OCR01288 - Chrono Trigger 'Sacratus Bellator'

[djpretzel]

What did you think? Post your opinion of this ReMix.

[thealexfish]

I didn't like it because the original melody that it was inspired by was changed so much that it was almost unrecognizable and didn't sound very good. I really like the original tune, but this didn't have the catchyness or energy that made the original so great. It may have been the way the tune was rearranged, or it might have been how it felt fairly anticlimatic. I waited for the climax to come, but it never did. I actually told the song to "do something" near the end of the song because it was getting boring.

I have 3 other songs by GrayLightning, but I don't like this one that much. I would say that this is really well done and the instruments are well sampled and such, and I'm sure a lot of effort was put into it.

EDIT: Basically, I didn't like how he rearranged the song. I thought it sounded pretty bland and boring without any melody.

[Darangen]

While pretty liberal with the theme, this is nothing short of awesome. Great dynamics + awesome percussion + amazing originality = GrayLightning.

This is what ReMixing is all about :).

[Less Ashamed Of Self]

While I can tell it was well produced, and the dynamics were well done and effective. The liberties taken here, the sheer combination of so many themes, it just left me very uninspired. I agree with thealexfish.

A little more harshly; I was physically rolling my eyes at how many OCR/orchestral cliches were used here. It was like everything I don't like about an orchestral OCR mixed in to one track.

And I can't help but think; How does someone who's as big as GreyLightening wake up and say: "I think I'll mix something today, you know what I'd like to hear: an orchestral rendition of a Chrono Trigger piece, I should check to see if anyone has done frog's theme..."

To someone just coming here, (ie: from Fark) it will floor them. I hope this pleases many fans of CT and the song chosen. But sorry I think I've built up a bias.

[Protricity]

While I can tell it was well produced, and the dynamics were well done and effective. The liberties taken here, the sheer combination of so many themes, it just left me very uninspired. I agree with thealexfish.


Agreed. Quite cliche and uninspired. As with most Gray mixes, the sample-quality and sound effects sound great, and the composition is plodding and irksome. Eventually I hope this new-age phase will wear away. There's more to music than style and cymbal crescendos.

[sgx]

I think this is sweet. I'm not really a fan of the original (I think I've heard a few too many assy newb trance mixes of it), but this is real nice. Very kewl.

[Oddity]

Sounds like all these negativities are either coming from Frog's theme being mixed which just somehow has to sound bad because of some expectation, or from something being done in a style. Sure I can see the latter being acceptible if a more in-depth review was written, but right now it just seems like one aspect is being listened to and then there is an ignoring of everything else. I know how this is, as it's happened in so many songs for me. In a gabber song, the gabber bass kick sample seemed so overwhelming at first, but then the rest seemed so much more signified after future listens, and it sounded so good.

Anyway, not that big of a deal. Most of these reviews are just this, short and opinionated. I guess I just kinda felt sorry for Gray, waking up (in retrospect to someone else's saying...) to see hate on his song he made for fun because of two aspects a lot of other people see as negative when he wouldn't think as much so. I even had the thoughts here and there these people are expressing, but not enough to make me say it in such a way as others here, based on past experiences with single listenings and how they shouldn't be relied on all the time; I too have loved the original so much at one point in time, it being one of my favorites in VGM ever all that time ago. Now it does nothing for me, and never will again. While Gray has clearly put in the original melody, I am glad there is some arrangement backing it up. As for that such arrangement having cliches, I certaintly didn't notice them. Which cliches are we talking about? An instrument being used? Ooh wow, I noticed that too, but the notes it played could have been incredibly cliched but they weren't. Oh well. I hope my ridiculous review has been as ridiculous as everyone else's. I only listened to it once and a half, heh.

[RimFrost the Tourianist]

As that which has been said, the sample quality IS great,and an effort has been made to have it sound huge and inventive. But i did however come to expect something more epic and original from GL ,because Frog's Theme had such great potential for a massive and dramatic masterpiece :(

[Txai]

I appreciated this dynamic melody. The orchestra is pure and brilliant. For me 01:38 up to 02:04 the melody is very diversified. This remix has a powerful energy. The arrangement is excellent. This is a Chrono Trigger remix. But the work is very great. This seems a good movie music. Nice Work,Gray!

