Millennial Fair – Xenogears Soundtrack
If you have played Xenogears already, then you will allready know about the awesome music. Yasunori Mitsuda is no stranger to Composing, under Squaresoft, he had already composed the succesful soundtracks of Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross. Some of the Chrono music may seem similar to that of Xenogears, but overall the Xenogears album takes the listener to a different level.
The complexity of the story–line can also be found in its music, for every mood, situation, incident or plot twist, Yasunori Mitsuda composed a brilliant piece of music, and together, the tracks tell their own story in sound. The heavy religious and psychological undertones of Xenogears can be found mainly on the second disc of the OST and the arranged Creid album.
The Creid album came out later in 1999, a year after the game was released. Yasunori Mitsuda had arranged a score of tracks from the original album and had them performed by Millennial Fair, a thus far unknown music group. I was so impressed by this album and the wonderful mix of Japanese and Irish melodies, that I named my website after the people that made the Creid album. If anyone has any information about the music group Millennial Fair, please me so I can put it up.
Xenogears Original Soundtrack – Composed by Yasunori Mitsuda Vocals by Joanne Hogg
Disc One: 73 Minutes 23 Seconds
Tracks:
1. Light from the Netherworld
2. Star of Tears – [Lyrics]
3. Bonds of Sea and Fire
4. My Village is Number One
5. The Valley Where Wind is born
6. Faraway Promise
7. Steel Giant
8. Forest of the Black Moon
9. Shattering Egg of Dreams
10: Back to Sleep
11: Dazil: City of Burning Sands
12: Emotions
13: Grahf: Emperor of Darkness
14: Fuse
15: Leftovers of the Dreams of the Strong
16: The Treasure which cannot be Stolen
17: Aveh – the Ancient Dance
18: Invasion
19: Stage of Death
20: In a Dark Sleep
21: Singing of the Gentle Wind
22: The Wounded Shall advance into the Light
23: Lost..Broken Shard
24: Thames – The Man of the Sea
25: The Blue Traveler
Disc Two: 71 Minutes 48 Seconds
Tracks:
1. Ship of Regret and Sleep
2. The Jaws of Ice
3. Knight of Fire
4: June Mermaid
5: Shevat: The Wind is Calling
6: The Sky, the Clouds, and You
7. Gathering Stars in the Night Sky
8. Tears of the Stars, Hearts of the People
9. Flight
10: Wings
11: Solaris: Eden of Heaven
12: Back to Sleep
13: The One who is Torn Apart
14: Pray for the People’s Joy
15: Omen
16: Awakening
17: One Who Bares Fangs at God
18: The Beginning and the End
19: Small Two of Pieces – Restored Pieces – [Lyrics]
Xenogears Original Soundtrack Review:
By
Because it is so difficult to describe the whole album, I will review each track seperately instead.
I will also grade each song, with marks between 1 and 10, with 10 being the best, and 1 being the worst.
Disc 1:
Track 1: Light from the Netherworld – Rating: 9
This dark, mysterious track is the background music for Xenogears’ Opening Cinematics. While the
Eldricht is taken over by a mysterious being, the music takes the listener right into the story. Starting
slow, but picking up the pace as the situation gets more chaotic in the movie. Just by listening to the track
you can almost imagine what is going on in the minds of the people on the screen. The opera vocals add the last
dimension to this awesome track.
Track: 2 Star of Tears – Rating: 8
One of the two vocal tracks on this Soundtrack. Joanne Hogg adds her awesome voice to this arrangement
of the overworld theme (Track 12, CD 1) The lyrics are closely related to the storyline, and it makes
for a good opening song. It’s a shame that the track does not appear to be in the Game. In my opinion
the track could have been longer, but it is good this way too.
Track 3: Bonds of Sea & Fire – Rating: 8
Also called “Bart’s Theme”, this track is one of the most commonly heard in the game,
but that doesn’t change the fact that it is one awesome track. The track carried with it the sadness
that has evolved around Aveh and its Royalty, with some celtic and arabic musical influences. A relaxing
track with great emotion.
Track 4: My village is Number One! – Rating: 8
The Lahan village track, and one of the best City Tracks from this OST. This song is happy, cheery, even a
little mischievous, which goes well with the setting of Lahan village. Heavily influenced by Celtic music,
the flutes and strings remind me of many old Irish folk songs. No doubt in my mind on this one, this track
is perfect for the village attached to it.
