The Hunger Games: Songs From District 12 And Beyond [Soundtrack]

This is just fantastic! It's important to note that this isn't the official soundtrack, rather it is songs inspired by the movie and wow, each of these songs reminded me so much of moments in both the books and the movie; one or two of the soundtracks even reminded me of some of the characters.

It's not often that an album doesn't have a single song you want to skip but with this soundtrack I had absolutely no desire to skip a rubbish song because there just isn't one. In particular, "Abrahams Daughter", "Come away to the water", "Eyes Open" and "Safe and Sound" are by far the best of the bunch - each has such an eerie feel to them that you can't help but think of Katniss and Prim being wrenched apart and the fear the Hunger Games brings to each character.

I have to say that I was surprised by how good some of these songs were, particularly Taylor Swift's "Eyes Open" and "Safe and Sound". I was expecting something country-esk and not really fitting with the movie but that was absolutely not the case - infact I'd go as far as to say her songs made the album.

But do you need to have seen the movie to appreciate this album? No of course not, the songs are great in their own right. Here's a quick run down of what songs are on the album just in case:

Abrahams Daughter by Arcade Fire - Really quite creepy but difficult not to love.
Tomorrow will be Kinder by the Secret Sisters - A bit dreary, probably the worst of the bunch.
Nothing to Remember by Neko Case - Again, a bit dreary but nice to listen to.
Safe and Sound by Taylor Swift ft Civil Wars - One of the best songs - the lyrics are beautiful and really relate to the movie.
The ruler and the killer by Kid Cudi - A rock twist to the album.
Dark Days by Punch Brothers - Pretty song, the lyrics again really remind me of the movie.
One Engine by the Decemberists - A more upbeat song.
Daughters Lament by Carolina Chocolate Drops - Very country, sounds more like chanting but is quite moving.
Kingdom Come by the Civil Wars - I had never heard of this group before this album, they're very country but really great.
Take the Heartland by Glen Hansard - Rocky, not really in keeping with the movie in my opinion.
Come away to the water by Maroon 5 - Wow, I can't stop listening to it. It's super eerie, maybe even a bit weird. But brilliant!
Run Daddy Run by Miranda Lambert - I love this, a country song with great depth to it.
Rules by Jaymee Dee - She has such a distinctive voice. I loved this.
Eyes Open by Taylor Swift - Fantastic - the lyrics could not be more perfect for the movie.
Lover is Childlike by The Low Anthem - A quiet song, eerie and beautiful.
Just a Game by Birdy - A very pretty song.

So overall a great album, probably with a bit of a country bias, perfect for the movie. Hope this helps.

Just to say, this isn't the score for the movie, rather 'inspired by' songs.
Some of the music is really beautiful, particularly Safe and Sound, and Come Away to the Water, other songs are a bit weirder, and not as obviously related to the Hunger Games.
I would recommend it, especially if you're into Country.

I love film soundtracks and was not disappointed by this one. The collection of songs are a brilliant mix which each complement the other. The songs are a excellent companion piece for the books and film and there are some absolute gems present. The civil wars, arcade fire and birdy all produce great songs but I was pleasantly surprised by the haunting track from Maroon 5 and also one from Jayme Dee. I was also impressed by the lyrics of the songs which truly reflect the themes in the books, I cannot fault this album. I would recommend this soundtrack to anybody who loves music.