[*Drasiir]

Maybe this one wasn't supposed to be as epic as you expected? If you consider this in gaming terms, this would be one of a few different versions used at different points in the game. It sets a different mood than the one we're used to.

I dunno, I love this. Frog's theme is too short to not mix up a bit. Yeah, sure the theme has been done, but that's the point of the creative liberty. This is a new interpretation.

This is the first CT mix in a while that I have really been awed by. And no I'm not from Fark. :roll:


Thanks Graylightning.

[Israfel]

This should be listened to multiple times. Not because it's difficult to "get" or anything, but because there are some great compositional details that one might miss on one or two distracted listenings.

I really enjoy the way that Gray deals with rhythm for adding development and cohesion to the piece. For instance, the triplet rhythm of the main theme (at :11 etc.) is used as the basis for the beautiful crescendo at :28. And another great little addition to this section is the accented upbeats that start at :32 giving the impression that the meter has changed- very nicely done.
It's strange, despite the "liberal interpretation" I think you'd be hard pressed to find more than 20 seconds of music here that isn't in some way developing the original.

No, it's not perfect and not everyone will like it. But I do think that this mix is a bit more inspired and thought-out than some people are giving it credit for.

[Sleepy Emp]

An unusual and "graylightning-style" interpretation of the original, backed up with great samples and skillful arrangement. Well done.

[Txai]

The remixer transforms the original. However has always preferred, maybe not the better. But preferred. The popular people not judge the perfect, however the good. Therefore, the opinions vary between the people.

[Tacitus]

Aw, this remix is such a tease! While I can appreciate the creativity involved in basically chopping up the original piece and skillfully reassembling it into something listenable, nay enjoyable, I was really looking forward to the part of El Themo de Frogo that plays during the game. There were many times listening to Sacratus Bellator that I said "okay, we're leading up to it, and...now!" but nothing happened. There was even potential for a grand finale at the end, which unfortunately (for me anyways) Composmeister GrayLightning did not supply. So, while I must say that this is obviously a well-crafted if liberal interpretation of Frog's Theme, and though it is one of the better remixes of it out there, it isn't what I was looking for.

[DarkeSword]

The remixer transforms the original. However has always preferred, maybe not the better. But preferred. The popular people not judge the perfect, however the good. Therefore, the opinions vary between the people.

Clearly! :wink:

Nice work on this Gray. Choir patches are awesome. Nice chromatic percussion stuff too. :)

[benevolensaurus]

I like this. I'm not familiar with the original, so I can't say whether it's done justice or not, but in my ignorance it sounds good enough. Sort of native american-y and stuff. Maybe some of the.. special effect type things were over-used a little, but I don't really mind.

[akagi]

Those that have shown they do not like this arrangement have said so in a way that they have a predetermined expectation of Frog's Theme. Yes, that song has a very powerful emotion in itself. But the essence of arranging any music is to interpret the song into the arranger's own way. How can people bash GL's arrangement when they won't allow him to do what arrangers are supposed to do. I enjoyed this song because GL turned Frog's Theme into something it hasn't been before. And that is what we should be looking for in an arrangement: changing a song to what it hasn't been before.

There were many parts in this song where I could close my eyes and feel like I'm watching Gladiator or The Last Samurai. Is it just me, or did this arrangement have the cool movie score sounds of Hans Zimmer? I really like the fact that it made me go through a large thought process.

cool cool stuff.

[tgfoo]

This is a very different take on Frogs theme as many of you have pointed out. I really like it, but then I wasn't that fond of the original myself. It definitely has that GrayLightning feel to it. I really like the part that starts at 2'04" with the flute, strings, piano and bells. Great arranging throught the song, good dynamics and all of those other little things that make a great song great.

[Vague Rant]

What on earth is going on here? People can't express a negative opinion any more? Anyway, it seems that everyone thinks their only complaint is that it's Frog's Theme, but perhaps if they read them over a little more, they'd see that that's just not so. As for their messages being opinionated, that is rumored to be the point.

What did you think? Post your opinion of this ReMix.

I don't mind the remix. It's not anything shocking or revolutionary, but not much is. It's okay to listen to, so I'm listening to it. It just won't become one of my staples.