Track 5: The Valley Where the Wind is Born – Rating: 8
This song makes me want to pinch Mitsuda’s cheeks! This song is played near Citan’s house, and
later near Tora’s forest lab. A happy song, with cute bell sounds and flutes, that perfectly fits
with the surroundings.
Track 6: Faraway Promise – Rating: 9
Players of Chrono Trigger will get a feeling of Deja Vu when they hear this song. It’s very
similar to “Far Off Promise”, featured on the Chrono 99 OST. A song from a music box,
which adds a mysterious element to the story, and almost seems out of place. Yet, this song is
one of the most ifluencial of the game. Of course, the melody is the same as that of the Ending theme.
A perfect piece of music, in a nostalgic wrapping.
Track 7: Steel Giant – Rating: 7
Get in your gear and fight it out! Steel Giant is the main battle theme, and will be one the tracks
you will hear most in the game. A lot of battle tracks get annoying in RPGs, but Steel Giant is a solid
theme that won’t forget. Very nice futuristic theme, but not overbearing.
Track 8: Forest of the Black Moon – Rating: 8
Ambiance is the word that would describe this song best. Without being too powerful or overly present,
this song adds to the surroundings perfectly. The eerie simplicity of the melody, the quiet beginning,
the sudden interlude and the neatly done ending make this a great track to listen to. Very fitting for
the Black Moon Forest.
Track 9: Shattering Egg of Dreams – Rating: 9
One of the most emotionally loaded tracks in the game, a great, great melody that takes the listener
right into the world of the characters. Though mainly themed with sadness, it does contain a feeling
of hope. “Angel music held in chains”, perhaps?
Track 10: Back to Sleep – Rating: 7
What can I say? It’s a 12 second track for God’s sake! Still good enough though.
Track 11: Dazil: City of Burning Sands – Rating: 7
Since Aveh is an “Arabic” state of sorts, this tracks fits in greatly with the desert city.
The vocals are pretty neat, and this give it an outspoken arabic theme. Very great in contrast with the
celtic influences of the Lahan theme, for example. Another great city theme, but a little too plain
to be really good.
Track 12: Emotions – Rating: 6
This is track 2 without the vocals and with no arrangement. It is a peaceful overworld theme that
doesn’t really stand out much. A fatal weakness in most of Squaresoft’s OSTs is that
the overworld themes are usually very boring (with the wonderful exception of Chrono Trigger). A nice
track, but nothing to write home about.
Track 13: Grahf: Emperor of Darkness – Rating: 8
I think the name says it all, it’s your typical sinister character song. What I love about this
song is the powerful bass sound and the drums. Though I hate this track because it reminds me of all
those times I got beaten up in the game (ouchy..), it is still one of the best upbeat and sinister songs.
Track 14: Fuse – Rating: 8
Run! Someone is chasing us! A wonderful song that will motivate you to get out of whatever dangerous
situation you got yourself into this time. A great track, with a lot of beat that you will hear
quite a few times. Perfect for many of the game’s situations.
Track 15: Leftovers of the Dreams of the Strong – Rating: 8
The main theme for the Yggdrasil and its crew. A solid track which resembles the hope and the determination
of the people that sail the Aveh desert looking for freedom. A common theme in Xenogears, if not the most
common one of all. Of course, Bonds of Eart & Fire is mixed into it, so it relates to the Fatime
Royals.
Track 16: The Treasure which cannot be Stolen – Rating: 9
One of my favorite tracks of all time. This song has a lot of emotions, both happy and sad, and it blends
so well with the background and history of the Xenogears characters. To really value this song, you would
have to get into the story of Xenogears, otherwise it may not mean a whole lot to you. Hats off to Mitsuda
for this one.
Track 17: Aveh – the Ancient Dance – Rating: 8
Another arabic themed song, and probably the best of them. Very cheerful, almust bustling with
joy and liveliness. The vocals complete the track nicely, and it is one of the best of the City songs.
Too bad it is not played more often, as you will not be in Aveh that long.
