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The Perks of Being a Wallflower (soundtrack)

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The soundtrack to the 2012 coming-of-age drama film The Perks of Being a Wallflower written, directed and based on the 1999 novel of the same name by Stephen Chbosky, features a selection of pop, rock and jazz compilations by various artists, handpicked by Chbosky and music supervisor Alexandra Patsavas.[1] The album was marketed and released by Atlantic Records on September 11, 2012,[2][3] in digital platforms, CD and vinyl.[4][5] Michael Brook composed the film's incidental underscore, published by Lakeshore Records on September 25, that featured nine tracks.[6]

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Soundtrack album by
Various Artists
ReleasedSeptember 11, 2012 (2012-09-11)
Genre
Length51:58
LabelAtlantic
Compiler
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Original Motion Picture Score)
Film score by
Michael Brook
ReleasedSeptember 25, 2012 (2012-09-25)
GenreFilm score
Length23:45
LabelLakeshore
ProducerMichael Brook
Michael Brook chronology
Undefeated
(2011) 		The Perks of Being a Wallflower
(2012) 		Cas and Dylan
(2013)

Other songs not included in soundtrack included "Here" (Pavement), "Don't Dream It's Over" (Crowded House) and "Pretend We're Dead" (L7).[7]

Background

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"I’ve shared them with friends. And they have shared their favorites with me. Some of the songs are popular. Some of them are not known by a whole lot of people. But they are all great in their own way. And since these songs have meant a lot to me, I just wanted you to have them as a soundtrack for whatever you need them to be for your life."

— Stephen Chbosky[8]

Chbosky said music was one of the important factors of the film, while already adding that he did not use songs from his teenage life, but also modern songs, and called it as "the biggest delight in making the film".[9] In his discussion with Pastavas, Chboksy had said that "the soundtrack is basically our mix tape back and forth. She brought in a lot of songs, I brought in a lot of songs, and then Jennifer Nash our music editor, she contributed, and it all came together. Yeah, I love that music and to their credit".[10] Summit Entertainment also paid them for licensing those songs into the film, following the audience response to the songs.[11][12] Chbosky further added that "A lot of the music made it into the movie, but there are some surprises from the era that we included too".[9]

A number of songs, were featured in the book as well, including The Smiths’ "Asleep" and songs from The Rocky Horror Picture Show.[13] He was initially nervous on using those tracks, as "it is so important to the movie and the book, and the Smiths could have asked for the moon and we probably would have given it to them but they didn’t. When they realized how important it was, they gave us the song for well, I can’t say how much but they just got into the spirit of it and people seemed enthusiastic about being a part of this."[11] The track "Your Ex-Lover Is Dead" from The Stars, for the tunnel sequence, while for the first kiss between Charlie and Sam, he used the song "Samson" by Regina Spektor. He added that "the longing of these songs reminded me of the longing of that time".[14][15]

In his book, "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac is listened to by the kids when they go through the tunnel. However, in the film, Chbosky used the David Bowie single "'Heroes'". Chbosky said "Landslide" is a "very soft ballad", and he felt that "the problem was when we got to the tunnel scene I just thought, 'We need something that’s not soft. We need something that’s driving, that’s epic in nature', and "Heroes" was a perfect fit."[14][16] In one sequence, when Sam and Charlie attend the dance, the former hears Dexys Midnight Runners' single "Come On Eileen" and says, "They’re playing good music". Chosbky called it "one of the greatest dance songs" and said, "If you really think about it, if you play that at a wedding or anything, you’ll get people dancing at the most bogus events, that’s what she means. I love that song and it’s [one of] my favorite songs from the '80s."[11] The single "It's Time" from Imagine Dragons was featured in the trailer but was not included in the soundtrack.[14][17]

Critical reception

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The music received critical acclaim.[18][19] Calling it "a soundtrack that added to its authenticity and emotional impact", Heather Phares of AllMusic wrote, "With mixtape-like intimacy, the album echoes the connections between the film's characters, but that heartfelt vibe reaches listeners as well."[20] Claire White, in her analysis for Junkee Media, said, "No film quite understands the power of music during your teen years quite like The Perks of Being a Wallflower".[21] Writing for The New Zealand Herald, Kim Gillespie gave a 4/5 rating to the soundtrack and said, "This album does what a good soundtrack should do, and takes you there".[22] Afterglow's Myah Taylor said "the music in 'Perks' is handpicked just for the wallflower. Its songs put words and images to his spectrum of emotions, helping move the story along in a way that people can understand and relate to."[23] Dan Jolin of Empire called the soundtrack "inherently superior".[24]

