[Album] Final Fantasy Song Book Mahoroba [UPCH-1332]

FINAL FANTASY SONG BOOK mahoroba
Catalogue Number UPCH-1332
Publisher Universal Japan
Composition Nobuo Uematsu
Arrangement Yuji Hasegawa
First Printing March 10, 2004
Price ¥2,667

Download Source: Final Fantasy Dream

- Playing Time 50:15
01 The Place I'll Return to Someday (Instrumental) from FFIX 0:55
02 Summer's Album ~Eyes on Me Japanese Version~ from FFVIII 5:44
03 Maybe, Goodbye from FFVII Farm Boy 4:23
04 Town from FFIII: My Home Town 4:32
05 Fisherman's Horizon (Instrumental) from FFVIII 6:00
06 Walking the Road after Rain from FFVII Descendant of Shinobi 4:52
07 And Forget Tomorrow's Dream from Ten Plants 6:42
08 Daguerreo, the Hermit's Library (Instrumental) from FFIX 2:17
09 Evanescence from FFV Home Sweet Home 5:04
10 Turning Light from FFIX Unfathomed Reminiscence 9:46

Information is courtesy of GMR Online

This is one of the finest arrangement album of Final Fantasy music out there. Most of the tracks are relaxing and easy listening. This album contains various arranged tracks from various Final Fantasy series, for example, first track is originally from FF IX, 2nd track is from Final Fantasy VIII, and even the classic FF III in the fourth track.

All of the musics are performed and arranged well. The vocal tracks using somehow, classical japanese singing style which makes them felt relaxing. I love all the tracks, especially the sixth track. I never thought Yuffie's theme could be so beautiful. The song also rather unique since there is short introduction using violin and recorded in gramaphone-sounded style, which gives feeling of nostalgy (the same style like Hamauzu did in Coi Vanni Gialli).

The only "little" flaw in the album might be 05 Fisherman's horizon. Maybe it's just my feeling, but I could feel the flutist sometimes having hard times catching his breath. Resulting the sound into getting nowhere in several occassion. But overall, the performance is splendid.

The strangest thing I found in this album might be the repetation of "the Place I return someday" in the last track. The last track features a vocal track which I would say, very relaxing, you might fell asleep when listening to it for the peaceful feeling. But in the 7:34, you will listen a fade in of another arrangement of "the Place I return someday" in faster tempo. I dont say the arrangement is bad, but It would be nicer if the track included as hidden track instead of putting it into the last track after several seconds of fade out.

I recommend this album highly to be listened by Uematsu fans out there, especially the ones that looking for his early style of compositions which was his finest. The music has romantic atmosphere and memorable as many of his compositions. Since the arrangement here is peaceful, I recommend this to the ones who are looking for lounge and cozy music. The final score is 4/5. This album could have been better if they put more tracks.

4/5

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Just thought I'd revive this thread for a question of this album, if there's anyone who can answer it that. On the fifth track, the very flute the OP found to be "flawed" in a few places, what kind of flute is it? I absolutely looooove the flute playing on that track, and I can't say I've ever heard that kind of flute anywhere else. It's so expressive. So if anyone could tell me what it is I'd appreciate it a lot! I've recently become obsessed with flutes and might get one of these if I can find one.

Oh and yeah, for you who likes Final Fantasy and haven't heard this CD, you have really missed something. I have to say it is one of my favourite albums of all time. The arrangements on this CD are simply amazing.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by nanaman

On the fifth track, the very flute the OP found to be "flawed" in a few places, what kind of flute is it?

It's a simple recorder. The cd booklet states that both Alto and Sopranino recorders were used for this track.

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

err, I think a mod should move this thread since I actually put this in wrong forum ._.

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

Nope nope. Album reviews belong here now. =3

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by seanne

It's a simple recorder. The cd booklet states that both Alto and Sopranino recorders were used for this track.

Oh really :O I only remember recorders as being dull instruments that couldn't create great sounds like this. Man I sure was wrong! But I guess the recorders I've tried in the past sucked ass (or maybe you should say blowed ass). Then it won't be that hard to find one. I guess I'll have to pay a bit if I want an average one though.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by nanaman

Oh really :O I only remember recorders as being dull instruments that couldn't create great sounds like this. Man I sure was wrong! But I guess the recorders I've tried in the past sucked ass (or maybe you should say blowed ass). Then it won't be that hard to find one. I guess I'll have to pay a bit if I want an average one though.

Haha, I think everyone has that standard view of a primary school recorder when they were trying to learn an instrument for the first time!

FELIPE NO