Soundtrack Name: Silent Hill 2 Original Soundtracks
U.S. Game Name: Silent Hill 2
Musical Genre: Good Question
Original Game System: PS2
Publisher: Konami Music Entertainment
Copyright Holder: Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo
Number of CD's: 1
Number of Tracks: 30
CD Length: 73 min 00 sec
Composers and Performers:
Akira Yamaoka (Comp.)
Review:
Intro: If you've read my review of the original Silent Hill soundtrack,
or possibly just seen the rating I gave it, you may wonder where this soundtrack's
rating came from. Well, basically, the soundtrack to the sequel is a vast improvement
on the original, and while I haven't played the game, I feel that it likely works as
well in the game as the original.
Packaging: All around, this CD's packaging is fine. There's a nice picture
from the game on the front, with a closeup of that picture on the back. Track list,
a large bunch of Japanese text (probably the liner notes), production information.
Nothing lacking, but nothing special.
Packaging Rating: C
Music: It was obvious from the intro and ending themes from Silent Hill
that Composer Akira Yamaoka had talent. Fortunately he returns for the soundtrack to
the sequel, as composer, sound producer, and the man in charge of "Mood, atmospherics,
and unnerving aural effects." I say fortunately because this time, most of the soundtrack
is appropriate for a horror game while being very melodic at the same time. Most of the tracks are slow, and
either creepy or haunting, with frequent use of the drum set. There are a few decidedly
"rock" tracks as well as a few tracks of the kind of atonal music that made up the first
CD. Still the presentation is well done, with the different styles of tracks spread
across the CD and many of the tracks mixed together for nice, seamless transitions
when possible. The intro track, "Theme of Laura" is a sweet rock remix of the intro
of the original game's intro music. Track 18, "Love Psalm" is a well done light
rock track, as are tracks 28, "Overdose Delusion" and 30, "Promise". The more I
listen to this CD, the more I like it. It's interesting and unusual, while still
being very listenable.
Music Rating: B+
CD/Track Length: Steady as she goes captain. No tracks are too long, and none
are too short. Really a well done piece of work. They got it just right.
Length Rating: A
Other Misc: This music may not suit you. I felt I should say that somewhere
in this review. It's got a very strange feel to it, and if you like to set your
ship by the course of more stable genres like "classical" or "dance" then this is
likely not the soundtrack for you. the final rating reflects this fact.
Still, if you don't mind a little experimentation,
and enjoy all kinds of music, check this CD out, it's worth a listen.
Final Rating (not an average): B-
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