Written by Ether_Dragon

Imagine, if you will, a collection of music that flows so perfectly that all higher brain functions cease to work, a compilation of songs in which the line between reality and pure ecstasy is blurred, a gathering where art, creativity, and genius all converge into one circular shiny compact disc. "What is he talking about!?" you might be asking yourself. Let me explain.

First, I put the album into my CD player. Then, I cranked the volume all the way up. Finally, I sat back, and pushed play. Instantly I was pulled in by the newly arranged and mesmerizing "Prelude." I must have replayed it five times, before I even listened to the rest of the album. The next song acted as a bridge from "The Prelude" to the "Prologue." It was one I had never heard before. It is called the "Theme of Love." As I listened to this song many times, I began to hear both happy and sad emotions emerging from Nobuo Uematsu's soul. This song engulfed me like a warm bubble bath. As the song reached completion, I was hooked. I knew right then that this was going to be one of the best of all the FF albums.

In the following minutes, I found myself venturing into familiar territory. It was, of course, the "Prologue." This one hasn't changed much. It is still the same "Prologue" I remember from my first FF experience (FFI), back when it was also known as the "Bridge Theme." This next one was a new one to me. The name of it was "Welcome to our town!" Its rhythmic tempo drew me in. The subtle touch of the pianist brings about a heartwarming sense of compassion and hospitality. When this song ended I felt good… good and ready for the next song. The track flipped over. A familiar tune appeared. I thought it might be found in some other Final Fantasy game, but I was wrong. It sounds similar to a Dragon Warrior tune.

Hmm what could be next… YES, IT'S THE CHOCOBO THEME. No Final Fantasy game would be complete without the chocobos. 'Nuff said. I waited for the next track. That's when the soundtrack took a turn in a new direction. A mellower tone creeped up on me. A song that portrayed trouble, sadness, confusion, and despair, with a pinch of hope. It was named "Into the Darkness." It was around this time that I realized something. This soundtrack was not just a bunch of songs from some game. It was a story. A moral struggle between good and evil. Rydia came and went. A tranquil and relaxing tune, but a tune with tension. Tension leading up to something big, perhaps? I was about to find out.

Melody of Lute came next. A brilliant song. This wasn't the best song on the album in my opinion, but I believe it was the best written. It shows talent that only could come from true genius. The combination of chords, melody, and rhythm is unlike any other song I have ever heard, Final Fantasy and otherwise. It also seemed to compliment the storyline of the soundtrack in a unique way.

There was only one song I did not care for on the whole album. "Golbeza, Clad in the Dark" is its name. It lacked purpose and continuity with the previous songs. It broke the flow and left me wondering where to go next. Fortunately, the next song was such an excellently composed masterpiece; it more than made up for "Golbeza." It is called "Troian Beauty" Once again, this song is a continuation of the story portrayed throughout the album. In my opinion, it represents a forbidden love, one that cannot be. As the song progresses, you hear the struggles of the two lovers. By the end of the song, though, the characters have reached acceptance, and can now move on.

"The Battle" is obviously the greatest song on the CD, if not greater than any Final Fantasy composition. It is the climax, the moment at which all of the emotions, tensions, and conflicts of the previous songs converge and form one everlasting struggle between all that is good, and its opposite, evil. As I listened to this song, I felt as if the pianist could feel the pain, and it was driving him to perfection. What a great piece of art!

After hearing "The Battle," my heart was pounding, and I awaited a conclusion. Who triumphed in the battle? Was it good or evil? I found out when hearing the "Epilogue." It was Good who prevailed over Evil. With bits and pieces from many of the previous songs, especially the "Theme of Love," this song brought about a sense of completion. I had come full circle, and I had enjoyed the trip. I thought that was the end. I almost took the disc out of my player, but then it flipped to another track. I heard orchestrated music! My first thought was not a good one. I was confused why Nobuo Uematsu would put an orchestrated arrangement on a piano collections album! It was a thoughtless contradiction, but, all of a sudden, my thoughts on the matter ceased. I began to listen. It was the "Theme of Love!" After hearing the whole thing, I understood. This was the closing credits to my little story, a goodbye, if you will.

I enjoyed this album more than any other Final Fantasy album I have ever heard. Each song is interlocked with one another. When combined they form something greater, with true purpose. Also, the hidden messages contained within each piece was subtle but easy to understand. Nobuo Uematsu has really outdone himself this time. Be warned: once this Piano Collection enters your CD player, it cannot and will not come out.