Overview

Following their successful collaboration on Air, songwriter Jun Maeda and vocalist Lia teamed up several other times. The first of these was Birthday Song, Requiem, a single featuring two original songs. While hardly one of Key's major releases, the music here is enjoyable.

Body

All fans of Air's theme songs should check out "Birthday Song, Requiem". Once again, Jun Maeda wrote a rich melody and inspiring lyrics for this song. Arranger Magome Togoshi brings out the upbeat and airy feel of the song with pumping beats and electric guitar solos — all of them pop-flavoured, but never trashy. But the star of the show is Lia, who adapted her voice wonderfully for the song and penetrates the hearts of the listeners. The build-up that culminates at 3:11 is especially liberating.

The song also receives a remix by Fish Tone. The acoustic elements of the original are replaced by uplifting beats, but the vocals are left untouched. While a relatively conservative remix, it's almost as enjoyable as the original.

"Loving Heart" is a slower ballad. While many game artists lean towards producing melodramatic ballads, Jun Maeda avoided it here with his focus on ethereal soundscapes. Lia emphasises the warmth and spirituality of the song with a tender performance, while the various acoustic, electronic, and worldly forces come together to create a unique accompaniment. All the elements are implemented and mixed successfully, and there isn't a single bland sample or generic beat to be heard.

Summary

Those that enjoyed Air's theme songs should first heard for the mini-album Spica / Hanabi / Moon. Those desiring even more can't go wrong with Birthday Song, Requiem, a brief but poignant single.