(POLL) Yuki Kajiura tracks with MAKEOVERS (or multiple versions) (as of 2024)

EVOLUTIONAL GIRLS ORGANIZATION
(2002 Aquarian Age: Sign for Evolution ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK)
- I was waiting for the vocals to come in. Haha. Cool, atmospheric track.
- Listening to it made me imagine a scenario of this being how Kajiura builds her songs. Developing the main vocal melody and the harmonies first, and the musical landscape, before putting words (humanity) to them, if needed. If no words are added, they remain a conceptual expression of a mood or state of feeling (or series of them).

E.G.O.
(2011 FICTION II / Yuki Kajiura album)
Vocal: Eri Itoh
Chorus: Yuriko Kaida
- Interesting start with the garbled radio voice and the synth-y sounds.
- The start of the main song was cool. Similar to the original but with more stereo separation as I heard it.
- Of course, this was the beginning of Konno's violin solo.
- Of course...VOCALS. Yuriko's voice goes so well with Eri's, it's amazing.
- It's obvious the song is first and foremost the original techno-driving track. The vocals are like additional instruments to the vibe, so they aren't mixed like lead instruments. Cool way to revisit and re-tread the same ground as the original but with additional elements.

Winner: In spite of liking and being more familiar with FICTION II version (hearing it in the YKL Kanagawa live for the first time), I will have to give it to the original, just because it captured the vibe and I can imagine it in the context of the anime. Also, for a vocal version, I would prefer the Kanagawa live experience of it with vocals being the main, and having a full chorus of singers as well (it also wasn't as techno-heavy).

synchronicity
(2007 "synchronicity" / Yui Makino single)
Performance: Yui Makino
backing vocal: Kaori Nishina
- That was a strong start with the English lyrics in the chorus.
- Yui's voice was fragile and soft, and Kaori Nishina perfectly supported her with a subdued voice.
- The repeat of the English intro again got me thinking that Kaori had quite good English. Did she sing any other English song for Kajiura? She also layered all the chorus parts which sounded lovely together.

synchronicity
(2009 "Everlasting Songs" / FictionJunction album)
Performance: FictionJunction
- OK, the start is more techno than the original, but when the rock instruments come in it really changes up.
- This is the first version I heard of the song. More action-packed and driving.
- I am actually more aligned with Yui's vocal on the original than Keiko's lead in the cover.
- I also feel that

Wiinner: The OG with Yui Makino. I feel it was better blended stylistically, and the blend of Yui and Kaori Nishina's vocal was superior. I feel there was a bit of contrast between Keiko and Kaori Oda's vocal. To be honest, I wasn't a fan of the song the first ever time I heard it - which was the YKL4 cover version. I also feel the OG instrumental was better, and wasn't a fan of Kajiura adding the gritty Kajiurago to it (it didn't sit well in my opinion).

Kimi no Gin no Niwa
(2013 "Kimi no Gin no Niwa" / Kalafina single)
Performance: Kalafina
Chorus: Yuriko Kaida
- This waltz of a song. I really like it. I am a fan of the (was it?) glockenspiel that started the intro. Such a mood setter for the song.
- I like the progression of the instrument starting from the entrance of the accordion, and the way the quarter came in and supported in the pre-chorus.
- I love the way the e-guitar came in clean in the pre-chorus to join the strings. Tasteful playing from Korenaga. Like the way that was mixed.
- Everything sat really well with each other. There was a bit going on but it didn't feel chaotic, just developmental.
- The strings and the accordion handled the bridge beautifully.
- Let's not forget Yuriko's beautiful highlights at specific times in the song. Mirrored the violin in the instrumentals beautifully. Some people seem to think Wakana's vocal was like a violin, but actually I feel it is really Yuriko's voice that can take that quality. Wakana would be more like a viola to my ears. Though both their vibratos can take on the tremolo-like qualities of the violin.

Kimi no Gin no Niwa ～with strings ver.～
(2016 Winter Acoustic "Kalafina with Strings" / Kalafina album)
Performance: Kalafina
- Starting with the keyboard was cute, but it was the strings that were always the life of this song.
- During the pre-chorus, it was the swelling strings that really gave life to the song. This song requires a full string section even above the keyboard in my opinion. They are the one that also did the interlude melody before the second verse.
- No Yuriko echoing "ichiban...hayaku"? I missed that, in spite of the fact that I appreciated hearing Wakana, Keiko, and Hikaru take it on themselves. I was missing the fullness of Yuriko's high support at some junctures.

