When John Green released The Fault in Our Stars back in 2012, it received massive attention from YA fans across the globe for its poignant and beautifully written story. So when it was adapted into a movie in 2014, starring Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort, expectations were high for it to deliver a tear-inducing cinematic experience. Of course, a film with such an emotionally charged premise called for an equally powerful soundtrack — and a great soundtrack it delivered. With names like Ed Sheeran, Birdy, and Kodaline featured on the album (along with tracks specifically written for the film), the soundtrack offered a compelling listening experience that captures the essence of the novel, arguably even more so than the film itself.

That’s not to say the film adaptation didn’t deliver what was promised. The film, directed by Josh Boone, boasts an 81% critics score and 85% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes as of writing. It did an incredible job adapting an emotional novel about two teenagers finding connection through their shared interests and experiences. It centers on Hazel Grace Lancaster (Woodley) and Augustus Waters (Elgort), who, after meeting each other in a support group, found themselves falling in love and navigating life in the shadow of their illnesses. Much like the novel, the movie also ends on a heartbreakingly poignant note. Not to mention, both the book and the movie were staples during the Tumblr era. However, as much as the film (as well as the stars) delivered quite a viewing journey, it was in its soundtrack that the adaptation found its emotional core — its heartbeat and soul.

‘The Fault in Our Stars’ Soundtrack Is a 1-Hour Journey of Love, Grief, and Hope

Upon its theatrical release, The Fault in Our Stars drew mixed reactions, although it successfully captured the poignant aspects of the novel. The story itself serves as the movie’s backbone, thoroughly supported by a thoughtful selection of indie, alternative, and pop tracks that truly encapsulate the characters of Hazel and Augustus. These songs weren’t chosen merely for emotional impact; each track interprets the characters’ feelings and experiences. And while many other movie soundtracks aim for a similar effect, the one for The Fault in Our Stars is undeniably among the few that truly understand its characters. Sheeran’s “All of the Stars,” for example, was conceived with the book’s story in mind. It’s a song about finding love and hope despite life’s challenges — much like how Hazel and Gus let love conquer in the face of hardship.

Then there’s “Let Me In” by GROUPLOVE, created solely for the film adaptation, perfectly capturing the euphoric highs of love. Kodaline’s “All I Want,” on the other hand, set the tone for what would become a heartbreaking conclusion to the story, while Charli XCX’s “Boom Clap” — a song about the electric spark of new love — gives off a delightful vibe. “The scene that [‘Boom Clap’] is in is an uplifting moment in the film,” the singer told Billboard in 2014. And while the song itself is very euphoric and enthusiastic about romance… it’s about wanting to fall in love, but there’s this hint of sadness in that, which I like.”

Birdy Penned Three Heartfelt Songs for ‘The Fault in Our Stars’

“I was just so inspired by the whole thing and the whole relationship between the two. So I’ve got three songs on the soundtrack and two are very happy and one is really sad,” Birdy said in an interview. And the two songs, “Tee Shirt” and “Best Shot” with Jaymes Young, were, indeed, on a more happier side of things. But as a singer-songwriter known for writing sad songs, she couldn’t resist writing one for a movie that depicts the story of two young lovebirds coming to terms with their illnesses. In a separate conversation with Popsugar, the singer revealed she wrote “Not About Angels” specifically for Hazel. “‘Not About Angels’ is probably the saddest of the three. It’s really about Hazel not being sure whether to give herself to Gus. She doesn’t want to hurt him, and she feels that she’s a grenade. It’s really about her realizing that it should be cherished.”

Other notable tracks in the album include Tom Odell‘s “Long Way Down,” The Radio Dept.‘s “Strange Things Will Happen,” Lykke Li‘s “No One Ever Loved,” and M83‘s “Wait.” Although some of the songs weren’t written specifically for the movie, they added more depth to a story about love, loss, and hope — resonating in ways the film couldn’t.