[Txai]

What on earth is going on here? People can't express a negative opinion any more? Anyway, it seems that everyone thinks their only complaint is that it's Frog's Theme, but perhaps if they read them over a little more, they'd see that that's just not so. As for their messages being opinionated, that is rumored to be the point.

What did you think? Post your opinion of this ReMix.

I don't mind the remix. It's not anything shocking or revolutionary, but not much is. It's okay to listen to, so I'm listening to it. It just won't become one of my staples.

The majority has positive opinions. That is truth. But you are exaggerating.

I for example, already had my negative opinions: Bomberman 'Bomberfuzz', Bomberman 3 'Bomb Factory', Super Mario Bros. 'frivolous funk', Donkey Kong Country 2 'Brambly Rivers'...

Moreover is important to know that nobody criticizes one remix without intention.

Therefore I find that you must think more...

[BlueMage]

I think I actually requested this Remix or something like it (Frog's Theme, done orchestrated) a couple of months back, so I'm especially grateful. The fact that it's an awesome mix is just the icing on the cake.

My thanks Gray Lightning, for fulfilling my ReQuest, and for doing a good job of it too.

[Fray]

Before I say anything else, 1:19-1:25 is to die for! I think it may be the finest six seconds of music Gray's written :P

"Sacratus Bellator" is a good remix, even an excellent remix, but slightly more problematic than Gray's other recent work. The "issues" might be some of the reason we're seeing mixed reviews here. In some cases, however, I think the negative reviews really are from a lack of musical understanding (I basically agree with Israfel, I'm just not as nice). In particular, I want to debunk the idea that this remix does not contain enough of Frog's theme. This remix is a pretty textbook -- and well-executed -- example of writing variations on a melody. It's a concept about as old as music itself, and if you can't recognize it in action you need to get with the program. Of course it's okay to express negative opinions, but I have the right to argue when I think someone's opinion is based on a lack of basic knowledge.

The goodness of this remix lies in the quality and creativity of the variations. Gray is particularly good, both here and in general, at doing clever things with timing. For example, that great moment at 1:19-1:25 is a resolution back to a familiar phrase from a time-shifted (and slightly altered, notewise) version of the measure before it. The emotional impact crutches on the assumption that the listener has heard the original Frog theme. I think it's a cool artistic use for the form that is the OC ReMix ^^.

Other neat variation-related tricks include using just the first two notes of the melody to establish a groove and provide an emotional build -- the nicest example is at 3:19, the synchopated version of the melody at 2:16, and the piano countermelody at 0:38.

I dislike the pacing of the intro (start-0:26). The idea was to ease in gradually, I think, but too many instruments and motifs are introducted all at the same time... The swell at 0:07 is the most obviously misplaced -- I think this may have been part of what someone was calling "cliche" in his usual socially constipated manner (hehe sorry Prot). The end result does sound a little like the intro wasn't working out to begin with, so you threw in a swell to cover it up. In particular, I think the alternating violin notes are a bit too dense to come in right at the start... That idea would have been better saved until 0:29.

I'm neither an expert nor a fan of much ethnic music, so take this with a grain of salt: some of the ethnic sections sounded a bit clinky to me. I thought the flutter-tongue on the shakuhadidgeripanflute was overused, nor did I like some of the chromatic percussion -- particularly at 1:52-2:01 (that passage in general sounds uninspired). It does work pretty well at 2:38 though. To me, ethnic instruments tend to bring any music dangerously close to kitsch territory; even minor musical weaknesses will make people point the finger and yell, "CHEESY!" So that's why I'm being so damn picky about it ^^

Production is excellent... Gray takes a less-is-more approach and relies on the composition to create a full, balanced sound. Rock on :)

Sacratus Bellator does an admiral job of handling some significant challenges -- namely giving new mojo to a very well-traveled theme and blending hardcore orchestral writing with other styles. It has a few flaws, but it's an enjoyable and creative treatment of our favorite Frog's theme song.

[Wanderer]

Those that have shown they do not like this arrangement have said so in a way that they have a predetermined expectation of Frog's Theme.

