 | Album Title: Final Fantasy X-2: real Emotion / 1000 Words – Koda Kumi |
| Record Label: Avex | |
| Catalog No.: RZCD-45080 (Copy Protected) | |
| Release Date: March 5, 2003 | |
| Purchase: Buy at CDJapan |
Overview
Final Fantasy X-2 had two vocal themes in its game and these, sung in Japanese by Koda Kumi, are together on the single ‘real Emotion / 1000 Words – Koda Kumi’.
Body
“real Emotion” is an uptempo dance number. Here we have the full four-minute version which has extra choruses and verses. The chorus is catchy, the singing is perfect, and the whole song oozes fun and frolics; ideal given the style of the Final Fantasy X-2 soundtrack.
“1000 Words” (or “1000 no Kotaba”) is a serene six-minute epic love song. It’s a beautiful anthem with some stunning singing from Koda Kumi; her soaring vocals match the gliding string parts. All this is embellished with acoustic guitar playing that finishes off the song. It’s as dramatic as it is bittersweet and beautiful, making perfect listening.
Also on the single are instrumental versions of the two songs, which is great for karaoke as ever; however, there are no new b-side songs like you usually get with the singles.
The only down point to the CD is its copy control player; when you put it in your CD drive, your computer runs the CD at 48 kbps, which makes the songs extremely tinny. While “1000 Words” can get away with it to some extent, “real Emotion” with its heavy drum beats and effects is unlistenable and that’s a huge shame…
Summary
No frills here, just two excellent vocal songs that you’ll enjoy. But if you have the Final Fantasy X-2 Original Soundtrack, the value of needing the CD is somewhat diminished.