Winner: Of course, it goes to the original for all the instrumental elements and the musical development as a result of their presence, but the acoustic version was solid, though Yuriko's extra gear on the vocals was also missing for me.

The OG also set the atmosphere as part of the anime, with its whimsical and fantastical (and European folk instrumental) elements. The acoustic was more "human" and regal (in terms of the more open and natural vocals), but lacked the storytelling vibe of the OG.
 
Listening today

E.G.O.
+1 FICTIONII

synchronicity
+1 original (and I'm pretty sure this is a 180 for me from when both the original & Korenaga arranges came out)

Kimi no Gin no Niwa
+1 original, +1 strings (I prefer the og but both work for me; I don't even mind them cutting phrases short in with strings ver - unlike on Alleluia acoustic)
 
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Wheee

key of the twilight

The original mixing feels more ethereal (though one can wonder if intentionally lol), whereas the FICTION remix feels more grounded and I guess has more of a modern pop sound. I love the original but oh my gawd how I appreciate this remix. The bass energy, the clarity & focus of it all, pulling back on the EG until the last minute. That's a yes from me.​
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I wish all of .hack//SIGN and ZODIACAL SIGN Aquarian Age and maybe even NOIR got a remix treatment close to this.​
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+1 FICTION ver (but it's not like I'd ever skip the og)​

storm

The FictionJunction version instrumental is driving me insane during refrains & bridge. To me it's obnoxiously aggressive in sound. I also have some feelings about the changes to the opening melody and also the new bridge flute, but that might be because of my familiarity with the original rather than any fault of the new version. The new vocals seem fine but the instrumental is annoying me too much.​
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PS. Fascinating that KEIKO is credited on Vocal rather than Chorus without a single leading part... (Re: KAORI on "Nohara". Guess I'm never letting it go. What are the criteria? ;p)​
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+1 original Ami Koshimizu all the way​

Hibari

The biggest problem I have with the winter whisper version is that I like the original too much. XD I love the og's vibe, ASCA's performance, Hanae's vocals, the bridge. I love how it all flows continuously, without looking back.​
The re-arrange takes it a bit more "seriously" and goes more melodramatic on the vocals and instrumental. It's fine, it's pretty - love the ending.​
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+1 original​

Marchen

Never been a favorite of mine and nothing's changed listening to it now. The performance differences after the first minute between the two versions don't really change anything for me. I think the song is static, heavy & tiresome in both renditions, with the full one being way overlong for what it has to offer. Happy for everone who likes it.​

Edit:
lol, me thinking "Aquarian Age" but typing "ZODIACAL SIGN"...
 
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key of the twilight
(2002 .hack//SIGN ORIGINAL SOUND & SONG TRACK 1)
Performance: Emily Bindiger
- There is a haunting feel to Emily's vocal (the way it's mixed) and the effect with the synth droning along. Apart from there it's just the way it sings. I just thought of Cyndi Lauper in terms of some inflections in her voice, of course a much better versions.
- The echoing of specific words in the last chorus was quite reminiscent of the 80s/early 90s.

key of the twilight
(2003 "FICTION" / Yuki Kajiura album)
Performance: Emily Bindiger
- Emily's vocals were more forward with a separation between it and the synths, when the original was more blended.
- The rhythmic effect of the electronic drums was more prominent, I think. This song felt less dreamy than the original.

Winner:
I will give it to the original. The 2003 version made me move more, but I just dug the ethereal feel of the original.
(Of course if we were to sneak in the Studio Reprise live version that would be my absolute fave, overall)


storm
(2007 My-Otome Zwei Episode 2 Tokuten CD)
Performance: Nina Wang (CV. Ami Koshimizu)
- Was she singing to a harpsichord? At least emulated on a keyboard. I liked the effect of that. I enjoyed the strong folk-pop feel. When the full instrumentals come in, it has a definite impact. Nice. Her voice reminded me of Yuuka Nanri a bit.
- The energy continued throughout the song.

storm
(2014 "elemental" / FictionJunction album)
Performance: FictionJunction
- Wakana's voice is pretty and all but it didn't capture me against the harpsichord instrumental (though of course, we had a drumbeat added in, so less folk-feeling for me, I guess.
- Also Wakana and Keiko go for the epic emotional take on the vocals to differentiate their sound (of course, as directed by Kajiura in the session).
- Listening again, I actually really wish Keiko had been given the second verse lead! It was totally within her range and the way her voice traverses the higher chest to mix range is always smooth and lovely, and would have given a nice mellow contrast to the second verse (I don't know the lyrics to it anyway). It would also have been a nice contrast effect when she would switch to the low harmony and Wakana would have come in on the pre-chorus.

