 | Album Title: Star Ocean -The Second Story- Arrange Album |
| Record Label: First Smile Entertainment | |
| Catalog No.: FSCA-10056 | |
| Release Date: November 6, 1998 | |
| Purchase: Buy at CDJapan |
Overview
This album proves to be a very interesting mix. The best way to describe it is a healthy mix of minor techno-infused elements, traditional MIDI used where appropriate, and hints of “real” instruments laced here and there. Just my kind of mix. The first time I listened to this CD, I wasn’t too thrilled with it, to tell the truth. The only track I really listened to was “We Form In Crystals” and I’ll explain why later. But after sitting down and carefully listening to the whole thing straight through, I soon realized how subtle yet how powerful this album is.
Body
I cannot testify to having personally played the game, but if this arranged version sounds as good as it does, then there is no doubt the original, set to a specific theme, isn’t done as well. Certainly, the lack of an abundance of “real” instruments here doesn’t make it any less soothing than other arranged ventures. Some of the better tracks do well with the synths and soft drumbeats, in fact.
The music and the way it’s laid out is very unique as well. The drumbeats used are more or less the driving focus of the arrangements and are pretty much laid out in the background. On a few tracks you will hear a “real” instrument being played. Noteworthy of this fact is “We Form In Crystals”, “Theme of RENA”, and “Stab The Sword Of Justice”. Now, when I say “real” instrument, I mean a synth played to sound the way a certain instrument should sound.
“We Form In Crystals” is a very soothing yet eerie track that takes the listener’s mind through an empty place. women’s chants and a soft piano tune are played throughout to create a very somber timbre. One of the reasons I listened to this so much was because of the chants used throughout and the little quips of shakers and violins here and there. Certainly, a very precise tune that will let your mind drift if you allow it to.
“Mission To Deep Space” is done very well too. It actually sounds like the beginning of the voyage to outer space, the arrival, and the amazement of being there. “Silent The Universe” is another excellent piece that opens to the listener what exactly is to become of this album. After taking you through a soaring trip of horn ensembles and string arrangements, you’re treated with commanding drum accents to ride along with the former two.
“Sacred Song” is also a track that leaves you smiling inward at the subtle beauty shown. This is truly one of those tracks where they mixed in modern elements with those used long ago. The break used is probably going no faster than 100 bpm, and the phat bass line that comes in between the string arrangements is nothing short of cool. There is a little flute passage driving the melody here and there while some chants back it up, completing this mix of classical and new age, if you will.
Summary
This certainly is a nice album that one who loves synths will enjoy greatly. My only complaint was that many times the tracks would be over six minutes long, recycling the same loops over and over again. While sometimes it would be appropriate, other times I didn’t care for it. Other than that, though, a truly memorable album. One that you would place on when trying to rest after a hard day’s work, or something else to accompany your already laid-back day.
