'Divergent' soundtrack: Hear Ellie Goulding's 'Beating Heart' here

When Divergent hits theaters on March 21, it is poised to become one of the biggest movie events of the spring. One of the key elements that carries the flick is the soundtrack, with features a score by Hans Zimmer and Junkie XL as well as a series of songs that are weaved deep into the drama of the film.

Unlike many movie-accompanying soundtracks, the songs on Divergent: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (out March 11) are woven into the action of the film. The cornerstone star is Ellie Goulding, who has a handful of tunes on the soundtrack album and also provided the “musical voice” for lead character Tris Prior (played by Shailene Woodley). “For me, the movie is about a young woman finding herself, transforming herself and becoming powerful on a societal stage,” explains director Neil Burger. “It’s an intimate, personal portrait, but on a grand scale. Ellie’s music has that very intimate quality. You are in the heart of her characters, in their souls, in their minds. When she sings her voice resonates inside you. Her music was a perfect way to do all that for Tris—to feel what she was feeling inside.”

Indeed, Goulding’s voice has been integrated into the score of the film, making her a constant part of the on-screen action. “I got to jam, like you would jam on a guitar, but just with my voice,” says Goulding of the process. “I really enjoyed it.”

Goulding lent three songs to the film but also crafted a brand new tune called “Beating Heart” specifically for Divergent. “In the last scene of the movie, Tris has just experienced multiple tragedies, even as she triumphs (for the moment) over her enemies,” says Burger. “Ellie wrote ‘Beating Heart’ and we knew it’d be perfect for the end of the movie. Her lyrics almost merge with Tris’ voice-over and her music lets the movie soar above the tragedy. The sadness is still there but so is the transcendence. It’s a fantastic song.”

You’ll have to wait until March 21 to see how that scene plays out, but for now, give a listen to the exclusive premiere of Ellie Goulding’s “Beating Heart” below.

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The full track listing for Divergent: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is below. Pre-orders for iTunes and Target begin tomorrow, or you can reserve a deluxe edition here.

Divergent: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

“Find You” — Zedd featuring Matthew Koma and Miriam Bryant

“Beating Heart” — Ellie Goulding

“Fight For You” — Pia Mia featuring Chance The Rapper

“Hanging On” (I See MONSTAS Remix) — Ellie Goulding

“I Won’t Let You Go” — Snow Patrol

“Run Boy Run” — Woodkid

“Backwards” —Tame Impala and Kendrick Lamar

“I Need You” — M83

“In Distress” — A$AP Rocky featuring Gesaffelstein

“Lost And Found” (ODESZA Remix) — Pretty Lights

“Stranger” — Skrillex with KillaGraham from Milo & Otis and Sam Dew