Winner: The original. More effects and vocal variety in the FictionJunction cover, and the powerhouse vocals of Wakana and Keiko, but the simplicity of the original (the way the vocal/ harpsichord started and the dramatic contrast of the full instrumentation coming in captured me).


Hibari
(2019 "RUST/Hibari/Koubou" / ASCA single)
Performance: ASCA | Chorus by Hanae Tomaru
- I really like this song. ASCA was perfect for it. Love the acoustic start with the guitar, and when the cello comes in for the chorus.
- The CHORUS! One of my favorite, sentimental choruses from Kajiura in more recent times. Simple, but heartfelt, especially with ASCA's light vocal take.
- There's a flutter in ASCA's voice I noticed at the start of the second verse that catches the heart. It's similar to the effect that Wakana sometimes had (a bit more prominently, in her case) in her vocal that I believe is part of her voice being loved by fans.
- Of course the flute is undeniable as an ingredient of this song (imagine replacing it with a weird cello solo... 🙄).

Hibari -winter whisper version-
(2022 "Kimigamita yumeno monogatari" / ASCA single)
Performance: ASCA
- This was an interesting variation but no where near as memorable as the original.
- Part of the challenge of an acoustic version of any song, especially one with sparse instrumentation (essentially just the keyboard with few strings) is that the vocal has way more exposure and the singer had to be able to carry the additional weight and maybe even add more if their character to the performance. That might not be as possible with Kajiura since she’s quite particular about what she hears and wants k her singer.
- ASCA has a nice voice and I like elements of it but it shines better when juxtaposed with a strong instrumentation.
- No memorable piano hook; no flute solo interlude; no steady rhythm like in the original which gave that 2019 one a slight Latin vibe to my ears (basically slow dancing).
- Flute solo was superior to violin solo in this 2022 version.

Winner: No contest. The OG.


Marchen -Anime Size ver.-
(2017 Kubikiri Cycle Aoiro SAVANT to Zaregototsukai Sound Collection)
Performance: Kalafina
- Another Kalafina song that is defined by Hikaru’s strong and commanding lead/melody vocal. A weaker or headier/softer voice would have totally changed the song’s vibe and vocal energy.
- I liked Keiko taking that lead and the contrast with Hikaru’s take, especially Hikaru jumping to that too note on “atte”, while Keiko legato’s her way to that same note

Marchen
(2017 "into the world / Marchen" / Kalafina single)
Performance
- This was a song I always liked more because of the live performance of it. It’s a totally vibing song when you watch the attitude Hikaru gives to it with the choreography and stage movement.
- It also has a very “Japanese” feel to my ears, like in the melodies. I don’t know if there was an intentionality to having that, or what the anime theme was you bring that out in Kajiura’s composition.
- I am not a fan of the off-beat drum hits that were employed in the song especially at the beginning section. I know there was some time stuff signature play going on. Maybe Kyoichi Sato was helping everyone find the signature changes? I don’t know.
- Anyways, the full version has more memorable parts than the TV version, such as Keiko’s little low-range part towards the end during the Kajiurago bridge.
- I also listen for that “Simpuru” vocal with the slight drop before the rest of the instruments come in, towards the end.
- One other thing I'm a fan of in this song is the way the sweet harmony at that exact point of the chorus/refrain where Hikaru flips from chest to head voice and back (at the beginning of the 4th line or something). I always enjoy hearing that and always focus on my girl, Hikaru, even though I should listen to Keiko and Wakana to pick out what the harmony notes were that they sang (did they all go head voice or was it just Hikaru?)

Winner: Full version, 2017.
 
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EGO

This song is probably my favorite part of Aquarian Age. It’s such a jam. Love both versions, but Eri really does bring it to a whole other level with her vocals.

