https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fpf-dD4atHw

After the bitter deception of Final Fantasy IX – it was so bad I can not remember a single element of the story line – I was hoping that Final Fantasy X would come back to the standards of the previous games and I was not disappointed. Excellent plot, awesome graphics, the game was fully voiced (even non-playing characters) and also an excellent soundtrack. To this day I am still torn between Final Fantasy VIII and X on that metric… anyway here is my review of the soundtrack.

1 - I Want to Tell You Everything

Just the Japanese Tidus talking. I wonder why this is even part of the soundtrack, and why it is in Japanese. Anyway it is only 7 seconds long, so do not mind it.

2 - At Zanarkand

The intro song. This is a very nice piano track, slow and relaxing. It is perfect to introduce Tidus’ story, a little like Cloud’s story (On that day, five years ago). Although I prefer the “real” piano version with its more complex arrangements, this one is still interesting.

3 – Prelude

Probably the most unusual version of the famous track. It sounds “too” modern with its synth and drum in the background. Fortunately the core of the loop still has hints of harp playing the crescendo and decrescendo. I guess it fits the high-tech environment of Zanarkand.

4 - Tidus' Theme

I honestly can not remember when we hear that theme inside the game. Although the arrangements are beautiful – a mix of guitar and harpsichord – it does not sound like the theme for a main male character. When the harmonica kicks in, it sound more like a theme for Auron; it is also a slower version of Wakka’s theme, and that one is much better. Just skip it.

5 – Otherworld

Probably the most unusual track ever composed for a Final Fantasy game. It is a (very) heavy metal track with loud electric guitars, drums and a singer that screams his lungs off (although you can usually make sense of what he says, especially around the middle). This track is even better when you watch the blitzball intro movie; it fits the high technology perfectly.

6 - Hurry!!

Probably the best such theme until this game. The constant drum (and occasional cymbal) sound like a heart beating really fast, while the main violin track has a quick tempo that indeed tells you to hurry the hell up. However I find the wind (?) arrangements that stretch their note annoying.

7 - This Is Your Story

I do not remember much about this track; is it when Tidus wakes up after Syn’s passage? Anyway it does not sound very interesting; like a muted version of Auron’s theme mixed with high-tech tribal music. Just skip it.

8 – Ominous

I mostly remember this track from the last part of Syn. The track is beautifully creepy, with the background violins playing very low notes while the main track plays an echoic sound that adds the right level of creep. You even hear a low-tone male choir starting in the middle to make the tracks even darker. At the end of the loop there is a strange addition of percussion, but fortunately it does not spoil the track.

9 - Normal Battle

Self-explanatory. Yet another departure from the “classical” theme of I through VI and IX, but at least the PS 2 sounds make it better than VII and VIII. The trumpet is played beautifully, the tempo is just right and will keep you on the edge of your seat. There is even some synth in the background that makes a good addition.

10 - Victory Fanfare

THAT never changes, at least in the intro. Again, the whole is better than VII and VIII thanks to a mix of synth and triumphant trumpets in the second part of the loop.

11 - Game Over

I never die, so I never get to hear these kinds of tracks. It uses high-pitch harpsichord that does sound sad, but I do not care for it. Just skip it.

12 - No Hopes, No Dreams

After Tidus gets separated from the Al Bhed. The title is very appropriate; it sounds like Tidus is all alone in the world after the Apocalypse. The tempo is slow and heavy, and the bells in the background sound like there is a dark ceremony mocking him. The loop concludes beautifully with a few heavy piano notes.

13 - Secret Maneuverings

When the Al Bheds are plotting something. Once again the title is appropriate. The main track consists of a quiet drum beat, with high-pitch violins in the background that add a touch of mystery. Through the loop there are strings that kind of mimic the people talking about their secret plans.

14 - Underwater Ruins

Although I do not care for this track, its sounds very appropriate for exploring underwater. The beat is very slow and heavy with echo, showing the immensity of the ocean floor. However the arrangements are mostly synth, and “real” arrangements would have been better. Just skip it.

15 - Al Bhed Tribe's Chi

Another track I can not quite remember. It does not sound very interesting; the core of the loop has very cheap piano arrangements. Plus the tempo is slow and does not reflect the Al Bhed’s high technology and more like B-rated 80s music. Just skip it.

16 - Enemy Attack

The boss battle theme. With IX it is probably the best such theme. It uses real instrument arrangements (and even voices to heighten the drama) and a more dramatic tone than the regular battle theme. The first part is kind of slow but intriguing while the second one is more heavy on the violins and the drum.

