I would bet my father’s stock options that this CD has a better chance of bringing the world peace than any meeting of world leaders or pre-emptive war.

The most difficult review to write is that of something as powerful and sincere as the soundtrack to the new film “Juno.” These songs will turn even the hardest punk into a love struck fool, and they transport the listener to a kinder world of innocent relationships and tender emotions.

An “American Idol” compilation would take all of 10 minutes to trash, but the first 20 words of this doting article have taken me 45 minutes to decide upon. How could I begin to explain the depth of feeling which these songs evoke?

This is simply one of the most heart-warming collection of songs which I have ever heard. It is not only for every person who has loved, but for every unfortunate fool who hasn’t. It shows how beautiful the simple things in life are, and how rewarding it can be to love tenderly and selflessly.

The songs of Kimya Dawson comprise much of the album, and are probably the biggest reason this soundtrack is so successful. She appears here as a solo artist as well as with her groups The Moldy Peaches and Antsy Pants. One of the best used songs in the film is “Anyone Else but You”, written and recorded by Dawson and Moldy Peaches collaborator Andy Green. Like the rest of Dawson’s songs here, “Anyone Else but You” is characterized by simple, heart-felt lyrics and a beautiful melody. The vocals of both Dawson and Green are rudimentary but incredibly pleasant.

“Tree Hugger,” “Loose Lips” and “Tire Swing” are equally as wonderful, and all of them remind the listener of childhood dreams, adolescent love and the pure joy associated with good friends and innocent intentions.

The warmth of the collection is balanced well with darker themes like drug use and suicide, and the best line of the entire mix is seemingly the saddest, “if you wanna kill yourself, remember that I love you/ call me up before you’re dead, we can make some plans instead.” This simple, witty logic can be found all over this album, and the wordiness of the songs compliment the intellectual humor of “Juno’s” title character perfectly.

Other standout songs include the joyous folk romp “All I Want Is You” and the absolutely gorgeous “Sea of Love,” covered by Cat Power. The Velvet Underground and Sonic Youth round everything off well, and the Scottish indie group Belle & Sebastian contribute a couple beauties.

Whether or not I did this soundtrack justice, I hope I could convince at least one person to pick up this outstanding collection of honest indie rock.

I would bet my father’s stock options that this CD has a better chance of bringing the world peace than any meeting of world leaders or pre-emptive war.

After all, in the words of Kimya Dawson, “we’re just dancing, we’re just hugging, singing, screaming, kissing, tugging on the sleeve of how it used to be.”

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