grunty
I have reached Yuki nirvana
Yes. ;)
(POLL) Yuki Kajiura tracks with MAKEOVERS (or multiple versions) (as of 2024)
- Thread starter grunty
- Start date
grunty
I have reached Yuki nirvana
week8 lets go~
I imagine some of us will be dealing with Easter this week so I figure we can take it easy. Here's some short versions to revisit. I honestly don't remember what was different about Lacrimosa but I remember us thinking something was, lol - I presume different vocal take in refrain.
Since Lacrimosa TV-ver audio is technically unreleased and Kioku 90sec "Liminality" version is not available officially on digital, I figured I can use the anime sequences this week...
With that said, I did not expect it would be impossible to find the opening to .hack//SIGN in decent quality... (It's either tagged by dvdrippers; or disgusting 60fps AI upscales; or 360p or under...) Shame. It's a fantastic opening sequence. I miss Mashimo.
If anyone remembers other Kajiura produced TV-sizes having some significant differences compared to full versions, do tell. These are the first that come to my mind. (Just please not "Egao no Wake". It's not arranged by Kajiura so not of interest here. ;p)
I imagine some of us will be dealing with Easter this week so I figure we can take it easy. Here's some short versions to revisit. I honestly don't remember what was different about Lacrimosa but I remember us thinking something was, lol - I presume different vocal take in refrain.
Since Lacrimosa TV-ver audio is technically unreleased and Kioku 90sec "Liminality" version is not available officially on digital, I figured I can use the anime sequences this week...
With that said, I did not expect it would be impossible to find the opening to .hack//SIGN in decent quality... (It's either tagged by dvdrippers; or disgusting 60fps AI upscales; or 360p or under...) Shame. It's a fantastic opening sequence. I miss Mashimo.
If anyone remembers other Kajiura produced TV-sizes having some significant differences compared to full versions, do tell. These are the first that come to my mind. (Just please not "Egao no Wake". It's not arranged by Kajiura so not of interest here. ;p)
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week 8 -
obsession: I don't really care for this song but if I have to pick it'd have to be the full ver since the beats and synth are actually very interesting but there is nothing vocally/melodically appealing to me. : full ver. +1.
Kioku: full ver +1. hmm the differences are there but the full version is the full experience. such an interesting song. It's as if you combined The Witcher game and hack.sign anime and the main theme for the product is this song. (i thought of increasing tempo in the full ver. but the beats would be missing xD)
Lacrimosa: full ver . +1. same as reaction as to Kioku.
obsession: I don't really care for this song but if I have to pick it'd have to be the full ver since the beats and synth are actually very interesting but there is nothing vocally/melodically appealing to me. : full ver. +1.
Kioku: full ver +1. hmm the differences are there but the full version is the full experience. such an interesting song. It's as if you combined The Witcher game and hack.sign anime and the main theme for the product is this song. (i thought of increasing tempo in the full ver. but the beats would be missing xD)
Lacrimosa: full ver . +1. same as reaction as to Kioku.
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grunty
I have reached Yuki nirvana
Yea, these are not fair comparisons since they're just short versions.
I love Obsession but the tighter TV-mix with extra vocals is just as good for me. If not better depending on my mood - the original feels more like a vibe, than a song.
Same for Kioku. LOVE the full album version, but the sped up remix is very fun and I do feel it's a shame we never got a longer one.
I'm at a point in my life where Lacrimosa does nothing for me. Like Magia, I definitely listened to it way too much when it came out. XD
I love Obsession but the tighter TV-mix with extra vocals is just as good for me. If not better depending on my mood - the original feels more like a vibe, than a song.
Same for Kioku. LOVE the full album version, but the sped up remix is very fun and I do feel it's a shame we never got a longer one.