17 - Blitz Ball Gamblers

I consider this Wakka’s theme. It reflect his persona very well: jolly and always ready to play. The first part of the track has muted French horns while the second part uses more joyful trumpets. The last part uses arrangements that are hard to describe but that still uplift the mood; violins in the background are the right finishing touch.

18 - Besaid Island

When walking around Besaid. The tempo is slow and relaxing, perfect for the exploration of this tropical island. The piano is very nice, the violins in the background are beautiful and the echoing sound in the loop adds a little touch of mystery.

19 - Spiran Scenery

One of the first of many variations from Suteki Da Ne, the main song of the game. The guitar is played nicely and slowly. It keeps its “exotic” feel, at times sounding like a ukulele even.

20 - Song of Prayer

Inside any temple before the trials. The only thing you will hear is a choir a caepalla; it has a very nice sacred feel to it.

21 – Illusion

Another track I can not quite remember from the game. It sounds like it is from the late game, beyond the North Pole. Anyway the arrangements are strange and feel too light; just skip it.

22 - Palace of Ordeals

When exploring the core of the temple to get an Aeon. These are unusual arrangements for a dungeon, with staccato violins, bells and weird sounds in the background. Nevertheless, they feel appropriate for such an important task.

23 - Song of Prayer – Valfor

The voice of a single woman singing the theme. Since it is the first Aeon, it sounds a little weak, but it sounds nice nevertheless.

24 – Summoning

When Yuna first summons Valefor, but also the intro screen. I never cared for that tracks; it does not sound like you have invoked a mighty beast. Just skip it.

25 - Daughter of the Great Summoner

An uninteresting track when the team crosses a river on some imaginary animal. The beat is uninteresting and is a terrible cover for Suteki Da ne with the weird arrangements. Just skip it.

26 - Good Night

Short and sweet as it should be. Too bad they did not include the snoring sounds from the game.

27 - Yuna's Theme

(Another) Suteki Da Ne cover. However since Yuna is the main character this version is quite good. The tempo is slow as to reflect her fragile nature (being a summoner is hard) but also her orphan status with the harmonica at the start of the loop.

28 – Sprouting

When walking down one of the main roads. Not my favorite track, but it has interesting arrangements. Most of the track is played with an accordion, with constant triangle sounds in the background. You feel the enormous task ahead with the slow tempo.

29 - Farplane Sending

When Yuna lays the dead to rest and walks on water (!). The music sounds a little “cultish” with its drum track. Also, the Song of Fayth voices are too slow for my taste. So despite sounding appropriate I usually skip it.

30 - Silence Before the Storm

When exploring a forest. The arrangements are perfectly mysterious, ideal for a forest setting. There is guitar and violins in the background, while the main track has some kind of metal xylophone and other synth effects to add to the mystery.

31 - Song of Prayer – Ifrit

This time it is a male voice that is singing. It is perfect for the very strong God of fire.

32- Luca

The “capital” of blitzball does not sound very welcoming… However it does sound very lively with its medium tempo, but also mysterious with the arrangements about midway through the loop.

33 - Reception for Great Sage Micah

You can hear some of the arrangements in the Summoned Monster battle, and these are better there. Sure, it sounds very imperialistic and official (for the “big boss” of Spira), but I never cared for the track. Just skip it.

34 - Unwavering Decision

The intro to a blitzball game. I love the arrangements; the violins in the background and the constant drum are like a time off during a game where you must decide on your strategy quickly.

35 - The Splendid Performance

When you are looking around Luca for Yuna. Since the music is so quiet in the game you can barely hear this track. Honestly it sounds rather repetitive and uninteresting despite beautiful piano. Just skip it.

36 – Confrontation

I can not remember this track at all. It sounds too heavy and overdone to be interesting, so just skip it.

37 - Blitz Off

Inside a blitzball game, one of the most addictive sidequests around. It incorporates both real-er instruments (electric guitar and drums) and many synth effects, which are perfect for this futuristic game.

38 - Auron's Theme

The piano intro is perfect for this “renegade” that knew your father. The core of the look has heavy synth effect, perfect to show that he is also from Zanarkand. The last part of the loop even plays the guitar more obviously, which was a good touch.

39 - Mi'ihen Road

The main background tracks adds a rather goofy sound, as if you were a clown. You can also hear an out-of-synch metronome for some reason. Hey, why not be inventive for once!