Akagi hit it on the head. I suppose some of the dissatisfaction here is due to the continual anticipation of the big grand melody of Frog's Theme we're all familiar of, but it just never comes. Which is a GREAT thing, GL stays consistent here in presenting a fresh new interpretation of one of the most recognizable themes in gaming. I marvel over how he managed to fit so many different sounds into this song, it's all transitioned beautifully.

My favorite GrayLightning mix ever. The best remix of Frog's Theme ever created. To top it all off, the best song to appear on this site in months. Hats off.

[SirRus]

Beautiful and evocative. Gray really makes me think about music, and that's something I will always thank him and his songs for. There is a lot here to really sit back and wonder at. I let one of my friends listen to this song today and she said it made her want to write. Truly, most everything I have heard by Gray inspires creativity and deep concentration, and this song here is no exception. The song is dynamic in the greatest sense of the word, the listener will find the original Frog's theme entirely deconstructed and then rearranged in a manner that only one man I know could possibly mold with such style and musical intelligence, and I am happy he is here to share that with us.

[arias]

Fantastic and creative arrangement.

One thing I notice about your music is that while the arrangement and structural flow are all great works, they somehow lack a "climax".. Maybe it's not really that; it just feels unfulfilled. I like it, but a section with full orchestration that beautifully plays out the theme would've given it a wholesomeness; at least that's what I think. The song has a great intro, you feel like you're being led into something larger, but that something "larger" never comes; the song never "envelopes" the listener.. That's best I could put it.

Still, lovely piece of work.

[Hyperion5182]

I am listening to it right now...God damn this is good...I dont know where some of you go and say that this takes off from the theme so far...Speaking from expereince this actually stays pretty close to the one used in game. It does give a bit of a more epic level to it. Gray does this one justice. And i think if they ever decided to redo chrono they would walk up to this guy and pay him a ton...Because IMHO this should of been his theme in game... at least at the end of time. I would of liked to of heard a bit more between 2:09-2:30 but this is a stellar remix.

Well Done Gray.

[Fieari]

This is a very nice variations work. It's a little bit more artsy and technical than some people like, and this situation is exacerated due to the fact that he's mixing new styles into the variation... the grand orchestral style used to great effect in modern movies leads us to expect certain things like a grand climax which a "variation" just doesn't require, or indeed, even look for. When we hear a string section with a classical or march drum beat with a soaring melody instrument such as the flute here (can I call this a Jethro flute? seems to borrow some of his style a little bit at times as well) it brings to mind the grand movie epic style... but that's not what this is.

I've found this to be very enjoyable to listen to. The mix of new and old theories work together very well for me. I can see why it's not everyone's cup of tea, but listening to the various canon sections (not canon as gun, canon as "row row row your boat") and the way the harmonies play with the melodies and indeed... the nice samples and production value... it works for me. Nice. Definitely an interesting new take on an old theme.

[Yugimixer]

It's like not bad sounds but it has alot in it like old ppls telling a story takin forever getting to the point. And it's kinda too LOUD but just for someone who has rarely played the game, it took me awhile to get the theme. Not the best but not the worst either.

[Ramenking]

Don't get me wrong I like this song as a song but not as a remix so to say. I didn't feel the frog until halfway through the song. It felt more like a deformed toad. But i still like it.

[Daethar]

I can see why it's not everyone's cup of tea, but listening to the various canon sections (not canon as gun, canon as "row row row your boat") and the way the harmonies play with the melodies and indeed... the nice samples and production value... it works for me.
pssst....
the gun variety is spelled "cannon"

[Vague Rant]

What on earth is going on here? People can't express a negative opinion any more? Anyway, it seems that everyone thinks their only complaint is that it's Frog's Theme, but perhaps if they read them over a little more, they'd see that that's just not so. As for their messages being opinionated, that is rumored to be the point.

What did you think? Post your opinion of this ReMix.

I don't mind the remix. It's not anything shocking or revolutionary, but not much is. It's okay to listen to, so I'm listening to it. It just won't become one of my staples.

The majority has positive opinions. That is truth. But you are exaggerating.

I for example, already had my negative opinions: Bomberman 'Bomberfuzz', Bomberman 3 'Bomb Factory', Super Mario Bros. 'frivolous funk', Donkey Kong Country 2 'Brambly Rivers'...

Moreover is important to know that nobody criticizes one remix without intention.

