Sound of the Wind ("Kaze no ne") is the opening theme to Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles. This is the opening theme single from Yae.

The third and fourth tracks are from Yae's second album, entitled "Blue Line." The first two tracks are the only songs relevant to the game.

The first track is the version found in the game: it sounds very proper as a videogame introduction. The instruments used in this track remind me of renaissance music: the vocals also hold this adventurous, medieval-exploratory feel. There are also a number of traditional Asian wind and percussion instruments used. This song is catchy and beautiful.

The second track is the same song, yet very different. It has a whole different introduction, and the rest of the song has a more produced, artificial, techno-beat feel to it. It wouldn't have worked as well with the game, but as a stand-alone track, I think it is outstanding. There is something charming and enigmatic about it.

Just so that I have mentioned it, the other two songs are also beautiful: Yae is a wonderful vocalist. The third track is a scat song...that is, "lalalalala..."; the fourth track is a slower piece, featuring more "ethnic/world" instruments to accompany the vocals.

Of the many singles I've purchased and listened to, this one sticks out in my mind as one of the few worth holding onto. If you can find it somewhere on this vast expansive internet, purchase it.

Reviewed by: Patrick Gann