Refraction

Yet another entry focusing on FFX-2 music.

So the game recently came out in North America, and, naturally, there are new versions of “real Emotion” and “1000 no kotoba.” Not sung by Koda Kumi, or Kristine Sa, but Jade. Oui. And now I am here to critique her versions of the songs instead of doing my math portfolio.

“real Emotion” – Jade’s voice really does not go well with this song. The “What can I do for you?” parts are vaguely reminiscent of Kristine Sa’s version, and definitely very, very weak. Her voice is too high for this part; I find it a little too girly. Let’s remember this is supposed to be Yuna singing, and she’s 19, not 14. Too much of a girl band dropout sound here, as opposed to Koda Kumi’s, which, while it still sounds feminine, at least sounds closer to the part. The latter’s voice is also richer and not quite as flat… not to say that Jade can’t sing, just that she didn’t choose her best voice for this song. (I don’t know if it’s just a side-effect of singing the thing in English; Koda Kumi’s version isn’t all that great either. Kristine Sa probably has the best version, excluding the “What can I do for you?” parts.)

“1000 words” – Beautifully done. The FMV’s a little messed up, but well, we aren’t concerened with that, are we? The lyrics have been altered from Koda Kumi’s English version, and the best part is that Jade is easily understandable 🙂 She hits all the right notes. Some of her lines I felt fell a little short of what I had been expecting, but overall, it’s still good. The chorus, as always, is the best part. 😀 Quite moving. Generally, though, Jade lacks the intensity of Koda Kumi.

And….. I spent time transcribing the lyrics. Yay for me! 🙂

I know that you’re hiding things
using gentle words to shelter me
Your words were like a dream,
but dreams could never fool me.
Not that easily.

I acted so distant then,
didn’t say goodbye before you left.
But I was listening.
You fight your battles far from me
far too easily.

“Save your tears
’cause I’ll come back.”
I could hear that you whispered
as you walked through that door.
But still, I swore
to hide the pain
when I turned back the pages.
Shouting might’ve been the answer.
What if I’d cried my eyes out and
begged you not to depart?

But now I’m not afraid
to say what’s in my heart…

Though a thousand words
have never been spoken,
they’ll fly to you
crossing over the time and
distance holding you
suspended on silver wings.
And a thousand words,
one thousand confessions,
will cradle you
making all of the pain you feel
seem far away.
They’ll hold you forever…

The dream isn’t over yet
though I often say I can’t forget.
I still relive that day.
You’ve been there with me all the way.
I still hear you say:

“Wait for me, I’ll write you letters.”
I could see how you stammered
With your eyes to the floor.
But still I swore
to hide the doubt
when I turned back the pages.
Anger might’ve been the answer.
What if I’d hung my head and
said that I couldn’t wait?

But now I’m strong enough
to know it’s not too late…

‘Cause a thousand words
Call out through the ages,
They’ll fly to you
even though we can’t see,
I know they’re reaching you
suspended on silver wings.
Oh a thousand words,
One thousand embraces
will cradle you
making all of your weary days
seem far away
They’ll hold you forever…

Oh, a thousand words
have never been spoken,
they’ll fly to you
they’ll carry you home
and back into my arms
suspended on silver wings.
And a thousand words
call out through the ages
they’ll cradle you
turning all of the long years
to only days
They’ll hold you forever…