Tracklist:
01 - Overture
02 - Castle Trumpeter
03 - Melody in An Ancient Town
04 - Toward the Horizon
05 - Casino ~ Lively Town
06 - Make Me Feel Sad
07 - Melody of Love
08 - Monsters in the Dungeon
09 - Tower of Death
10 - Dark World
11 - Noble Requiem ~ Saint
12 - Satan
13 - Heaven
14 - Bridal Waltz
15 - Magic Carpet ~ The Ocean
16 - Violent Enemies ~ Almighty Boss Devil is Challenged
Total Time:
42'50"
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I don't like the "on Electone" series of albums. At least, not for the most part. Using an electric piano/keyboard to generate simpler, synthesized form of the orchestral arrangements doesn't sound very interesting at the outset. However, given the right compositions, the results can be enjoyable. I think this is the case for Dragon Quest V.
You see, the compositions in Dragon Quest V follow more traditional, European tonality and chord progression, even more than the other Dragon Quest titles do. Tracks like "Bridal Waltz," "Melody of Love," and "Castle Trumpeter" sounds like songs that truly could have been written in past centuries. And, for some reason, these songs transpose quite well to the Electone.
The songs that don't work on Electone are, generally, the battle themes. The smooth and subtle tone of the Electone doesn't allow for sharp, poignant sounds from the instruments imitated (trumpets, percussion, etc). Fortunately, the dungeon music in Dragon Quest V isn't as intense as the battle themes, so there are only a few rotten apples on this disc. The dungeon tracks actually came out fairly well.
If you want to experience one of the "on Electone" albums, and keep it for posterity, this would be the one to get. Of course, finding it is another story entirely. Personally, I'd be happy not having any Electone albums in my collection. But they are interesting to hear at least once.
Reviewed by: Patrick Gann
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