40 - Brass de Chocobo

My favorite version of the theme. In addition to brass, there are very upbeat drums in the background in the introduction that are very good. You can also hear the cymbals, as to add a little jazzy ambiance (in addition to saxophone at the end of the loop).

41 - Travel Company

When you meet the, er, Al Bhed travel agent all through your quest. This is a nice, relaxing track with its slow piano arrangements. I love the string arrangements in the middle of the loop; they add to the relaxing feeling of the track. However I wonder why we hear hands clapping.

42 - Permitted Passage

A variation of Seymour’s theme, the track right after. Because of the redundancy, I skip it.

43 - Seymour's Theme

After a loud violin intro, the same violins become a little quieter. The harp is the background sounds haunting, which is perfect for this evil character. The bells in the background also add to the persona.

44 – Twilight

Is that the theme of the Far Plain? If so it sounds very appropriate because of its slow rhythm. However, the notes are stretched to an extreme that I do not like. Just skip it.

45 - Djose Temple

The track sounds rather dramatic for such a “minor” temple. The loop starts with very scary-sounding violins, while the core of the loop sounds a little more militaristic with the drum rolls. There is also some staccato violin in that part. I usually skip it.

46 - Song of Prayer – Ixion

The man’s lone voice is deeper and more solemn this time. Too bad he loops only once.

47 - Wanna Ride the Ciparph?

A weird track for a weird animal. The main track consists violins that echo and is played in staccato with “African” xylophone; there are also “Christmas” bells in the background. Not the most memorable track, but the arrangements are beautiful and quiet.

48 - Rikku's Theme

We hear the track like, once or twice and it is easy to miss in the game. The arrangements are light and somehow joyful, perfect to represent this happy late-teen girl. However the main track’s arrangements sound kind of… childish so I usually skip the track.

49 – Guadosalam

A strange and quiet “African” rhythm track. The arrangements are good in themselves, but they feel weird for the Guados; they are an advanced people. The flute and choir add to this “African” feel.

50 - Thunder Plain

Another strange track where you will hear a loud clock ticking. Otherwise it consists of very good piano arrangements that sound a little echo. It is strange considering you are on an opened plain, but I like it all the same.

51 - Jecht's Theme

If this is not the best track of the album, it is certainly in the top 3. The guitar arrangements are simply sublime; the background beat (played in the lower keys) represents Jecht’s rebellious persona so well. The main track, on its side, shows his ignorant side (what is a summer ner anyway?)

52 - Macalania Forest

Hey, Macarena… oops wrong year. Anyway that forest is full of fayths, and the arrangements make us feel that magical feeling very well with its mysterious and echoic arrangements. The violins in the background are very faint, adding to the mysterious atmosphere.

53 - Sea of Mists

Another track I can not remember hearing from the game. The arrangements are nothing worth remembering; if anything the background sounds seem rather random. Just skip it.

54 - The Temple Band

Shiva’s Temple? If so it sounds appropriate for the Goddess of Ice. The tempo is very slow and light, with violins in the background perfect for this icy temple. The drums add a slight touch of drama that is perfect for a dungeon.

55 - Seymour's Ambition

Your first fight against the man. It is Seymour’s theme with a more dramatic theme. The tempo is also quicker and more upbeat with the synth and electric guitar. You can still hear the piano at the end of the loop.

56 - Song of Prayer ~ Shiva

A very nice soprano voice, perfect for this Aeon.

57 - The Advancers

When you are escaping the temple from Seymour’s posies. Not the best arrangements around, however the constant drum adds the right touch of drama for this in extremis escape – the drum beat gets much quicker in the second part of the loop. Also the background arrangements are in very low tones, adding to the drama.

58 - Blazing Desert

Honestly, I preferred the FF VII version. At least we “felt” like it was in the desert. In this one, there is a weird buzzing sound that keeps ringing that is extremely annoying. Even the crossing of the desert in Breath of Fire III was better; just skip it.

59 – Crisis

When you arrive at the blazing Al Bhed land. The arrangements are indeed very crisis-like with their quick tempo and very dramatic tone. Too bad the album did not include the male voice we heard during the game.

60 - The Truth Revealed

Another track I can not quite remember. However the violin arrangements are very nice and have a dramatic touch to them. As if a big secret were indeed revealed.

