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|rev4Score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Fox|first=Matthew|title=Sucker Punch: The Album|url=http://americanmusicchannel.com/features/reviews/4-21-2011/sucker-punch-soundtrack|publisher=American Music Channel|accessdate=7 June 2011}}</ref>
|rev4Score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Fox|first=Matthew|title=Sucker Punch: The Album|url=http://americanmusicchannel.com/features/reviews/4-21-2011/sucker-punch-soundtrack|publisher=American Music Channel|accessdate=7 June 2011}}</ref>
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The album received generally positive reviews from critics. Rick Florino of Artistdirect was very positive on the album, writing that the film "hearkens back to the good old days, and the film's soundtrack is not only one of the best soundtracks this year, it's also bound to be remembered as a classic." The writer praised Browning's take on "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)", writing that it "adds a lush darkness and vibrant vulnerability to the song reminiscent of [[Portishead (band)|Portishead]]'s [[Beth Gibbons]] but with a flare all her own." Florino awarded the album four and a half stars out of five, and concluded his review, writing, "This is the kind of soundtrack that needs to be listened to from front to back, and if it's any indication, the film is destined to be one of the most mind-blowing and magnificent screen event this year, perhaps even the decade."<ref name="artistdirect">{{cite web|url=http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/news/article/0,,8718796,00.html|title="Sucker Punch" Soundtrack Review|publisher=Artistdirect. Rogue Digital|last=Florino|first=Rick|date=2011-03-07|accessdate=2011-05-02}}</ref> Heather Phares of Allmusic reviewed the album positively, praising Browning for "deliver[ing] the soundtrack’s most affecting performances". The reviewer, however, pointed out that the "only true stumble is a mash-up of Queen's “I Want It All” and “We Will Rock You” interspersed with a rap by Armageddon". Phares concluded her review with "''Sucker Punch'' is elaborate and sometimes overwrought, but it’s absolutely true to the film’s aesthetic."<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/sucker-punch-r2133127/review|title=Sucker Punch – Various Artists|publisher=[[Allmusic]]. [[Rovi Corporation]]|last=Phares|first=Heather|accessdate=2011-05-02}}</ref> Jon M. Gilbertson of ''[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]]'' was not very fond of the album, writing that "Maybe these covers make more sense in filmic context, but on their own they exude an air of pointlessness. They are, like Snyder's movies, stylish but curiously hollow."<ref name="JS">{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/musicandnightlife/118399109.html|title=CD Reviews: The Strokes; 'Sucker Punch' Soundtrack|last=Gilbertson|first=Jon M.|work=[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]]|publisher=[[Journal Communications]]|accessdate=2011-05-03|date=2011-03-22}}</ref>
The album received generally positive reviews from critics. Rick Florino of Artistdirect was very positive on the album, writing that the film "hearkens back to the good old days, and the film's soundtrack is not only one of the best soundtracks this year, it's also bound to be remembered as a classic." The writer praised Browning's take on "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)", writing that it "adds a lush darkness and vibrant vulnerability to the song reminiscent of [[Portishead (band)|Portishead]]'s [[Beth Gibbons]] but with a flair all her own." Florino awarded the album four and a half stars out of five, and concluded his review, writing, "This is the kind of soundtrack that needs to be listened to from front to back, and if it's any indication, the film is destined to be one of the most mind-blowing and magnificent screen event this year, perhaps even the decade."<ref name="artistdirect">{{cite web|url=http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/news/article/0,,8718796,00.html|title="Sucker Punch" Soundtrack Review|publisher=Artistdirect. Rogue Digital|last=Florino|first=Rick|date=2011-03-07|accessdate=2011-05-02}}</ref> Heather Phares of Allmusic reviewed the album positively, praising Browning for "deliver[ing] the soundtrack’s most affecting performances". The reviewer, however, pointed out that the "only true stumble is a mash-up of Queen's “I Want It All” and “We Will Rock You” interspersed with a rap by Armageddon". Phares concluded her review with "''Sucker Punch'' is elaborate and sometimes overwrought, but it’s absolutely true to the film’s aesthetic."<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/sucker-punch-r2133127/review|title=Sucker Punch – Various Artists|publisher=[[Allmusic]]. [[Rovi Corporation]]|last=Phares|first=Heather|accessdate=2011-05-02}}</ref> Jon M. Gilbertson of ''[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]]'' was not very fond of the album, writing that "Maybe these covers make more sense in filmic context, but on their own they exude an air of pointlessness. They are, like Snyder's movies, stylish but curiously hollow."<ref name="JS">{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/musicandnightlife/118399109.html|title=CD Reviews: The Strokes; 'Sucker Punch' Soundtrack|last=Gilbertson|first=Jon M.|work=[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]]|publisher=[[Journal Communications]]|accessdate=2011-05-03|date=2011-03-22}}</ref>


