Scream 4 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

If anyone thought that horror films were just filled with ominous and campy music, well, they haven’t heard the Scream 4 soundtrack. Scattered with punk music and different genres of rock influences, the soundtrack is not taken as a medium to promote the newest Avril Lavigne song.

For a movie franchise that propelled a new generation of horror flicks by poking fun at you-deserved-it type deaths, it is no surprise that its eclectic track list is a fun supplement to the film.

The first song from the soundtrack introduces listeners to Swedish Indie Rock courtesy of the Sounds with “Something to Die For.” Lead singer Maja Ivarsson’s charismatic vocals carry the relentless beats to the end. The aptly titled song not only foreshadows the potentially high body count, but its cheekiness is equivalent to listening to the “Monster Mash.”

Ida Maria’s “Bad Karma” makes for the perfect transition into Norwegian Rock. The pitter-patter of the singer’s vocals hits its stride halfway through the chorus: “You’ll be scratchin’ the seven year itch/ You know what I think?/ Bad Karma’s a Bitch.”

Peppered between the songs are scores, such as Raney Shockne’s “Axel F” (which never ceases to remind me of Beverly Hills Cop) and Marco Beltrami’s haunting piano-driven “Jill’s America.” And let’s not forget the suspenseful “Don’t Mess with the Original,” also composed by Beltrami.

While most of the songs hinge on the theme of foolish victims dying at the hands of the iconic Ghostface, 6 Day Riot’s “Run for Your Life” is the only pop song. Although catchy, the song seems out of place aside from the obvious appropriateness of the title.

Overall, the packed soundtrack is a must-listen outside of the theaters for its talented artists that might not see the light of day outside their local venues for MySpace fans.