Neon Genesis Evangelion, Volume 1

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The 1st of Three Key Evangelion Soundtracks

This is "Neon Genesis Evangelion", the first of the three fundamental Eva soundtracks, with 23 tracks and clocking in at 58 minutes (and 2 seconds). This soundtrack covers much of the basic music heard in the beginning of the anime series. An excellent collection. EXCELLENT.

The lyrics pamphlet includes thought-invoking words from Director Hideaki Anno, Director of Music Shiro Sagisu, and two Assistant Directors. Shinji and Eva Unit-01 are on the cover. Includes Japanese and English translation lyrics for the long version of Cruel Angel's Thesis, and words to Fly Me to the Moon. The rest are credits. On the back of the case is a scene with Eva-01 walking away from a smoky explosion site.

A runthrough of the tracks:

#1) A Cruel Angel's Thesis -- A longer version of the intro of the anime. It runs through the main verses once, then goes through a bridge, and runs through the main verses once more.

#2) Fly Me to the Moon -- A very standard version of FMttM. Long version, not TV size.

#3) Angel Attack -- Suspenseful action music. Very typically played during several Angel attacks throughout the anime series.

#4) Rei I -- Ahhh, Rei! Serene and beautiful music in the name of Rei. Sad and peaceful piano and violin. It will remind you of the scenes with Rei, who herself is serenely beautiful.

#5) Hedgehog's Dilemma -- Also sad, with acoustic guitar and high notes from a piano. Will fill you with the blues.

#6) Barefoot in the Park -- A bit more upbeat, with a hint of jazz.

#7) Ritsuko -- I don't remember this from the anime, but it's fine. Doesn't particularly remind me of Evangelion, nor Ritsuko, but the music is fine. Plucky guitar and piano.

#8) Misato -- Oh yes, this is Misato. Remember the cutesy music playing on those mornings when Misato plops down at the table and downs an entire can of beer in front of Shinji? Yeah, this is it. Very upbeat.

#9) Asuka Strikes! -- Music from Asuka acting high and mighty (while Shinji just gapes). it's almost country, with what sounds like a fiddle, and country guitar.

#10) NERV -- A rather imposing tune, like descending into the Geofront and walking towards the giant pyramid that is NERV.

#11) TOKYO-3 -- This is the wonder that Shinji feels while first catching a glimpse of the massive Geofront from above.

#12) I. Shinji -- Almost like some sort of funeral march, music from a dramatic moment. Oppressing piano, backed up with a violin.

#13) EVA-01 -- Can't describe... Slightly happy, backed up with snare march.

#14) A Step Forward Into Terror -- Starts off grand, music from an Eva rising from defeat and about to make a winning move.

#15) EVA-02 -- Similar to the previous two songs.

#16) Decisive Battle - A familiar bass beat.

#17) EVA-00 -- Starting here, the music becomes harsh and woeful. Rei's Eva music is ruthless, cold. I love it ^^.

#18) The Beast -- Except for the pause in between tracks, you'd never notice track 18 wasn't a continuation of track 17. Gets even faster

#19) Marking Time, Waiting for Death -- This is quiet, eerie music. It builds up, then breaks out in a wave of spent suspense.

#20) Rei II -- More Rei! Woeful violins again remind you of Rei's quiet beauty.

#21) Fly Me to the Moon -- Long version, no lyrics.

#22) Next Episode <30 Second Version> -- Music playing when Shinji and Asuka must live and breathe together, prepping for their synchronized fight with an angel.

#23) Fly Me to the Moon -- Background has cutesy exotic percussion (bongos, congas, that thing that makes noise when you shake it...) and upbeat guitar, like ska or reggae. Full version.

Keep in mind that Evangelion, Evangelion II, and Evangelion III are a sort of set, and that this soundtrack alone is by no means meant to cover all the =brilliant= pieces heard in the Evangelion anime series. Perhaps it is best to purchase this or Evangelion II first. Thank Gainax for these US releases - otherwise I'd still be coughing up money for those expensive imports. I recommend all three, you really can't go wrong; the music is to die for ^^.

Cheers!

Lover of Rei. =^_^=

Read the full review

Written by Bram Lambrus

Who in the production team is a 007 fan?

Did anyone else noticed that track 16 "Decisive Battle" is just a rearrangement (er, rip-off?) of John Barry's "007"?

Although for Japanimation soundtracks I prefer a more ethereal sound such as those done by Yoko Kanno, the music here complemented the series. In fact, without first seeing the series/movies the music can sound rather generic. Yoko Takahashi's strong vocals, however, is worth picking this album up for. Or better yet, see if you can get your hands on the Evangelion song compilation CD "Refrain".

Written by an unknown author

Track listing Edit

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A Cruel Angel's Thesis (Director's Edit Version)

Yoko Takahashi