Prom

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