Kingdom Hearts 2
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Free Music Notes for Kingdom Hearts 2
Free Music Review: A Wonderful Follow-up
Hit: 5 Stars
The third game of the Kingdom Hearts series, Kingdom Hearts II, following KH1 and KH:Chain of Memories, doesn't disappoint with yet another wonderful soundtrack. Arranged by Yoko Shimomura and others, it perfectly captures the essence of the riveting storyline and the new threats that have arisen.
The new theme song, Passion, is found three times on this soundtrack: in its original form (in the opening cinematics), fully transposed and played by orchestra (played during the menu trailer), and remixed into a very emotional piano and synth melody (Passion [After the Battle], heard during the ending). This follows up its predecessor, Hikari (known in English as Simple and Clean) as well as anyone could have hoped.
Quite a few songs in the soundtrack are light remixes of tracks found in the original Kingdom Hearts, such as "Villains of a Sort" and "Dearly Beloved". While this may seem somewhat uncreative and repetitive, it in fact serves to create a feeling of reminiscence from the first installment--these new versions of old songs bring us back to our first adventure in the Kingdom Hearts worlds.
The huge number of new songs doesn't cease to amaze, either. It includes all-new character themes for Sora, Kairi, Roxas, and a few other major characters whose whereabouts remain an enigma until Kingdom Hearts 2 is released overseas. Old world themes have been remixed for their new moods. Hollow Bastion's theme has not lost its haunting melody, but it is considerably more lighthearted. New battle themes are nothing short of stunning, and those classic Disney themes strike a chord as well.
Overall, this soundtrack promises to delight. I highly recommend it for any fan of Kingdom Hearts.
Free Music Review: Nothing But Redundant Praise
Hit: 5 Stars
Though I'm sure you've heard it many times before, let me reiterate how wonderful this soundtrack is. If you've ever played the game, watched someone play the game, or even been within earshot of the game while its on, you know about the fabulous score behind it. Kingdom Hearts II is a masterpeice in itself, and the score compounds the experience exponentially! In my opinion, this is definatly a step up from the first soundtrack (which was also wonderful), but definatly differernt. Different, in this case, means darker. There are a lot of parts in the game that stray heavily from the lighthearted feel thats geared towards a younger audience, and instead has a more mature, cinematic feel (though still suitable enough for the kids). The music is a perfect reflection of what i'm talking about. Theres about 90 something minutes of music on here, and within that you get a large variety of musical themes, ranging from the many battle themes, to the goofy disney themes (Whinnie The Pooh for example), to the more dark and moody themes, like Organization XIII's theme, or Roxas. This is one of those CDs that I can honestly say you wont be disapointed in if you decide to buy it. Nevermind the fact that its an import (therefore, its in Japanese), just enjoy the music for what it is. There are only 2 lyrical songs out of 89 on the entire album, "Passion" and a reprisal of the same song, and they beautifully sung, even in Japanese, and in my opinon, better. KH II is worth every penny, and these days, it shouldnt hurt your wallet too much.Free Music Review: A solid contender for "Video Game Music of the Year".
Hit: 5 Stars
The variety of tunes is just astounding here. 89 tracks that almost burst the limits of a 2-CD set. Music from the original Kingdom Hearts provides a wonderful sense of familiarity, while slightly remixing some of the tunes shows that this is a new soundtrack. "He's a Pirate" from Pirates of the Caribbean is just superb, and is probably one of the best battle themes ever, right up there with another track here: One-Winged Angel. And the five songs from Atlantica are addictive enough in-game... hearing them sung in Japanese on the CDs and English in my game is just a wonderful feeling. A bonus here is that you get to hear several of the Japanese-version voice actors in those five songs, an option usually denied to non-Japanese versions of games. I've even found myself singing the English lyrics along with the Japanese voices.
Like "Hikari" from the first game, "Passion" is a beautiful opening song, and I vastly prefer it to the English version. Having three versions of it on these CDs is another wonderful thing about these. "Dearly Beloved" has received a second remixing for the title screen, flowing wonderfully from the Chain of Memories version that flowed so well from the original... and it's still got the same soul it had.
My verdict is that this set is far superior to the already amazing music from Kingdom Hearts. Everything just fits each world so well, and the occasional licensed track puts a smile on my face. This is one set of CDs you won't regret buying.
Free Music Review: Good CD.
Hit: 5 Stars
I love the music on this CD, as well as the music on the KH 1 soundtrack,
yet I believe the music in KH 2 has an edge over KH 1 because:
1. It has a lot more songs, even One-Winged Angel, whitch the KH 1 soundtrack lacks.
2. The music has more emotion in it. You can tell by the sound of almost every instrument that the song conveys something significant.
3. None of the songs annoy me(That means you, KH1 Gummy ship theme!)
4. And, most importantly, these songs take me to exactly where they are played. When Sacred Moon plays, I'm in TWTNW. When Desire For All That is Lost plays, I'm in the 1 fight that song is in.
5. Also, I'm glad its in Japanese, so I can't understand Passion. (Yay!)
I have one complaint though, why do the songs only play once, then stop?
On the KH1 soundtrack, the song repeats before it ends, making the song's last twice as long. Here, they just go once and thats it. Oh well, thats what the Repeat button is for.
Overall, this CD has allowed me to enjoy the music from one if the greatest games I've every heard whenever I want, so I award it the maximum rating of 5 stars. I hope KH3's music is as good (Or better) as this was.
Free Music Review: Excellent
Hit: 5 Stars
The Kingdom Hearts 2 CD is just as, if not better, than the first one. I, personally, have both. I loved the first one, but the old songs on here are all different than the first ones, making it feel like a twist on a classic tune.
I love how this video game has incorporated Disney characters and songs, so it's like remixed versions of old Disney favorites.
Passion is a beautiful song by Utada Hikaru, and by far, is my favorite song on the entire album.
My only problem with this CD is that they, so far, have not released an English Version of this CD. I understand it's only like 5 songs, but it would be nice to understand the words. It's not a big issue, it's just a small blemish that I don't notice much. But, if they release an English Version, I will be pre-ordering it.
I purchased this CD back when it was first released, so I do not understand why the price has been changed so dramatically. But, I think for collectors, it's worth the price. I'd highly suggest this CD for Kingdom Hearts fans, and even Disney Fans, or collector. I have not been disappointed with this CD at all.