Considering the movie is from Walt Disney Studios, I expected a lot less of the music I'd hear. Disney delivered when it came to its classic animated films, but for a present-day, teen-geared feature with actual human beings, I feared for tunes that sounded reminiscent of a Kids Popz track.
I was pleasantly surprised! The film is full of indie songs that lend the movie an authentic, grounded feel, rather than a mindless, dance-party one, which I think would have trivialized and miniaturized the teens' emotions and conflicts. The soundtrack includes most of these little-known, charming numbers from the movie, as well as the two songs from cast members--"Time Stand" from Thomas McDonnell's (Jesse) band Moon, and "We Could Be Anything" from Nolan Sotillo (Lucas). A few of these gems are difficult, if not impossible, to find any other way besides through the official soundtrack.
I wouldn't give this CD so few as 4 stars, even, because what IS on the CD is worthwhile and among the best pieces from the movie. I am, however, bummed that more than a couple songs were left out. I'm listing them here to convey how many were neglected, and to help anyone else who may be disappointed and curious to find some of the more obscure titles and artists:
1. "Firework" - Katy Perry (Hardly obscure, I know! But I found its exclusion puzzling, since this hit was used as a hook; prom night)
2. "Kickstarts" - Example (trailer)
3. "Young Blood" - The Naked and Famous (trailer + motorcycle ride)
4. "1983" - Neon Trees (trailer; team BBQ)
5. "Secret Crush" (dance remix) - Rachel McClusky (playing in the girl's car that passes beneath the bridge from which Lloyd dangles his sign)
6. "100/0 (Snowdays Forever)" - A Sunny Day In Glassglow (shed burning down)
7. "Heart In Your Heartbreak" - The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart (work day I believe?)
8. "Fill In The Blank" - Attack Rabbit! (shots of Lloyd trying to snag a date)
9. "Party" - Keili Lefkovitz (BBQ)
10. "Can't Find Entrance" - Those Dancing Days (Jesse and Nova driving in her car)
11. "Slow Burning Crimes" - East Hundred
12. "Too Late" - M83 (Jesse fighting; Nova crying)
13. "Weekend" - Smith Westerns
14. "Break Your Heart ft. Ludacris" - Taio Cruz (prom night)
15. "No One's Gonna Love You" - Band Of Horses
The songs on the CD plus the songs listed here account for all the songs in the movie--at least, all the songs credited at the end of the movie.