Customer Reviews

Fruits Basket: Four Seasons

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

 

 

Having seen all episodes of the romantic tearjerker anime comedy/drama Fruits Basket, I picked up the two soundtracks released by Geneon Music, which specializes in anime soundtracks distributed in the US. Four Seasons-Song For Ritsuko Okazaki consists of music inspired by the series, and is either emotionally-charged string arrangements by the Emai Music Orchestra, or songs by the late Ritsuko Okazaki, who sang the opening and closing theme songs for Fruits Basket. Her cute calm and dreamy voice is great nevertheless, and indeed is given a face with the cute heroine Tohru Honda on the cover. Oh, and there are English and Romanized Japanese lyrics included.

"Overture" is an orchestral track based on the heart-tugging "Memory" theme used throughout Fruits Basket. Of the variations of "Memory," this is my favourite. Nearly as enchanting is "It Makes Me Want To Cry Without Reason," which the track does with its lead violin accompanied by the orchestra.

As for the songs, all of which are orchestra-accompanied ballads, it is a bit odd to have the closing theme "Aisubeki Ashita" a.k.a. "A Small Prayer" as the first vocal song. There is an orchestral version of this song towards the end. However, the love song "Serenade" with its quiet as a mouse synth keyboards, mirrors the things that Tohru wants to say to Kyo, the frequently angry and aggressive boy who turns into a cat and insults her. Kind understanding, patience, and wanting to ease one's inner pain is thematic here, as the song's highlight lyrics state: /The key that will open your heart is not a strong power/it is made of straightforward feelings/ mirroring Kyo's aggression and need to express oneself honestly. There's a great horn section that precedes the repeat of the chorus. My second favourite song here.

"Lovable Tomorrow" relays the optimism of a better tomorrow present in Tohru's personality. "Even if you are bothered by some trouble you smile like it is nothing" is also Tohru, whose inner pain isn't apparent to her new friends Yuki and Kyo, because she is always smiling. Music-box type keyboards open "Sky Blue" before being accompanied by clavier-type sounds and the orchestra, showing Tohru's determination to overcome hardships and her willingness to embrace both joy and sadness that come to her. A universal acceptance of human nature is embodied with: /Although there us a day we will hurt each other, I'm ok/The truth is that everyone is kind and seeking each other./

Best vocal track for last, and it's the extended version of the haunting opening theme "For Fruits Basket," that tugs at me as much as "The Long And Winding Road," or "Nights In White Satin." How to find that person whose smile will melt the winter in one's heart! It is one of the best opening themes for an anime series I've ever heard due to its optimistic and inspiring lyrics. There is an orchestral string arrangement here not present in the TV-sized version. The orchestral version of this song is nearly as worthy as this extended version. Either version will stay together [with me] itsumo (Japanese for "forever").

The "Epilogue" is a quiet piano track with violin and strings playing the "Memory" theme, serving as a memorial piece for Okazaki. Though released in Japan in 2001, this CD didn't find its way here till 2005. The year before, Okazaki had died of septic shock aged 44. Hearing "Overture" is a tearful tribute to Okazaki, but given that she had died three weeks before my mother, I also think of her whenever I hear this tune. So for those having trouble with a painful past, here's something in closing from "For Fruits Basket":

Even if I have a painful today, even if there's a wound from yesterday, I want to believe that I can open my heart.

I can't be reborn but I can change myself. Let's stay together always.

This CD has the prettiest Fruits Basket music. It the music from the last three episodes as well as some other vocal songs that weren't in the series. When I first heard this CD I started crying! They also have the full version of the opening song which is a plus. If you love Fruits Basket music, buy this CD now!

The music in FB is superb and this soundtrack will have you loving the anime more. Ritsuko Okazaki (RIP) was a genius and expertly pulled off the emotions of the show through her music and lyrics.
I bought this CD mostly for the fact that I fell in love with the song 'Sunlight Sifting Down Through the Trees' when Kyo's Master, in his most intense moment in the show, reflects on Kyo's past life. He picks up the chibi Kyo and holds him above his head. The look on Kyo's youthful face is priceless as he sees through the blossoms of the trees. That song matched the moment to a T.
Another great song is 'Epilogue'. The orchestra gives the song its all and I am always putting that song on repeat.
While the OST 'Memory For You' is the "official" soundtrack to the show, it mostly comprises of the synthesized background songs. This album brings out stirring renditions of many of the classic FB riffs and songs. Also on this CD, Okazaki sings both OP/ED songs in their entirety and no one can beat that.
If you need another additon to your anime OST collection do NOT pass this up. If you are a huge FB fan, by all means get this! If you are just a lush for classical music, this would be great stuff to get a hold of.
Beautiful music and really worth the price!

I love this soundtrack. The music touched the very depths of my soul. I almost cried ( i have my pride)

If you want to be emotionally moved by music, buy this cd. I promise you're breath will be taken away.

This soundtrack is one of the best things that has happen to me. It is so moving and beautiful and just makes you want to cry! This is good to relax with and to help you when stressed or angry. It makes one feel better, I think. Buy it, it is really precious!!

This CD is really amazing. My favorite vocal songs are 'Serenade' and 'For Fruits Basket'.
Serenade is a slow but beautiful song. They should have played it when Tohru was holding Kyo near the end of the second-to-last episode. It really goes with the two of them. When it gets in your head you don't want it out. And there's a nice instrumental section that goes really well with the songs--especially when the drums come in ^_^. All in all, really beautiful.
For Fruits Basket was translated and the translated one was the opening of the English DVD's. A very beautiful song, both translated and original Japanese. The instrumental version of it makes me cry. It goes to Kyo and Tohru so well again.
If I had time to review every song on this CD, I would, but I can't right now. If you really love Fruits Basket--or if you cried at the end--this CD is a must.

If you want only the Japanese songs of Fruits Basket, get this CD. the English version of the Opening and End themes is not included. I was disappointed when I bought it because I'm looking for the English ones and can't find it anywhere.

If you like mellow sound, then this CD is for you. I only gave it three stars because the other songs besides FOR FRUITS BASKET are good, but not that good for my taste. So, I only play one (or maybe two) song from this CD in a regular base. Still, playing it on the background and relaxing is a great way to enjoy it!

This is a must have for those die-hard Furuba fans, especially fans of the anime. The sweet ballads and melodies of Ritsuko Okazaki's songs for the series are presented here in their entirety (versus the minute-long snippets used for the show credits). I purchased this CD solely for owning the opening theme song (made all the more poignant with the knowledge of the composer's passing). As a soundtrack, it's what I would call "standard anime," but Okazaki's haunting, childlike voice make the vocal songs memorable. The whole CD is tinged with a sadness, whether intentionally by the composer or by the listener, who has the knowledge of the composer's death. As one previous reviewer stated, "sweet and bittersweet."

The Fruits Basket anime would not be as touching and emotional if not for the wondrous music, music which moves in and out of the scenes like another character. Last year, I purchased Fruits Basket: Memory for You and I adore every single track. When Four Seasons was recommended by Amazon, I didn't hesitate to buy it.

I know I'm repeating myself from my other OST reviews but here it is again...I was not disappointed. What makes Four Seasons better than Memory for You is there are more tracks featuring Ritsuka Okazaki, whose voice was one of a kind. The emotion she put into each song makes me both happy to have discovered her work, and sad that she passed away. (Serenade makes me tear up. I'm such a cry baby.) The instrumental tracks aren't too shabby either. I highly recommend this soundtrack for Fruits Baskets lovers and anyone else who wants to experience the angelic voice of the late Ritsuko Okazaki.