Is Ellie Goulding the new "it" girl of soundtracks? Goulding has been featured on the Twilight, Hunger Games, Divergent and now 50 Shades of Grey soundtracks, some pretty respectable films (that also have/will have sequels for more music opportunities). It's clear to see why she's landing so many gigs, she's fantastic at this kind of stuff.
Love Me Like You Do is an interesting track to say the least. Lyrically, it's very safe, even bland. But the production value sells every word that rolls off of Goulding's tongue. The chorus of LMLYD is one of the best choruses of recent memory - the actual chorus of singers is mind blowlingly amazing and simple. It's a great pick for the soundtrack, and Goulding makes this kind of work seem easy.
Her voice overall has matured significantly in this track, with a darker and heavier tone present. Her head voice, one of her biggest if not the biggest strength, sounds pillowy and full, and delivers some needed emotion. Her belts also sound less pinched; hopefully she carries on these new characteristics to the follow up album to 2012's Halcyon later this year.
Overall: 8.8 / 10
(Single cover artwork by Colourcrayon on Deviantart)