The soundtrack for
Disney's 2011 teen comedy-drama
Prom features a playlist that leans heavily on angst-fueled emo-pop, quirky indie rock, and likeable, vapid punk-pop, all of which dutifully reflect the dizzying, cruel, innocent, and self-absorbed world of high school, or more specifically, the nervy lead up to the polarizing, annual formal dance that falls near the end of junior and/or senior year. Predictable, but mostly enjoyable,
Prom plays it safe with by-the-numbers, '90s alt-rock covers like the
Cranberries'
"Dreams" (
Passion Pit) and
Supergrass'
"We'll Be Alright" (
Travie McCoy), but stand-out cuts like the melodic, house-fueled,
John Hughes-inspired grandiosity of
"Your Surrender" (
Neon Trees), the gentle folk-pop of
"Please Speak Well of Me" (
the Weepies) and
Opus Orange featuring
Lauren Hillman's lovely, trance-like
"Almost There" successfully convey a long night filled with awkward, memorable moments, first and last kisses, confetti, laughter, and tears. ~ James Christopher Monger