Whether you're a Team Edward, Team Jacob or a Team I Don't Care
about Twilight, the soundtrack for the next installment in the series
"Eclipse" is a winner. Metric start the ball rolling with the
aptly titled 'eclipse'. What I imagine Bella is thinking and if she
could sing, that is what she'd sing.

The poster boys for the Twilight Saga, Muse, follow on with
"Neutron Star Collision (Love Is Forever). This is their third
appearance on a the movie soundtracks. Amazing what having an author as
a fan of your music does.

The Bravery's 'Ours' brings out the dancer in the listener, with an
electro beat backing and lyrics that fit the theme of the album and the
movies, love and forever.

The unmistakable vocals of Florence and the Machine really take
these saga soundtracks to a new level. Not only with their indie cred,
but with essentially capturing the mood of the characters and the film.
"Heavy In Your Arms is a standout on the album, evoking the most
emotion and anticipation for its film appearance.

Sia's sweet and powerful 'My Love' is definitely for the Edward
Cullen lovers. The piano and strings waltz brings an awwww to any
human, vampire or werewolf. (well, technically "shapeshifter" but,
well, you know...)

Lifting the mood back to something lighter is Fanfarlo. "Atlas"
makes your head start bobbing from side to side and it's infectious
percussion will have you stomping and clapping along. I like to think
this track will accompany some of the Jacob Black scenes in the film. I
also like to think about Jacob black. Ahem, moving on.

Speaking of sexiness, the dirty, rough signature sounds of The Black
Keys kick in with "Chop and Change" it's hot, it's tough and it's
awesome. I am curious as to where it will fit in this film's
proceedings.

You might be mistaken for thinking the next track is for a slow
motion villain walking scene from a badass western. That is what The
Dead Weather bring our ears the dark pleasure of "Rolling In On A
Burning Tire". Taking it's members from Queens of the Stone Age, The
Kills, The White Stripes and The Greenhornes, I am not surprised that
this song is bang on the amazing target.

"Let's Get Lost" from Bat for Lashes begins with a synthesized beat
and a wicked baseline. Combined with Beck's instantly recognizable
vocals, this song is one to close your eyes and literally get lost in
the music. It is one of the best duets I have heard in a long time.
Another standout for me.

How long could it be before a band with the name Vampire Weekend
joined the Twilight soundtrack? 2 albums apparently. "Jonathan Low" is in
true Vampire Weekend style. Catchy, story telling lyrics and bells. It
is also the name of a good friend of mine from school. (Hi Jon!)
another one to watch for it's placement in Eclipse.

UNKLE and The Black Angels pop in for a track "With You In My Head".
A song that would be at home on any driving playlist, it is a simple,
constant beat that I think might be posted with a battle scene or
something of similar tension in the film. The distorted vocals really
nail this song.

"A Million Miles An Hour" by Philly band Eastern Conference
Champions makes it badass song number 2 for this soundtrack. Heavy head
banging beat and vocals along the lines of Gomez sound nestle in well
with this movie's plot.

Band of Horses hypnotic harmony begins "Life On Earth". Slow,
relaxed and lush, it is beautiful. Like most of the songs on this
soundtrack, you can really sense it's connection to parts of the story,
and it excites me to see where it fits in.

Cee Lo Green, one half of Gnarls Barkley contributes to this
soundtrack with "What Part of Forever", a whistling, upbeat, almost
marching song. Another incredibly distinctive voice, it will be
accompanying a positive part of the movie.

Following up from "Bella's Lullaby" from Twilight and "The Meadow"
from New Moon, another instrumental is revealed in "Jacobs Theme" by
Howard Shore. Piano only, it is poignant and melancholy much like
Jacob's situation in the story.

Another Aussie representative in the form of Lisa Mitchell (Eskimo
Joe featured on the new moon soundtrack) graces us with her presence on
Eclipse. Edge of my dreams is A song about trying to get over a loved
one. Her childlike vocals mixed with a kids toy piano create an
interesting sound for such mature lyrics.

Back to heaviness now as Battles drop "The Line". It's bass heavy
rhythm paired with vocals only,  then the guitars kicking in gives the
song a panicky, jolted atmosphere. The rhythm speeds up, increasing the
sense of urgency before an almost techno sounding beat kicks in.
Looking forward to seeing this track in action.

Bombay Bicycle Club's "How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep?"  Choral
vocals clash wonderfully with the punchy pop rock drumbeat. It kinda
sounds like a remix of the song.

In relation to remixes, there is a bonus remix of Fanfarlo's
"Atlas", which makes use of the prominent percussion. It reminds me of
the Donkey Kong theme, and that's alright with me.

Another remix from songs previously heard on the album, "What Part
of Forever?" by Cee Lo makes a repeat appearance. Although, it doesn't
sound too far off from the original track.

Overall, I am quite keen to hear these songs combined with my
favourite parts of thus story. I also like that probably not many of
the Twihard Tweens will like this soundtrack, keeping the cool stuff
cool. For now anyway. I can safely say that the only thing that sucks
about this album is the vampires of whom the story is About.
Fang-tastic! Ok I'm done.

Review Score: 8/10