Post by Nester the Lark on Jul 8, 2019 0:26:05 GMT -5
A week ago, I posted in the Breath of the Wild 2 thread about the idea of having a vocal song in a Zelda game. I mentioned how vocal songs in video games can often be cheesy, but sometimes they can add a nice touch to a game's soundtrack.
Here are a few of mine:
Lyrics by Tetsuya Takahashi (English lyrics by LYSSA and Castro Satoshi)
Performed by Jen Bird
Obviously, this is a very recent favorite, and it might just be because it's a lavish vocal version of the main title theme, which is probably the most beautiful title theme I've ever heard in a video game. (And I thought it couldn't get any better than the title theme from the main game.) The lyrics are free form, and feel more like words just laid over the music, but they're still fairly poetic and work for what they are. The composition is so lovely that it all just clicks together for me. More so, at least, than the vocal themes from previous Xenoblade games, in my opinion.
"Moonless Starry Night"
From Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles
Music by Kumi Tanioka
Lyrics by Donna Burke
Performed by Donna Burke
I've mentioned this song before on the forum (probably several times), and it still ranks very high on my list of favorites. The Japanese version is titled "Hoshizukiyo," with lyrics by Masahiro Kataoka, and performed by Yae.
"Live Life"
From Sonic and the Black Knight
Music and lyrics by Crush 40
Performed by Crush 40
I've actually never played Sonic and the Black Knight. I discovered the song independently of the game, so it has the distinction that I appreciate it entirely on its own merits. That has to count for something.
I got to thinking of my favorite video game vocal songs, and admittedly, there are only a few I think are genuinely good, and stand up on their own outside of the game. (Although, there are others I like despite, or even because of, their cheesiness.) So, I wondered if you guys have any favorites.
Also, I want to note that I'm talking about songs made specifically for a game. Not licensed music.
Here are a few of mine:
"A Moment of Eternity"
From Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna ~ The Golden Country
Music by Yasunori MitsudaLyrics by Tetsuya Takahashi (English lyrics by LYSSA and Castro Satoshi)
Performed by Jen Bird
Obviously, this is a very recent favorite, and it might just be because it's a lavish vocal version of the main title theme, which is probably the most beautiful title theme I've ever heard in a video game. (And I thought it couldn't get any better than the title theme from the main game.) The lyrics are free form, and feel more like words just laid over the music, but they're still fairly poetic and work for what they are. The composition is so lovely that it all just clicks together for me. More so, at least, than the vocal themes from previous Xenoblade games, in my opinion.
"Moonless Starry Night"
From Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles
Music by Kumi Tanioka
Lyrics by Donna Burke
Performed by Donna Burke
I've mentioned this song before on the forum (probably several times), and it still ranks very high on my list of favorites. The Japanese version is titled "Hoshizukiyo," with lyrics by Masahiro Kataoka, and performed by Yae.
It used to vaguely remind me of Annie Lennox's "Into the West" from the movie The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, which came out in 2003, although the game actually came out in Japan first, so it's obviously not an intentional imitation. It's a beautiful song, with, in my opinion, actually good English lyrics, and a gentle performance by Donna Burke, who wisely keeps it low key.
I hope the Remastered Edition of FFCC includes a higher quality recording, as you can hear some distortion in the original. Until then, there's always this live version from 2013, as well as (oddly enough) a smooth jazz version from 2018.
"Live Life"
From Sonic and the Black Knight
Music and lyrics by Crush 40
Performed by Crush 40
I've actually never played Sonic and the Black Knight. I discovered the song independently of the game, so it has the distinction that I appreciate it entirely on its own merits. That has to count for something.
Crush 40 can be hit or miss, but they can crank out some memorable (if cheesy) rock songs (mainly for the Sonic series). "Live Life" is a power ballad rather than a flat out rocker like they normally do, and I'm guessing Johnny Gioeli is more responsible for the composition than Jun Senoe, but I don't know for sure. Either way, I always found it a nice inspirational song with a catchy refrain, and I like the orchestral backing. Also, I do think Johnny has a great voice for rock music.
So, yeah, that's about it for now. I might talk about some others in the future.
What do you guys think about vocal music in video games? Do you have any favorites?