Music Review: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

Lorde is one of the highlights in this album.

This is the start of how it all ends.

There's hip, hipper, hipster, then, on a level of its own, is this soundtrack/movie companion album curated by Lorde.

The previous Hunger Games' albums suited the moody, dystopian world of the films and, though this compilation has its own dark moments, it does feel a more positive affair.

Its line-up ranges from Grace Jones and Simon Le Bon (no joke) to Chvrches and Bat for Lashes, with appearances from Major Lazer, Tove Lo and Ariana Grande to boot. The opening track really sums up the star power on offer -- Stromae's Meltdown featuring Lorde, Pusha T, Q-Tip and Haim builds into an energetic melding of choirs, moans and harmonies that sets the tone nicely.

The album is a strong mix of hip-hop, rap and electronic indie styles. The only bum note is the grand mess of Jones' Original Beast, while the many highlights include Lorde's Yellow Flicker Beat, its Kanye West "rework" and contributions from Charlie XCX, Major Lazer and Tove Lo.

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