Search - Japanimation, Yoko Kanno :: Vision Of Escaflowne: Lovers Only

Best Escaflowne OST

C. W. Davis | Winterset, IA USA | 05/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I own all the Escaflowne OSTs and I'd have to say this is the best one. The music of Yoko Kanno and Hajime Mizoguchi is just wonderful, smooth and flowing and conveys all emotions from the hopeful, ethereal "Angel" to the dark, ominous "Blaze."Maaya Sakamoto's songs on this track are just as lovely, especially "Kaze ga fuku hi" (Track 18) which is still my all-time favorite song after 5 years of owning the CD. This track is has deep, soothing bass accompanied by a lovely saxophone and instruments get added in seemlessly as the song goes on...by the time it reaches the climax of the piece, you're shocked by all that's there.I'd highly recommend this CD to anyone who likes Yoko Kanno, Maaya Sakamoto, symphonic/choral music, or anime."

If you are only going to buy one Escaflowne CD

F. Edwards | Madison WI | 06/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A lovely overview of some of the best music from this lovely anime. The hidden gem on this CD is Kaze ga Fuku Hi (The Days the Wind Blows). This song dosn't stand out while you are watching, but like many of Yoko's songs it is better as a complete number. That song alone is easaly worth what I paid for the CD and the rest of the music is worth having too."

You want a masterpiece? The music delivers it - in spades.

Ocean_villa | 03/18/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Pros: The title pretty much says it all. Awesome soundtrack.



Cons: Two songs shouldn't be on the soundtrack as they don't fit.



The Bottom Line: Masterpiece. The good outshadows the two weaker songs and gives the listener a full Esca experience.



First, let it be known that I don't usually buy anime soundtracks. With the exception of a few of them (such as the excellent Noir), most anime music composed doesn't click with me. Usually anime tracks seem way over the top - which throws me out of the song. Many are comprised with cheesy J-pop lyrics or it just feels like the music doesn't have emotional impact.



Then came Yoko Kanno and Hajime Mizoguchi with the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra. Wow. This is a must have for any fan of music, whether you like anime or not. This isn't just different, it's in a unique class of its own. The music demands attention and delivers. It's worth every penny. Hats off to everyone involved in this production. It's one of the best soundtracks I've ever heard. (This includes the other 3 Esca soundtracks which I will also review.)



But back to this one: "Tenkuu no Escaflowne - Lovers Only" is my favourite of the 4 soundtracks because most of my favourite songs are found on it. The CD is wonderful. It's enjoyable to listen to and as another reviewer already stated, it's non-intrusive. The music never gets old; it never gets tiring. It really demonstrates what music and what a great soundtrack is. IMO, Yoko Kanno makes the best music of her career here - even beating out GIAS. Unfortunately, I must regretfully add, I am not as familiar with Hajime Mizoguchi, in terms of composing, so I cannot make that assertion. But, I will say that this music will add to his successful career.



The tracks themselves:



"Yakusoku wa Iranai (No Need For Promises)" begins the soundtrack. This is the TV edit. Even though it's short, it's still expertly crafted.



"Escaflowne" follows as a short chant of the title. It's done in a mystic etheral way, drawing the listener in.



"Memory of Fanelia" is a brilliant piece. It's mainly a string version of "Aoi Hitomi" but it's beautiful. It remains one of my favourite classical compositions.



Someone once said, if "Dance of Curse doesn't get your blood going, you must be a bloody zombie." I'm inclined to agree. The chants are back; but the music is pulsing, you can see the battle taking place, and it sure gets your adrenaline running. It's a highlight of the soundtrack.



"Zaibach" has a slow creepy sort of way about it. I must say, that there must have been a Jaws influence in this song. The beat is very reminicient of that musical pattern/theme. It's still a great song on it's own merits.



Track 6 - "Flying Dragon" starts out a tad cheesy; but delves into brilliance. A great piece capturing the glory of flying and enjoying the beauty of nature in the process.



"Cradle Song" - soothing and sweet. Very enjoyable.



However, the next track "Tomodachi (Friend)" is one of two tracks I dislike. Not because it's horrible; but it doesn't seem to match the anime much in terms of style. The chorus is a tad cheesy (not too bad though). I can't help thinking that I'd find it in a karoake bar somewhere. It just seems to detract from the feel of the anime and music in general.



"Bird Cage" - Another great song



"Chain" - One reviewer has said Chain is addictive. It is. The chants begin, then more chants are added layering over each other. With each chant there is proper increase of tension. The build-up is incredible. It's a favourite of mine.



Another one of my favourite songs is "Epistle". The moment I heard this song, I loved it. The instrumentals are perfect with the choir, creating a picture of the battle taking place, the incredible destruction, and sadness of war. Brilliantly crafted.



"Perfect World" - J-pop with an odd twist. Ironically, the singer reminds me of Depeche in terms of singing style here. (Note: I am NOT referring to vocal ability or sound, just style.) It's a slow song but nice all the same.



"Blaze (take 2)" shows the destruction brilliantly through it's music, where "Hitomi Theme" and "Angel" are both softer and highlight the beauty of nature, events taking place, or the character herself (ie. Hitomi)



I should hate "Neko no Kimochi"; but it's just so adorable. I can't help but smile listening to it.



"Arcadia" is a beautiful song. The instrumentals begin the piece, setting off a beautiful operatic ballad about midway through. The song is wonderful and I'm not even a fan of opera!



"Kaze ga Fuku Hi" (The Day the Wind Blows/Windy Day) is some of the best J-pop on the CD. It's not too cheesy, it's a sweet longer song.



"Mystic Eyes" is the only other track I dislike. But, unlike "Tomodachi," I dislike the song. It clashes very very badly with the music in the series. Skip this track. Luckily the rest of the CD will have already swept you away.



"The Story of Escaflowne - End Title" is another main reason I bought this CD. I love the ending theme. It's one of the best pieces of music on here and it's not found on any other CD. A major favourite of mine.



So, that's the rundown of the tracks. Wonderful compositions. It's a great soundtrack (aside from two songs). The good outshadows the two weak songs, and delves into masterpiece.



Recommended: A must have. I would recommend this to anyone who loves music."