https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UBZW0VQHWw

I envy the Japanese; they always get all the good games while here in North America we either do not have them or get them much later. The latter is true for Final Fantasy V, which only came in North America with Final Fantasy Anthology for the PSX (and with less interesting music). While the gameplay suffered from the “curse of the odd FF” – the story line was rather weak, especially compared to Final Fantasy IV – the soundtrack was excellent. In fact, listening to it over the Internet was my main motivation to get back to it and finish it. Yes, as incredible as it sounds, the soundtrack is what motivated me to get back to a game I had tossed aside because it was too difficult. Here is my review of Nobuo Uematsu’s excellent composition that was fortunately laid down on 2 disks, so the music loops more than once.

1- Main Theme of FINAL FANTASY V

What you hear on the welcome screen, and towards the very end before the final battle. We can already hear that the arrangements are much better than FF IV; the violins in the background sound more realistic (and so does the drum track), while the flute is not as high-pitch. Overall this is a good intro track, sounding very epic and announcing a grand adventure.

2 - Opening Theme

The first scene of the game, with Lena’s father feeling that something is wrong with the wind. It starts out very slow with low-tone violins and a “voice” sampler adding to the feeling that something is not right. The second part of the theme sounds very dramatic, with loud strings playing with a sad tone that announce that the world will change. The third part starts with a very loud and dramatic piano note, again perfect for the situation – it almost sounds like a clock sounding the hour. It includes excerpts from Exdeath’s theme if you listen closely, which is very appropriate as you will see later…

3. Four Hearts

The first overworld theme. It does not have the epicness of most overworld themes and does not have the mystery from the Final Fantasy II theme. The track is OK, but no more; the main sound track mixed muted brass with strings while the background has a muted trumpet. The end of the loop does add a little epicness with the violin and the harp in the background.

4. Hurry! Hurry!!

Your standard GTFO of here! It loops a little longer than in FF IV and does it very well. The main track sounds rather synthesized, but the constant “bell” sound in the background (which sometimes accelerate during regular gameplay) helps create the drama necessary for that track.

5. Lenna's Theme

The main heroine of the game. The theme is very light and sweet, reflective of her fragile character. It shows with the flute introduction; but when the violin track kicks in we also discover that she has a great inner strength. The bells at the end of the loop also conclude a track you will want to relax to.

6. Dungeon

This is one of the many dungeon tracks on this album. Its “backward” harp intro helps to set the mysterious feel of a dungeon, while the main flute track also helps to set a sad mood for some reason. Finally the violin track adds the final touch of mystery.

7. Battle 1

The classical battle theme. Once again we can hear the better arrangements; the main trumpet sounds clearer, the violins do not take as much room and the addition of a bass in the background adds an interesting beat.

8. Victory Fanfare

Even though the arrangements are more modern, I preferred the FF IV fanfare. The FF V theme added a little organ to the loop, making it sound weird. Also the trumpet sounds muted, which is out of place for a triumph.

9. Requiem

The death theme. I resetted before dying so I never heard it. The violin arrangements make it sound sad enough, but just skip it.

10. Pirates Ahoy

It sounds rather joyful for a theme about pirates. The background beat sounds like some kind of banjo while the main flute sounds rather heroic. The end of the loop continues the heroism with trumpets. Out of place, but good overall.

11. Town Theme

The classical “calm” town theme. The background harp is perfect while the main “clarinet” track makes the theme sound very welcoming. The second part of the loop has violins that enforce that welcoming feeling (in addition to muted brass).

12. Good Night

The theme is too brief; I definitely preferred the FF IV version, which evoked people going to sleep better.

13. Sealed Away

The epic theme for the Tower of the Wind Crystal. The constant drum beat in the background make the theme very epic, while the main wind track create a feeling of sadness. I love how the loop ends with an “electrical guitar” arrangement.

14. Cursed Lands

The theme for villages where thing do not go as well as the preceding theme. The arrangements are perfect for that: the intro starts with a heavy piano key and drums, while the core of the loop has both dramatic winds and “worried” violins in the background.

15. Deception

A sad version of Lenna’s theme, when drama arises. The arrangements are indeed very sad, and the background violins just make you want to cry!

16. Harvest

A more joyful village theme. The track starts with hand clapping, follow by banjo and a very upbeat and joyful flute. However, the background beat gets annoying – it reminds me of a bagpipe.

17. To the North Mountain

The mountain theme. It was done better than in FF IV, both by sounding more dramatic and epic. The trumpet track is perfect for the theme while the other main instrument (I can not quite describe) is also good. The loop ends with organ arrangements that fit the theme well. Finally, the background bass give the theme a quicker tempo I love.

18. Close Call

The dramatic track when (usually) a boss battle is about to ensue. The violin track creates the perfect drama for the theme and the battery adds to that. The final part of the loop has a good crescendo of violins to add to the drama.

19. Battle 2

Speaking of boss battles! The intro to the loop has very dramatic violin arrangements that go in the background afterwards. The core of the loop has a dramatic trumpet, which sounds better than the FF IV boss battle theme. The battery arrangements gives it a quicker tempo perfect for that kind of fight; it also ends with explosive trumpets.

