The Perks of Being a Wallflower is looking to be the feel-good hit of the summer. Logan Lerman, Emma Watson and Ezra Miller lead a stellar lineup through a film – based on the best-selling novel written by Stephen Chbosky – about a freshman being taken under his wing by two seniors, one whom he cannot help but attain feelings for.
While not having yet seen the movie, the soundtrack provides a great feeling of nostalgia to those brought up in recent decades. Could It Be Another Change by The Samples is a great acoustic rendition that makes you want to go driving alongside the beach. Undeniably suitable for any soundtrack, one hit wonder Come On Eileen is a fulfilling song that (let’s face it) takes you back in time, and puts you in the mood to disco. Dexys Midnight Runner can never be forgotten.
Other classics including New Order’s Temptation and Teenage Riot by Sonic Youth liven up the soundtrack. Reminiscent of the songs that are rarely heard on the airwaves anymore, XTC bring back the memories with Dear God, along with Cracker and their hit Low. These songs all relate to the story that is told. Some are about love, and others remind us of that we were all freshman at some point of our lives.
Perhaps out of place included in this nostalgic piece of musical work is Charlie’s Last Letter. Written and composed by Michael Brook, Charlie (Logan Lerman) reads a letter aloud. He talks about his love for Sam (Emma Watson) with a defining final statement ‘This one moment when you know you’re not a sad story / You are alive … and in this moment, I swear / We are infinite.’ Although very fitting for a scene in the movie, it has no place amongst the other songs featured.
Yet again another classic completes the soundtrack. Heroes by David Bowie makes the listener understand the plot of the story. Certainly one of Bowie’s greatest hits, it is no stranger to the commercial world. This song is an anthem to the lives of many people.
Viewing this dramatic comedy may be worthwhile if you enjoy listening to the soundtrack. You will find out where and why each song is placed in certain scenes throughout the film. The soundtrack is definitely worth a listen.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is in cinemas November 29.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is out now.
