

Speaking of Edward singing to Bella, I really wish they'd let Rob add a song to the final soundtrack. Maybe we could put together a petition?

5. From Now On by The Features
This upbeat song is one of those happily-ever-after, teeny-bopper songs, with a slight edge to it. Fun to listen to.

6. A Thousand Years by Christina Perri
Wow. As soon as I heard the opening piano chords, I knew I was going to LOVE this haunting, uber-romantic waltz. I totally expected it to be Bella's and Edward's wedding song, or at least played during their vows. To me, this is THE definitive love song of the album and possibly the entire Twilight Saga.

If you get the chance, watch Christina Perri's official music video of this song on youtube. It's gorgeous!

7. Neighbors by Theophilus London
I admit, I'm not a fan of this song. It has that angry edge that I associate with the wolf pack and their fight scenes. It feels too stressful to me to really enjoy. But I will admit that it did fit the scene in the movie.

8. I Didn't Mean It by The Belle Brigade
This campy, "killer" song has lots of attitude. I couldn't figure out where this song could possibly fit into the movie, and had to wait for the end credits to get my answer. Of course--the Volturi! Another fun song to dance (or strut around) to.

9. Sister Rosetta (2011 Version) by The Noisettes
Another campy song, with lots of attitude and nervous energy. Other than the "Queens of Twilight" reference, I wondered where this song would fit into the movie. Now that I've seen the movie, this song has taken on a whole different meaning--very funny, very cool! Always brings a smile to my face. :-)

10. Northern Lights by Cider Sky
Twinkly and delicate. Full of hope and romance. Pretty to listen to, with just the slightest tinge of foreboding.

11. Flightless Bird, American Mouth (Wedding Version) by Iron & Wine
Okay, this was Bella and Edward's dance from Prom in the first Twilight movie, and I always felt sad listening to it (it's full of bittersweet longing,) so I'm not sure I'd pick it for a wedding dance. This version is so slow that it's a bit depressing, not to mention hard to dance to. But it is their song, and brings their story full circle, so I guess it fits. I like this song, but I prefer the original version from Twilight.

12. Requiem on Water by Imperial Mammoth
Another haunting love song, full of soft promises and harps. I think of this as Bella and Edward's honeymoon duet. A bit eerie.

13. Cold by Aqualung and Lucy Schwartz
Wow, what a creepy song. When I watched it play out during the movie, my hair stood up on end. The girls sitting beside me in the theater kept saying, "Oh. My. God!" throughout the entire scene. It still gives me chills whenever I listen to it. Wow.

14. LLovera by Mia Maestro
I looked up the English translation of the Spanish lyrics to this sweet and poetic love song. It's all about the rain and the sea. Mia Maestro, whose voice is gorgeous for this song, also plays one of the Denali vampires, Carmen. It's the perfect tone for Bella's wedding night swim in the ocean with Edward. Gorgeous.

15. Love Birth Death by Carter Burwell
The title and the composer say it all. This is the "piece de resistance" (masterpiece) of the entire film. Carter Burwell, the original Twilight composer who introduced Bella's Lullably to us, brings the story of Bella's life full-circle. I recognized each one of the Twilight themes as the song covered the emotional journey of Bella's life. And as the clock counted down her last few moments, everything comes together. The music swells and then brings you chillingly to the very last, haunting note, and leaves you there. It's a WOW moment.

So what did you think of this soundtrack? Let us know in the comments.