I'm at a point in my life where Lacrimosa does nothing for me. Like Magia, I definitely listened to it way too much when it came out. XD
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CloisteredFlame
Dripping with Kajiura
OK, week 7:
salva nos: Yuriko Kaida
- Original had too heavy bass (maybe my earbuds?) taking too much of the spectrum and drowning out poor Yuriko. Nah, I changed EQ profiles and it's still the same. They really let the guitarist (who was it?) go off at the end!
salva nos: Yuri Kasahara
- The final version! This was the one also performed at KajiFes (my first time hearing the song, after all the hype in the forum!). Kajiura compliments herself well in harmony work, and Tokyo Konsei really gave the width and volume to the track. Bass was still heavy but not punchy and less muddy, so everything stood in it's place. Guitars and strings were audible without being drowned out. More atmospheric ending.
Interesting that they both have the same initials and "Yuri" in their first name.
Winner: Did you have to ask? Kasahara and the Orchestra for the win.
tsubasa: FICTIONJUNCTION KAORI
- It sounded like a recording from a live performance by a small band just starting out, and Kaori's voice was just so young, not yet it's full form!
Yume no tsubasa: Yui Makino
- First thing, superior instrumentation and mixing. Yui's voice was cute and Yuriko's harmony was as cool as the original.
Yume no tsubasa (Duet Ver.): Yui Makino x Miyu Irino
- Interesting to hear the male and female voice. They should have let them take individual verses, that is let the man be completely silent for the first verse/chorus, then come in afresh for the second verse, and they can harmonize in the pre-chorus, and so the hand-off thing they were doing in the first verse. The only thing I can think of is that the way the lyrics were written was a conversation and back-and-forth between the two of them since I assume they were the VAS (?). I liked her voice, but so much his, at least for this song. Yuriko was solid as always.
Yume no tsubasa: FICTIONJUNCTION
- Superior recording all around and a more mature and stable voice from Kaori.
. Having Keiko's voice also stabilized the harmony with Yuriko, whose voice (Yuriko's) had also matured further, so the lower notes were fuller (to my hearing). Nice little riff from Kajiura at the ending instrumental and sweet interplay between the keys and guitar at the end.
Winner: Respect to the original Yui Makino cover (stronger instrumentation than the original and she being the seiyuu, right?) but I have to give it to FictionJunction for achieving the final form.
Magia (2011, single)
- If epicness was a song…
.
- The strings part was beautiful leading in to that wailing guitar (which you don't dare change too much for a live, even in the HS Party or Kalafina Reunion covers!), leading into the calm of Keiko's voice before the return to the storm of the chorus, with Konno doing his soaring violin over it.
Magia (～magic mix～/anime edition)
- Nice start with the distant chants before the song started.
- Interesting strings-only start to the pre-chorus with the guitar only coming in just before the chorus.
- Not a fan of the whole violin drama thing in middle. What was that? Turned me off the interesting vibe of this version as an experimental take. Also, no Keiko breakdown???
Magia (Quattro)
- A lot more strings action throughout the first pre-chorus and chorus, with different parts and melodies.
- I prefer the variation in the strings solo in the bridge compared to the original and how they interacted with the guitar solo as well.
- Keiko's solo is as moving as ever, and even more so, with the strings supporting her at the end.
- The strings dramatic end was also a highlight.
Winner: Even though some parts of the strings variations in the Quattro version were quite delightful, I'll hand the crown to the OG. Also I watched the MV a lot of times (with the OG arrangement) and Hikaru owned the screen like a solo artist!
salva nos: Yuriko Kaida
- Original had too heavy bass (maybe my earbuds?) taking too much of the spectrum and drowning out poor Yuriko. Nah, I changed EQ profiles and it's still the same. They really let the guitarist (who was it?) go off at the end!
salva nos: Yuri Kasahara
- The final version! This was the one also performed at KajiFes (my first time hearing the song, after all the hype in the forum!). Kajiura compliments herself well in harmony work, and Tokyo Konsei really gave the width and volume to the track. Bass was still heavy but not punchy and less muddy, so everything stood in it's place. Guitars and strings were audible without being drowned out. More atmospheric ending.
Interesting that they both have the same initials and "Yuri" in their first name.
Winner: Did you have to ask? Kasahara and the Orchestra for the win.
tsubasa: FICTIONJUNCTION KAORI
- It sounded like a recording from a live performance by a small band just starting out, and Kaori's voice was just so young, not yet it's full form!
