Pitch Perfect Soundtrack Review

Album- Pitch Perfect (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Artists- Various Artists

The hit comedy musical featured an equally success soundtrack album, and I thought it would be kind of cool to review this soundtrack as, like the film, it focuses on completely acapella music, and does this to great effect.

Track 1- Don’t Stop the Music

The opener to the soundtrack is a straightforward number sung by the all-male acapella group The Treblemakers. It’s not very astounding and whilst acapella it stays close to the original version, so not so good. The weakest track.

2.5/5

Track 2- Let It Whip

This is a greater track than the first treblemakers song in that its more enjoyable and has that edge of spontaneity to it, even though it is actually not. And this also has a great sense of charisma to the track, brought most prominently to the song by lead vocalist Bumper (aka Adam Devine).

3/5

Track 3- Since U Been Gone

The zoom zoom zoom zoom acapella start of this track gives a slow steady rise to the track that is a bit run of the mill. In the context of the film it’s an audition song so it works, but on the soundtrack it is one of the weakest songs, although it is elevated by the vocal prowess of Cynthia Rose (aka Ester Dean) and Jesse (aka Skylar Astin). 

3/5

Track 4- Cups

This has been seen as a surprise hit of the soundtrack by some critics. And yet it is easy to see why people would love this track. It is the simplicity that is perhaps key to its success. At a mere 77 seconds it will never be a global smash. But to here Becca’s (aka Anna Kendrick’s) voice singing along to the mere accompaniment of a cup used to make sounds is just awesome cause not many people would be able to do, and definitely not so well.

4/5

Track 5- Riff Off: Ladies of the 80’s (Mickey/ Like A Virgin/ Hit Me With Your Best Shot) Songs About Sex (S&M/ Let’s Talk About Sex/ I’ll Make Love To You/ Feels Like The First Time/ No Diggity)

The musical tension of the various acapella groups within the film is definitely brought to life within this mash up. And the brilliant thing about this is that so many songs are fitted into the mash up, yet this happens seamlessly and indeed almost seems as if its just natural for songs to change. The arrangements are tight and vocals slick. And whats most impressive is the range of songs covered, featuring highly current pop numbers to gangsta rap to 80’s fun filled pop ditties. This is just awesome and a definite listen even if you don’t buy the album.

5/5

Track 6- Bellas Regionals: The Sign/Eternal Flame/ Turn the Beat Around

This is meant to be a bad mash up in terms of the film and so you sort of have to judge this in that context. Whilst no great special musical piece, it fits the bill of presenting The Barden Bellas as old fashioned. But the final moments of this track easily make up for the dodgy beginning and middle, with comedic character Fat Amy (aka Rebel Wilson) unleashing an inner rock chick vocal that gives a little joy and indeed uniqueness to the mash up.

3.5/5

Track 7- Right Round

A sense of male confidence is exhibited within this track, and although it follows the same vein as Don’t Stop The Music, it’s a more solid number in that it doesn’t feel awkward. The only problem with this song is the unnecessary edition of female artist My Name Is Kay to the track, who simply sings the Kesha part of the original track and nothing more.

3/5

Track 8- Pool Mashup: Just The Way You Are (Amazing)/ Just A Dream

The first mash up featuring the new Bella style is a smooth, R n B flavoured number. Although the two songs seem like a little bit of an obvious choice to put together, the track offers a nice change of pace and shows that the girls can slow it down when they want to, being perfectly intune with one another.

3.5/5

Track 9- Party in the U.S.A

Like the original song, this is a simple throwaway version that is merely designed to highlight the camaraderie of the bellas. Whilst its unorginality is a big downside, the fun and frivolity conveyed through these collective voices lifts our spirits and makes the relationships of these characters seem really true.

3/5

Track 10- Trebles Finals: Bright Lights Bigger City/ Magic

Eh. That’s what this track is, although just a bit. Maybe its cause the girls final performance is so awesome, but it just feels a little bland, although the blending of these two tracks is a little unexpected and so makes the mash up a little bit less bland.

3/5

Track 11- Bellas Finals: Price Tag/Don’t You (Forget About Me)/Give Me Everything/ Just the Way You Are/ Party in the U.S.A/ Turn the Beat Around

The finale of the film is the true end to the soundtrack and in this sense is brilliant as we go out with a bang. I actually struggle with words to say why this is a great mash up of songs and a really worthy listen as it employs all of the positives of the other tracks on this record. So all there is to say is: listen to it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Track 12- Toner (Instrumental Suite)

This purely instrumental track is a good end in that it has a contrast with the fast paced moments of the film and the more toned down moments. The track provides a nice chilled out end to the album and is just nice and simple.

3/5

Final Review

Whilst most of the songs or short, and so the album is barely half an hour long, this is a great album in that it is quite frivoulous and fun, and presents a great mash up of old classics with modern smashes. But perhaps the most interesting aspect of this soundtrack is the acapella nature of the songs, with the vocal arrangements being very tight and superb, and the range of songs just great. An awesome soundtrack.

7.5/10