Daily Collegian's review of the film, written by Rachel Arlin, stated, "The soundtrack complements the film very well. There are a few indie songs, but the majority of them are about teenage rebellion."[25] Kevin Jagernauth of IndieWire wrote that "the music, with a carefully curated soundtrack by Alexandra Patsavas, ... hits the necessary emotional cues while never overselling them".[26] The Linc wrote, "The soundtrack to the film is also a bonus for avid music fans, including songs from The Smiths, David Bowie and Sonic Youth that suited the film being based in the ’90s."[27] In a contrasting review, Rex Reed of Observer wrote, "The soundtrack is so drenched in bubblegum pop that it sounds like an iTunes library".[28] Ty Burr of Boston.com wrote, "The soundtrack’s impeccable playlist of ’80s indie-rock classics seems more the choice of a writer in his early 40s than teenagers in the 1990s".[29]

Several publications such as MTV,[30] Den of Geek,[31] IndieWire,[32] Film School Rejects,[33] Fact[34] and Entertainment Weekly,[35] called The Perks of Being a Wallflower one of the "best soundtracks 2012". /Film,[36] Insider Inc.,[37] IndieWire[38] and Screen Rant[39] included it among their "best soundtracks of the decade". Harper's Bazaar and Thrillist listed it as one of their "best movie soundtracks of all time".[40][41] Ray Rahman, editorial assistant to Entertainment Weekly, said "It’s Time" was one of "his most played songs of 2012" after the song was featured in the film's trailer.[42]

Track listing

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Soundtrack

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The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
No.TitleMusicLength
1."Could It Be Another Change?"The Samples3:27
2."Come On Eileen"Dexys Midnight Runners4:12
3."Tugboat"Galaxie 5003:54
4."Temptation"New Order5:22
5."Evensong"The Innocence Mission3:40
6."Asleep"The Smiths4:10
7."Low"Cracker4:34
8."Teen Age Riot"Sonic Youth6:57
9."Dear God"XTC3:36
10."Pearly - Dewdrops' Drops"Cocteau Twins4:10
11."Charlie's Last Letter"Michael Brook1:48
12."'Heroes'"David Bowie6:08
Total length:51:58

Score

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All music is composed by Michael Brook

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Original Score)
No.TitleLength
1."First Day"2:32
2."Home Again"1:40
3."Charlie Speaks"2:03
4."Candace"1:46
5."Charlie's Gifts"0:55
6."Kiss Breakdown"5:12
7."Acid"3:12
8."Charlies First Kiss"3:34
9."Shard"2:47
Total length:23:45

Charts

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Weekly charts

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Chart (2012–2013) Peak
position
UK Compilation Albums (OCC)[43] 90
UK Soundtrack Albums (OCC)[44] 8
US Top Rock Albums (Billboard)[45] 40
US Top Soundtracks (Billboard)[46] 7

