Review: ‘God Help The Girl’ Soundtrack

By Brittany Robinson
Music Reviewer

Release date: June 22, 2009
Label: Rough Trade Records
Website: http://us.godhelpthegirl.com/

“God Help The Girl” began as a musical project from the indie-pop band Belle and Sebastian’s Stuart Murdoch and singer Catherine Ireton. The album was then translated into a movie and this as its accompanying soundtrack.

Murdoch is known for writing vivid lyrics that tell a story and this album is no exception. This time he tells a tale of a girl and her friends starting a band, while at the same time she handles her own personal afflictions.

Even though there is a movie coming out, the record stand-alone gets the image that the artist was trying to portray. There are characters and a plot and that’s what makes it special. Listening to this album is like listening to a movie instead of watching it.

Though there are tracks with male singers, the album draws focus toward female vocals. Many songs are very reminiscent of 1960’s girl groups, especially the songs “God Help The Girl” and “I’ll Have a Dance with Cassie.”  But many songs have a baroque pop sound drawn from Murdoch’s influence.

The composition of the music is so beautiful and unique. The music strays away from depending solely on the classic instruments of guitar, bass and drums.  Instead, it uses woodwinds, horns and string instruments to make a colorful, fuller and richer sound.

Overall, the album is really heartfelt. It will make you laugh and dance, and some songs might make you feel sad and reflective. In all, for those who are stuck in a dark musical rut and feel as though they have run out of things to listen to listen to this album.  It will definitely give you a pick-me-up.