ReMix:Final Fantasy X "Ballad of the Sea" 2:56

By Tim Sheehy

Arranging the music of one song...

"At Zanarkand"

Primary Game: Final Fantasy X (Square , 2001, PS2), music by Junya Nakano, Masashi Hamauzu, Nobuo Uematsu

Posted 2001-06-29, evaluated by djpretzel


Kaijin writes: "Basically it's an arrangement of the piano tune that's been playing at the Square booths (at various conventions like E3) and also on their Japanese "Play Online" site." Pretty cool - ReMix of a game that ain't even out yet . . and a great one at that. Over top of lush backing parts including ambient waves, we get a beautiful melody rendered first by an oboe then an electric guitar (two solo instruments that compliment one another well here). If this is any indication of FFX's soundtrack, we're in for a treat. Props to Kaijin for a ReMix and "preview" of sorts ^^

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
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Liontamer
on 2018-06-14 16:11:00

I could have done without the cymbal crashes, which felt corny, but I otherwise enjoyed Tim's take here. Really captivating intro, and nice subtle usage of the wave SFX. The complete dropoff and pickup into the electric guitar synth was abrupt, so that should have been handled more smoothly. Good expansive ideas here, so while it shows its age, it's still ambitious for its day.

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cremdogz
on 2009-07-30 14:06:43

A very unique mix. While I tend to like most things I listen to on this website, I know I'm very harsh when it comes down to this song, since To Zanarkand is my favourite, and I tend to criticize any other interpretation of it. This was a very unique mix, I did enjoy it, and I was surprised at its goodness. I preferred the first half of the song to the second half, and I preferred the first half of the first half of the song. lol

Still, I did enjoy this remix, and I'm glad I listened to this.

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Marmiduke
on 2009-04-07 05:58:03

This mix has been unfairly usurped to make way for Zanarkand mixes of higher production quality. I say unfairly because I really like the treatment of the source here. True, there are creative problems like the waves that seem to be intended for the background but sound like they are crashing down upon you. And the instruments show their age. But there's something about the arrangement that I really enjoy. It's not a radical take, but it emphasises the strengths of the melody (which is a very moving piece in its own right) and wraps it up with some lame albeit palatable soft rock balladry. In other words, its some nice stuff.

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Lucentas
on 2008-12-06 19:06:49

Very nice take on the source material, definitely takes in in a unique direction.

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OA
on 2008-09-18 12:41:45

The waves are a bit much early on, though I do suppose it is the ballad of the sea. Great laid back soft rock on all other counts. Nice drum fills, really classy stuff. Guitar in the second half sounds pretty fakey, but is decently sequenced at least. The ending was abrupt and maybe came a bit soon, but for a mix in the 300's, this one is definitely quality.

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Ambugers
on 2006-04-24 21:36:01

This remix was alright, but not one of the best one I heard. This is song can be basically split into two parts, which are the piano and others. Instead of the sound supporting and building with each other, they competed for attention and cancelled out each other's sound and timbre. Also the piano part could have been stronger and stand out since it is suppose to be the main melody. Transition could have been worked in between part 1 and 2 of the song too instead of going into completed silence and starting over. Overall this remix could have been better but it is what it is ...

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lady zelda
on 2006-04-23 14:32:22

This is just beautiful. You can certainly feel the sea breeze, hear the gentle peace of the scenery, as well as the forceful crashing on the waves as the winds gain their strength with the amazing guitar you got going there. What else can I say? Great job, guys.

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Vertigo88
on 2006-04-23 12:59:16

This remix wins, especially the classic rock format in the second part of the song. The original always makes me cry, this one made me cry and want to wave a lighter above my head.

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I_Love_OC_ReMixes
on 2005-12-24 07:49:49

Beautiful mix, sexy job Kaijin!! 8)

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SakakiAzu
on 2005-11-12 04:06:44

Yes, the waves are far too prominent in the beginning. But, I liked the pause in the middle, and where it suddenly comes back in. The first tim I played it, I didn't know it would juimp back in, and wasnt watching the time... and wham! It suprosed me, pleasantly, of course....

8.5 / 10

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Bummer
on 2005-10-03 02:59:13
The white noise some mention I guess is the wave sound.. although it sounds more like the plastic bags used to make the sound.

You think so too, eh? The "waves" sounds a little too much in the beginning, or at least so much that it gets annoying. However, the orchestric music in the back with some nice drums really speaks to me, and when the waves goes away, the only thing left is a nice electric guitar to spice this ballad up. This mix is a lttle sad, and those who played the game probably know why. Thanks again Kaijin, for an another well done remix. :D

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kevisco
on 2004-08-30 14:18:36

This review is probably going to be exactly what everybody else has just said but oh well. The wave/ocean sound at the start is too loud and on my comp, I can barley hear the piano. Again overuse of crash symbals... nice pause... good guitar...whatever. 8.5/10

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Synchrone
on 2004-01-27 15:19:44

The white noise some mention I guess is the wave sound.. although it sounds more like the plastic bags used to make the sound. It's too much in the foreround.. I'd prefer a softer, less pervasive and if possible more realistic wave sound, mostly noticeable in the end and beginning. It sounds like heavy waves crashing hard. Just change that and it'll be perfect. Very good. 8)

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geekgirl101
on 2003-08-07 11:22:56

Ouch, what's with the white noise? :( Apart from that it's a fantastic mix. It just needs that white noise to go and it'd be perfect. :)

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MASTCONNOISSEUR
on 2003-06-13 15:23:41

Good stuff. The break is the middle is great. The start reminds me of Chinese rock. Brings back memories... Anyways, fantastic music. I recommend it fully.

Sources Arranged (1 Song)


Primary Game:
Final Fantasy X (Square , 2001, PS2)
Music by Junya Nakano,Masashi Hamauzu,Nobuo Uematsu
Songs:
"At Zanarkand"

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File Information


Name:
Final_Fantasy_10_Ballad_of_the_Sea_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
4,319,391 bytes
MD5:
f9aa9af925826227c7a9c64840cb6882
Bitrate:
192Kbps
Duration:
2:56

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