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these (tracks) work in the anime... however, as a CD, the tracks on the Fullmetal Alchmest soundtrack just don’t work.

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Fullmetal Alchemist Original Soundtrack 1

Review by: Mimi P

Anime Series Soundtrack

Company: FUNimation Productions

CD Length: approximately 50 minutes

Rated: PG (mild themes)

EXTERNAL EXAM

Edward and Alphonse are brothers and have been practicing alchemy since they were little kids. One day, their mother passes away. In effort to bring their mother back to life, they enter the realm of forbidden alchemy. In consequence, Alphonse loses his body. While trying to save his brother, Edward loses an arm and a leg. Alphonse is now a walking piece of armor while Edward has artificial metal limbs.

Here begins the journey of these two brothers out to seek the Philosopher’s Stone that will help them get their normal bodies back.

FINAL EXAM:

Fullmetal Alchemist is a work by Hiromu Arakawa. It follows the journey of two young men in their search to find the antidote that will bring them back to normal. From the episodes that I have seen so far, Fullmetal Alchemist hits on many serious topics. It’s not your regular anime.

Prior to hearing the Fullmetal Alchemist soundtrack, I wasn’t familiar with the work of composer Michiru Oshima. When I did a little a research on the web, I found that she composed music for a variety of anime features such as Boys Over Flowers, Gokusen, and Legend of Crystania. From the tone set by the anime, it’s not surprising how Oshima decided to compose the numbers for it. Most of them are dramatic orchestral numbers made to fit their corresponding scenes

Best track

Indelible Sin. This is the outro-theme to “Fullmetal Alchemist” performed by Nana Kitade. It’s always a plus to have catchy theme songs along with good anime. This number proved to be one of them. When I first heard the track, I had to put my DVD player on pause just to catch the title of the song and artist. I quickly went to put in an order for the single, it was that good.

Worst Track

“Gairo” has to be the worst track on the album. After it begins, it never seems to go anywhere. When you’ve been waiting for something special to happen, it never does and the track has already ended.

Perfect for Fans of:

The Pillows, Nami Tamaki, and any fan of classical music.

Honestly, I have to admit that most of the soundtrack is too bland for me to play on an everyday occasion. Perhaps, it’s something to play in the background while you’re concentrating on your studies or while lounging around.

The only notable tracks, in my opinion, are “Melissa” by Porno Graffiti and “Indelible Sin” by Nana Kitade. The vocal tracks on this soundtrack are much more upbeat than any of the instrumental ones. Luckily, most of the non-vocal numbers last no more than a minute.

Sure, these numbers work in the anime as they provide the feel for what’s going on at the moment. However, as a CD to listen to, the tracks on the Fullmetal Alchmest soundtrack just don’t work.

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