Yume no tsubasa: Yui Makino
- First thing, superior instrumentation and mixing. Yui's voice was cute and Yuriko's harmony was as cool as the original.
Yume no tsubasa (Duet Ver.): Yui Makino x Miyu Irino
- Interesting to hear the male and female voice. They should have let them take individual verses, that is let the man be completely silent for the first verse/chorus, then come in afresh for the second verse, and they can harmonize in the pre-chorus, and so the hand-off thing they were doing in the first verse. The only thing I can think of is that the way the lyrics were written was a conversation and back-and-forth between the two of them since I assume they were the VAS (?). I liked her voice, but so much his, at least for this song. Yuriko was solid as always.
Yume no tsubasa: FICTIONJUNCTION
- Superior recording all around and a more mature and stable voice from Kaori.
. Having Keiko's voice also stabilized the harmony with Yuriko, whose voice (Yuriko's) had also matured further, so the lower notes were fuller (to my hearing). Nice little riff from Kajiura at the ending instrumental and sweet interplay between the keys and guitar at the end.Winner: Respect to the original Yui Makino cover (stronger instrumentation than the original and she being the seiyuu, right?) but I have to give it to FictionJunction for achieving the final form.
Magia (2011, single)
- If epicness was a song…
.- The strings part was beautiful leading in to that wailing guitar (which you don't dare change too much for a live, even in the HS Party or Kalafina Reunion covers!), leading into the calm of Keiko's voice before the return to the storm of the chorus, with Konno doing his soaring violin over it.
Magia (～magic mix～/anime edition)
- Nice start with the distant chants before the song started.
- Interesting strings-only start to the pre-chorus with the guitar only coming in just before the chorus.
- Not a fan of the whole violin drama thing in middle. What was that? Turned me off the interesting vibe of this version as an experimental take. Also, no Keiko breakdown???
Magia (Quattro)
- A lot more strings action throughout the first pre-chorus and chorus, with different parts and melodies.
- I prefer the variation in the strings solo in the bridge compared to the original and how they interacted with the guitar solo as well.
- Keiko's solo is as moving as ever, and even more so, with the strings supporting her at the end.
- The strings dramatic end was also a highlight.
Winner: Even though some parts of the strings variations in the Quattro version were quite delightful, I'll hand the crown to the OG. Also I watched the MV a lot of times (with the OG arrangement) and Hikaru owned the screen like a solo artist!
CloisteredFlame
Dripping with Kajiura
Might as well do week 8: 
Obsession: See-Saw
- Dat Bass! Very vibe-y Eurodance track!
- Not a fan of the vocal, some quite nasal sections... Chiaki...
Kioku: See-Saw
- Moody song with that relentless, heavy drum beat and bass line.
- The violin/viola section was unexpected and gave some needed levity to the quite dark instrumentation.
- The Liminality version was superior to me / easier to listen to because it was given a more dynamic feel with the electronic drums and dance elements (lighter bass too).
Lacrimosa: Kalafina
- That start!
- A real vocal showcase for top-shelf Wakana vocals and Keiko. I liked how the lower strings interacted with their voices in the verses and slightly middle strings in the pre-chorus, then the full range of the strings in the chorus.
- One of my favorite combinations of strings with the vocal and band. Guitar not standing out also helped. Bravo!
Obsession: See-Saw
- Dat Bass! Very vibe-y Eurodance track!
- Not a fan of the vocal, some quite nasal sections... Chiaki...
Kioku: See-Saw
- Moody song with that relentless, heavy drum beat and bass line.
- The violin/viola section was unexpected and gave some needed levity to the quite dark instrumentation.
- The Liminality version was superior to me / easier to listen to because it was given a more dynamic feel with the electronic drums and dance elements (lighter bass too).
Lacrimosa: Kalafina
- That start!
- A real vocal showcase for top-shelf Wakana vocals and Keiko. I liked how the lower strings interacted with their voices in the verses and slightly middle strings in the pre-chorus, then the full range of the strings in the chorus.
- One of my favorite combinations of strings with the vocal and band. Guitar not standing out also helped. Bravo!