20. Spreading Grand Wings

The flying theme when you ride a dragon. The harp in the background create the perfect feeling of being into the air, while the trumpet has a kind of “joyful reunion” I like. The drum in the background allows the track to flow well.

21. Royal Palace

The royal theme in Butz’ world. The trumpet intro makes for a perfect regal them, and it keeps going through the loop. The drums also makes for a perfect military theme associated with royalty.

22. Fire Ship

When you ride the ship that sails without wind. The drum track creates a good military feeling to this mighty ship, while the trumpet track makes it heroic. The strings in the background are played in a lower tone, adding a good dramatic effect.

23. Run!

A longer, but equally dramatic, theme of when you need to hurry. The track starts with a second or 2 or silence followed by a burst of trumpets and highly dramatic strings. The constant used of cymbals help making that track perfectly dramatic.

24. Sorrows of Parting

I honestly can not remember when this theme is played. However, like Deception it sounds wonderfully dramatic with the backward harp and the sad trumpet. However the second part of the loop is played by “muted” violins, which decreases the dramatic effect of the first part.

25. Library of Ancients

The theme in itself is good. However, it sounds strange for a place where you learn (eventually) the secrets of beating the final boss. There is not enough mystery feel; it would have been better as Cid’s theme.

26. Reminiscence

A quiet, light track when Lenna and Faris remember their childhood. The track is perfect for souvenirs, with mid-tone piano notes and “voice” sampling at the end of the loop to add a touch of sadness to the souvenirs.

27. Musica Machina

The music inside the dungeon that made me quit the game temporarily. The track is very fitting of a high-tech dungeon with machinery everywhere with its “whistle” in the background, while the violin track creates the drama necessary for the theme.

28. The Day Will Come

Another track I can not remember, but with the title it is very fitting. It is a sad version of the first overworld theme, showing that, despite drama around, things will get better one day.

29. What?

A very upbeat and light-hearted when something weird happens (like Boko showing his girlfriend). The loop even ends with a cow mooing, making it funny.

30. Mambo de Chocobo

A much better version of the black chocobo theme. It actually sounds like mambo; the loop start with the appropriate trumpet track (and even a voice saying “Huh!”) while the core of the track plays “Jamaican” drums and that wooden instrument with stripes (guiro?) in the background.

31. Home, Sweet Home

The track you hear in Butz’ village. It sounds a little sad and nostalgic, which is very fitting because he will remember some painful souvenirs like his parents’ death. The theme is introduced by a low-tone and sad guitar, followed by a flute that bring in the souvenir while the rest of the track sounds a little more epic, showing people’s joy to see their famous adventurer’s son.

32. Music Box

When Butz dreams of his father. It does sounds like a real music box, and despite “simple” arrangements it is perfectly done. The track even ends without ultimately looping, showing that the souvenir is over.

33. The Airship

Airship themes just keep getting more epic! After the flute intro the trumpets burst into a joyful rhythm. The second part of the loop has some flute, before the trumpet kicks back in to start the loop again.

34. The Evil Lord Exdeath

The big bad guy. After a short and dramatic violin intro, the main violin track makes for a very dramatic tone for Exdeath. The second part even has “evil laughter” in the background along with anguished voices.

Disk 2

1. Exdeath's Castle

There is a very good militaristic feel to that theme, with the combination of trumpets and strings. The drums in the background add a good touch of drama. The organ at the end of the loop is the perfect conclusion for a dramatic effect.

2. The Dawn Warriors

The 4 old warriors’ theme. The trumpet track make for a very epic theme, while the violins add a dramatic touch to that epicness. The drums in the background remind us that they are warriors, which is good.

3. Clash On the Big Bridge

I would not call it the “major boss battle” because it does not have the right level of epicness. Nevertheless the battles (there is more than one) against Gilgamesh sounds dramatic enough to show that this is no ordinary battle. The organ plays the introduction while the core of the loop is introduced by an electric guitar. After trumpets kick in to give this battle theme a good touch of drama.

4. Unknown Lands

The second overworld theme. It is very fitting of a mysterious world with very different landscape than in Butz’ world. The low-tone string intro create the mystery while the main flute sounds even a little sad; hey you did quit your planet to never come back! There is also “backward” harp in the background that adds to the mystery of this new land.

5. Moogle's Theme

Since I played Final Fantasy VI before FF V, I am biased towards the theme. I think it is played too quickly. However it does have the right light-heartedness for these little white, furry creatures. I love the background xylophone in the background that adds to their primitiveness.

6. The Castle of Dawn

Galuf’s Castle. It sounds much more epic and heroic (and at the same time, regal) than Lenna’s castle. The theme is introduced by low-tone brass, before the trumpets kick in and announce the return of the king! The drum beat is also different, and adds the right militaristic touch.

7. Beyond the Deep Blue Sea

The underwater theme. The main flute is perfect for the theme, while the “echoing” violins create the perfect underwater feeling. Finally the harp in the background adds the touch of magic that evokes being underwater.

