This past week’s biggest release is, without a doubt, the soundtrack for the film “Fifty Shades of Grey”.

As far as marketing team goes, you have to give them credit. It worked for the “Hunger Games” soundtrack and it will work here, too.

The major difference is that while “The Hunger Games” soundtrack does have a few themes flowing throughout the album, the theme on “Fifty Shades” is much more consistent and clear.

Opening with Annie Lennox’s cover of the classic Nina Simone song, “I Put A Spell On You”, a tone is set that invokes longing glances in a smoky lounge someplace.

Lyrically, the album is full of sexual tension. It is difficult to classify the majority of tracks here as love songs. Much like the film, it is more a tense feeling of carnal desire bleeding through sonically.

The great part about this collection is that it is not graphic or blunt lyrically but instead decides on subtle allusions and metaphors to get the mood of the film across, which is very taught with lust.

The vibe across the album is that of class. Of high rise affairs with black ties and stilettos, fancy dinners and silent elevator rides beside your lover.

There are a few standout tracks on “Fifty Shades” which should be listened to.

The first two are by alternative R&B act The Weekend, who offers both “Earned It” and “Where You Belong”. The latter has a synth-fused ambient beat that provides space for vocalist Abel Tesfaye to croon about the object of his affection and possibly even obsession. “Earned it” has an orchestral sound to it with cellos, violins and snares bouncing throughout.

Another standout track is AWOLNATION’S reverb-soaked and quiet cover of Springsteen’s classic “I’m On Fire”, and the minimalistic approach to production paints the lyrics in a new light that fits the film.

The best track on the whole album comes from Skyler Grey, who has not had made a hit in a year or two. I hope this song becomes a hit because it is at once tragic and gorgeous. Her song “I Know You” is a beautifully performed song about longing for a man she feels she deserves. A “you should be with me” song that is truly heartbreaking. It really is a terrific song in the concept of this album and also stands on its own, hopefully as a single.

There are a few duds on here that didn’t stand out. Among those are Elle Goulding’s out of place and overly poppy “Love Me Like You Do”. It’s already a single and it’s obvious why. Even though lyrically it fits the seductive tone, Laura Welsh’s “Undiscovered” also feels a bit out of place and too groovy.

You don’t need to see the film or read the books to enjoy these songs. They stand on their own as a collection from multiple artists exploring one theme.

These types of albums are enjoyable when executed correctly.

The album is at its best when it is one dark, brooding song after another.

Besides a few colored tracks that don’t fit so much, the album is a grainy, uneasy, and obsessive look at love and desire.