Decretum
7 billion humans. She must know I exist
Obsession
I do enjoy this song but I wouldn’t say it’s one of my favorites. While I like the way the semi-interlude fits in midway through the TV mix, the actual intro itself just gives me nightmares. Do not, under any circumstances, think “hey, I’m really bored; what if I binge watch .hack SIGN”; I learned that one the hard way haha. Anyways, the full size version has a bit more going on so I ultimately prefer it.
+1 Full-Size
Kioku
Lol, I remember this one. Kioku is one of my favorite See-Saw tracks; I love its atmosphere, its strings, Chiaki’s vocals, the build-up, just everything about it is excellent. So I was really excited to get to the episode of Liminality where it was used.
When I got there, however, I was simply . . . Baffled? Surprised? “Am I supposed to dance to this?” It just comes off so awkwardly, though part of that might be that I’m more familiar with the album version. On a re-listen, I can definitely appreciate the somewhat glitchy vibe of the tempo, but it’s just so jarring to my ears. This one’s an easy choice.
(Sidenote: the intro sequences to Liminality are hilarious. Most of it’s just the game footage, but every once in a while they’re like “oh, right, there’s other characters! Uhhhh, let’s just show Tokuoka for a sec!” That whole show is so bizarre.)
+1 Full-Size
Lacrimosa
I had forgotten about how different the two versions sound! Anyways, while I appreciate Wakana’s emotionality in the TV Size, I think the full-size is far more effective. The atmosphere feels a lot stronger, compared to the TV’s very forceful tone.
Also can I just say that I love Lacrimosa; gothic Kalafina was always my fave.
+1 Full-Size
I do enjoy this song but I wouldn’t say it’s one of my favorites. While I like the way the semi-interlude fits in midway through the TV mix, the actual intro itself just gives me nightmares. Do not, under any circumstances, think “hey, I’m really bored; what if I binge watch .hack SIGN”; I learned that one the hard way haha. Anyways, the full size version has a bit more going on so I ultimately prefer it.
+1 Full-Size
Kioku
Lol, I remember this one. Kioku is one of my favorite See-Saw tracks; I love its atmosphere, its strings, Chiaki’s vocals, the build-up, just everything about it is excellent. So I was really excited to get to the episode of Liminality where it was used.
When I got there, however, I was simply . . . Baffled? Surprised? “Am I supposed to dance to this?” It just comes off so awkwardly, though part of that might be that I’m more familiar with the album version. On a re-listen, I can definitely appreciate the somewhat glitchy vibe of the tempo, but it’s just so jarring to my ears. This one’s an easy choice.
(Sidenote: the intro sequences to Liminality are hilarious. Most of it’s just the game footage, but every once in a while they’re like “oh, right, there’s other characters! Uhhhh, let’s just show Tokuoka for a sec!” That whole show is so bizarre.)
+1 Full-Size
Lacrimosa
I had forgotten about how different the two versions sound! Anyways, while I appreciate Wakana’s emotionality in the TV Size, I think the full-size is far more effective. The atmosphere feels a lot stronger, compared to the TV’s very forceful tone.
Also can I just say that I love Lacrimosa; gothic Kalafina was always my fave.
+1 Full-Size
grunty
I have reached Yuki nirvana
Hmmm. I don't think I've rewatched the show in some 20 years (whenever it was coming out on DVD outside of Japan) but everyone I know always says it's a great portrayal of the early MMO days (lots of chatting, lots of waiting, people popping in and out). So guess it is of its time & could be nostalgic for then-MMO-players. :)
grunty
I have reached Yuki nirvana
week9 lets go~
full disclosure: I used vgmdb for symphonia's credits and I couldn't be arsed to double check the brass players ATM. So if there's any mistakes, it's on me using vgmdb. XD
warning at george, all songs are official uploads EXCEPT Saeko's "Beginning", which is not official.
full disclosure: I used vgmdb for symphonia's credits and I couldn't be arsed to double check the brass players ATM. So if there's any mistakes, it's on me using vgmdb. XD
warning at george, all songs are official uploads EXCEPT Saeko's "Beginning", which is not official.
SurgamIdentidem
TETOTETOMETOME
Obsession
I appreciate this song for being different, but I definitely wouldn’t count it among my favorites.
