Album Review: Eat, Pray, Love Soundtrack

Usually, I don't do soundtracks, but since I spent the time and energy into this for another job (it didn't get published *sadface*), I'll share this one with you.





Though the movie may seem to have a free-spirited message, “Eat, Pray, Love” the soundtrack falls short of flowing free. It complements the chic and contemporary vibe that the movie gives, but it can also come off as a typical compilation of today's movie score.

This soundtrack is full of eclectic and typical movie gems, from coffeehouse tunes to Middle Eastern pieces. Sony has managed to pull in timeless music by 
Neil Young, Marvin Gaye, Eddie Vedder, and even Gato Barbieri. There is also a nice Brazilian twist from the Gilberto family, Bebel and Joao. It is brilliant to put together a diverse soundtrack, especially since the movie is based on Elizabeth Gilbert's international travel.



Eat, Pray, Love” is a tale about a woman who travels to three different countries in search of a personal freedom. Gilbert (played by Julia Roberts) travels to Italy (Eat), India (Pray), and Indonesia (Love) on a quest to break the mold of being the average modern woman by searching within. The songs chosen, though no distinctive sound detected, represent the thought process of Gilbert throughout her travelling.

Most of the songs may be classic American pop music, but there are some tunes that identifies with the countries Gilbert visited. Not to mention they sound remarkable! 
U. Srinivas performance on "Kaliyugavaradana" will whisk you away, guarantee! As a genius like Srinivas creates music that pleases ears worldwide, this track totally complements the Carnatic Indian sound from the movie.



 “Better Days” by Pearl Jam member Eddie Vedder explains the entire movie in a little more than four minutes. His first verse “I feel part of the universe opened up to meet me / My emotion so submerged, broken down to kneel in” spilling of individualism fits the purpose of “Eat, Pray, Love”. Although it surfaced the Web far before it hit the shelves, “Better Days” can be played on repeat forever.

Overall, to listen to this soundtrack requires the same desire Gilbert has in this film. If this is not present, then the soundtrack will be nothing more than a thrown-together, chill-time, book-reading background noise. “Eat, Pray, Love” is a small gem for the free-spirited and lovers of the book.

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