Title: Final Fantasy Song Book まほろば (Mahoroba)
Release Date: 3/10/2004
Catalog No.: UPCH-1332
Rating: 4/4

Strange, with Digicube bankrupt and recent FFX-2 releases being AVEX titles, I thought this would also be another copy-protected AVEX CD. But instead, it's released by Universal Music (yes, I'm supporting the RIAA, so sue me...wait...).

Much to my surprise, all the songs on here are original. I had thought they were going to pack in previously released tracks with the only special track being the Japanese version of "Eyes on Me." All the songs here are re-arranged by Yuji Hasegawa, and all the songs have a very soothing acoustic feel to them. Some of them are purely instrumental, but most of them have vocals to them. The vocals are all sung by Manami Kiyota.

The main reason I got this CD was because of the Japanese version of "Eyes on Me" which is renamed as "Summer's Album." The lyrics aren't a translation of Faye Wong's English and doesn't seem to have much meaning in regards to the game like its English counterpart, but it's a really pleasant song to listen to. I think this song works very well with acoustic instruments (or rather, synthesized acoustic instruments).

The other song I really enjoy on this CD is the vocalized version of Yuffie's theme from FFVII. Again, the lyrics don't really have any relevance to the game or even to her character, but a good song is a good song, regardless. The barbershop quartet action in the background is a nice touch.

I'll probably bring this CD with me to the Final Fantasy concert in May (3rd row from front, baby!). Uematsu-san, sumimasen ga, kore sign shite kudasaimasen ka? (one can only hope!).

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