The TV version is quite different from the full track and, in some sections, it sounds like a cut-and-paste of various vocal parts from the original. The song itself has always been very vibey, and the TV version leans into that even more. I do prefer the full version, though, as it feels a bit more cohesive as a song and less like a soundtrack with vocals — also mixing-wise. That said, the longer runtime admittedly doesn’t introduce that many new elements.
+1 full version
Kioku
I don’t know why, but I was personally quite put off by the faster TV version. Maybe it’s just because I’m really used to the album version. I’ll definitely give it another chance and listen again, but for now, this is a clear win for the full version.
+1 album version
Lacrimosa
Here I also prefer the full version, as I think it’s just more congruent and well put together as a whole. The instrumental variation in the second verse and the bridge also add a lot of value to the song in general, in my opinion. That said, the TV version is definitely still worth a listen.
+1 full version
violin solo from the full version.
EDIT: Flute solo
I appreciate this song for being different, but I definitely wouldn’t count it among my favorites.
The TV version is quite different from the full track and, in some sections, it sounds like a cut-and-paste of various vocal parts from the original. The song itself has always been very vibey, and the TV version leans into that even more. I do prefer the full version, though, as it feels a bit more cohesive as a song and less like a soundtrack with vocals — also mixing-wise. That said, the longer runtime admittedly doesn’t introduce that many new elements.
+1 full version
Kioku
I don’t know why, but I was personally quite put off by the faster TV version. Maybe it’s just because I’m really used to the album version. I’ll definitely give it another chance and listen again, but for now, this is a clear win for the full version.
+1 album version
Lacrimosa
Here I also prefer the full version, as I think it’s just more congruent and well put together as a whole. The instrumental variation in the second verse and the bridge also add a lot of value to the song in general, in my opinion. That said, the TV version is definitely still worth a listen.
+1 full version
Märchen comes to my mind. The tv version has a slightly different
EDIT: Flute solo
grunty
I have reached Yuki nirvana
Had no idea. Will look into it and add to the list.
Edit:
Nah, you're right - it's not just the flute. Frankly everything sounds different once it gets to the instrumental bridge - don't know if it's all different performances (quite likely for the drums for example) or just a different copy&paste&mix situation (or maybe they really recorded new parts for the full version way after the short one). Regardless, I should've included it. Not my favorite song (and the anime ver is already enough of a full song for me) so I guess I never paid this much attention to the differences. My bad.
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CloisteredFlame
Dripping with Kajiura
Allow me to correct myself while reading through again.
No, this was not my first time hearing the song. It was my first time hearing Yuri Kasahara live and her version (lots of deserved hype for her appearance).
I had heard "salva nos" in the YKL Reprise 1 studio concert, which I guess was a rearrangement of the original Yuriko version.
SurgamIdentidem
TETOTETOMETOME
I agree that the full version sounds more like an extended version of the tv version. Especially since the tv version already fully adapts all vocal sections of old-fashioned fairytale as a song and it doesn't follow a typical song structure.
You can still do it another week.
grunty
I have reached Yuki nirvana
Yea, it will be on the list. Maybe before it comes to it, someone else comes up with more short versions too.I agree that the full version sounds more like an extended version of the tv version. Especially since the tv version already fully adapts all vocal sections of old-fashioned fairytale as a song and it doesn't follow a typical song structure.
You can still do it another week.
grunty
I have reached Yuki nirvana
Aaite. This will be pretty boring.
Himitsu / secret game
Beginning
symphonia
Himitsu / secret game
Out the bat I'll say I have a hard time considering "Himitsu" and "secret game" as one song redone or in multiple versions. Both originals have very different moods, very different executions to me (even with the first half keyboard itself seemingly being the same). It's kind of disappointing that the released vol6 live of "secret game" is closer to FJ "Himitsu" but with English lyrics (and just the first part too; granted, it was part of a bigger medley and it does thankfully keep the 2nd voice from "secret game") - I'm guessing that's what Kajiura thinks of "secret game"?
With that said when it comes to the original recordings and my thoughts, I love it all, lol. Easy. No sacrifices to be made here.