Therefore I find that you must think more...


I don't see what it is you think I'm exaggerating here. Any time someone posted a negative opinion of this track, someone else criticized them, and even criticized their reasoning for not liking the mix. There is nothing there to be exaggerated. I agree that most of the opinions are positive, and never disputed that. As for the last thing you said, I don't actually understand what it means. Not in the sense that I'm stupid, but in the sense that English is not your first language. If you could clarify it, that would be nice. At the moment, it seems like you're suggesting that people who didn't like the mix had ulterior motives. Which I doubt is what you meant.

[Fridge]

I really enjoyed this. Admittedly, I could listen to just about anything orchestral that wasn't written intentionally jarring or dissonant and enjoy it to some degree, but whatever. The samples were excellent, especially the choir, which was probably the best sounding I've heard on this site. The only thing that irked me a bit were the 'flares' as DJP called them on flute, just kinda hit me wrong. It was extremely textbook, opening and closing with the basic theme and running through endless variations in between, but textbook in a perfectly executed way you rarely find. Good stuff, a remix of something already very well covered that managed not to hit me in the face with it.

[Txai]

What on earth is going on here? People can't express a negative opinion any more? Anyway, it seems that everyone thinks their only complaint is that it's Frog's Theme, but perhaps if they read them over a little more, they'd see that that's just not so. As for their messages being opinionated, that is rumored to be the point.

What did you think? Post your opinion of this ReMix.

I don't mind the remix. It's not anything shocking or revolutionary, but not much is. It's okay to listen to, so I'm listening to it. It just won't become one of my staples.

The majority has positive opinions. That is truth. But you are exaggerating.

I for example, already had my negative opinions: Bomberman 'Bomberfuzz', Bomberman 3 'Bomb Factory', Super Mario Bros. 'frivolous funk', Donkey Kong Country 2 'Brambly Rivers'...

Moreover is important to know that nobody criticizes one remix without intention.

Therefore I find that you must think more...


I don't see what it is you think I'm exaggerating here. Any time someone posted a negative opinion of this track, someone else criticized them, and even criticized their reasoning for not liking the mix. There is nothing there to be exaggerated. I agree that most of the opinions are positive, and never disputed that. As for the last thing you said, I don't actually understand what it means. Not in the sense that I'm stupid, but in the sense that English is not your first language. If you could clarify it, that would be nice. At the moment, it seems like you're suggesting that people who didn't like the mix had ulterior motives. Which I doubt is what you meant.

No, Man! I did not criticize you. Your opinion can be negative or positive in a remix. I only cited some examples for you. Examples you to think: here people exist who can express negative opinions in one remix.

I said that you exaggerated because wrote "What on earth is going on here? People can't express a negative opinion any more?"

Yes! The English is not my first language. But I understand what you says. And my English is equally understandable. The English/Australian is different. Distinct of the American or the British. This does not make difference for me.

This is bad for you?

Bah. I don´t worried. The discussion finished for me.

[pixlz]

for some reason the main theme of "The Last Starfighter" popped into my head for this remix. the end of it specifically. strange.

anywhos, this remix in my opinion was mildly decent. a little too laid back for my tastes though. i like how the all generally changes and such, but.... it just seems to be a buildup without payoff. a half buildup even. something doesn't sit right with me. definitely not my favorite mix by GrayLightning.

c'est la vie

~poof~

[Akuen]

Salut Gray! Looks like you're getting a bit of criticism on this piece, eh? well you know I'm a fan of you, and I would like to give you feedback on this one (Frog's theme's also one of my faves), but you see my headphones just broke today, and I didnt bring my speakers here because I thought my headphones were working... anyway, I'm pretty sure I'll have a new headset or a pair of headphones for tomorrow, so I'll be returning to give you feedback ^_^

until then, salami to all of you! (I need sleep) XD

[Shadow_Swordsman]

Hey GrayLightning! I think this remix is awesome :D Keep up the good work! This is a must for true Chrono Trigger fans 8)

[kevisco]

Sounds great. I can't find anything I don't like with this song.

[GrayLightning]

I expected this to be somewhat controversial considering the changes in structure, form and rhythm in the piece. It may take several listens before the melody sinks in, I personally had no problem hearing the source material.

