What soundtracks topped the charts in 2012?

December 31st, 2012

Soundtracks can be the difference between an good movie becoming a great movie. They can transport viewers to a dramatic scene in the film and they can bring an added layer of narrative. From vampires to secret agents to a babysitting assignment gone wrong, we look at the best soundtracks in 2012.

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Les Miserables

As one of the most successful musicals to ever hit Broadway, it’s no surprise that the film adaptation of Les Miserables makes our list for best soundtracks of 2012. With all songs in the film performed live by the actors, the film version of Les Miserables contained the authenticity and realness of the stage version.

Pitch Perfect

Making A-capella clubs cool is no easy task, but the cast of Pitch Perfect made it look easy with their adaptation of today’s biggest pop songs.

Step Up: Revolution

Using Miami as the backdrop for this edition of the Step Up film franchise, the soundtrack matched it’s muay caliente setting with songs from Flo Rida, My Name Is Kay, M.I.A., and Skylar Grey.

Fun size

With classic party tracks from Beastie Boys and Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch to current hits from Passion Pit and Carly Rae Jepsen, the Fun Size soundtrack is the perfect backdrop to having big sized fun.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2

As the constant footnote to any Twilight film, the Twilight soundtrack again did not disappoint with its final installment (ie. I didn’t like the movie, but the soundtrack was great!). As always, the soundtrack’s blend of mainstream heavyweights with unknown indie outfits created depth and emotion in a film that sometimes, well, a lot of times, lacked both.

The Hunger Games: Songs From District 12 and Beyond

Though none of the songs from The Hunger Games: Songs From District 12 and Beyond soundtrack were actually used in the film, rarely are songs written specifically for a film able to capture the heartache, despair and romance in a movie like the soundtrack for The Hunger Games.

Skyfall

The history of the James Bond theme songs is one built on many ups and many, many downs (sorry Madonna). But the world breathed a sigh of relief when Adele, who’s career almost ended after she revealed she would be going under the knife for extensive throat surgery, returned in fighting form with Skyfall.