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FFVIII Fithos Lusec Wecos Vinosec :: Review by Evil Mushrooms
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Album Title: | Final Fantasy VIII Fithos Lusec Wecos Vinosec |
| Record Label: | DigiCube (1st Edition); Square Enix (Reprint) | |
| Catalog No.: | SSCX-10037; SQEX-10025 | |
| Release Date: | November 20, 1999; July 22, 2004 | |
| Purchase: | Buy at CDJapan |
Overview
Following the "semi-orchestration" of the Reunion Tracks of Final Fantasy VII, where only 3 tracks were orchestrated, Nobuo Uematsu and Shiro Hamaguchi came back in 1999 with the orchestration of Final Fantasy VIII Fithos Lusec Wecos Vinosec. On this CD, all of the tracks are orchestrated in the same manner as "Aeris' Theme," "Main Theme," and "One Winged Angel" in Final Fantasy VII Reunion Tracks. As all of the tracks are fully orchestrated, the CD allows for a more thoroughly orchestrated CD, leaving the listener with an indescribable feeling. As the game was full of love and emotions, these emotions are well conveyed through these 13 tracks.
Track-by-Track Reviews
1) Liberi Fatali
There are no words to fit this track other than magnificent. This track needed no changing from its original, so it was directly taken from the Original Soundtrack, where it was also fully orchestrated. Although I'm not much of a fan of opera-styled singing, this track is superb, and gave for a powerful opening to the game, as well as for the CD. (10/10)
2) Blue Fields
Although this track was dull and monotonous in the Original Soundtrack, this track was brought to life by Hamaguchi. Although the improvement of this track from its original in the Original Soundtrack certainly deserves a 10, as a track, I gave it an 8. Nevertheless, this is a great track. (8/10)
3) Don't be Afraid
This track didn't have much of a problem in the original, but the orchestration added a further thrill to this track, especially by intensifying the brass section. Although the original track left the listener excited, this orchestration of the track left the listener with goose bumps. (8/10)
4) Balamb GARDEN ~ Ami
This track was sweet and simple in its version in the Original Soundtrack, but after passing through Balamb Garden a countless amount of times, it lost its shine. However, in its orchestration, the piece conjoins the 2 similar tracks from the Original Soundtrack, giving the track back its shine. The result is a charming track that ranges from simple to very deep in feeling. (8/10)
5) Fisherman's Horizon
This track was just another town theme from the Final Fantasy series in its Original Soundtrack, but in the orchestrated version this is changed. The track starts with a choral a Capella and later, changes into a full orchestration, making the electric piano that is rather distracting hardly recognizable by the end. This is another marvelously orchestrated track. (9/10)
6) Fithos Lusec Wecos Vinosec
This was a great track in the beginning, but in the end, something odd happens. The first few minutes are great, with a creepy atmosphere created with the usage of the piano playing dissonant chords, but in the end, an Indian-styled singer randomly comes out of nowhere and ruins the track. Although the odd appearance of this lady is quite frightening, the track is left with a disappointing end. (5/10)
7) Eyes on Me
This is the theme song from Final Fantasy VIII sung by Chinese diva Faye Wong. Taken directly from the Original Soundtrack, the track itself is excellent, but gets boring, due to the fact that it is used in the Original Soundtrack, the single, and this CD. Nevertheless, the track itself is exceptional, conveying all of the emotions of the love story in this game, with a pop ballad. (9/10)
8) The Man with the Machine Gun
I must say that this orchestration is simply astonishing. This formerly-techno track is played by an orchestra, yet keeps its original upbeat feeling, keeping its heavy bass line. Despite the great change, the track is immediately recognizable. (9/10)
9) Dance with the Balamb-fish
This track is almost identical to its original version. (To clear up any confusion, this is not a waltz; waltzes are all in 3/4.) Although there is nothing much wrong with this track, it could have been arranged better. (7/10)
10) Love Grows
This is another brilliant track. Although this is another variation of the love motif, this is completely different from the pop style featured in Eyes on Me, and is brought back to life as a piano concerto. This is a very moving track, and is most likely the best track in the album. (10/10)
11) The Oath
This is yet another great track. The Original Soundtrack version was by far too simple, but in this version, it is made more complex and deeper, without changing the sad mood of the track. However, the emotional response differs from that of the original, but not necessarily in a bad way. (8/10)
12) Ending Theme
This track is another superb track taken directly from the Original Soundtrack. It begins with a mysterious atmosphere, then goes on to having an orchestra version of "Eyes on Me" also sung by Faye Wong, followed by Final Fantasy theme, then changes into a variation of "Liberi Fatali", and finally ends with the Prelude. Although this track is an impressive 13 minutes long, not a single bit of it gets boring. (10/10)
13) Fragments of Memories
Looking at the tracklist, it may seem questionable that the album should end with this track, but the orchestration of this track is simply amazing. Performed by a string quartet, this track is transformed from a "childhood memories" track into one that provokes great passion. This track serves as a very moving end to the album. (10/10)
Summary
This CD is a must-get for any Final Fantasy fan. All of the best tracks from Final Fantasy VIII are taken and made even better in this CD, to reveal their true shine. Furthermore, all of the tracks are put in order, so that tracks with the same mood, in general, don't come back to back, making this CD stimulating the whole way through. Although the love motif ("Eyes on Me") is a very recurring motif in this CD, all of the recurrences have different styles, making the motif fresh each time. I reiterate: go buy this CD if you haven't done so already, you will not regret it a single bit.