About the original seiyuu Himitsu vs FictionJunction Himitsu... If it were just about lead vocals, it would be FJ coming out on top (Yuriko FTW.). If it were just about the first 2 minutes arrangement wise, it would be FJ coming out on top (The atmo with instrumental, lead and backing vocal arrangement is immaculate.). But there's also the 2nd half of the song and I honestly adore the original Himitsu's instrumental, the synths, the guitars, the flute solo, the violin solo, dare I say even more than FJ's improvisational vibing, including the enitre ending 'cause by that part I get into the lead vocals too.
+1 secret game, +1 og Himitsu, +1 FJ Himitsu, my personal classic all around
Beginning
Easy. Love both. Would not skip either. I kinda love the record intro&outro to the Saeko version. The key change in FJ ver does not bother me in the slightest. The more aggressive FJ vs more laid back og instrumental are interesting different takes, and both work for me.
+1 Saeko, +1 FJ
symphonia
And this is where it gets difficult for me. I love the TV version sound... but it's shorter and doesn't have real brass (AFAICT?)... then again, the transition to the 2nd verse in the longer album version sucks, lol.
The TV ver somehow sounds more full and stable and spacious and free and, I don't know, majestic/grandeur... whereas the album version to me reads small. Maybe it's the mix, live brass or maybe the new guitar being so much in the front that takes away from the grandeur feeling for me... Also why even have live brass when you're going to be covering it up with guitar in the bridge...
Maybe it wasn't that difficult to choose for me after all.
+1 TV ver
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CloisteredFlame
Dripping with Kajiura
Week 9 in the house!
Secret game:
2001 NOIR ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK II)
- Hearing Kasahara singing in a softer, gentler placement, and in English, was unexpected and pleasant.
- The military drumbeat with the full instrumentation in the middle of the song gave it a somber and serious feel in contrast to her more wishful vocal take.
Himitsu
(2001 NOIR - blanc dans NOIR album)
- Aya Hisakawa brought a gentle and cute performance. Her voice was more forward in the mix than Kasahara's (to my ears) and more raw(?).
I wasn't a fan of the whiny instrument echoing after each phrase of the verse.
- Enjoyed the key change, with the flute solo and chant, still with the snare drumbeat but sounding less military with all the additional features.
Himitsu
(2009 "Everlasting Songs" / FictionJunction album)
Performance: FictionJunction
- Yuriko coming in made me smile
the perfect choice from the lineup (next pickwould be Keiko, in my opinion).
- The more orchestral/band vibe in the instrumentation (standard FJ) appealed more to me. Also less vocal editing of the backing vocals overall).
Winner: Vocally, I'd select Aya Hisakawa's version but for the music overall I'll go with FJ version. So FJ WINS.
Beginning
(2003 "melody" / Saeko Chiba album)
Performance: Saeko Chiba
- Oh so this is the original!
- Keiko's tone and approach sounds so much like hers, though the tempo there was slightly slower and more deliberate (yeah, I'm already partial to the version I heard first).
- It's in the pre-chorus and chorus that the differences really come out. Keiko's voice is more stable and warm (and fuller).
Beginning
(2023 "PARADE" / FictionJunction album)
Performance: FictionJunction
- Keiko starting off with that slightly breathy tone was sweet and reminiscent of the original, like a memory and an attempt to capture something special from the past (which was fitting for the 20th anniversary cover).
- Love the key change for the second verse to take it up for Joelle, and have Keiko low harmony with her until everyone joined up for the last phrase. It was a sign that though this was a memory being recalled, there was a new perspective being expressed as well (exemplified by the newest member of FJ, with a different, higher voice type, taking the second verse).
- Kaori coming in for the 2nd chorus on another modulation. gave another vibe/lift to the song.
- Yuriko's lalala was beautiful and uplifting (and well placed!) as always, then she went higher when others joined giving that full FJ frequency width to that section. The electric guitar riffs adding that modern energy to the last repeat of that refrain.
Bravo!
Winner: FJ, 2023. Too many upgrades to not give it to them (and the bias of being the first version I ever heard).
symphonia TV ver.
