Where the Wild Things Are (Motion Picture Soundtrack)

In putting together a soundtrack for his adaptation of Where the Wild Things Are, the beloved children’s book by Maurice Sendak, director Spike Jonze commissioned Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs to compose original songs for the film. The “Kids” are a cast of indie rockers assembled by O that includes members of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the Liars, Deerhunter, and the Raconteurs, as well as a chorus of actual children. Like the story itself, the album is sweet and tender (“All Is Love,” “Hideaway,” “Food Is Still Hot”) with moments of wild abandon thrown in (“Rumpus,” “Animal,” “Heads Up”). About half of the tracks are moving instrumentals that revolve around acoustic guitar and light humming, while the other half are fully orchestrated folk-pop songs with sing-along choruses, hand claps, and exuberant “woo-hoos.” It’s a wonderful combination that beautifully captures the innocence, playfulness, and mystery of being a child. The well-written and arranged songs also work well as a work of art independent of the film. In short, it’s a joyous, heartfelt rumpus pleasing to kids and adults alike.