Customer Reviews

Magic Knight Rayearth: Best Song Book (1995 Anime Series)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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The Magic Knight Rayearth Best Songbook is a must not only for anime and CLAMP fans, but for any who enjoy great pop music; since it is composed entirely of singles, the quality of each song is extremely high. It is one of the most life-affirming and inspiring albums that I have ever been privileged to hear. The album is unified by the common themes of the songs and their pop sensibility (reminscent to the early 90's in the US). Each song's lyrics encourages the pursuit of dreams, friendship, and personal growth. However, since the track is almost entirely in Japanese, those who don't understand the languages should be prepared to find lyrics translations.

The following is a bit of commentary and information for each of the thirteen tracks on the album:

1. Yuzurenai Negai (Unyielding Wish) The magnificent first opening theme song to the Magic Knight Rayearth TV series, it has delightful pop sensibility. Naomi Tamura has an unbelievably powerful and versatile voice (a la Celine Dion); the first time I heard it, my mouth dropped open in shock and wonder.

2. Asu-e no Yuuki (Courage Leading to Tomorrow) First ending theme song. A solid track with enjoyable music though it does seem to lend itself particularly to scrolling credits. Undoubtedly, the lyrics of this track are its greatest asset; one of my favorite lines translates into: "If you travel along the rail of your heart and never look back, your dream will always come true."

3. Kirai ni Narenai (I Can't Hate You) Second opening song. Though not as aurally impressive as either of those sung by Naomi Tamura, Ayumi Nakamura has a nice voice that doesn't rely upon the affected youth to which many Japanese female musicians adhere. It's music is upbeat and readily assessible to the listener.

4. Rararai - Yasashiku Dakasete/Lullaby - Hug me Softly Second ending song. Uncharacteristically dark, Minako Honda gives this song a difuse Latin sound. Delightfully eerie.

5. Hikari to Kage wo Dakishimeta Mama (Still Embracing the Light and Darkness) The third opening theme song, also sung by Naomi Tamura. This track is very similar to Yuzurenai Negai and just as enjoyable, but somehow it seems less cavalier. Beautiful and inspirational.

6. Itsuka Kagayaku (Someday Shining) Sung by Keiko Yoshinari, it is gentle, pleasant song but completely colorless. The music is singularly mediocre, and Yoshinari's childish voice fails to make up for it. I have trouble listening to it all the way through.

7. Moona no Ekaki Uta (How to Draw Mokona Song) A whimsical, playful song that reminds one of early Disney movies. Less like music and more like sound effects, it nonetheless has a addictive tune.

8. Itsuka Tenshi ni Nareru (Someday, Become an Angel) Umi's Image Song; sung by Konami Yoshida, the voice actress for Umi. Joyous, uplifting pop song that stops short of being shallow.

9. Soyokaze no Sonatine (Sonatine of the Breeze) Fuu's Image Song; sung by Hiroko Kasahara, voice actress for Fuu. Serene and slow with beautiful violin and bell music, it sound like a song from a Broadway musical. Kasahara has a sweet, lower voice that either Konami Yoshinari or Hekiru Shiina (voice actress for Hikaru).

10. Shoujo yo, Taishi wo Idake! (Girls, Embrace Ambition!) An imitation-rap song with the three girls espousing their respective philosophies in spoken word and song. Surprisingly good for what it's worth, but certainly not true rap.

11. Mokona-Ondo de Pupupu-no-pu (Puuing to the Mokona-Ondo) A song for summer. Another high-energy track that urges the listener to leave the past behind and start anew.

12. RUN Eagle's Image Song. Though this song has a dark and angsty sound, it, like all the others, has inspiring lyrics. This is undoubtedly the most majestic track on the album, and Megumi Ogata's deep, rich voice offers surprising and delightful maturity.

13. Seiya no Tenshi Tachi (Angels of the Holy Night) A love song for Christmas. The male chorus and bells give this song just the right atmosphere; it really sounds like a traditional Christmas song. Pleasant and relaxing.

I give this album my highest recommendation!

This disc contains the opening and ending themes for the series (two or three seasons) along with some songs heard in the background during the series and a few ones on the funny side with Mokona. This is probably the best CD there is on Magic Knights.

