Customer Reviews

Final Fantasy VII: Reunion Tracks

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First off, some basic info: this is a one-disc set, 19 tracks, 68:11 total running time. The first 16 tracks are totally synthesized, sounding just as they would coming from the PlayStation's audio outputs. Tracks 17-19 are performed by a small orchestra (the CD booklet picture shows about 25 musicians). The booklet contains an interview (in Japanese) with composer/arranger/producer Nobuo Uematsu.

Essentially all packaging is in Japanese, but English song titles can be gleaned by placing the disc in a computer with an internet connection and a CDDB-compatible audio application, like "iTunes" for the Mac. I'm assuming CDDB data is copyrighted, so I can't simply copy the track list into this review.

As a "highlights" album, this disc of course can't cover all the bases from the 70-minute game and its complete soundtrack, which I think was a 4-disc set. It does do an admirable job of covering some of the catchier melodies, like "Valley of the Fallen Star" (Red XIII's theme), "Farm Boy", and the battle themes "Fighting" and "Still More Falling". Most of the melodies hold up despite the limited expressiveness of the synthesizer, although some ("Bombing Mission", "Rufus' Welcoming Ceremony") sound a little cheesy for their lack of real brass.

So, in saving the best for last, the game's three most important themes are given the orchestral treatment. The "Main Theme", heard on the game's world map, contrasts a soothing anthem with occasional minor-key counter-melodies. "One-Winged Angel" recreates the music for the final battle with Sephiroth as a powerful gothic march with a live chorus chanting in Latin. This rendition is much more powerful than the actual game music, and was briefly featured as part of an unlockable mini-movie in the game "Ehrgeiz". The disc concludes with the hopeful "Aeris' Theme", which with piano, strings, and ultimately horns, sounds almost totally different from the warbling pseudo-woodwinds heard in the game.

...I really don't like the orchestrations all that much. There. I said it. Now, let me explain. I've always liked Nobuo Uematsu's music because it is more melodic than classical music, and more complex than pop music. And, it's more emotional than either of those two; I like to think Uematsu's music triggers pure emotions instead of images in your head. While I really like the orchestration of One Winged Angel (real instruments blasting away at the notes sounds far better than the ... midi version), I don't like the orchestrations of Aeris' Theme and the Main Theme as much because I think they add too much "noise." For example, I loved the beginning of the original Aeris' Theme because the melody was so simple, yet moving, and played by a solo piano. But the beginning of the orchestration starts with a segment from the middle of the piece, and when the piano solo does come, it's backed up by strings and such, so it isn't really that "pure" melody that I love. The Main Theme is a little better, adding another round of the melody that does make the piece more exciting, but again, it takes the focus off of the simple meldoy that Uematsu composed. Going back to the midi versions, it was like I had rediscovered the pieces, as if they were "restored" to their simplistic glory.

Now I'm not saying that I think the orchestrations are bad; they've just changed the original piece. And although I don't like them, I've found that most people do. Plus, with the other tracks taken from the original soundtrack, it isn't a bad purchase if you don't plan on getting the full soundtrack.

If you're thinking of buying the soundtrack to Final Fantasy VII, get this album and no other. If you've played through the game you'll find that most, if not all, the songs you'd want to keep are in it. Most noteworthy, and the real reason why anyone would buy this album, are the final three tracks.
I'm no collector of video game music, but the quantum leap in emotion and quality that was derived from merely translating a MIDI format song to pure orchestration definitely warranted at the very least my applause.
The orchestrated main theme starts of with a subtle pizzicato that captures the moment you (as Cloud Strife) step outside of Midgar and be thrust into a huge new world. The feelings of wonder, excitement, adventure, and brooding darkness that is the Final Fantasy VII experience are truly expressed in this rich composition.
One-Winged Angel is much more dark and powerful in this rendition. The choir did not have as much "oomph" as I wished but they nevertheless were spellbinding. To be true to the composition the horrible "cartoony" portions were still played, though somewhat compensated with not only excellent orchestration, but a few added parts by the vocals and instruments.
As good as the last two discussed tracks were, the most heart-wrenching and emotionally rending piece is the orchestrated Aeris' Theme. It starts with the piano notes that captured us in the game, then gets richer (albeit a bit repetitive) as the notes are played by different instruments. Still, absolutely beautiful and masterfully translated. Good job, Uematsu-san.

