 | Album Title: Xenosaga: Kokoro – Joanne Hogg |
| Record Label: DigiCube | |
| Catalog No.: SSCX-10061 | |
| Release Date: February 11, 2002 | |
| Purchase: Buy Used Copy |
Overview
“Kokoro” is the single from the Xenosaga Episode I soundtrack, and is sung by Joanne Hogg. Interestingly, the single doesn’t begin with the song, but with another vocal theme called “Pain”.
Body
“Pain” is a song that follows the thoughts of the main character and, sung in English, has a quiet verse and a huge stomping chorus. The piano is present throughout and holds the main tune, while Joanne’s voice soars, especially in the chorus where key changes are present. The song has an epic feel to it that’s especially present in the instrumental verse played by a solitary whistle. It’s a complex but very satisfying listen.
“Kokoro”, the ending theme for Xenosaga Episode I, is the second vocal track on the single. Opening with acoustic guitar arpeggios, instruments are layered constantly on top of each other to make listening especially enjoyable. Upon each listen, you’ll find a new part of the song that you hadn’t noticed last time. The way in which the different dual vocal arrangements (as in “Pain” too) are done sets Joanne Hogg’s vocals apart from the crowd. The whole song is a classic from start to finish, and I guarantee that you’ll be pressing the repeat button when it’s done.
Track 3 is a piano version of “Kokoro”. The version is slow and heartfelt, preferring sparse arrangement to emphasize emotion rather than produce a powerful, finger-numbing piece. It works very well indeed. Tracks 4 and 5 are instrumental versions of “Pain” and “Kokoro”, which are faultless, and include lyrics to sing along with, too!
Summary
I highly recommend the single if you don’t intend to buy the soundtrack. With so much talent for such a small price, you’d be mad to miss it!