This might not be for everyone, but I'm quite happy how this turned out. Certainly not my best mix, but that wasn't a goal of mine anyway. It was a fun, unique and educational arrangement experience for me.

Thanks for the comments.

[souji_okita]

Hi there ^_^

When I finished hearing for the first time I almost cried... It is SO beautiful!!! I think this song could be in Lord of the Rings movie.... Is kinda epic ^_^

[Garde]

Wow, I can't believe I didn't see this sooner, but it's been a while since I've visited OCR.

I recently lost all of my music, and in my effort to recover it all, I visited OCR to get the torrent files, and I see this on the front page (not that I was surprised in the least that this song made it on). I was especially disappointed that I lost a lot of Gray's WIPs that I've had on my computer for years... I was especially glad to see that this was up, however. This is one of the songs I really enjoyed (though I do enjoy all of his remixes).

This song is great, and although it carries a different feel than the original Frog theme, the point of remixing is to interpret stuff in a new way. This is what GrayLightning has done, and I must say he's done it quite well.

I feel quite fortunate that I was able to host this on my website for him during the WIP stage of this song.

I feel that this song is epic enough. Sure, it might not have the brass blaring out, but it is quite epic in its own right. I personally enjoy the tempo changes, and instrument choices quite a bit. I think that this mix is definitely awesome, although it may not be his best, it is still undoubtedly good.

Someone spoke about how there is no climax in this piece... I personally feel that it has a climax, and although it may not be what you're expecting initially, you should take several more listens to hear it the way it was meant to be heard. Listen to everything. This song is wonderful, and just because it surprises you because you didn't expect something to happen the way it did doesn't mean it's a bad song. I will tell you, the first few times I listened to this song, it did feel like it kept building and never really did anything but build. But after a few listens, knowing what happens in the song, you can hear the building, the climaxes, the beauty of everything harmonizing and shifting.

Excellent work GrayLightning, sorry for being so late with a review, but you never did IM me about this one. ;)

Edit: Oh yeah, you're getting better at the sig making, Gray! ;)

[Strife.]

Pretty good. I thuoght the bells introduced a crisp, clear mood to the sound, something that I thought was carried very nicely throughout. Nice job.

[mrjag]

Gray, you always have a place in my Sunday morning playlist.

Life is very special because just a few moments. By now, the flute screaming open my eyes to a new future.

I was wandering about a team up with Zircon, it will be cool, huh?

How much cost the choral that sings the melodies for you?

Gray really makes me think about music.
Me too.

I personally had no problem hearing the source material.
This is why I want to borrow your ears, just for a couple days, you know.

[GrayLightning]

Gray, you always have a place in my Sunday morning playlist.


I was wandering about a team up with Zircon, it will be cool, huh?


Thanks Jagunço, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I have never had more interesting feedback either way with a mix than with this. So I guess that's a good thing. ^_^

Zircon and I have been discussing a team up/collaboration on a mix soon. I hope we can do it sometime in the next few months. I also have several exciting collaborations with other OCR mixers this year. Stay tuned. :)

[mrjag]

Gray, you always have a place in my Sunday morning playlist.
So I guess that's a good thing. ^_^
It's the "only" hours of my week that I can sit and watch things carrefully, tasting every moment and trying to see things that passed by my lightspeed week.

It's 9am here and I'm listen you right now.

By the way, the flute is saying something important. It is saying that it wants to go to a new place, a place that it never was before. I can't figure out where it want to go, but since you have better ears than mine, you problably already listen.

My kudos Gray.

[Ticadrius]

All in all, I don't think it's entirely fair to judge this one as harshly as many have. When you take this much liberty with such a popular song, there are only two schools of thought: those who praise its originality and those who frown upon its unorthodoxy.

The mix is very well done and has obviously had a good deal of thought put into it. The sampling is very clear and the arrangement is great.

Personally, I belong to the school that was looking forward to another Frog Remix, and was a bit disappointed at this mix. However, that does not mean I don't like it. I thought it was very well done and I praise it very wholeheartedly, but it is not my particular cup of tea.

GrayLightning gets my thumbs up for his creativity and execution. Well done man.

[UnforgivingEdges]

Certainly not my best mix, but that wasn't a goal of mine anyway.