8. Legend of the Deep Forest

I learned to like that theme but I still find it annoying; the violins are much too loud. However, each violin part ends with a little bit of flute, while the harp in the background helps creating an interesting feeling of mystery in the forest of Moores.

9. Tycoon Waltz

Princess Salsa is back; let us all dance! It does sound like a genuine waltz, but after hearing the orchestrated version over the Internet, I now think it sounds a little primitive. Judge for yourself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ3wBwdyRVE

10. Boko's Theme

The standard chocobo theme. I loved the new little introduction theme with the trumpet and xylophone; the FF IV one started right with the core of the loop. It is also slower than previous chocobo themes, which is a good thing. Probably the best theme before Final Fantasy VIII.

11. A New World

The last overworld theme. It sounds rightfully dramatic, after the faltering of the crystals that leave the world to waste. The first part of the loop uses bells that build the sadness correctly, while the bass and guitar in the background also improve the drama of the theme. The second part uses organ while the last part end with loud violins that add the final touch of drama.

12. Sealed Book

The book that lets you unseal the legendary weapons of the past (but also the village of the Void before you actually enter it). The theme is just perfect for that: the voice sampling in the intro (and the “metal xylophone” notes) build a good mystery while the harp adds a touch of history to these sealed weapons.

13. Slumber of Ancient Earth

The theme of a few dungeons where you get the lithographs to free the weapons. It is my favorite dungeon theme (before the final one). The intro has very loud (but bearable) instruments and strings, while the core of the lute is a mix of brass and an “Arabic” trumpet that create a very good dramatic atmosphere.

14. Prelude to the Void

The first part of the final dungeon. It starts with a few bass notes that then add a choir of strings that build the drama of this god-forsaken place. When the high-pitch trumpets kick in you KNOW you are in for an extremely long quest. The last part of the loop has loud strings adding to the good dramatic atmosphere of this very large dungeon.

15. In Search of Light

One of the themes that convinced me to come back. Even though it sounds rather joyous for the last part of a final dungeon, it is nevertheless appropriate when you read the title. You have reached the core of The Void and need the help of Light in order to reseal it. The trumpet perfectly translates this feeling of a heroic mission. The drum in the background make that feeling even more epic. Finally the strings in the second part of the loop help increasing the epicness of the theme.

16. The Decisive Battle

THE track that convinced me to tough out the difficulty of the game. Even today I consider this track to be one of the best “major boss battle” ever. Whenever you need to let off steam, put the volume as loud as you can with maximum bass and you will know why I love it so much . The intro starts with very dramatic violins and drums. It then starts again with a crescendo of battery and cymbals and more violins building up on Exdeath’s theme. The end of the loop (after the short flute that introduces it) is where having maximum bass is worth it. There is bass, but also dramatic violin and battery effects.

17. The Final Battle

Sadly, it is not as epic as the previous theme. Nevertheless, it does feel right for a final boss battle. It starts with some excerpts from Exdeath’s theme accompanied by dramatic violin arrangements that continue through the track. The battery here is the best part, making the tempo very quick and upbeat. There is also bass that creates good drama for such an important fight. The core of the loop makes the exchange between trumpets and violins, a good mix that serve Uematsu well in FF IV.

18. The Silent Beyond

The first part of the ending theme. The theme starts very quietly with echoing harp, as the heroes are still stuck in the void. It gets progressively louder and louder with more complicated arrangements as they get out of it and the world starts to revive. This is perfect to announce the rebirth of the world.

19. Dear Friends

One year after the team conquered Exdeath. It is a guitar version of Deception. I never really cared for it so I just skip it.

20. FINAL FANTASY

The classical FF theme. It is the best arrangement of the theme so far. It starts with a staccato harp, followed by low-tone brass and violins (and the usual harp). The theme gets more and more complex arrangements (flute, metal xylophone) to become very epic. It concludes quietly with a few harp notes.

21. Ending Theme

I usually do not care for ending themes, however good they are. This one is no exception, even though it sounds very epic with its upbeat violin intro follow by epic trumpets that remind me of the ending theme in FF IV.

22. The Prelude

Even though the harp sounds more realistic and the echo is better, I preferred the FF IV version of the theme. However the core of the theme is not as loud, which makes it less annoying.

23. Fanfare 1

The modernized version of the Final Fantasy II fanfare. I believe this is my favorite until the PSX era. Even for this short a track, the trumpet goes in a crescendo and becomes very epic and loud.

24. Fanfare 2

A longer version of the fanfare that sounds even more epic thanks to more cymbal. But I still preferred the previous one.

25. I'm a Dancer

 I can not remember when this was played, but it has a nice Spanish touch to it with the trumpet and castanets beat in the background.

26 to 33. Piano Lesson

Every one of the 8 different pianos you plays through the game to obtain a bonus song for the bard. It starts very clumsily but improves noticeably with time, ending with a very grand demonstration of Butz’ talent by the 8^th track. Starting at the 5^th one there is not that annoying metronome-like beat to help play in-tune.

Diagnosis: the music was better than the gameplay for sure. I highly recommend that you listen to it and add it to your collection.