Copyright © Sotsu Agency * Sunrise

15 Tracks; 52m:34s

1.		MAIN TITLE	4:44
2.		Segment I QUESS PARAYA	3:31
3.		Segment II NEO ZION	4:00
4.		Segment III SALLY	2:38
5.		Segment IV RONDO BELL	3:10
6.		Segment V SWAN	3:39
7.		Segment VI Nu GUNDAM	4:30
8.		Segment VII ANXIETY	2:34
9.		Segment VIII MISSION	2:58
10.		Segment IX AXCIS	2:14
11.		Segment X SACRIFICE	3:04
12.		Segment XI COMBAT	4:43
13.		Segment XII DESTINY	3:07
14.		Segment XIII AURORA	2:42
15.		BEYOND THE TIME	4:51
		Vocal: TM Network

GUNDAM WING isn't the first Gundam, nor is it the most recent. However, it is one of the GUNDAM series with the best soundtracks. Side-stepping the disco cheesiness of the original MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM music by 20-some years, it brought dance music to anime fans and is arguably some of the best GUNDAM music available. However, other GUNDAM series have had notable music as well, and many older anime fans can still sing most, if not all, of the lyrics to "Anime Ja Nai" ("It's Not Anime"), the first opening theme song from GUNDAM ZZ.
Shortly after GUNDAM ZZ came the movie CHAR'S COUNTERATTACK, which wrapped up all the events of GUNDAM, ZETA GUNDAM, and GUNDAM ZZ in a nice, definable end with closure (at least at the time...). As a theatrical release, CHAR'S COUNTERATTACK was also the recipient of a very lush musical score.
The first track, "Main Title," really sounds like the opening to a theatrical film. With horns blazing and strings and woodwinds glissandoing up and down the musical spectrum, it showcases the drama, the sadness, and anger that are all present in the film.
"Quess Paraya" begins softly, with piano and strings, and, much like her character, slowly expands and becomes stronger (although the track does not get as annoying as the character it is named for!). Throughout the CD, the tracks remain fully orchestrated. "Neo Zion" is dark, ominous, and brooding, while "Rondo Bell" is more majestic and tinged with sadness and sentimentality which underscore its regal theme.
"Swan" is a bit deceptive, as it starts off slow and quiet, and then suddenly takes a dramatic turn with the addition of electric instruments. The tempo picks up, and suddenly the listener finds himself listening to the blaring strings and tense horns from one of the compositions used for the battle scenes. Then, just as suddenly as it erupted, it fades away.
Most majestic of all the tracks is probably "Nu Gundam." After all, it's the title mecha; it has to have an inspiring theme. Beginning with timpani and sparse strings, the melody moves into a charging cavalry-type horn melody. Once again, electronic instruments make a brief appearance here, as the tempo picks up, and the melody becomes more staccato and urgent.
The music is composed by Saegusa Shigeaki, and it is an excellent musical score. However, some of the tracks seem to be a bit too familiar already and sometimes seem to fall into the tired old musical clichés that other composers fall into. (Have you ever noticed how every composition that is used in space seems to use strings a lot to convey the emptiness and enormousness of space?) Sometimes the use of electronic instruments like synthesizers and guitars seems to be there just for show. But overall, this is a very solid score and it holds up well to repeated listening in the same way that classical music would.
This disc is short on vocals; in fact, it only has one. However, depending upon how you feel about GUNDAM songs, this could be a blessing or a curse. In the case of CHAR'S COUNTERATTACK, however, "Beyond the Time," which serves as the ending theme for the movie, is the jewel in the crown of this soundtrack. Performed by the phenomenally popular 1980's band TM Network (who also did songs for the original VAMPIRE HUNTER D and various CITY HUNTER television series), this song captures the energy and spirit of the film without resorting to maudlin sentimentality or cliché. The song is upbeat, lyrical, and ultimately, very good.
In the end, CHAR'S COUNTERATTACK boasts an impressive soundtrack. It won't make you reach for your polyester disco suit or want to rush back to the dance clubs, but it is a nice, happy medium with a fully developed symphonic score, and some memorable melody lines. And of course, it does contain one great vocal that you will find yourself humming after you listen to it.

Epic/Sony
32-8H-5003
Available Now in Japan
Where to buy