Just prior to its highly anticipated Valentine’s Day première, “Fifty Shades of Grey” released the soundtrack that will accompany the film on Tuesday. The compilation, which features a wide range of artists who span across decades and genres, features a total of 16 tracks, several of which were written specifically for the film.
The album begins with “I Put a Spell on You” by Scottish singer-songwriter, Annie Lennox. The classic ballad, which expertly sets the tone for the entire soundtrack, makes for a great opening statement as well as timely one, since she performed the song live at the 57th Grammy Awards with fellow musician Hozier on Sunday.
Lennox is not the only Grammy winning artist featured on the soundtrack. American Composer Danny Elfman, known for his work on “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “The Simpsons,” wrote two original pieces for the film, “Ana and Christian,” and “Did That Hurt?” Both orchestra pieces are subtle and relatively unimpressive in comparison to Elfman’s previous work.
In addition to the orchestra pieces, the soundtrack also features a remastered version of the song “Witchcraft,” by beloved American singer, Frank Sinatra. The song has a classic, swanky jazz feel that blends well amongst the array of contemporary musicians featured on the album.
Amongst the contemporary artists that the album is mainly composed of are Ellie Goulding, The Weeknd, Sia, and Beyoncé.
Goulding, who has the most upbeat of the songs on the album, wrote the song “Love Me Like You Do” specifically for the soundtrack. The melody is incredibly catchy and fun, while still remaining a love song. It is perhaps the best on the album, and one that will easily be stuck in your head.
Sia’s track, “Salted Wound,” was also written solely for the film, yet is far more mellow than Goulding’s. It’s not what the track listeners may expect from Sia based on her previous hit “Chandelier.” Nowhere on the track does Sia showcase her powerhouse vocals, but instead chooses to create a dreamy, lethargic ballad, laden with string and harp melodies.
The Weeknd and Beyoncé also continue this mellow yet jazzy feel that is present throughout most of the album. The Weeknd has two tracks on the album, “Earned It” and “Where You Belong.” Both songs have a modern jazz feel that emphasizes the overall tumultuous tone of the album.
Special for the film, Beyonce remastered a version of her 2003 hit, “Crazy In Love.” The song has been the primary track played in the theatrical trailers for the film and is a slowed down, sinister version of one of Beyoncé’s most famous songs.
In addition to “Crazy In Love,” Beyoncé also has a second song on the album, “Haunted,” taken from her self-titled 2013 album.
Although the film may not pique the interest of all moviegoers, the tracks on the album have something to offer all music lovers, from R&B to classic jazz. “Fifty Shades of Grey (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)” is now available to purchase as well as to stream on Spotify.