61 – Start

The airship theme. It is a much slower version of Raid (a few tracks down), and therefore much less interesting. Plus it does not have the usual epicness of airship themes, so just skip it.

62 - Marriage Ceremony

Even though, yes, it is an arranged marriage between Yuna and Seymour, the tone is much too dramatic. In the animation at least there were bells. Just skip it.

63 – Raid

When you rescue Yuna from her marriage. MUCH better than start thank to its very quick tempo and excellent piano arrangements. You can also hear faint drums in the background. I love how the piano sounds more joyful towards the second half of the loop.

64 – Tragedy

Another track I can not quite remember. While the violins are slow and have a dramatic touch to them, they do not sound very tragic to my hears (even with the background drum). Just skip it.

65 - I Can Fly

When Yuna jumps on Valefor? Anyway it sounds too much like tragedy, which is not right since Yuna single-handedly escaped her forced marriage. The triumphant trumpets only come at the end.

66 - Path of Repentance

When walking down Via Purifico. This is another excellent piano track that actually sounds better in-game. It is very relaxing and slow, perfect for this path where you must absolve your sins against Spira.

67 - Song of Prayer ~ Bahamut

Why take a child to sing the King of the Dragons? Skip it in a hurry.

68 - Time of Judgement

During the team’s trial for Seymour’s murder? Anyway it is a dramatic and militaristic version of the Hymn of Fayth, minus the voices. The drum roll is perfect, and the constant bells in the background show how grave a “crime” you have committed.

69 - My Father's Murderer

Another version of Seymour’s theme, and quite an annoying one. The main track consists of highly repetitive harpsichord while the background beat sounds like it was made before the PSX era. Skip it in a hurry; there are better “scary” themes.

70 - Suteki Da Ne

A song that was most fortunately NOT translated. It fits Yuna and Tidus making out in the water so well. The violin intro makes for a strong romance, while the slow guitar when Rikki (the singer’s name) starts singing keeps the tone right. However, the drums when the chorus starts feel VERY out of place; the concert versions are usually much superior in that respect.

71 - Yuna's Decision

The Great Plain. The beat is slow and light, perfect for this gigantic plain where there is really nothing much to see. It feels very relaxing too.

72 - Lulu's Theme

Not the best character theme around, but it fits her person well. You hear it so late in the game because Lulu gains a spotlight when you come across a cave where her previous summoner perished. The theme is therefore very sad, with a mix of flute and synth.

73 - Brave Advancement

The coliseum theme. I preferred even the one from Breath of Fire II, which sounded much more triumphant, like in the Roman era. This one has a strange mix of “real” instruments and heavy synth. Good overall, but not the best theme of the sort.

74 - Song of Prayer ~ Youjinbo

Yet another deep male voice. It is perfect for this “expensive” Aeon.

75 - People of the North Pole

A very nice and relaxing track, although the violin arrangements sound a little sad. The main violin track is beautiful, and the general feeling does makes you feel you are in an extremely cold place. I love the bagpipe (!!) at the end, which adds another touch of sadness.

76 - Song of Prayer ~ Ronso Tribe

In sounds better than in the game; the choir is one of “real” men rather than humanoid mammals. The voices could have been deeper, though.

77 - Wandering Flame

When you are nearing Zanarkand, right around where you see your team with their weapons in the ground before you press start. This is another excellent relaxing track with nice wood arrangements. You somehow feel that you are nearing the end of your quest.

78 - Someday the Dream Will End

Zanarkand. It sounds very sad, since the city is in ruins, but also magical with the strange echo sound in the background. It fits all those fayths you see when exploring the city.

79 - Song of Prayer ~ Yunalesca

It sounds strange to have a male choir for Yunalesca. However it IS appropriate because their voices sound a little glum, which is the perfect for the dead you are facing.

80 – Challenge

The “major boss” battle, and the best one since The Dreadful Fight (JENOVA was too “artificial and not dramatic enough). Yes, this track is also heavy on synths but their tone is much more dramatic. The intro of the loop set the tone and tempo just right; the background sound is very upbeat. The second part has more drums and heightens the dramatic feel of fighting a dead.

81 - To the End of the Abyss

The theme from an optional dungeon that, indeed, goes deep inside the Earth. As such the arrangements are excellent and relaxing. The first part is a mix of piano and violin, while the second part consists mostly of low strong arrangements. These are more proper for a dungeon theme; otherwise it does not sound mysterious or “stressful” enough.