A mostly accurate list of the songs (all vocal) is:

Yuzurenai Negai/Asuhe no Yuuki/Kirai ni Narenai/Rarabai Yasashiku Dakasete/Hikari to Kage wo Dakishimeta Mama/Itsuka Kagayaku/Mokona no Ekaki Uta/Itsuka Tenshi ni Nareru/Soyokaze no Sonachine/Shoujo Yo, Kaishi o Idake!/Mokona Ondo no Pu pu no pu/[a christmas song]/Run

The last one sung by Eagle, almost all other sung by the Magic Knights except two (I think) sung by the voice actresses (i.e. not in character). I strongly recommend this disc for songs like Hikari to Kage wo Dakishimeta Mama (last season opening, I think), Itsuka Tenshi ni Nareru (sung by Umi, but I don't remember if it appeared in the series) and Soyokaze no Sonachine (sung by Fuu. I believe it was heard in the second season, when the girls were in a thermal pool or something). The Mokona songs and Shouyo Jo, Kaishi o Idake are more on the "fun" side (the others are serious, mostly romantic) but I like them. In fact, the only songs I don't like very much are the last two, but in all this is probably the best single CD on Magic Knights, and a must for any MKRE and anime music fan.

The CD has a greenish case, and comes with a booklet with lyrics (in japanese) and a small picture of the single each song originally appeared in.

I hesitated for long time before I decided to buy this cd, but I certainly haven't regretted buying it. I had heard beforehand only few of the songs in it (the opening and ending songs, and besides, they were in English) so I was quite uncertain about what the songs would be like. Now I can say that there isn't a single song in this cd that I don't like - and the Japanese versions are actually even better than the English ones. If you liked... how should I put it... the general feeling of the Magic Knight Rayearth, you're going to like this! And there's no need to worry about the words being in Japanese, it is easy to find translations in the net. (For example: http://rayearth.astraldream.net/lyrics/index.html or http://www.jlyrics.org/anime/mkr/.)

When I first heard the first opening song 'Yuzurenai Negai', I knew that Rayearth music was right for me. After downloading almost every Rayearth song out there, I decided I would really enjoy the CD. ITS WORTH IT! Honestley one of the best CDs I own. ^^ It's all in Japanese, so be preapred. Though this music is beautiful enough that you dont need to understand. Every song on this CD is of perfect quality, and they're all lovely. They range from the almighty poppy-ness of 'Kirai ni Narenai' to the sweet, dark second seaon ending lullaby. ^^ Favorite song on the track? ' Hikari to Kage wo Dakishemeta Mama' or 'Still Embracing Light and Darkness'. This is my total favorite anime song ever! It includes all opening's and endings, as well as Umi's theme, Fuu's theme, Eagle's wonderful theme, 2 hysterical Mokona songs, a goofy little imitation rap song, a Christmas song...13 tracks in all. I HIGHLY reccomend it for any Rayearth fan, or any anime fan for that matter. Trust me! I've been listening to anime music for years. Also, the Rayearth anime/mangba is UNBELEIVABLE.

Ja ne!

I listened to some clips of these songs, and they don't do this great album justice. As a HUGE fan of all things Rayearth, I LOVE it! While it's true you'll need translations of every song if you don't speak Japanese, everyone who likes MKR should have this. All the songs are lovely, but my personal fave is "Soyokaze no Sonatine" (just 'cuz I like Fuu!) ^_~

Consisting of great melodies, addicting tunes, and breathtaking art on the inside sleeve... Magic Knights Rayearth is a MUST have! You have to get this great CD, it reflects the quality of the anime itself! You just have to lunge for something like this! Hey! Iro asenai korono no chizu hikari ni kazasou! Arigato!

For those who love the series Magic Knight Rayearth and liked the music, this CD is probably something you should get. :) It contains the various opening and ending themes for the first series Rayearth, as well as several assorted vocals including Hikaru, Umi and Fuu's song trying to define just what, exactly, Mokona actually IS.

Also includes my personal favorite Rayearth vocal, Itsuka Tenshi ni Nareru. :)

I highly recommend this cd to every fan of Magic Knight Rayearth. The reason for that is because it includes most of the singles of the show: three openings, three endings, a christmas song and other six songs, eg. "Run" sung by Eagle's original voice actress. This cd is a real investment and it's just wonderful for everyone who loves the Magic Knights.

Next to the Aa Megami-sama (Ah My Goddess) Coomplete Vocal Collection, this is the best anime soundtrack I've heard. There's not a bad track on it! Plus the inner sleeve art is absolutely gorgeous! A MUST HAVE!!!!

This is a japanese cd with music that is unbelievable. The music is rich and colorful. Even if you don't understand japanese, the vocals are still moving. I highly recommend this cd to anyone who likes happy fun music that is also pretty.