 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond
- By Various Artists
- Genre: Soundtrack
Common Sense Media says
Dark, haunting alt-rock/country soundtrack; best for teens.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is an album of songs from and inspired by the highly anticipated movie based on the Suzanne Collins bestselling novel The Hunger Games. Only three of the songs appear in the film, over the credits. (There is a separate soundtrack album of James Newton Howard's score for the film.) Considering the movie's brooding plot that sends children of a futuristic society to a televised fight to the death, the songs, as expected, are melancholy and morose with content about survival and death, but also filled with hope, courage, and sacrifice -- much like the heroine of the story, Katniss Everdeen. A few songs do mention weapons and killing, but because of the very intense subject matter of the movie and the songs, the album, like the book, is best for teens and up.
What's the story?
Acclaimed producer T.Bone Burnett (O Brother, Where Art Thou?) lends his musical genius to THE HUNGER GAMES: SONGS FROM DISTRICT 12 AND BEYOND. With 16 original tracks (not all of which are in the movie) from artists including Taylor Swift, Maroon 5, Miranda Lambert, The Decemberists, Arcade Fire, and The Civil Wars, the despair, rage, and hope of District 12 and Katniss Everdeen certainly comes through.
Is it any good?
There's a lot of expectation for the album that accompanies one of the most talked about movie releases for any age group, and The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond almost lives up to the hype. Brooding alt-rock and country dominate the soundtrack, with melancholy melodies and eerily haunting vocals that could make goose bumps rise on your neck quicker than the feather of Katniss' bow. Of course Swift's "Safe & Sound" (with impeccable duo The Civil Wars) and "Eyes Open" are commercial favorites, but the gut-wrenching fight for love and life that the book and movie are about are best depicted in songs like Arcade Fire's "Abraham's Daughter," "Tomorrow Will Be Kinder" by Secret Sisters, the heartfelt "Just a Game" by British teen Birdy, and "Rules" by Jayme Deen. Perhaps Burnett wanted to perpetuate the idea of a raw, futuristic Appalachia that is home to Katniss, so hopefully fans can appreciate the country sounds that overwhelm the album. Kid Cudi's "The Ruler and the Killer" stands out as a hip-hop/rock track that embodies the intensity you'd expect from an action-filled fight-to-the-death flick.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the themes of hope and survival that are depicted in the book The Hunger Games, and if and how those themes are brought out in the music. What other themes do you think can be found in the music?
Is the music on this album what you expected after reading the book? Why or why not? What do you like about the music? What do you dislike?
Do you think it makes a difference when popular musicians like Taylor Swift and Maroon 5 are included on a soundtrack? Does it make you more or less interested in the music?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 11 years old
March 25, 2012
AGE
Great!
I got this because one of my fave bands is on it AND because I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE HUNGER GAMES!!!!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 11 years old
March 25, 2012
AGE
Song From District 12 and Beyond... Probably best for 10 and beyond
The album in itself is great and anyone can listen to it, but the music is very deep in context and meaning, so I think its best for people 10 and up so they can really listen and enjoy very soulful (and good) music.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 11 years old
March 20, 2012
AGE
Haunting Soundtrack to Blockbuster Hit Movie
This soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful. Every song is related to the movie with the violent theme. Certain instruments are created to make it creepy. There are some positive messages and role models throughout the soundtrack. Taylor Swift has two songs in this soundtrack. One, Safe and Sound, has an extremely haunting tone settling in the song. The other, Eyes Open, has a lighter tone in it. Both are wonderful. My favorite song in the soundtrack is Abraham's Daughter. There is one use of h**l. There is a lot of consumerism since it is Hunger Games. Good for 10+.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
March 23, 2012
AGE
Amazing Album.
It's a really amazing album. While it is a soundtrack for a blockbuster movie, the collection of songs is really fantastic and it perfectly reflects the story line conveyed by the books (I haven't seen the movie-YET!). It clearly took very much thought to sound like Appalachian music three hundred years in the future. There are a lot of songs about fear, hiding, and a death in coal mines is a strong theme.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
awesometastic
amazing! I LOVE THE ARCADE FIRE SONG!!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Great music for different tastes!
A reason why I love these songs is because it's different from what's "popular" now, it's not pop and rap, but is more folk like, more peaceful. But yh definatly good songs and music!
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | book characters |
| Artist: | Various Artists |
| Type: | Album |
| Release date: | March 20, 2012 |
| Label: | Universal |
| Genre: | Soundtrack |
| Parental advisory: | No |
| Edited version available: | No |
Review It
Register now to save reviews and advice articles to your personal lists!
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
vote now
Will you add The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond to your playlist?
Already listened to it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