+1 Vocal

Synchronicity

Ahhhhh, Tokyo Revelations! This song sets the tone perfectly, but you guys already know how I feel about Yui Makino. She does a decent job here, but other vocalists covering her songs are so much more interesting, and when it’s Keiko, she practically doesn’t have a chance to me. The FJ version is very well done, and while I miss the original’s intro, I’d still choose it every single time.

+1 FJ

Kimi no Gin no Niwa

Madoka Rebellion is one of my favorite films, and it gets rounded out beautifully by this song. Both versions are lovely, I adore the staccato, and it’s one of those songs that makes me feel 500 different things when hearing it. The Original’s music-box arrangement is perfect for the movie, and the String cover has a level of Winter Nostalgia that always makes me happy. Can’t choose between them, if I’m being honest.

+1 OG, +1 Strings
 
Oh man, this week’s batch is good. These are four of my absolute favorites.

Key of the Twilight

I swear this song played a significant role in me not dropping .hack SIGN after those early episodes. It’s the first Emily track I ever heard and it also happens to be the one where I fell in love with her voice. I agree with the statements about the more ‘ethereal’ nature of the original version, but the Fiction rendition will always be my favorite. I just love everything about the song in general, from the vocals to the strings to the lyrics, to everything. It might genuinely be my all-time favorite album opener.

+1 FICTION

Storm

Never cared much for Koshimizu’s vocals, though the arrangement itself is nice. But, come on, you all know how this goes by now. You put Wakana on a self-cover, and it’s gonna be my winner. Especially with the way her voice just transforms the song, working beautifully with both Keiko and the strings to create an absolute powerhouse of a rendition. While this may not have been the first song where I fell in love with Wakana’s voice, it most definitely elevated her to the level of appreciation I have for her.

+1 FJ

Hibari

I completely agree with Grunty’s take on this one; the winter whisper version is excellent, but there really is no beating out the original. I love ASCA’s warm delivery, Hanae’s chorus is beautifully implemented, and it contains one of my favorite flute sections. This song manages to both break my heart and put it back together; its progression is just beautiful and I adore it.

+1 OG

Märchen

This song is an absolute blast. I’ve mentioned before that I like dark Kalafina, and this song is no exception. The arrangement of the TV Size is okay, but the mixing does feel a tad off compared to the full-size. The latter gives the track more time to breathe, which heavily benefits its sense of atmosphere.

+1 Full-Size
 
I need to catch up, so I’ll be covering both the week 11 and week 12 songs in this post:

E.G.O.

I prefer the FICTION II version by a wide margin. The vocals and electric guitar elevate the piece to an entirely different level imo.

+1 FICTION II ver


Synchronicity

I’ve never been a huge fan of the original version. Yui Makino’s voice, in my opinion, doesn’t really suit this type of song. While the FJ version suffers from a muddy mix and isn't the strongest arrangement-wise either, it still delivers a far more impactful listening experience. The track has real punch, and Keiko’s voice fits the composition much better. The real highlight, though, is the bridge with Kajiura’s vocals and that guitar solo! It’s one of my favorite moments on the everlasting songs album.

+1 FJ ver


Kimi no Gin no Niwa

While I genuinely appreciate the acoustic strings version, I don’t think it quite matches the original. The synth-trumpet, glockenspiel-like synth, and accordion give the song a unique flair that makes it stand out among the Kalafina songs. Even though it’s not one of my absolute favorites, the original is a solid and thoroughly enjoyable track with no real weak points.

+1 original ver


Key of the Twilight

I definitely prefer the FICTION version. The vocals are cleaner and more forward in the mix, and the beat is also an improvement. Overall, it’s a polished upgrade of an already great song.

+1 FICTION ver


Storm

While I do enjoy Wakana’s and Keiko’s vocals in the FJ version, I’m really not a fan of the new arrangement. The original version has a distinct fantasy vibe and playful instrumentation that keeps me engaged throughout. In contrast, the FJ cover plays everything straight and loud, stripping away the charm and making the song feel dull and almost irritating, especially in the chorus. I usually enjoy guitars with a strong presence in the mix and of course drums over synth-beat, but this arrangement just doesn’t work here. This might be the only case where I feel the FJ version is a significant downgrade from the original.

+1 original ver


Hibari

Here too, the original wins by a landslide. The winter whisper version is undoubtedly a beautiful reinterpretation, but it doesn’t come close to replacing the brilliance of the original arrangement. There’s not a single thing I’d change. It’s simply a joy to listen to from beginning to end. I particularly love the flute passages; they truly give me the feeling of a skylark soaring through the sky. Hibari is definitely in my top 3 post-Kalafina songs. A brilliant composition all around.