==Commercial performance==
==Commercial performance==

Revision as of 16:40, 2 July 2011

Untitled

Sucker Punch is the soundtrack for the film of the same name. It was released on March 22, 2011 by WaterTower Music. The album consists of covered songs, mainly by the film's stars. Emily Browning sings three songs, and Carla Gugino and Oscar Isaac performs a cover of "Love Is the Drug" as a duet. Recording artists Björk, Skunk Anansie, Emilíana Torrini, Queen, Carla Azar, Alison Mosshart and Yoav also have songs on the soundtrack.

All of the covers on the album were produced by Marius de Vries and Tyler Bates, who utilized orchestral and rock sounds. Director Zack Snyder wanted the songs to add depth, dimension and meaning to the fantasy aspects of the film. The recording sessions began in September 2009. Part of Browning's audition for her role in the film included recording herself while singing. Snyder liked her voice and offered her to sing The Smiths' song "Asleep". The crew and Smiths' frontman Morrissey were happy with the result, and Browning recorded two more songs for the soundtrack, including "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" which is played during the film's opening sequence.

The album received generally positive reviews. Critics considered it one of the best soundtracks of the year, although the rap by Armageddon in the mash-up of Queen's "I Want It All" and "We Will Rock You" was cited as the album's bad point. Browning was praised for her performance throughout the album, mainly on "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)". Sucker Punch reached number twenty-two on the Billboard 200, and the top of the Top Soundtracks chart. Internationally, the album reached the top fifty in Australia, New Zealand, Austria and Germany.

Background and development

Like with the soundtrack for Watchmen, director Zack Snyder decided to go with covers instead of original songs, saying "If you go with the original song, you just get the moment. But if you go with covers you also get all of the baggage you bring to it, [...] I like the baggage. It kind of resonates and rings across time, it's not just of the moment."[1] The soundtrack was produced by Marius de Vries and Tyler Bates, and Snyder wanted the songs to add depth, dimension and "meaning to the sequences they exist within", as the film includes "multiple levels of reality".[2] The original script of the film included parts where the characters sang, but it did not make the final cut, and de Vries said, "It was never going to be an opera, or even going to be a musical. It was very unlikely even to have any 'break into song' moments within it, but the fact that we designed it so that it could I think gives it that sort of strange, music-driven resonance."[1] Bates considers Emilíana Torrini's cover of Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit" to be the soundtrack's standout. Snyder picked the song during the film's pre-production, as he believed that it was "perfect for our World War I [action sequence]".[1]

Emily Browning's performance on the album was met with positive reactions from the crew and critics alike.

Carla Gugino revealed in August 2009 that she had began taking singing lessons for her part in the film.[3] One month later, Jamie Chung announced in an interview with E! Entertainment that recording for the soundtrack had begun.[4] When Emily Browning auditioned for her role as Babydoll, Snyder asked her to sing because of the musical element in the film.[5] He told her to record herself while singing, and Browning later said, "I was terrified, of course. But he liked it. I have no idea why, but he thought me capable of carrying a tune on the screen."[6] The crew liked the result and offered her to sing more songs.[5] During a discussion on her favorite music with Snyder, Browning said that The Smiths was her favorite band. Several weeks later, Snyder informed her that he had acquired the rights to The Smiths' song "Asleep", and asked her if she would like to perform the lead vocals.[5] At first, she hesitated, saying that "The offer was flattering, but there was so much pressure". However, she recorded the song and according to Snyder, The Smith's frontman Morrissey, was happy with the result.[6] Browning recorded two more songs for the soundtrack; "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics and "Where Is My Mind?" by Pixies, the latter being a duet with Yoav.[6] The film opens with Browning's cover of "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)", and Bates noted that "[Emily's] first line of dialogue is actually 27 minutes into the film so it is an interesting way to introduce her character."[1]

