The Saddest Thing About KH is the Music

This tells me more about the tragedy of Xion than the actual game ever did.

This tells me more about the tragedy and inevitability of TAV's fate

Captures the emotions of the story better than the writers

an entire narrative in a song

Tells me more about Castle Oblivion than three games of exposition did.
etc. etc.

 

I agree. The music has definitely been on of, if not the, strongest point of the entire KH franchise. The music makes you feel and manipulates not just how you see the story and experience it, but even how you play. The KH series has bar none the most beautiful music of any video game I can recall at the moment. IMO, the sound effects and VOs have always been exceptional as well.

 

It definitely sets a very sad tone, but the story itself is also very sad. (in some games)

 

I definitely agree that the music is a VERY important part of Kingdom Hearts. Imagine if they hadn't put music anywhere but cutscenes and reused the music in the cutscenes A LOT (Modern Games *cough cough*).

 

In this world of music, there is no such thing as a "bad sound". However, some songs have a stark difference of quality, and when it comes to Classical Music, there is no shortage of wouldbes and wannabes, just as in any other brand of music. Yoko Shimomura, however, is an absolute genius in my opinion. Her sound is so varied, extensive and creative that she gives profound life to all her creations; even her take on "Winnie the Pooh" and other adapted works has its own identity and flavour. What you have to say about the songs here listed is indeed a viable opinion; I have an opinion for each selection and this all stems for the fact I personally have a strong connection to music. For all the music that is included in the game series, there is a word that if you are young you should not click the first spoiler. Overall though, the music of Kingdom Hearts certainly is the saddest part; it provides that extra touch of emotion that no scene, no matter how well written, can do without. I think you go just a little bit too far: The writing and the music is a perfect marriage. One without the other would not produce as deep a reaction. Also, you tend to notice a mix of themes. Some songs contain sequences from the theme songs of different characters. For the record: I put in spoilers with each take on every song given because I include story elements and character connections in each. If you haven't played even one of the games where these songs are used (Pretty much EVERY game; Square tends to recycle, but it certainly works.) I could really ruin the experience for you; I go very deep into the characters' psyches

Spoiler: Rated PG-13

Orchestration-gasm. Not as thoroughly sexual as you might think, and it doesn't entail the same exact bodily reactions; but what it does provide is an involuntary closing of the eyes and an instant connection to the music. Some songs you get into, but KH compositions force you into another reality.

Spoiler: Song 1

I hear it. The tortured "WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?! WHY CAN'T I BE REAL!" that both Xion and Roxas share. Each wants to be their own person, but it's futile. The song is arguably about that mutual sadness that reaches a peak as two friends must battle to the death. Even the name is perfect; "Vector to the Heavens".Vector means "Carrier" and in this, has several other uses, most of which click right in with the Nobody who contains Sora's memories and not only is Sora a rather virtuous fellow, but Xion is the Vector, and the Heavens sounds like Xion very much wants to be at peace whether she lives or dies; the existence is the torture.A lengthy song, but once you realize its termination means she's terminated, the silence prompts another tear.

Spoiler: Song 2

BUM-BUM! A steady, dark march that defines Terra's unstable nature which is intermingled with bells (Aqua, pure light) and snaps (Ventus, who is Wind and in so quick and has a spritely nature), then you have the choirs. The choirs provide another layer of the impending fate of each, as each falls into Darkness in their own fashion; you get that hollowness while also getting the Sacred feel that there's still a glimmer of hope.

Spoiler: Song 3

It ebbs and flows, and has a very wave-like quality at first. This quality is usually found in Sacred selections, which fits the theme of light, but think about this: Most of the characters are based around themes of the Sea, whether they are the land that the water meets, or the wind that travels freely and sometimes violently over the tide. It gets so boisterous though, intermingling with subtle harps and light choirs, you get the direness of the situation, while also perceiving the true scale that is so much bigger than anyone involved in the story. It has a slightly mix of what you'd expect of a love child between your usual Video Game theme and a Blockbuster movie.

Spoiler: Song 4

The story has changed so much that you really start to understand the meaning of the song by the name. "Another Side, Another Story" highlights how nothing is quite as simple as it seems and the music reflects this. With every story told, there's another person involved who brings to light a truth or hides it in Darkness. You can easily apply this song to any character; heck, even connect it to yourself or the backstories of the characters from other sources of media found in the series. You really will get that nothing is ever as simple as it seems.

Spoiler: 5

Creepy, but with a touch of the Sacred. This is Castle Oblivion. It's true purpose and disposition has been so far twisted that it's unrecognizable, and the Horror movie level suspense the many instruments give counteract the light and beautiful choirs that portray a Zombified version of what the Land of Departure became.

Kingdom Hearts has been a huge influence in my musical understanding and progression, perhaps as you can tell. xD One last note before I cease this little essay: Utada Hikaru deserves an honorable mention in this prognosis. With her voice, there's a deep level added to the songs with Lyrics. Meh. Yeah, they use "Simple & Clean" and "Sanctuary" over and over again, but this adds a progression of understanding as the songs apply to different characters. Also, props for the originality (By original, I mean she doesn't sound like 90% of popular female Japanese recorders that are part chipmunk; she has range and indebted feeling.) in her voice and the being willing to record in more than one language.

 

I think you have to be a music buff for this to be true.

 

The music is a big part for the whole saddness in KH, But it's no the "saddest thing" about KH.
In my opinion, It just helps to get the story, or the scene, a very deep and tragical touch.

 

I agree with Nowaki, the music is sad, and it does help add to the emotion, and help you understand the situation more, but it is not the saddest part of KH, the music only adds to the sadness in some situations, the situation itself if the sad point.

 

You just need ears.

 

I actually don’t have ears you insensitive jerk. But feel free to argue with these, Dumbo:

Greg Kasavin of GameSpot felt the background music was appropriate for each setting. However, he complained that the music loops were too short and repetitive.[56]

"I could probably go on and on and on about the great compositions on this album, but I think I've given an adequate description of what to expect from Kingdom Hearts OST. Actually, even though I find this album excellent, I still feel that this is one of Shimomura's weaker albums overall. Sometimes you get a little fed up with the happy-peppy feel of it. While not a new "Front Mission" or "Legend Of Mana", it is still great, no doubt there whatsoever."

"The in-game soundtrack is pleasant, melodious, and most of all fitting for the various situations in which it plays. There are a few downers -- again, surprisingly enough, the Halloween Town music is weak -- but overall it's one of the better soundtracks Square has done in the past few years."

"I also wasn't quite as enamored with the soundtrack to this game, as its songs don't strike me as being as resonant as those in the original Kingdom Hearts. The overall soundtrack isn't bad at all, though -- far from it. The tunes inspired by the different worlds you'll venture into are great. Still, the original Kingdom Hearts soundtrack is one of the most remarkable I've heard in any video game, and I was hoping that this would match it."

 

Anybody who thinks KH1's soundtrack is better than any other kh soundtrack has opposite ears that hear good things as bad and bad things as good

 

I wouldn't say that KH1 has a bad soundtrack, it's just remarkably uninteresting compared to every other KH soundtrack.

 

Honestly, I can only listen to a few of KH1's tracks. Mostly battle themes. Stuff like Deep Jungle sound really bad IMO

 

Better than having no ears. Lol, I think it's different for each person. But I don't feel that strongly either way, so I dunno.

I KNEW IT

 

One of the best in my opinion...