Track 18: Invasion – Rating: 6
There are few tracks I don’t like, and this is one of the few. There is nothing that is
really wrong with it, except that there is too little variation in the song, and because you will
hear it so much in the game, it tends to annoy people. I also don’t think it lives up
to the other tracks on this CD. A shame, but I guess there are always rotten apples.
Track 19: Stage of Death – Rating: 8
The main boss theme for Xenogears, and a good one! I prefer this battle theme over the others
because of how upbeat it is, and because it doesn’t get on my nerves like alot of battle
themes do. To bad you can’t hear the funny yells the characters do when they attack. ^_^
Track 20: In a Dark Sleep – Rating: 7
This track means you’re dead. Tough luck dude. It is too short to be a real track, so let’s
continue on..
Track 21: Nisan – Singing of the Gentle Wind – Rating: 7
I suppose the game also needed one sappy City Theme, and they chose Nisan, obviously. I am not
a big fan of this song, as it is too calm compared to most of the songs. I personally think it could
use some more arrangements to make it better, that is why it does not stand out to the rest.
Track 22: The Wounded Shall advance into the Light – Rating: 7
Really not my taste. I am not a fan of hymns, especially not when the voices are computerised like
this. Too bad really because if they used the same voices as in the Creid album, this song would
be really awesome. I guess it’s not bad, but it’s not good either.
Track 23: Lost..Broken Shard – Rating: 8
A short song, but a powerful one, often used to express the deeper emotions of the characters in
the game. Very simple, yet very touching song. Also a bit mysterious, which makes it a great one
for this game, which in fact is mostly a mystery/thriller.
Track 24: Thames – The Man of the Sea – Rating: 7
This track is pretty decent, and it tells you a lot about the level of intelligence and
maturity of the Thames’ crew, which is pretty much non–existant. A nice track,
but it gets on my nerves too fast, hence it is not one of my favorites.
Track 25: The Blue Traveler – Rating: 9
Okay, this track gives me goosebumps! Yeah I know, it is because I am a sucker for emotional
songs, but this one just really rocks! If you know the story, you will know it is also one
of the best scenes of the game as well. Really great song, very upbeat yet emotional.
Disc 2:
Track 1: Ship of Regret and Sleep – Rating: 8
It took me a while to get used to this song, but when you really sit down and listen to it, you will
see how brilliant it is. The organ, combined with the background vocals proves to be a worthy combination
for this semi–emotional song.
Track 2: The Jaws of Ice – Rating: 8
This track reminds me of the scene where Citan tells Fei what the canned food is made of (I will spare
you the details, trust me on this one). It’s another very good track with a mysterious and serious
overtone. A solid track, without a doubt.
Track 3: Knight of Fire – Rating: 7
Another one of the battle themes. A medium paced one, with less variety than the others. Maybe a little
more serious than the others, which can be good as well. Not one of my favorites, but still a pretty
good track.
Track 4: June Mermaid – Rating: 9
I simply love how the this track combines so many feelings at once. Very soothing, lyrical in its simplicity,
and very meaningful track. I prefer this version over the arranged one from Creid. This is definately one
track that wouldn’t want to miss.
Track 5: Shevat: The Wind is Calling – Rating: 8
Another feeling of Deja Vu creeps up on me with this track. It is almost scary how much it resembles
the themes of Scala and Zeal Palace in Chrono Trigger. Bells, flutes and drums accompanied by a leading
string intruments really do justice to the name of the track. It simply fits Shevat in every way, another
proof that Mitsuda is the master of City Themes.
Track 6: The Sky, the Clouds, and You – Rating: 9
This track is just too adorable for words. A most fitting tune to accompany the Chu Chu tribe.
Funny, cheery and a little silly. A heartwarming track for most, maybe a little overbearing for
a few. Still, I love this track, as it kind of lightens the heavy mood of Xenogears.
Track 7: Gathering Stars in the Night Sky – Rating: 8
The obvious love song of Xenogears, a very emotional and affectionate track. A great melody that
will stay in your head for a long time. It would have been great to have Joanne Hogg add her voice
to this song, but it is good this way too.
Track 8: Tears of the Stars, Hearts of the People – Rating: 8
Probably the saddest of all the songs, a deep emotional track that accompanies a lot of the truly
sad scenes in the game. Hard to describe with words, but it is basically a great track, with some
influences from Mitsuda’s earlier work.