Composition

"Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)"
Browning's cover of "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" opened the film and was one of three songs she performed on the soundtrack.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Musically, the songs on Sucker Punch are highlighted with orchestrations and a rock edge.[1] Heather Phares of Allmusic noted that "The setting for [the film] may be a ‘50s mental institution, but the film’s soundtrack feels like it’s straight out of the ‘90s." The writer also noted that "Nearly every track here [...] pits female vocals against massive, mechanical instrumentation, underscoring the plight from which the film’s characters must rescue themselves."[7] The fourth track, a mash-up of Queen's "I Want It All" and "We Will Rock You", includes rap verses by Aramageddon. Phares called the mash-up "an unwelcome reminder of the rap-rock that overtook the second half of the ‘90s."[7] Torrini's take on "White Rabbit" includes a Middle Eastern-style outro with guitars and an orchestral pomp.[8] According to Rick Florino of Artistdirect, the "Sucker Punch Remix" of Björk's "Army of Me" is based upon a trip hop production and "repeatedly pummels via the psychedelic vocal delivery and careening, crushing guitars".[8]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic[7]
Artistdirect[8]
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel(mixed)[9]
American Music Channel[10]

The album received generally positive reviews from critics. Rick Florino of Artistdirect was very positive on the album, writing that the film "hearkens back to the good old days, and the film's soundtrack is not only one of the best soundtracks this year, it's also bound to be remembered as a classic." The writer praised Browning's take on "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)", writing that it "adds a lush darkness and vibrant vulnerability to the song reminiscent of Portishead's Beth Gibbons but with a flair all her own." Florino awarded the album four and a half stars out of five, and concluded his review, writing, "This is the kind of soundtrack that needs to be listened to from front to back, and if it's any indication, the film is destined to be one of the most mind-blowing and magnificent screen event this year, perhaps even the decade."[8] Heather Phares of Allmusic reviewed the album positively, praising Browning for "deliver[ing] the soundtrack’s most affecting performances". The reviewer, however, pointed out that the "only true stumble is a mash-up of Queen's “I Want It All” and “We Will Rock You” interspersed with a rap by Armageddon". Phares concluded her review with "Sucker Punch is elaborate and sometimes overwrought, but it’s absolutely true to the film’s aesthetic."[7] Jon M. Gilbertson of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel was not very fond of the album, writing that "Maybe these covers make more sense in filmic context, but on their own they exude an air of pointlessness. They are, like Snyder's movies, stylish but curiously hollow."[9]

Commercial performance

Sucker Punch sold 16,000 copies in its first week of release in the United States, debuting at number thirty-six on the Billboard 200 on the issue dated April 9, 2011.[11] In its second week, the album rose nine positions to number twenty-two, with sales of 20,000 copies.[12] The same week, it reached the summit of the Top Soundtracks chart, having debuted at number two one week earlier.[13] In Australia, the album debuted at number eighteen and spent two weeks on the chart.[14] In France, it debuted at number eighty-nine and reached its peak of seventy-nine the following week.[15] In New Zealand, the album entered the chart at number thirty-six and managed to reach thirty-three the next week.[16] Sucker Punch also reached number thirty-seven in Austria, forty-two in Germany and fifty-seven in Switzerland.[17][18]

