Country: Japan
Genre: Anime Soundtrack
Year released: 1995
Running time: 57:55
Composer: Shiro Sagisu
Label: Starchild
Review by: M. Douglas
Date of review: 12/03/07
Neon Genesis Evangelion, Vol. 1 is the first of three consecutive soundtrack releases that chronicle the music from the hit television series. Shiro Sagisu is the mastermind composer behind delivering the powerful music heard throughout the series, with this release covering the music primarily heard towards the beginning of the series.
Track analysis:
#1: “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis”: The opening theme of the series with an upbeat pop tempo reminiscent of early 80’s anime tunes and lyrics sung by Yoko Takahashi. This is the Director’s Edit Version which means it longer than the TV edit, thus it includes the entire song.
#2: “Fly Me to the Moon”: The ending theme of the series stemming from the rendition made popular by Frank Sinatra. Sung by Claire Littley with the composition similar to that of a jazz lounge. A very mellow and relaxing track.
#3: “Angel Attack”: A hard-thumping track with loud wailing horns and guitar riffs that primarily emphasize the dire situations that are so abundantly displayed in the series.
#4: “Rei I”: A beautiful piano composition that embodies the mysterious nature of the character the track is based upon, Rei. A very sad and endearing track.
#5: “Hedgehog’s Dilemma”: With a slow guitar strum introducing the track, followed by the integration of soft piano chords, this track truly brings a relaxing flavor that brings to mind Shinji’s “hedgehog’s dilemma”.
#6: “Barefoot In the Park”: A very upbeat track similar to something one would hear in an elevator.
#7: “Ritsuko”: A mixture of piano and guitar that reflect upon the character of Ritsuko Akagi. A very relaxing ode to her.
#8: “Misato”: A very uplifting track that perfectly encompasses the personality of Misato with a cheery flute composition intermixed with piano keys.
#9: “Asuka Strikes”: A fiddle and guitar will remind you of a country song, but it perfectly captures the striking attitude that Asuka carries with her throughout a majority of the series.
#10: “Nerv”: An abrasive track that realizes the magnificent nature that NERV emanates. Fantastic horn work.
#11: “Tokyo-3”: Similar to the representation of Tokyo-3 in the series, this track captures the awe that is Tokyo-3.
#12: “I. Shinji”: Great piano and horn display that builds up to a fantastic climax. Very dramatic in nature and showcases the internal struggle Shinji endears throughout the series.
#13: “Eva-01”: A magnificent track that is reminiscent of a grand army march. Strong use of violins.
#14: “A Step Forward in Terror”: Exactly what the title describes brings forth a vision of wonderment and false readiness of taking that first and necessary step.
#15: “Eva-02”: Similar to “Eva-01”, it captures that awe of Evangelion Unit 02
#16: “Decisive Battle”: A great upbeat track that brings with it loud thumping drums, great horn work, and fast violins spurts.
#17: “Eva-00”: Haunting track with a slow meandering atmosphere that instills fear and uneasiness upon listening. Great guitar work towards the end of the track.
#18: “The Beast”: A more upbeat reiteration of “Eva-00”.
#19: “Marking Time, Waiting Time for Death”: A slow piano solo that breaks into a menacing display of horns and guitar riffs that evoke a sense of immediate displacement.
#20: “Rei II”: A very slow and beautiful violin/piano piece that envelopes the likeliness of Rei and her confusing regarding her emotional apprehension.
#21: “Fly Me to the Moon”: An instrumental version of the ending theme of the series. Fantastic flute work is added to liven up the already great composition.
#22: “Next Episode”: The track used to showcase the next episode preview in the series. A quick and effective track.
#23: “Fly Me to the Moon (Yoko Takahashi Acid Bossa Version): A very abstract rendition of the ending theme song, this time sung by Yoko Takahashi. Great flute and has a very exotic tone to track.
Overall, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Vol.1 is a fantastic soundtrack that truly displays the artistic merits of Shiro Sagisu. If you love the series, this is definitely a must have.
Top 3 tracks:
#1: “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis”
#4: “Rei I”
#21: “Fly Me to the Moon”
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Final Score
A
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