Songs from Twilight

The world of Twilight is a one of danger and desire, atmosphere and emotion, sentiment and sensation — and few things convey that kind of powerful conflict better than music. Writer Stephenie Meyer knew it when she wrote her best-selling books, internalizing specific songs for characters and events; and the mega-smash Twilight movies wouldn't pack nearly the same dramatic punch without their carefully selected soundtracks. We go one step further, bringing you the best of Meyers' picks and soundtrack high points, from Dido's yearning "Here With Me," to Muse and their explosive song of eternal devotion "Neutron Star Collision (Love Is Forever)," to TV On the Radio's wild window onto the inner beast "Wolf Like Me."

More music from the world of Twilight awaits, in Next Steps.

"You could be my unintended, choice to live my life extended. You should be the one I'll always love." No, that's not Bella Swan speaking, at least not directly — it's a line from Muse's "Unintended," and a perfect example of how a certain song (from one of Stephenie Meyers' favorite bands) can distill the heady essence of a Twilight moment. That essence lives and breathes in our Twilight Next Steps: in the longing of "Empty Room" from Marjorie Fair, the soaring Evanescence ballad of love after life "My Immortal," and in Linkin Park's "Papercut," a stinging song of how even something small can set in motion a world of pain.

Sink deeper into the sounds of Twilight, in Deep Cuts.

The Twilight phenomenon was years away when Alanis Morissette wrote "Uninvited," but when it comes to the perils of Bella, Edward, and Jacob, her haunting song of unwanted attraction perfectly matches of the mood. Same goes for the Beach Boys and "Wouldn't It Be Nice," as it describes the joys of starting a new life together. Facing down danger to reap the rewards of love is what our Twilight Deep Cuts is all about, whether it's Dashboard Confessional's song of romantic strength, "Vindicated," the tender pledge of Billy Joel's "Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)," or the sweet sonic refuge of Travis' "Safe."

The sensation that is Twilight — the books, the movies, the millions of dedicated Twihards — might never have come to life if it weren't for music. Even casual fans know that Stephenie Meyer was inspired by great songs when she created her passionate world of mortals, vampires, and werewolves; today, that music is a crucial component in deepening the drama. The menace and romance, the pitfalls and redemption — it's all there in the turbulent scene-setter that is Muse's "Take a Bow" and the sweet, solemn vow of Death Cab for Cutie's "I Will Follow You Into the Dark," in the dark intensity of Paramore's "Decode" and the heartfelt plea of Cee Lo Green's "What Part of Forever." And it's why we've created Songs From Twilight Essentials, with tunes from Meyer's own playlists as well as soundtrack standouts that bring the saga to life—all you have to do is press play.