With the release this week of the first in a series of Hunger Games movies comes the inevitable accompanying album.
Tipped to be the next huge teen franchise, along the lines of Twilight and before that Harry Potter, the Hunger Games takes those books and movies' takes on the themesof love and death to a whole new level.
And while the album does feature teen/tween favourites Taylor Swift and Maroon 5, their songs here are far more dark and introspective than the usual fare.
Lead single Safe & Sound, by Swift featuring The Civil Wars is one of two standout tracks - Taylor Swift for those who wouldn't be caught dead listening to Taylor Swift. Stripped back with warm harmonies and soft acoustic backing, it carries an air of impending menace, much like the movie itself.
The Decemberists' rollicking Celtic-tinged One Engine is one of only a few upbeat tracks, but it fits perfectly among the other suitably dramatic, even cinematic, tracks that match the movie's rustic feel.