82 – Darkness

The second part of the same dungeon. THAT sounds more proper from a dungeon, especially one deep inside the Earth. The main track has, once again, this “African xylophone” beat that is slow, while the loud violins in the background stretch their notes to make for an excellent mysterious ambiance.

83 - Song of Prayer ~ Spira

When the planet start singing the hymn to weaken Syn. I do not know how many people participated in that song, but you can really hear that there are more than 10 people.

84 - The Deceased Laugh

Yet another cover from Seymour’s theme. Honestly, this is getting ridiculous. The synth is much too heavy and plays as if there were echo. Skip it to the next rack in a hurry.

85 - Seymour Battle

An unusual beat for a battle (it sounds a little dance), but an excellent one nevertheless. After a nice choir introduction, the drummer tries to destroy his instrument before having a more “reasonable” beat. The core of the theme consists of excellent synth arrangements that sound rather joyful in the first part. However the drama is heightened in the second part with the “organ” playing alone with the drum.

86 - Song of Prayer ~ Anima

How proper to hear a low-tone female voice. Since Anima is Seymour’s mother, she sings her last song before joining your team.

87 - Summoned Beasts Battle

My favorite battle theme of the game. The tempo is very quick and the ambiance, very dramatic. After a loud string and synth intro, the main track for the core of the loop gets a little quieter for a short while. But soon after the drummer starts hitting the cymbals like mad. The choir in the background helps heightening the dramatic feel of this dramatic fight.

88 - Decisive Battle

The final battle. The introduction is very dramatic and slow, but then the core of the loop explodes with the pianist trying to destroy his instrument. Oh, the notes are played at the perfect tempo and volume; it is just that he has so much energy! The background strings are a little annoying but still do not spoil the rest of the track. I found the end of the loop a little clumsy – as if Uematsu had difficulty making it loop correctly – but at least it keeps the dramatic mood.

89 - Ending Theme

One of the best ending themes ever composed. Too bad my disk was scratched; I could never enjoy it. It starts with very dramatic arrangements from Syn’s death, then the music becomes rather sad because Tidus is fading away, leaving Yuna sad. The music then becomes more heroic as Yuna makes a big speech inside the blitzball stadium to announce the start of a new era of peace free from Syn. A masterful composition.

90 - Please Remember'

Japanese Yuna or Rikki, I am not sure. Just skip it.

91 - Isn't It Wonderful? (Orchestra version)

Not the best orchestrated version, but definitely better than the in-game one – Rikki does not detach her words enough like in VOICES. The piano is MUCH better at introducing the song, and a full group of strings create a much better romantic atmosphere than the guitar. And the way that the orchestra explodes after the first chorus makes the track much grander.

Final diagnosis: Final Fantasy X is a must-try (and listen) for any video game lover. Excellent story, beautiful graphics, addicting gameplay and out-of-this-world music.

The music, paired with story-telling, is one of the great elements of the Final Fantasy genre, I'll call it.  The music is wonderful to the point where orchestras perform it at high-level functions and concerts.

I have a few thoughts.

"I never die so I don't hear this type of music."  You've never lived if you haven't died in an RPG.  There's nothing wrong with getting wiped out.  I remember learning how to grind on Dragon Warrior 1 from NES because I kept getting killed.  The frustration was as much as I've ever experienced and it was tough stuff for a kid to deal with.  But games aren't fun unless there's some sort of daring.  Not dying in an RPG is kind of like setting a sports game like Madden to easy so you win every single game all the time.

The No Hope, No Dream theme reminds me of the atmosphere of either Narshe or the Mech factory in Final Fantasy IV, the most superior of the games.  I'm American and my cartridge says "4" on it, so anyone who's about to say, "No, it's VI!" can go do unspeakable things to themselves that I can't say because I don't want to get banned just yet.

Sprouting is just an up-gunned version of "To Zanarkand."  Whatever.

I enjoyed reading most of the comments.  Thanks for the time.

I guess I am very careful when planning my battle strategy; seriously by the time I got a SNES (I started with a Genesis) I hardly died in turn-based RPGs. But I did die a few times in Phantasy Star II.

And I don't agree with your comparisons of No Hope, No dream. Devil's Lab was very high tech while Mines of Narshe was a little more intriguing. No Hope would be closer to Coin Song or some other sad theme

Finally, I seem to remember seeing Roman numerals on; at least on Final Fantasy Chronicles and Origins.

PS : Thank you for your comments Too few people answer to my threads here.