... because that's all you need to hear. Absolutelyincredible. Aeris' Theme, The Overworld Theme and the most evilvillian music ever- One Winged Angel have all been arranged to a fullorchestra.

The rest of the tracks are just mediocre in comparison,but the OST to VII was solid anyway, so they're good to hear.

Butunfortunately, unlike the Final Fantasy VIII Arranged album (which isalso sold on amazon ... GET IT), 90% of these tracks are old and justrecycled off the original soundtrack. If you're a diehard fan and mustown everything, get it... those three songs are incredible. If youthink paying [this much] for three songs is too much, well- then passon this one.

I am probably Nobuo Uematsu's biggest fan. I own and love every single one of his CDs. FF VII: Reunion Tracks is hardly what I'd call an arrangement album! It has just a mere 3 tracks on it that are arranged!!! a big disappointment for any fan of the music from FF VII. Although these 3 tracks are astoundingly beautiful, it is still not enough to pay out the money that this CD costs! the rest of the tracks on this are great, but they are all taken from the FFVII OST. if you are a FF music fanatic - then buy this CD. but if you are simply looking for good FF music and expect alot - buy the FFVII OST. you will be getting alot more for your money. If you want a FF arrangement album that is OUT OF THIS WORLD and will simply BLOW YOU AWAY - then take my advice and buy the FFVIII: FITHOS LUSEC VECOS VENOSEC album!

I know what you're thinking, you're reading all these reviews trying to tell if you should buy this C.D. Well, there are 19 tracks including a hidden one that you must get by going to track 1 and rewind it until the timer says about -4:30 and it's actually a instrumental version of "One-Winged Angel"(by instrumental I mean it doesn't have the chorus singing in the backround), So actually you have two different versions of "One-Winged Angel". But the last three tracks really are worth the money! All the reviews are right about that! The other tracks are like a nice, little bonus!

This "Best of" CD is comprised of many themes from Final Fantasy VII, released on the Playstation. Most of the songs are directly ported from the game itself and, while some probably could have used a live orchestral treatment, they hold up decently. The last three tracks that are real orchestrations are very nice, though. You've got the Main Theme, which just sounds incredibly lush and powerful. You've got Aeris' Theme, which is still a touching and somewhat haunting melody. And you've got the most awe-inspiring final battle theme ever in the form of One Winged Angel.

I'm not kidding. I vividly remember that final confrontation with the evil Sephiroth and hearing all of the Latin choir voices shouting his name over timpani drums. It's easily one of the greatest video game tunes ever produced.

I must say, those last three songs are incredible. They breathe brand new life into those songs that we're so familiar with. It makes you wish they had done the same thing with all of them (especially the final video scenes. The MIDI just doesn't cut it! It sounds way too lame for FMV.)

It's a big let down to see that most of the songs are just synthesized. They sound just like the stuff that comes out of your PlayStation or computer.

Anyway, if you're in love with FF7, you'll still like this CD. Listening to some of these songs will bring back fond memories of the game. It's a great feeling, and that, coupled with the orchestrated songs, justifies the high price.

I have read some of the reviews but theres nothing negitive about it. Simply outstanding I would rather listen to the music I had while playing the game rather then the music being changed slightly. Its so nostelgic. Its best to of played the game cause u know what piece is from which part in the game Simply FANTASTIC
sumed up simply the best money can buy to company the (in my opinion) the best Final fantasy game released "Simply the Best better then all the rest"

This collection contains some of the greatest tracks and new orchestrated ones as well. I enjoyed this and felt that it was worth the investment. My favorite track was the "One-Winged Angel" and another was "Aeris' Theme".