The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond Image
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critics What's this?

User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

  • Summary: The Hunger Games soundtrack produced by T-Bone Burnett includes songs by Arcade Fire, Birdy, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Neko Case, The Civil Wars, The Decemberists, Jayme Dee, Glen Hansard, Kid Cudi, Miranda Lambert, The Low Anthem, Maroon 5, Punch Brothers, The Secret Sisters, and Taylor Swift.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 6
  2. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Mar 22, 2012
    80
    The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond would be an impressive collection even if it weren't associated with one of 2012's most anticipated films, but the care put into the soundtrack makes it an experience that much richer for fans of the books, the movie, and any of the artists here.
  2. Mar 26, 2012
    80
    They consistently hit on the themes that have made The Hunger Games such a broadly appealing and resonant work, making for a soundtrack that reflects favorably on the film and which stands entirely on its own merits.
  3. 75
    Far more engaging are the artists who imagine they've seen Katniss' future, and all they can say is "Go back."
  4. Apr 2, 2012
    60
    None of these songs will top the charts, and none of them are very immediate, but they work together like a well-oiled machine that delivers a relatively accurate depiction of how you might feel while reading the book or watching the film.

See all 6 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. 10
    Got this album after reading the books and seeing the movie, and can't be happier I did. First purchased it mostly because of the Taylor Swift and Kid Cudi songs, but now like the other songs just as much, or probably more. The lyrical content and feel of the songs fit perfectly with the books. With the exception of one song, I LOVE every song on this album. If you are a fan of the Hunger Games books or movie, I strongly recommend this collection. However, I would disagree with Josh_47ra in his saying that the songs are mostly pop. A few are, but I definitely don't get a "pop" feeling from the album. Nonetheless, whatever your musical tastes, give it a listen. You will like it! Expand
  2. Abraham's Daughter- a mysterious song that delivers a quite spooky performance but is quite delightful too ;Tomorrow Will Be Kinder- very gorgeous and relates very well to the film, sounds like some lullaby to Prim ;Nothing To Remember- one of my favorites, mainly because Neko Case has an awesome voice ;Safe & Sound- one of the best songs in the soundtrack, taylor's icy vocals blend well with civil war's gothic background melodies ;The Ruler And The Killer- a miscue in the album, it delivers nothing helpful to the film ;Dark Days- some nice vocals and it sounds kind of dreamy and is one of the better tracks ;One Engine- things begin to pace up and this song is the most upbeat and it is has a nice beat and some nice vocal contribution ;Daughter's Lament- sounds very yodely but it is a good thing ;Kingdom Come- a standou because it sounds like something that should be in the soundtrack ;Take The Heartland- the dude's screaming vocals are hopeless but it does have a nice beat ;Come Away To The Water- nice lyrics but it is a weak track and it is too long ;Run Daddy Run- an impressive track and also the most country ;Rules- sweet vocals, silly lyrics but nice track overall ;Eyes Open- a standout, it has an alt-country feel to it and is a mature song for Swift ;Lover Is Childlike- worst song on the album because it is plain boring and has a weak vocal performance; Just A Game- an amazing song that captures the true essence of the film, plus nice vocals from 15 yr. Old Birdy
    HIGHLIGHTS: Abraham's Daughter, Nothing To Remember, Safe & Sound, Kingdom Come, Eyes Open, Just A Game
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  3. Really good collection of songs. Its definitely more pop than anything. Also more somber for the most part. I wish they had put some of these songs in the movie because there are a lot of good spots they would have fit. Regardless good compilation of various artist. IF you liked the Hunger Games book or movie you will like this. Expand