 | Album Title: Persona 4 Original Soundtrack (JP Edition) |
| Record Label: Aniplex | |
| Catalog No.: SVWC-7566/7 | |
| Release Date: July 23, 2008 | |
| Purchase: Buy at CDJapan |
Overview
I can’t describe the joy I felt when Shoji Meguro was confirmed as the main composer of Persona 4. His previous works, Persona 3 and Digital Devil Saga, left a deep impression on me. Since hearing these works, I couldn’t help but become addicted to his music. In contrast to Persona 3, which has a pop feel, Persona 4 music is perhaps best considered as retro music reminiscent of the late 80s. I praise this album very highly as it is even more enjoyable than Digital Devil Saga, which I previously considered his finest work to date. Persona 4 is one of Meguro’s definitive masterpieces and this album is an outstanding and prominent example of how a video game musician can develop his musical style.
Body
Persona 4 opens with the theme song titled “Pursuing My True Self”. It’s quick-beat hip-hop music with occasional grooves that only lasts a minute. However, it is catchy enough to make you listen to it again and again. The next track, “Glimpse of a Memory”, is the dramatic main theme for Persona 4 that is reused several times in the album. Many parts of the album are filled with happy-go-lucky music. The overworld themes are unique because they are vocal tracks, but not repetitive. “Your Affection” is probably my favourite vocal track on the entire album; this hip-hop and jazz-infused song is full of optimism and heroism that is simply heartwarming. It’s beautiful enough to put it on loop for hours.
A discussion about Meguro is never complete without talking about his trademark: hot battle music. If you are bored to death with “Mass Destruction” in Persona 3, fear not, as the battle music in Persona 4 is much better and more timeless. “Reach Out To The Truth” is one of the most awesome rocking themes in this album. It opens with Engrish rapping, nonstop guitar work, and a powerful beat. The heroic lyrics and riffs make it very enjoyable, but it’s nonetheless great battle music in context too. “The Fog” is also a powerful battle theme that proves Meguro’s competence in composing thematic battle themes. It’s full of vigour, but there are also hints of sadness and tragedy.
“The Almighty” is probably one of the most powerful battle themes Meguro has composed. It opens softly with distorted guitar and gradually becomes faster and more dramatic. After a quick pause, a riff appears followed by Meguro’s characteristic electric guitar. I can’t praise this track high enough. The hidden boss battle theme “The Genesis” is the longest track in the entire album. The slow opening of this track inspires an image of a powerful boss, but it makes the track less enjoyable and even dull. This track also proves Meguro is not very good at arranging orchestral work, so I think it’s better to stick with his usual style. By the end of this track, there is also a reprise of “Reach Out The Truth”, an optimistic theme which seems intended when all characters have dealt the finishing blow to the hard-to-beat boss. Happy, satisfying end; our heroes save the day.
And finally, we come to the beautiful ending theme “Never More”. A reprise of the main theme, it’s a bittersweet song sung beautifully by Shihoco Hirata. If you listen to the music while reading the lyrics, you will be surprised by how they synchronize so wonderfully. This song is very satisfying and will remind listeners of the similarly sad Persona 3 Fes ending theme. A minor complaint is that it’s really strange that Meguro put a filler piece before the ending theme. I think it would have been much better if the ending theme were put after the last track, a retro-arranged track of “Velvet Room”. It’s kind of out of place where it stands and I always skip it since it ruins the overall mood of the album and isn’t as enjoyable as the original.
Summary
In conclusion, the Persona 4 Original Soundtrack is definitely a must-listen album. Most of the tracks are easy to listen to and heartwarming, so I think most people will enjoy the album regardless of whether they have played the game. Shoji Meguro has improved his style incredibly since Persona 3, and this album is definitely worth calling a masterpiece. Any complaints aren’t really a big deal since there is so much to enjoy.
