10th Anniversary Konami Label Theme Song Collection

10th Anniversary Konami Label Theme Song Collection
Various Artists (For more info visit: http://vgmdb.net/album/1391)


Say it three times fast: 10th Anniversary Konami Label Theme Song Collection, 10th Anniversary Konami Label Theme Song Collection, 10th Anniversary Konami Label Theme Song Collection!! Good, now remember it because as the Angry Video Game Nerd says "I F***in' LOVE Konami" and this Album goes on to prove that again. Some people criticize it for its very powerful opening of J-Pop songs only to falter under the more popular American tracks but I find the collection to be solid all around. The opening tracks mostly that of "Believe" and "Smile Again" have hard rocking guitar riffs and that cheesy 90s style that just cries Japan. As the album progresses the tone quickly changes with one of the more terrible songs ever in existence. "I am the Wind" the 'theme' song from Symphony of the Night is just awful. It's like listening to Kenny G, mixed in a blender with Celine Dion, and High School Sophomore girl poetry. It is terrible. Here is another example; go to an elementary school choir production. Now don't go there with the attitude of parents (that is assuming their child somehow has collectively taken all of the talent in the world and shines with radiance as they sing "Tiptoe through the Tulips") but rather that of Ebert. Bring tissues, your ears will bleed. 


I Am The Wind is directly in the middle of the album. After such a strong opening this song enters in and makes you wonder about continuing. If you make it this far, please go on. "Esperandote" from Silent Hill begins the 'slowing' down process. A moaning violin and waltzing accordian accompany the Opera-etic Latin performance by Rika Muranaka. "The Best Is Yet To Come" from Metal Gear Solid is a beautiful rendition. It is by far one of the slowest song on the entire album, but that does not make it bad. The singer, Aoife Ní Fhearraigh, voice is that of a haunting melody. Her gaelic delivery has a calming affect and as the song continues it takes on that more traditional Irish style. All in all, its a beautiful song... but the album doesn't end there. 


After a quick J-"slow jam" the album delivers one of the best, funniest, and most upbeat J-Pop songs you will ever hear. "Motto! MOTTO! Tokimeki" is one of the happiest songs in existence. You cannot listen to this song and frown, its impossible. It has one of those piano synth's that grinds in the background but its accompanied by a bubbly singer who at times seems to be whispering the lyrics, but more like one of those stage whispers where you are actually suppose to know what she is saying but its still a secret. The background singers chime in at some of the best moments and all around the song is laden in 80's greatness. Don't forget the only 'engrish' phrases sung in the background "Tell your Heart!". The guitar solo comes ripping through the middle followed by another 'whisper' session only to draw us into the chorus one last time! "TAKE A CHANCE!" on this song, its one of my favorites, might not be for you, but for me... its awesome.


This album, while not all J-Pop, and not all Calm Songs, is exactly what it claims. Its the 10th Anniversary of all Konami's most popular Theme Songs. It will please fans of J-Pop/Rock and it will please fans who prefer to listen to the quiet awakenings inside their rotting souls. Its perfect all around, one of the better collections out there.


I give it 4 and a Half Richter Belmont's outta 5