References

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  1. ^ "Alexandra Patsavas Makes the Soundtrack to Your Life". www.vice.com. November 6, 2012. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  2. ^ ""The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)" by Various Artists on iTunes". itunes.apple.com. Archived from the original on December 3, 2017. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
  3. ^ Various artists, The Perks Of Being A Wallflower, archived from the original on July 5, 2015, retrieved December 3, 2017
  4. ^ "The Perks Of Being A Wallflowe - Perks of Being a Wallflower (OST) (Vinyl)". www.target.com. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  5. ^ "The Perks Of Being A Wallflower Soundtrack CD". Warner Music - Official Store. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  6. ^ "The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Original Motion Picture Score) by Michael Brook on Apple Music". itunes.apple.com. September 18, 2012. Archived from the original on December 3, 2017. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
  7. ^ "Every Song On The Perks Of Being A Wallflower's Soundtrack". Screen Rant. March 28, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  8. ^ "'Perks Of Being A Wallflower' Soundtrack Tracklist Revealed (EXCLUSIVE)". Huffington Post. August 17, 2012. Archived from the original on April 13, 2017. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
  9. ^ a b "Director's Cut: Writer/Director Stephen Chbosky on 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower'". MTV. Archived from the original on August 17, 2022. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  10. ^ "Catching Up With The Perks of Being a Wallflower Author Stephen Chbosky". pastemagazine.com. September 27, 2012. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  11. ^ a b c "Interview: Perks of Being a Wallflower Author/Director Stephen Chbosky". ComingSoon.net. September 20, 2012. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  12. ^ "A Chat With Twilight Music Supervisor Alexandra Patsavas". American Songwriter. January 4, 2012. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  13. ^ Hough, Quinn (April 10, 2020). "Every Song On The Perks Of Being A Wallflower's Soundtrack". ScreenRant. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  14. ^ a b c Handy, Bruce. "Q&A: Perks of Being a Wallflower's Stephen Chbosky on Emma Watson's Casting, High School Yearning, and "Heroes"". Vanity Fair. Archived from the original on July 6, 2017. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
  15. ^ "'The Perks Of Being A Wallflower' Soundtrack Channels '70s, '80s & '90s Angst". idolator. August 20, 2012. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  16. ^ Giantino, Linda (April 5, 2022). "Ranking All the Songs from the Perks of Being a Wallflower Soundtrack". Chaospin. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  17. ^ Chaney, Jen (September 28, 2012). "'The Perks of Being a Wallflower': The book's cultural references that made it into the movie". Washington Post. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  18. ^ Nicholls, Owen (October 5, 2012). "The Perks Of Being A Wallflower – A High School Comedy That Escapes Tweedom (Just)". NME. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  19. ^ Lacey, Liam (September 28, 2012). "Review: The Perks of Being a Wallflower: From teen wallflower to misfit mascot". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  20. ^ Original Soundtrack - The Perks of Being a Wallflower [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic, retrieved August 17, 2022
  21. ^ "No Soundtrack Captures The Feeling Of Being Young And Sad Like 'The Perks Of Being A Wallflower'". Junkee. April 29, 2020. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  22. ^ "Album review: The Perks of being a wallflower soundtrack". NZ Herald. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  23. ^ "Media and Music: The Pensive Sounds of "The Perks of Being a Wallflower"". afterglow. February 24, 2021. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  24. ^ "The Perks Of Being A Wallflower". Empire. May 6, 2012. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  25. ^ Arlin, Rachel. ""The Perks of Being a Wallflower" triumphs in its directing". Massachusetts Daily Collegian. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  26. ^ Jagernauth, Kevin (September 7, 2012). "TIFF Review: 'The Perks Of Being A Wallflower' A Touching, Fresh & Funny Take On Teenage Love & Life". IndieWire. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  27. ^ Staff Reporter (October 16, 2012). "'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' is blooming brilliant". The Linc. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  28. ^ "An Emotional Catchall, Wallflower Chronicles High School to the Hilt". Observer. September 25, 2012. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  29. ^ "'Perks of Being a Wallflower' blooms on the big screen". www.boston.com. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  30. ^ "10 Best Soundtracks of 2012". MTV. Archived from the original on August 17, 2022. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  31. ^ jbindeck2015 (January 3, 2013). "Music in Film: top 12 movie soundtracks of 2012". Den of Geek. Retrieved August 17, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  32. ^ The Playlist Staff (December 14, 2012). "The Best Film Soundtracks & Scores Of 2012". IndieWire. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  33. ^ Loring, Allison (December 28, 2012). "Year In Review: The 12 Best Movie Soundtracks and Scores of 2012". Film School Rejects. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  34. ^ Calvert, John (December 27, 2012). "The best movie soundtracks of 2012". Fact Magazine. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  35. ^ December 06, EW Staff Updated; EST, 2012 at 02:30 PM. "'Les Miserables' and ther best movie soundtracks of 2012". EW.com. Retrieved August 17, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  36. ^ Mirabal, Marisa (January 10, 2020). "The 10 Best Movie Soundtracks Of The Decade". SlashFilm.com. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  37. ^ Ge, Linda. "20 best movie and TV soundtracks of the decade, according to critics". Insider. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  38. ^ Ehrlich, David; Erbland, Kate; O'Falt, Chris; Nordine, Michael (July 26, 2019). "The 20 Best Movie Scores of the Decade". IndieWire. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  39. ^ Milner, Sarah Bea (January 1, 2020). "Best Movie Soundtracks Of The Decade". ScreenRant. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  40. ^ Janes, DeAnna (August 8, 2022). "40 Stellar Movie Soundtracks to Play on Repeat". Harper's BAZAAR. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  41. ^ "The 50 Greatest Movie Soundtracks of All Time". Thrillist. July 23, 2020. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  42. ^ December 06, EW Staff Updated; EST, 2012 at 06:22 PM. "The most played songs of 2012 -- EW staff picks". EW.com. Retrieved August 17, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  43. ^ "Official Compilation Albums Chart Top 100 - 14 to 20 October". Official Charts Company. October 14, 2012. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  44. ^ "Official Soundtrack Albums Chart Top 50 - 21 to 27 October". Official Charts Company. October 21, 2012. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  45. ^ "Soundtrack The Perks Of Being A Wallflower Chart History". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 18, 2021. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
  46. ^ "Soundtracks". Billboard. March 9, 2013. Archived from the original on July 19, 2015. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
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