Review: Neon Genesis Evangelion OST Volume 1

This is one of the very first Anime original soundtrack (OST) CDs that I acquired, so it naturally has a warm place in my heart. However, this CD is also a great collection of the most significant tunes from the first half or so of the Evangelion series.

The first 2 tracks of the CD are extended mixes of the opening and closing themes. Especially in the case of the Cruel Angel's Thesis, the added material really elevates these songs. The remainder of the first third mostly concentrates on tracks that in the anime tended to be played in non-action sequences. The boisterous music played during many of the Eva vs. Angel confrontations is contained in the middle third, while the final portion of the CD is devoted to alternate versions of Fly Me To the Moon and the short jingle that plays during the episode previews (out of a sense of completeness, I assume).

This CD is notable for the sheer range of musical expression, from slow and sorrowful to bright and hopeful. I have to admit that I think the middle portion of the CD contains the strongest tracks, but then again I prefer heroic music over the sentimental stuff. This disc contains almost all of the key movements of Eva's sound track. The latter half of the series introduces few new tunes and mostly consists of remixes of the themes presented on this CD. As a result, this disc is a must-have for any Eva fan as well as for more casual anime fans looking for a representative selection of Eva music for their collection.

By Andy Rucker
 

Track List

1. Cruel Angel's Thesis (extended mix)

2. Fly Me to the Moon (extended mix)

3. Angel Attack

4. Rei I

5. Hedgehog's Dilema

6. Barefoot In The Park

7. Ritsuko's Theme

8. Misato's Theme

9. Asuka Strikes

10. Nerv

11. Tokyo-3

12. Shinji's Theme

13. Eva-01

14. A Step Forward Into Terror

15. Eva-02

16. Decisive Battle

17. Eva-00

18. The Beast

19. Marking Time, Waiting for Death

20. Rei II

21. Fly Me To The Moon (instrumental version)

22. "Next Episode" preview bridge

23. Fly Me To The Moon (Engrish version)