(2011 Rekishi Hiwa HISTORIA Original Sound Track 2)
Performance: Kalafina
- This is a beautiful song, and one of the most impactful in my early days of listening to Kalafina. Really brings back memories.
- The key changes, transition of voices from one to the other (Keiko, Hikaru, Wakana) leading to Wakana leading the melody of the harmonized chorus gives goosebumps as usual.
(2011 "After Eden" / Kalafina album)
Performance: Kalafina
- This was basically the same as the other one, apart from the longer duration.
- Wakana's voice really shines in this song and lifts it to another level, especially in the chorus.
- A second version
Winner: "After Eden" wins just because there's just more of the musical goodness and it itches all the expected lyrical and instrumental highlights from the MV, which is where I first heard and fell in love with this song.
Secret game:
2001 NOIR ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK II)
- Hearing Kasahara singing in a softer, gentler placement, and in English, was unexpected and pleasant.
- The military drumbeat with the full instrumentation in the middle of the song gave it a somber and serious feel in contrast to her more wishful vocal take.
Himitsu
(2001 NOIR - blanc dans NOIR album)
- Aya Hisakawa brought a gentle and cute performance. Her voice was more forward in the mix than Kasahara's (to my ears) and more raw(?).
I wasn't a fan of the whiny instrument echoing after each phrase of the verse.
- Enjoyed the key change, with the flute solo and chant, still with the snare drumbeat but sounding less military with all the additional features.
Himitsu
(2009 "Everlasting Songs" / FictionJunction album)
Performance: FictionJunction
- Yuriko coming in made me smile
the perfect choice from the lineup (next pickwould be Keiko, in my opinion).
- The more orchestral/band vibe in the instrumentation (standard FJ) appealed more to me. Also less vocal editing of the backing vocals overall).
Winner: Vocally, I'd select Aya Hisakawa's version but for the music overall I'll go with FJ version. So FJ WINS.
Beginning
(2003 "melody" / Saeko Chiba album)
Performance: Saeko Chiba
- Oh so this is the original!
- Keiko's tone and approach sounds so much like hers, though the tempo there was slightly slower and more deliberate (yeah, I'm already partial to the version I heard first).
- It's in the pre-chorus and chorus that the differences really come out. Keiko's voice is more stable and warm (and fuller).
Beginning
(2023 "PARADE" / FictionJunction album)
Performance: FictionJunction
- Keiko starting off with that slightly breathy tone was sweet and reminiscent of the original, like a memory and an attempt to capture something special from the past (which was fitting for the 20th anniversary cover).
- Love the key change for the second verse to take it up for Joelle, and have Keiko low harmony with her until everyone joined up for the last phrase. It was a sign that though this was a memory being recalled, there was a new perspective being expressed as well (exemplified by the newest member of FJ, with a different, higher voice type, taking the second verse).
- Kaori coming in for the 2nd chorus on another modulation. gave another vibe/lift to the song.
- Yuriko's lalala was beautiful and uplifting (and well placed!) as always, then she went higher when others joined giving that full FJ frequency width to that section. The electric guitar riffs adding that modern energy to the last repeat of that refrain.
Bravo!
Winner: FJ, 2023. Too many upgrades to not give it to them (and the bias of being the first version I ever heard).
symphonia TV ver.
(2011 Rekishi Hiwa HISTORIA Original Sound Track 2)
Performance: Kalafina
- This is a beautiful song, and one of the most impactful in my early days of listening to Kalafina. Really brings back memories.
- The key changes, transition of voices from one to the other (Keiko, Hikaru, Wakana) leading to Wakana leading the melody of the harmonized chorus gives goosebumps as usual.
(2011 "After Eden" / Kalafina album)
Performance: Kalafina
- This was basically the same as the other one, apart from the longer duration.
- Wakana's voice really shines in this song and lifts it to another level, especially in the chorus.
- A second version
Winner: "After Eden" wins just because there's just more of the musical goodness and it itches all the expected lyrical and instrumental highlights from the MV, which is where I first heard and fell in love with this song.
grunty
I have reached Yuki nirvana
oh absolutely 100%. That guitar takes all the grand feelings of brass and throws it out the window.