 | Album Title: Power Drift Original Soundtrack |
| Record Label: Wavemaster | |
| Catalog No.: WM-0648 | |
| Release Date: April 27, 2011 | |
| Purchase: Buy Used Copy |
Overview
Power Drift was a Sega racing game that debuted in arcades in 1988. Released after both OutRun and Super Hang-On, its score was significantly more technologically accomplished than its pioneering predecessors. Composer Hiroshi Kawaguchi also gave the score a firmer sense of stylistic identity with his mainstream-targeted jazz fusion and rock emphasis, thus adding to the grit and attitude of the racing game. As part of Wavemaster’s initiative to expose classic arcade music, the soundtrack for the title was republished in 2011. It featured the original tracks and arranged version previously featured in Yu-Suzuki Produce Power Drift, along with a bonus arrangement.
Body
Starting with the original version, the opening theme immediately establishes the upbeat tone of the game. Synthesized brass and saxophones confidently present a funky melody backed with the edgy rhythms of slapped basses. While suitable for a title theme, it’s in the course themes that Kawaguchi really offers memorable, developed themes. “Side Street” captures the varied emotions of going on a drive; it initially reflects the sounds of the engines with some rhythm guitar riffs before demonstrating the curious yet cautious set-off with a mild synth melody. As the driver begins to feel liberated, a much bolder melody is presented. The sense of freedom is embellished by some decent jazz improvisations from the 2:55 mark. It’s clear Kawaguchi really knows how to cruise!
There is quite a bit of diversity in the other racing themes. “Like the Wind” motivates drivers in the desert with its incredibly upbeat synth lead and rock backing. Meanwhile the beach theme “Silent Language” has a surprisingly gritty feel to it, especially in its B section, due to the use of a more abrasive guitar lead. “Adjustment Mind” is probably the most rhythmically punctuated of the set, although it is driven more by chord progression than by melody, so old-school gamers might find it less appealing. The last course track, “Artistic Traps”, features a rather uninteresting introduction. However, it makes up for it with some expansive and nostalgic keyboard work during the development. “Diversity” certainly ends the game on a colourful note, even if it is very brief.
The arranged version is initially a mixed bag. “Poker Face” often sounds little more than a re-synthesis of the original, but the leads are synthesized in a way that really enhances the funk elements. There are some original elements too, most notably some soulful semi-acoustic guitar solos, that helps to extend the piece by two minutes. The remix of “Side Street” doesn’t develop as fittingly, but offers a more dynamic texture overall, thanks to the seamless blend of jazz and rock elements featured throughout. The piano, whether offering bouncy accompaniment or starting the improvisations, is an especially welcome addition. Most of the rest of the tracks adhere to the format of their originals, except with fleshed-out timbres or a greater jazz fusion emphasis. An exception is “Diversity”, which is massively elaborated upon in a simultaneously moody yet quirky nu jazz mix.
While the two tracks from the ‘slow version’ of Yu-Suzuki Produce Power Drift are absent, Kazuhiko Iwami also offers two arrangements on the soundtrack. The description of ‘slow version’ seems apt in both cases. “Side Street” retains a funk feel, but in an altogether different mood, almost suitable for nighttime driving (although not for those inclined to fall asleep at the wheel). The guitar lead takes a much softer tone while lulling synth pads and ethereal string backing adds to the reflective mood. The piece maintains a similar set-up through its 5:37 duration although there are a few unobtrusive solos to break things a little. Meanwhile “Like the Wind” sounds better than ever — albeit completely different — in its new age remix. An acoustic guitar introduces the piece before warm synth pads take over. However, the lead is synthesized with the quality of a recorder and is quite a novelty indeed. The album ends with a sound effects and voice collection.
Summary
Yu-Suzuki Produce Power Drift is certainly the definitive version of the Power Drift score. After all, it features the original score in its complete elaborate form, as well as an extensive arranged section. The question is whether the original score deserves attention in the first place. It’s certainly not as fondly remembered as other Sega classics such as OutRun, Sega Rally, or Daytona USA, yet it was a big progression for its time both technologically and musically. Hiroshi Kawaguchi did a great job integrating so many emotional and elaborate course themes into one game while emphasising the jazz fusion and rock qualities of many of Sega’s early works. That said, there have been better similarly styled racing scores since, so only those who played the game or major collectors might consider it worthwhile. The straightforward yet high-quality arranged section should be the icing on the cake.