Track listing

No.TitleArtist(s)Length
1."Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)"Emily Browning5:18
2."Army of Me (Sucker Punch Remix)"Björk featuring Skunk Anansie6:50
3."White Rabbit"Emilíana Torrini5:07
4."I Want It All / We Will Rock You Mash-Up"Queen featuring Armageddon aka Geddy5:07
5."Search and Destroy"Skunk Anansie4:24
6."Tomorrow Never Knows"Carla Azar and Alison Mosshart7:35
7."Where Is My Mind?"Yoav and Emily Browning6:08
8."Asleep"Emily Browning4:20
9."Love Is the Drug"Carla Gugino & Oscar Isaac4:12

Charts

Chart (2011) Peak
position
Australian Albums Chart[14] 18
Austrian Albums Chart[17] 37
French Albums Chart[15] 79
German Albums Chart[18] 42
New Zealand Albums Chart[16] 33
Swiss Albums Chart[19] 57
US Billboard 200[12] 22
US Top Soundtracks[13] 1

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Rosenberg, Adam (2011-03-25). "'Sucker Punch' Brings Back the Event Soundtrack". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media. Retrieved 2011-05-02.
  2. ^ Sciarretto, Amy (2011-02-25). ""Sucker Punch" OST Due Out March 22nd". Artistdirect. Rogue Digital. Retrieved 2011-05-02.
  3. ^ Snead, Elizabeth (2009-08-11). "VIDEO SCOOP: Carla Gugino, Vanessa Hudgens may sing a duet in 'Sucker Punch'?". Zap2it. Retrieved 2011-05-03.
  4. ^ Malkin, Marc (2009-09-02). "Sucker Punch Scoop: Navy SEALs and Singing". E! Online. E! Entertainment Television. Retrieved 2011-05-02. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  5. ^ a b c Takeuchi, Craig (2011-03-25). "Sucker Punch's Emily Browning: on weapons, singing, and Vancouver food". The Georgia Straight. Vancouver Free Press. Retrieved 2011-05-03.
  6. ^ a b c Drake, Rossiter (2011-03-24). "Emily Browning a singing sensation in 'Sucker Punch'". The San Francisco Examiner. Clarity Media. Retrieved 2011-05-03.
  7. ^ a b c d Phares, Heather. "Sucker Punch – Various Artists". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 2011-05-02.
  8. ^ a b c d Florino, Rick (2011-03-07). ""Sucker Punch" Soundtrack Review". Artistdirect. Rogue Digital. Retrieved 2011-05-02.
  9. ^ a b Gilbertson, Jon M. (2011-03-22). "CD Reviews: The Strokes; 'Sucker Punch' Soundtrack". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Journal Communications. Retrieved 2011-05-03.
  10. ^ Fox, Matthew. "Sucker Punch: The Album". American Music Channel. Retrieved 7 June 2011.
  11. ^ Kaufman, Gil (2011-03-30). "Chris Brown Lands First Billboard 200 #1 Debut With F.A.M.E." MTV News. MTV Networks (Viacom). Retrieved 2011-03-30. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  12. ^ a b Kaufman, Gil (2011-04-06). "Britney Spears' Femme Fatale Debuts At #1 On Billboard". MTV News. MTV Networks (Viacom). Retrieved 2011-05-02. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  13. ^ a b "Soundtracks – Week of April 16, 2011". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 2011-05-01.
  14. ^ a b "australian-charts.com – Soundtrack – Sucker Punch". ARIA Charts. Hung Medien. Retrieved 2011-04-17.
  15. ^ a b "lescharts.com – Soundtrack – Sucker Punch". SNEP. Hung Medien. Retrieved 2011-04-17.
  16. ^ a b "charts.org.nz – Soundtrack – Sucker Punch". RIANZ. Hung Medien. Retrieved 2011-04-17.
  17. ^ a b "Soundtrack – Sucker Punch – austriancharts.at". IFPI. Hung Medien. Retrieved 2011-04-17.
  18. ^ a b "Album – Soundtrack, Sucker Punch". Media Control. Retrieved 2011-05-07.
  19. ^ "Soundtrack – Sucker Punc – hitparade.ch". Media Control Charts. Hung Medien. Retrieved 2011-04-17.
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