Track 9: Flight – Rating: 9
A great energetic theme, which resembles the Blue Traveler (Track 25, CD 1) track a lot. A wonderful
song filled with both determination and courage. One of those songs that will make you get up and cheer
for your characters of the screen. A great way of using emotion in an upbeat track.
Track 10: Wings – Rating: 7
The new overworld theme that you will get once you have the ability to fly with the Yggdrasil. A better
theme than Emotions (track 12, CD 1), and overall very good. It is very short however, which takes away
a lot of the variation the track could have.
Track 11: Solaris: Eden of Heaven – Rating: 8
At first I didn’t think that this song really fit that well with Entrenank, the capital of
Solaris, since it sounds almost too silly for it. But on second thought, it does really match the
people of Solaris. The song has this weird sense of pride (in the drums and trumpets), and is
accompanied with a rather overbearing hapiness; which is exactly what the Solarian people are like!
A rather unexpected mix of elements by Mitsuda, and it paid off, as it is a great track.
Track 12: Back to Sleep – Rating: 8
Yet another song for going to sleep! Well I guess this is an improvement from the last one. ^_^
Track 13: The one Who is Torn Apart – Rating: 9
Obviously this track was made for Fei and his personality disorder. Very pure, mysterious, calm, eerie,
and dark track. I love how this track combines all those things into a brilliant piece of music, while
it still gives away simplicity. A really wonderful track.
Track 14: Pray for the People’s Joy – Rating: 7
A pure organ track with a serious religious overtone. Not a track I really enjoy, but it is still
a solid track that goes perfect with Xenogears and the storyline.
Track 15: Omen – Rating: 7
This track is alright, it is a solid track for dungeons and places of despair. But somehow it is not
as powerful as the other dark tracks. Very good, but lacking a certain edge.
Track 16: Awakening – Rating: 8
An upbeat score that blends well with the Omen track. I like the mix of different instruments, which makes
it very lively. And the background vocals once again add a fantastic element to the whole track. Could have
been a little more fast–paced towards the end, in my opinion.
Track 17: One Who Bares Fangs at God – Rating: 8
This is one of those tracks that you should listen to with the volume up. This track takes its sweet time
in building up, but it is really worth it. The vocal accompaniment really takes the leading role this time,
and it is a shame that the voices are computerised, or else it would have been the best track in the game!
Track 18: The Beginning and the End – Rating: 8
A purely vocal song, and very very fitting for the end of this soundtrack. Thankfully the voices haven’t
been computerised this time, and the many different voices make this a unique track. It will not appeal to
most people, but that is mostly the case with opera music like this.
Track 19: Small Two of Pieces – Restored Pieces – Rating: 10
This track is just brilliant in every way. The arrangement, the instruments, the emotions, the vocals
by Joanne Hogg, it makes for an awesome ending theme. The lyrics really fit well with the story, and
they are better than those of the Japanese version. Wonderfully soothing track. Hats off to Joanne Hogg
and Yasunori Mitsuda!
Synopsis:
Fans of Celtic music or fans of game soundtracks will not be disappointed with this soundtrack at all.
It has everything from light–hearted tracks full of joy, to emotionally loaded tracks with dark
alure. The Xenogears Soundtrack offers the listener a wide score of wonderful tracks, which will be
even better if you have played the game as well.
Xenogears Creid – Yasunori Mitsuda & Millennial Fair
Disc One: 49 Minutes 9 Seconds
Tracks:
1. MELKABA
2. Two Wings – [Lyrics]
3. BALTO
4. CREID – [Lyrics]
5. DAJIL
6. Stairs of Light – [Lyrics]
7: June Mermaid
8. Spring Lullaby – [Lyrics]
9. LAHAN
10. MEBIUS – [Lyrics]
Xenogears Creid Review:
By
Track 1: MELKABA – Rating: 9
The first track of Creid is a full arrangement of the track Awakening on the OST (Track 16, CD 2)
and will have your attention for a full 7 minutes! The track starts slow with a few violins and
bells, but it ist quickly followed by the vocals of Yoko Ueno and a heavy bass guitar. The track
starts to pick up the pace with diferent types of instruments in unison. The wonderful combination
of heavy bass sounds and violin music make it both an energetic and powerful track.