Hey, I think it is.

*aurgasm*

[Squall379]

I really like this song because it gives a different feel to the song. It gave it a more sad feeling. and makes you think of Frog's origins. The remix touched on both the heroic knight that Frog is and also the amount of tragedy he has seen in his life like the death of Cyrus his friend and mentor, his own transformation and the descending of his beloved Guardia into war with Magus. I may be overanalyzing but I don't care I love the song.

[Freemind]

I know that this an old remix in the remix reviews list, but I am happy to be back and see that Gray has another great remix on the site...I think that this is the third time that I am hearing this remix...Great job Gray..as always... :wink:

[IC]

This is AMAZING stuff. I'm not familiar with the original, so I can't speak from that respect (it's 'remix' status), but on it's own, this is a very enjoyable piece. Very emotive, inspiring, and original. I <3 the rhythm work here, with the triplets in the opening and everything--very unique and frickin' awesome.

As for the 'climax' (or lack of one, as people have complained), I feel like this song is more of an adventure, with all the variations bringing a new experience to the table, and if any section was outright blaring and in your face, it would dominate the other sections. Rather I like the rise and fall between the section--keeps it spicy.

I've had this on repeat for about a half an hour now, and it's only getting better. This is actually the first GrayLightning song I've really listened to, and I'm thoroughly impressed. I'm gonna have to go listen to all of them now.

GL, you have a new fan!

[Akaroo]

Overall a good remix, but for the first half of the song it sounded like the remixer was forcefully keeping the song at a boring march-type tempo. Little to no variance till the end, and then still the whole song still suffered a little from this mechanical tempo, which really conflicted the natural theme.

But I'm just making myself clear about one small little problem. I'm being picky.

[Edit: I posted that without reading other reviews, then went back to read the ones that were similar to mine. noticing that so many people agreed that it's melody suffered, i went back and checked out some of his other music...

I’ll just say this... it sounds like he takes the song, and normalizes the entire thing to a 4/4 march and then makes up for this weird fetish by having great samples, smooth transitions, and all that other jazz. Almost all of his peices suffer from this, but for some it works, but not this one.

I'm not saying it's bad, but i just can't stand Grey's taste for rhythm. It's still a decent song, overall]

[kaiserramsus]

This is AMAZING stuff. I'm not familiar with the original, so I can't speak from that respect (it's 'remix' status), but on it's own, this is a very enjoyable piece. Very emotive, inspiring, and original. I <3 the rhythm work here, with the triplets in the opening and everything--very unique and frickin' awesome.

My music terms vocabulary is not as extensive as IC but this describes a lot of what I feel I want to say. Everytime I listen to this I hear a new dimension I have not heard before. Very original.

Ram

[jordex]

I just love what GrayLightning's done with Frog's theme here! It's such a complete different style from the original and Gray has my gratitude for that :lol:

[Bummerdude]

Now THIS is a remix worth downloading.
My best part was The walkover to the
foreign music style(or whatever) at 2:04,
and the bells through the whole mix was
great.
This remix is awesome, a-must-download, and
lets not forget HOLY.

[maestermatt]

Certainly not my best mix, but that wasn't a goal of mine anyway.

Hey, I think it is.

*aurgasm*grey it's a kick ass song.

[DragonFireKai]

I think this is one of Grey's best works. I love the use of the chorus in the back. Good work extending the length of Frog's Theme without seeming repetative.

[GSO]

ok. first off I'm gonna say this: I LOVED the original Frog's Theme. what you've done here is taken that nostalgic song and gotten it ready for prime time ^0^ can anyone say Chrono Trigger live-action movie? I love it! ^0^ the only gripe I have is that it's so short. other than that I fully give this remix a 10/10 ^0^

[OA]

A pretty nice march that holds up well even 5 years later; the build early on is excellent, and the backing tracks are great. The rhythmic change to the B section of the song I wasn't completely feeling- it seemed a little rushed and not as dramatic as the original, but it wasn't mangled by any means.

Nice samples, and a perfect length, this is pretty good. :-)

[Jaybell]

An excellent mix. Really gets me pumped up, and some neat variations on frog's theme.

Also, the youtube preview doesn't appear to be working? It says the video was removed by the user... Or is that just me?