Motoi Sakuraba

Sakuraba is a superior orchestral composer who, like many of the best VGM composers, is capable of working across many different genres and mixing influences in his work.

Unlike some (Uematsu and Mitsuda come to mind), Sakuraba tends to segregate his compositions; a track will either be orchestral in style, or will feature rock and heavy synth, with few exceptions. The dual album release for Star Ocean 3 is a good example of this methodology.

Sakuraba's orchestral writing tends to be extremely lush, with sweeping melodies and grand scope. His theme for Rena in Star Ocean 2 is probably the most famous example of this style, but there are plenty of lesser-known gems in the composer's work. His synth quality tends to be good, though perhaps not up to the gold standard of Mitsuda.

The unfortunate thing about Sakuraba is that while he consistently produces high-quality and original music, he is also mired in repetition and unoriginality when it comes to his more rockish tunes. While his rockin' field themes tend to work well enough, Sakuraba's battle themes are almost uniformly tedious. I often refer to "Sakuraba's Battle Theme," because the various tunes are so similar in construction and instrumentation.

Still, on balance, Sakuraba has produced many solid four-star scores, as well as a good number of stellar five-star tunes, even if his endlessly repeated Battle Theme now earns an automatic one-star rating from me

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by StarmanDX

That's not being entirely fair. In the Baten Kaitos I & II soundtracks alone are examples of the five different styles of battle themes he uses. While each song of a style tends to be pretty similar to others of its style, and a handful share similar melodies cross-style, not all of his battle themes are of the exact same construction and instrumentation.

If you haven't heard them, I want to know if you still automatic one-star-rate his orchestral battle themes (I'd suggest Bitter Enemies in the Same Boat of BKII out of them). Come on, they're at least 2-3 stars. BKII also has a pretty nifty orchestral version of The True Mirror, but then again, it still is the same song as The True Mirror.

I think you misunderstood me. I said that most of Sakuraba's battle themes are very similar, and that most of them are examples of his rock, rather than orchestral, style. Of course there are exceptions, and those tend to be among his better efforts, even though I think that the best is still weaker than most of his field themes.

For example, "Integral Body and Imperfect Soul" from Star Ocean 2 is not what I would consider an iteration of Sakuraba's "Battle Theme" in that it is orchestral and doesn't feature bass guitar and drum kit work. I'd probably rate it in the two to three star range. "Stab the Sword of Justice" from the same game, however, is very much in that niche, and would recieve the automatic one star from me.

Most amazing jew boots

Originally Posted by Synthesis

I understand where you would say that "Integral Body and Imperfect Soul" would not be considered a standard battle theme. However, do you think it is complimentary as the final boss battle theme? I found it to be a rather disappointing attempt at being a climactic piece. Have you heard the arraged version of this track? What do your thoughts on it?

I agree; it's all buildup and no payoff. The buildup *is* cool and filled with organ music, though.

Originally Posted by Synthesis

Speaking of Sakuraba's battle themes, what is your take on the rest of the themes from SO2? I really loved the battle themes he created for taking on the Ten Wise Men. Those themes are fast, relentless, and carry a sense of urgency as well. I like Sakuraba's little synth-freestyle in Mighty Blow as well. What do you think?

Let's see:

Dynamite - I'd put this in the "Battle Theme" category; the repetitive bass/percussion and lackluster melody are pretty much hallmarks of that style.
Climax at the Tower - Like a thematic fragment of the "Battle Theme"--the repetition is there in spades, but the bass/percussion is less pronounced.
Tender Spot - Pretty much the same as "Climax at the Tower" with more of a percussion kit; both seem like unfinished parts of the "Battle Theme."
Shiver - More like one of Sakuraba's field-rock themes.
Tangency - Definitely a version of the "Battle Theme."
Beast of prey - Like a slower and more percussion-heavy "Climax."
Mighty Blow - Another clear iteration of the "Battle Theme."
The Incarnation of Devil - More like a field theme.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Onyx

I wouldn't call that methodology a good thing, especially in SO3's case. That's why the SO3 soundtrack got such negative reviews. It wouldn't have been so bad if he mixed things around; I was playing around with the soundtrack in my playlist editor the other day, and I noticed that the orchestral songs stand out a helluva lot more when mixed together with the rockin' and heavy synth songs.

Oh, I don't think it's necessarily good either. Orchestra/rock fusion is tough to do, but it can produce some dynamite tracks (though not "Dynamite" from SO2). Not to mention that putting all the weaker and more repetitive rock songs on a single album totally dissuades me from buying it.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by Synthesis

I'm curious. What do you think of Sakuraba's synth instrumentation on the previous songs I asked you to judge? Is it just the bass / percussion that you dislike?

I don't dislike the bass/percussion per se, but Sakuraba recycles it so much that I'm pretty tired of hearing it.

Originally Posted by Synthesis

After listening to the tracks again I can understand where you are coming from about the bass and percussion. To be honest, I like the drumwork a lot more than I like the bassline. It seems to me that a lot of times the bassline just follows the drums. What do you think?

I'd agree, and I'd also add that the melody tends to follow the drums and basline as well. Of course, I have to allow for variations based on taste; someone who loves synth rock of the type Sakuraba cranks out is clearly going to find more merit than someone like me.

I was speaking idiomatically.