FINAL FANTASY X-2 Vocal Collection RIKKU
Composed by | Noriko Matsueda / Takahito Eguchi |
Arranged by | Noriko Matsueda / Takahito Eguchi |
Published by | Avex Trax |
Catalog number | AVCD-30483 |
Release type | Game Soundtrack - Official Release |
Format | 1 CD - 4 tracks |
Release date | July 16, 2003 |
Duration | 00:16:08 |
Genres |
Overview
Three vocal collections were created to commemorate the female lead characters of Final Fantasy X-2. These three albums each have four tracks each, with the first being an arrangement of their main theme, the second being an original melody, and the final tracks featuring their karaoke versions. The Final Fantasy X-2 Vocal Collection Rikku album contains the tracks "Barefoot Miracle" and "Without You", sung by Marika Matsumoto as Rikku.
Body
An arrangement of Rikku's main theme, "Barefoot Miracle," features as the first track on the album. All in all, this is a jolly and upbeat track, with the lyrics showing Rikku's cheeky yet immature side. However, it is no match to the original, given Marika Matsumoto has one of the least appealing voices I have heard. She captures the cute girly character of Rikku quite well, but is so poorly intonated and harshly toned that she is simply intolerable. The most inappropriate part of the track is that Rikku starts to rap, with lyrics such as "You run off quickly, barefoot, let's fly to the destination on the map!" The instrumentation is the same as in the original, with a ska-inspired brass part, but they're not particularly inspiring.
The next track is a lot more emotional than "Barefoot Miracle" and a decent ballad. The start of "Without You" is gentle and innocent, with Rikku talking of a past love. However, the track comes to life with a guitar, piano, and synthesizer section. The best bit of the track comes towards at 3:45, where a dramatic electric guitar solo leads out the track with all it has. No doubt many will reminisce about the story of Final Fantasy X and its sequel while listening to this piece. However, its immature performance and derivative format will mean it will only hold a niche appeal among Japanese nostalgics.
There are also two karaoke tracks on this release, in addition to a DVD featuring a music video, vocalist interview, and game promotion movie. Not bad, but it's probably the two songs that most people want to hear.
Summary
Final Fantasy X-2 Vocal Collection Rikku doesn't feature bad compositions and portrays the character quite well. However, it is ruined by a seiyuu who simply cannot sing. It is the least impressive release in a trilogy of vocal albums.
Dave Valentine
Music: Noriko Matsueda & Takahito Eguchi
Lyrics: Daisuke Watanabe
Arranged by Noriko Matsueda & Takahito Eguchi
Vocal: RIKKU (Marika Matsumoto)
Produced by Takahito Eguchi
Programming & All Instruments: Takahito Eguchi
2. Without you
Music: Noriko Matsueda & Takahito Eguchi
Lyrics: Noëlle
Arranged by Noriko Matsueda & Takahito Eguchi
Vocal: RIKKU (Marika Matsumoto)
Produced by Takahito Eguchi
Bass: Hitoshi Watanabe
E.Guitar: Nozomi Furukawa
Chorus: Rumi Ijima
Programming & All other Instruments: Takahito Eguchi
Recorded & Mixed by Suguru Aoki (I to I Communications, Inc.) at Maruni Studio
Assisted by Midori Suzuki (Maruni Studio)
Mastered by Yuka Koizumi at Orange
Also comes with a DVD, featuring the following video clips:
1. Barefoot Miracle
2. Marika Matsumoto Interview
3. Final Fantasy X-2 Special Movie ~Rikku Version~
1 | Barefoot Miracle | 03:54 | |
2 | Without you | 04:12 | |
3 | Barefoot Miracle (Instrumental) | 03:54 | |
4 | Without you (Instrumental) | 04:08 |