+1 original ver


Märchen

Another track I absolutely love! It’s creative, unconventional and just a blast to listen to. I really wish Kajiura would explore more songs in this style.
I remember when I first listened to the tv version before the full version had been released, I was struck by how complete the song felt. Due to its unusual structure, it doesn’t sound like a shortened or incomplete version at all. Honestly, it almost feels like the TV version was composed first, with the full version added later as an extended version basically. I really admire Kajiura’s effort to include so much alternative material here.
While I do prefer listening to the full version overall, I want to give credit to both. The TV version is such a thoughtful and impressive work in its own right.
(And thanks to @grunty for including this one!)

+1 full ver, +1 tv ver
 
SurgamIdentidem said:
I need to catch up, so I’ll be covering both the week 11 and week 12 songs in this post:

E.G.O.

I prefer the FICTION II version by a wide margin. The vocals and electric guitar elevate the piece to an entirely different level imo.

+1 FICTION II ver


Synchronicity

I’ve never been a huge fan of the original version. Yui Makino’s voice, in my opinion, doesn’t really suit this type of song. While the FJ version suffers from a muddy mix and isn't the strongest arrangement-wise either, it still delivers a far more impactful listening experience. The track has real punch, and Keiko’s voice fits the composition much better. The real highlight, though, is the bridge with Kajiura’s vocals and that guitar solo! It’s one of my favorite moments on the everlasting songs album.

+1 FJ ver


Kimi no Gin no Niwa

While I genuinely appreciate the acoustic strings version, I don’t think it quite matches the original. The synth-trumpet, glockenspiel-like synth, and accordion give the song a unique flair that makes it stand out among the Kalafina songs. Even though it’s not one of my absolute favorites, the original is a solid and thoroughly enjoyable track with no real weak points.

+1 original ver


Key of the Twilight

I definitely prefer the FICTION version. The vocals are cleaner and more forward in the mix, and the beat is also an improvement. Overall, it’s a polished upgrade of an already great song.

+1 FICTION ver


Storm

While I do enjoy Wakana’s and Keiko’s vocals in the FJ version, I’m really not a fan of the new arrangement. The original version has a distinct fantasy vibe and playful instrumentation that keeps me engaged throughout. In contrast, the FJ cover plays everything straight and loud, stripping away the charm and making the song feel dull and almost irritating, especially in the chorus. I usually enjoy guitars with a strong presence in the mix and of course drums over synth-beat, but this arrangement just doesn’t work here. This might be the only case where I feel the FJ version is a significant downgrade from the original.

+1 original ver


Hibari

Here too, the original wins by a landslide. The winter whisper version is undoubtedly a beautiful reinterpretation, but it doesn’t come close to replacing the brilliance of the original arrangement. There’s not a single thing I’d change. It’s simply a joy to listen to from beginning to end. I particularly love the flute passages; they truly give me the feeling of a skylark soaring through the sky. Hibari is definitely in my top 3 post-Kalafina songs. A brilliant composition all around.

+1 original ver


Märchen

Another track I absolutely love! It’s creative, unconventional and just a blast to listen to. I really wish Kajiura would explore more songs in this style.
I remember when I first listened to the tv version before the full version had been released, I was struck by how complete the song felt. Due to its unusual structure, it doesn’t sound like a shortened or incomplete version at all. Honestly, it almost feels like the TV version was composed first, with the full version added later as an extended version basically. I really admire Kajiura’s effort to include so much alternative material here.
While I do prefer listening to the full version overall, I want to give credit to both. The TV version is such a thoughtful and impressive work in its own right.
(And thanks to @grunty for including this one!)

+1 full ver, +1 tv ver
Click to expand...
Cool points!
 
okay... so week#12+1...

I had originally thought to make this week all non-Gundam remixes but then I changed my mind and went with songs that Kajiura did not compose in the first place. Maybe it's a little off topic from the original thread idea but whatever. I figure we don't get to talk about these songs much and I'm the one curating the thread. XD She still had to re/arrange something that wasn't hers originally.

I also said I wouldn't go for versions like "Full Size Mix" and I wasn't going to, but since the TV EDIT for "Hikari no Yukue" is different anyways, I included the long album version too.
 
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