Comments for Soundtrack, Mobile Suit Gundam:Char's Counter Attack

Amazing album. The orchestral music is lush, and fits brilliantly with the film. There are portions of the soundtrack that are not heard in the main film, and vice versa. I suppose I should go track by track, shall I? The main title (sans the ominous cello/bass motif that appears with the Mt. Fuji logo) begins just as the opening moments of the movie, and continues on longer than onscreen, where it ends right as the Gundam's visage is exposed. The rest of the main title is majestic and for me, easily ranks one of the top 5 tracks on the album, if not top 3. Track 2 (Quess Paraya) is simply gorgeous. If you saw the movie this was the portion of the film when Quess and Hathaway are discussing "new types" on the colony. It goes on much longer and is much more powerful -- it swells with emotion and is very relaxing. This composition features a sweet clarinet, a harmonica, and the requisite string section as well. Track 3 (Neo-Zion) begins with deep cellos, and very ominous, sinister mood. For me I picture the red cruisers of Neo-Zion floating in space, as Char Aznable ponders his next move. The second portion of this track is more suspenseful -- and this theme is heard in the movie; mostly when "moves" are being made in space by the enemy. The third portion of the track continues to build on that suspense with an appropriately climactic finish. Track 4 (Sally) the first portion of this track sets the mood (dramatic) and then picks up with the main motif of the movie -- sparkingly recreated by trumpets and strings. Track 5 (Londo Bell) is also beautiful, like Track 2. It has a relaxed yet determined tone, employing strings and a delicate piano. I think of Bright Noa when this song is on. However, it gets more ominous as the song progresses. Portions of this song can be heard near the beginning of the film, particularly around the time when Noah is explaing to Amuro that the colonies are cooperating with Char. Track 6 (Swan) is one of my favorite tracks on the album. It should be called "Lalah Sune" because this is the BGM playing during Amuro's dream about Lalah. However, the second movement of this track oozes with suspense because it is the BGM playing during Char and Amuro's confrontation on the colony. It has action, and emotes the strong feelings surrounding their bitter relationship extremely well. Track 7 (Nu-Gundam) is probably the best BGM here. Triumphant, and solid from start to finish, it commands the awe and respect that the Gundam RX-91 will ALWAYS demand of myself. This score perfectly describes the gleaming techno-knight of a mecha that the RX-91 is. Themes surrounding the Axis asteroid also get included, but Track 7 is a winner hands-down. The most flawlessly composed from start to finish of all the BGMs. Track 8 (Anxiety) is a lot more pensive, and communicates the human drama that epitomizes the UC timeline of the Gundam saga, and the electrifyingly compelling story arc of Char's Counterattack in general. Track 9 (Mission) has an extremely solemn tone -- that features the main, zeonic theme of the entire movie (think of the song the Sweetwater colonists sing on the train). I don't think this song appears in the film, but it fits wonderfully nonetheless. Track 10 (Axis) Features that ominous cello that you first hear when the movie starts. But then it goes into an urgent sounding BGM with a deep drum that hits at just the right places. Heavy sounding and crucial, the axis music I don't think is played in the movie anywhere either --- but adds to the amazing universe that Tomino created with this film. As you can tell by reading this review, CCA is my favorite movie of all time. Track 11 (Sacrifice) This song I don't think made the film either -- but makes for a great listen. It sounds a lot more like an action sequence more than anything else. On a completely unflattering note, I also think portions of it could be used for a local newscast theme song. I know, that was a terrible thing to say. Sorry! Track 12 (Combat) Finally...you'll recognize this song playing when Amuro and Char are dueling on Axis. Particularly right as they are resurfacing from within the asteroid and jumping back into their mobile suits. Great song, great action, and unfortunately also signals the approaching conclusion of both the film and this amazing soundtrack. Track 13 (Destiny) Wow................this is one of the prettiest songs I have ever heard. In the film, this is the song played right after a major character dies and the psycho-frame is released into space, beginning to unify the entire human race. However, it does not play for nearly as long, and it isn't even the same version. The one used in the film is in a different key (sounds higher) and honestly, sounds even more mournful than the one included here. Featuring a weeping violin, a Macross Saga/Robotech-esque clarinet, and great piano...."Destiny" is easily a stunning mount to the heart-wrenching finale this film delivers to audiences who truly "get" what it is trying to communicate. Track 14 (Aurora) is the scintillatingly warm and hypnotic BGM that accompanies the final moments of CCA -- and this is it from start to finish. From the inital explosion to the green light that encircles the entire globe, it is all here. A great way to conclude the orchestral portion of such an amazing soundtrack. Aurora will be the last time we hear the zeonic main theme of "Char's Counterattacl" -- and what an amazing theme it is. Track 15 (Beyond The Time) performed by J-Pop trio TM Network it the perfect end to both the film and this soundtrack. Upbeat, optimistic and shimmeringly energetic, I just can't say enough about how well this film and soundtrack were put together. It sounds VERY 80s, and for fans of the 80s synth-pop with substance, it doesn't get much better than this. I just wish I could get the translated version and understand it entirely. The only english words are "I belong to you" and "we belong to earth" in addition to the title phrase, "beyond the time." There is also "you can change your destiny, you can your future" and "we can share the happiness." What uplifting lyrics..... Until I heard this stuff, the Macross DYRL music was my favorite. The main theme from that movie "I Love You So" I believe is still a favorite of mine, and disc 2 from the 3 disc Macross set is still played by me very often. But this CCA soundtrack is simply incredible. I love it. Someone should make this disc much more available than it is. Thanks for reading! Sincerely, Andrew Knyte