Gundamn X CD Side 1

GUNDAM X CD SIDE 1
King Records
KICA-313
7/24/1996
¥3000

--by Peter Kenzaburo Cahill

Total Time: 72:55

1. Prelude -- Dai 7 ji Uchuusnesou (The 7th Space War) 4:10

2. Dreams 5:01

Vocal: Romantic Mode

3. A.W. 0015 5:06

4. Shunen(Boy) 4:49

5. 4:06

6. Shidou(First Move) 3:10

7. Tsuki to Shoujo (The Moon and the Girl) 2:07

8. Eyecatcher 0:26

9. Frieden 5:49

10. Teefa to Garrod (Teefa and Garrod) 3:45

11. Vulture-tachi (The Vultures) 2:38

12. Yokan (Premonition) 4:24

13. Senjo de (At the Battlesite) 2:53

14. 3:50

15. 3:50

16. Shisen (The Way of Death/Deathline) 4:04

17. "Anata ni, Chikara o..." ("Your Strength...") 2:29

18. Sattelite Cannon 3:19

19. 2:29

20. Human Touch 4:20

Warren Wiebe

Despite what many say, sequels aren't all bad. Take ALIENS, or TERMINATOR 2 -- they were much better than their predecessors in many ways. Still, in some ways they fell short. To be perfectly honest, it is pretty easy to feel the same about the GUNDAM X CD. While it is the latest in a horde of sequels for the GUNDAM universe, the music in this CD is not to be ignored. The disc carries a significant number of good tracks, but the subdued feeling that seems to permeate the rest of them makes this CD a difficult buy for many.

The first track of note is 'Dreams' by Romantic Mode. While the score itself isn't as strong as some of Two-Mix's work (Gundam W's 'Just Communication,' for example), the meaning is far from lost by this old codger, and it can really fire one's spirits.

'Shounen' sounds exactly like the title -- playful, yet sneaky. Definitely written with Garrod in mind, as it carries an undeniably playful air to it -- like he's playing hide and seek with the crew of the Vulture...

'Tsuki to Shoujo' (The Moon and the Girl) does carry a heavy 70's theme to it, with all the bongos and the occasional horn popping out of the score at the start. However, like many of the tracks, it changes form midway and becomes something else.

'Frieden' is a string-intensive instrumental that is popularly used in the series during tense moments. With a slow and methodical air to it and carrying a stiff-sounding snare drum, this is a slightly above average song that works rather well, even if it is a bit long.

'Shisen' (Deathpath) is a wonderful instrumental from this CD. Both its parts are lively and strong, which makes for good listening. While not the best track on the disc as a whole, it is definitely one of the best.

'Satellite Cannon' is probably my second favorite track on this CD (the first being 'Dreams'). The score is fast-paced and a bit militaristic, carrying a good feeling with it overall.

The final track on this CD is 'Human Touch,' sung by Warren Wiebe. Much like the 0083 OVA, this song has an English and a Japanese version. If I were to compare it to 'Magic,' however, I would have to say that this is a better song. As to why I feel so, I really can't say. But I do know that Mr. Wiebe's vocals (which are probably best akin to Peabo Bryson) really complement this song very well.

This CD does have a bad point or two, however. While I enjoyed it, most of the tracks feel like they were actually made on the After War Earth, as they carry a theme of pulling oneself out of the mud and murk of sadness and despair. As a result, a lot of the passion that could have been put into the music was lost this time around (with a few notable exceptions like 'Human Touch,' 'Dreams,' and 'Satellite Cannon,' to name a few). Also, the opera-style vocals used in a few of the tracks don't seem to work well at all. Aside from that, however, this CD is one of the better ones I've come across -- if there had been a bit more put into it, I could say that with complete certainty. I would suggest renting this CD for a few days before deciding whether to buy it or not, as that is a decision that costs ¥3000.