[Album] DIRGE of CERBERUS -FINAL FANTASY VII- Original Soundtrack (CRCP-40137~38)

I figured I should kick this forum (and album) off on the right foot. So here's how it's done.

A quick trip to GMR, and we have the following info:

Quote:

DIRGE of CERBERUS -FINAL FANTASY VII- Original Soundtrack [Regular Edition]

Catalogue Number CRCP-40139~40
Publisher Nippon Crown Co., Ltd.
Composition Masashi Hamauzu
Arrangement Masashi Hamauzu
First Printing February 15, 2006
Price ¥3,300

Disc 1
01 Flicker
02 Calm Before the Storm
03 Trigger Situation
04 Prologue of "DIRGE of CERBERUS"
05 Fragment of Memory
06 Fearful Happening
07 WRO March
08 Azul the Cerulean
09 Fight Tune "Arms of Shinra"
10 Abhorrence Whirls
11 Silent Edge
12 Undulation
13 Counteroffensive
14 Ten Year Reunion
15 Fight Tune "Girl Named Shelke"
16 Fight Tune "Killing One Another"
17 Uneasy Feelings
18 Memories with Lucrecia
19 Sneaky Cait Sith
20 Darkness
21 Lifestream
22 Rosso the Crimson
23 Mysterious Ninja
24 Ninja Girl of Wutai
25 Sudden Parting
26 Discovery in Sadness
27 A Proposal
28 High-Spirited
29 Return to the Subject
30 Marching Tune #0

Disc 2
01 Return to the Origin
02 Marching Tune
03 Fight Tune "Crimson Impact"
04 Under a Full Moon
05 Trespasser
06 Transformation into Chaos
07 Splinter of Sadness
08 Deep Darkness of Shinra
09 Lucrecia Crescent
10 Forgotten Tears
11 Fight Tune "Messenger of the Dark"
12 Awakening
13 Fight Tune "The Immaculate"
14 Finally Reborn
15 The Last SND
16 Everyone's Help
17 LONGING
18 Terminus
19 Quickening
20 Death and Rebirth
21 Chaotic End
22 REDEMPTION
23 Hope of the Future

So, what are my thoughts?

I'm a big Hamauzu fan, but this is his most disappointing work so far, IMO. In his effort to make this sound like a film score, he has cast aside the crunchy chords and inventive progression that I've come to expect from him. The only tracks I truly enjoy even seem a bit derivative. I'll see if this album grows on me, but I'm already positive I will consider it one of his lowest points. Nevertheless, orchestral nuts should enjoy this.

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by Josh_1

It is simply different and only true fans of Hamauzu will be able to appreciate its musical quality.

Get off your high horse. If you like the music, that's great, but you don't need to resort to this kind of elitist b.s.

Also, FFX is 75% ambient? LOL

There's nowhere I can't reach.