Track 2: Two Wings – Rating: 8
The Japanese version of Star of Tears from the OST
(Track 2, CD 1). Sung by Tetsuko Honma, Joanne Hogg’s Japanese counterpart for this CD.
Her voice is much like Joanne’s, and I can see why Mitsuda chose her for this arrangement of
this great song. The only thing that bothers me is that the English version seems more logical in
the lyrics, but that is probably just me. ^_^
Track 3: BALTO – Rating: 10
This track just blew me out of the water! This awesome arrangement of Bonds of Sea and Fire
from the OST (Track 3, CD 1) really is masterpiece. It starts of with a flute, very calm and collected,
but then switches the accordion; a much more lively instrument. Add a violin, a few bass guitars
and drums, and you have yourself another solid track. Personally, I would say BALTO is the best track
on the Creid CD.
Track 4: CREID – Rating: 9
The title song of this album is based on the track The Wounded Shall Advance into the Light from the
OST (Track 22, CD 1). But this time, the vocals are pure as can be, and the musical accompaniment is
nothing less than perfect for this song. A song that gives me the chills, a song that many people will love,
without a doubt.
Track 5: Dajil – Rating: 9
This song seems rather misplaced on this overly Celtic album, but that does not make it less awesome.
Of course this song is arrangement/mix of the original track Dazil: City of Burning Sands (Track 11, CD 1).
The guitar in the song is just awesome! The bass that accompanies it gives the track a lot of power, and the
arabic instruments used throughout the song add a wonderful atmosphere. The vocals blend in nicely, though
I do think they could have stood out a bit more in some parts. A fast–paced, upbeat track that will
appeal to a lot of different people.
Track 6: Stairs of Light – Rating: 8
The second track done by Tetsuko Honma and based on The Sky, the Clouds, and You (Track 6, CD 2)
from the OST. A great track with lyrics which fit in perfectly with the original song. Tetsuko’s
voice sounds very sweet in this song, which is very refreshing for the listener. A wonderful, happy, slightly
mischievous song.
Track 7: June Mermaid – Rating: 8
A full arrangement of the same on the OST (Track 4, CD 2). I prefer the original version, though the
two songs aren’t that different if you really think about it. Mitsuda simply used pure instrumental
music for this one, and took away the computerised feeling of the original. A deep, soothing track.
Track 8: Spring Lullaby – Rating: 8
The third song by Tetsuko Honma and the arrangement of Gathering Stars in the Night Sky (Track 7, CD 2).
In my opinion, the best song when it comes to lyrics, but in my opinion, it gives away points as a whole
because the instruments don’t stand out that much. A very relaxing song, but lacking a bit of emotion.
Track 9: LAHAN – Rating: 9
It won’t be hard to figure out that this song is the arrangement of My Village is Number One (Track 4
, CD 1). A purely celtic arrangement of this cheerful song, with lots of strings and flutes. I love the
single violin that you hear all through the song, as it is the most fitting instrument for a folk song
like this. The group vocals give you the feeling that you are actually attending a Celtic village dance!
I love how they did the ending, it gives a very warm and familiar feeling!
Track 10: MEBIUS – Rating: 8
Like Two Wings, this song does not seem to arranged with extra instruments, but instead the lyrics are
in Japanese, and sung by Tetsuko Honma. The original, Small Two of Pieces – Restored Pieces
(Track 19, CD 2) from the OST is slightly better than this one. The trouble translating lyrics is that
you can never directly say the same thing, because it would sound awkward in Japanese. Because of that,
this track is not as powerful as the original, which is a shame, because it is a great song to listen
to.
Synopsis:
Creid is without a doubt my favorite soundtrack CD ever! Mistuda filled a void in game music that
occured after Nobuo Uematsu had created his Final Fantasy 7 Soundtracks. In a way, Mitsuda set a trend
that many would follow. We see it in soundtracks like Orrizonte (Suikoden) and many of the arranged
soundtracks that exist right now. In my opinion though, Mistuda’s work has something that a lot
of soundtracks don’t have, which is emotion. Creid is a CD that you should not miss, a CD that
many people will cherish for a long time to come. If you have the opportunity, pick up an overseas
copy, you won’t regret it!
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