Music 102: Garden State Soundtrack

This cd just had to be put on this website. The soundtrack for the film Garden State is known as one of the best soundtracks ever. This cd is the best mix tape ever, filled with songs you will never tire of. I've had this soundtrack since it came out and I still listen to it all the time. Even if you haven't seen the film or even care to see it, still give this music a chance, it's worth it. For this cd I decided to give a track by track breakdown of each of the songs.

Track list:

1) Don't Panic- Coldplay: I don't think it's possible to hate a Coldplay song, and this is no exception. If you're a fan of Coldplay, you probably already know this haunting song. It's a perfect way to start out this indie mix. Just listen to the lyrics and you'll fall madly in love with this song. Chris Martin's voice goes perfect with the beats of this song. 4/5.

2) Caring is Creepy- The Shins: The first of two songs by The Shins on this soundtrack. If you don't already know The Shins, listen to them. I love the tune of the song, it just makes you wanna bob your head along. But listen to the lyrics, they are so strange and mystical. It took me a couple listens to get them down. 'It's a luscious mix of words and tricks', what a beautiful line. 4/5.

3) In the Waiting Line- Zero 7: One of the stranger songs on here, still good. I think this song is great in the car, well the whole cd is great for your car. Listening to this song while driving by just makes everything seem more interesting. The mellow beats and smooth singing definitely help for the ride. 3/5.

4) New Slang- The Shins: One of the best songs on here, you'll catch yourself singing along once you get used to it. The Shins are known for their strange lyrics so when you listen to this one, don't be surprised by some of the things they say. In the end though, you'll be wanting to listen to it 24/7. I give this a 5/5.


5) I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You- Colin Hay: You'll catch yourself listening to this before bed or when you just feel calm and want to close your eyes along to some music. Colin Hay just has this organic sound to him, as if you've seen him at a small gig before. This sound of the song makes it feel like he's playing just for you. There's a sincerity to this song that you just can't beat. 4/5.

6) Blue Eyes- Cary Brothers: This song is not exactly a slow song, or it doesn't feel like it, but yet it feels like one. Soft and sweet. The song you dance to with your loved one. This song will make you feel special. A must have in your music library. 4/5.


7) Fair- Remy Zero: This is one of my absolute favorite songs of all time. There's something so touching about the beginning and how it builds up to what is a great chorus. This song will keep you captivated the whole time. I feel like every time I listen to it, I'm rediscovering it for the first time again.

8) One of These Things First- Nick Drake: This song is probably my least favorite. To me it's the least memorable song of the whole album. It's still a great song, but it feels more like background music to something else. It's hard to listen to it just alone. It feels like it's be perfect to play at a low key coffee shop. 3/5.

9) Lebanese Blonde- Thievery Corporation: This song has one of the coolest intros I've ever heard. I love the instrumental part of it and the whole feel of it. It transports me to a different world. It has a chill feel to it and makes me want to try new things. Still it's not the best on here. 3/5.

10) The Only Living Boy in New York- Simon & Garfunkel: A key track to this soundtrack. If you could only buy one song on here it'd probably be this one. The Only Living Boy in New York is a classic. Every part of this song is amazing. I love the simplicity of the lyrics and the vibe it gives off. It speaks out to you. 5/5.

11) Such Great Heights- Iron & Wine: This song is a cover of a Postal Service song, but personally, I like this version better. Iron & Wine has a way of drawing you into their soothing music and staying forever. This song is perfect for every occasion. It's the best on a rainy or gloomy day. The lyrics were already great from the original but with the soft and slow tune it just makes everything better. I catch myself singing this all the time. 5/5.

12) Let Go- Frou Frou: This song gives me an adrenaline rush. The whole feel of it makes you feel like you're in some crazy situation which makes this so great. Plus this singer of this has one of the best voices ever. This is one of the songs you need to listen to to get the whole feel of the cd. 5/5.

13) Winding Road- Bonnie Somerville: Okay this song is a great way to end the soundtrack but still not my favorite out of the bunch. There's just something missing from this song. It's almost like the odd ball out of the soundtrack. 3/5.

I love how the director of this film Zach Braff picked out the soundtrack. He made Garden State a staple in your pop culture life. This is one cd you have to own if you ever want to consider yourself a music buff. Overall this soundtrack is a 5/5.

Must Have Tracks: Let Go (by Frou Frou), Such Great Heights (by Iron & Wine), Only Living Boy in New York (by Simon & Garfunkle) , and New Slang (by The Shins.

Written by Em.