Ai Yori Aoshi Soundtrack: Sakuraby Rebecca HenelyReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Recording label
Credits Grade: 6 In a very odd way, I feel like Ai Yori Aoshi Soundtrack: Sakura is a great accomplishment. The soundtrack somehow manages to include Japanese-sounding songs with chimes and strings, songs made by computers, Latin jazz sounds, and songs that sound vaguely like country music without making the change from one style of music to another jarring. If there's a more eclectic soundtrack than Ai Yori Aoshi Soundtrack: Sakura, I haven't found it yet. Yet, despite eclectic mix of songs, Ai Yori Aoshi makes another accomplishment: while many of these songs are pretty, even beautiful, very few are memorable.That's not to say that none of the songs are beautiful. Most of the tracks are very lovely and fit with the anime very well. One good example is the song Fate, which uses soft piano and violin to convey feelings of softness, sweetness, and sadness. This is perfect for Aoi and Kaoru's (the couple in the anime) relationship, which is often sweet and gentle. Yet since the couple is also haunted by their past, the sadness makes it appropriate. On the other hand, songs like Clamor, which is played with fast piano and a fiddle (which actually gives it an air of country music) are also appropriate for the more comedic scenes in the anime. The problem occurs when you realize that while Fate is beautiful and Clamor is fun, there are too many tracks on the album that sound like it. Even the themes for all of the characters, while all different on a subtle level, fail to stand out. Also, while the opening and ending themes for Ai Yori Aoshi weren't among my favorite anime songs, I did like them enough to want to hear extended versions. Unfortunately, this soundtrack only has the short versions heard on the anime. I was also disappointed that the alternate ending theme from episode 15 wasn't included. With luck, these versions and the alternate ending may be released later on a different soundtrack, but for now we'll have to be happy with what we have. Oh, and one other thing: couldn't the writers have included a translation for Aoi's diary entry on the last track? Ayako Kawasumi has a lovely voice, but frankly I wanted to know what the heck she was saying. Essentially, Ai Yori Aoshi Soundtrack: Sakura is a CD best listened to while doing other things. Cleaning, cooking, you want noise on in the house, etc. Also, some of the softer tracks can be used for relaxation. I know that Japanese instruments and wind chimes are starting to grow on me after listening to this CD (not so much the computerized music, but it is cute). Unfortunately, Sakura just isn't a CD that can also be fun while listening to actively. Like Serial Experiments Lain: Soundtrack - Cyberia Mix and Chobits Original Soundtrack 002, the songs are pleasant in the moment, but afterwards you'll barely remember what you heard. Written: January 9, 2004
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