ReMix: Sonic the Hedgehog 'Finality (Radio Edit)'
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- Game: Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega, 1991, GEN)
- ReMixer(s): Cyril the Wolf, JH Sounds
- Composer(s): Masato Nakamura
- Song(s): 'Final Zone'
- Posted: 2011-11-17, evaluated by the judges
Really interesting orchestral arrangement here from newcomer JH Sounds, with vocals by Cyril the Wolf. I don't think it's gonna convert any vocal haters, but the concept & execution are very distinct, putting a somber, completely serious spin on the source material; JH writes:
"This remix of mine was originally made for my arrangement album Hedgehog Hysteria, available at http://music.jhsounds.com/album/hedgehog-hysteria. The idea for "Finality" was to not only interpret the musical theme, but also the theme of the zone itself. In this case the song is about the finality of death, and the inevitability of mortality. After I worked on the backing track and lyrics, Cyril the Wolf was gracious enough to provide his vocal for it, and brought in vocal ideas that I believe strengthened the overall arrangement."
Heavy stuff - to clarify, this is NOT the "feel-good mix of the year," by a longshot. Instead, it's a meditation on mortality - life, death, those sorts of things - with an intelligent, deliberate piano part, augmented by strings (nice dynamics), and later a bittersweet oboe solo that floats in space, and some march-style orchestral percussion. Deia writes:
"I will admit to being a sucker for this kind of 'somber right before the final battle' music. I like how you've treated the source, and your reasoning behind it. Conner's voice works pretty well for this, and I think this is one of his better performances. I'd still suggest working on your breath support, especially for the opening line (slow, quiet, low lines are not easy by any means)."
OA adds:
"Nice arrangement idea, and generally good execution. Connor sounds good, with a lot better intonation than I'm accustomed to, and the subtle harmonies added give some additional interest. The lyrics are good, thought he chorus was slightly redundant. The production crits Deia has are valid, but overall things clicked. The ending seemed a bit abrupt, as I think either some rubato piano, or even something more involved would be a good epilogue to the lyrics, giving the listener time to reflect; but otherwise, the inherent strengths of this track easily overpower the assorted weaknesses."
If nothing else, I admire the vision & hubris to take the source material in this serious & dramatic a direction, but I also think Connor's vocals lent the necessary degree of weight to the lyrics, and the dynamics were subtle but expressive enough to convey the message. A bit of a downer, sure, but music can communicate a wide variety of emotions & tackle the gravest of subjects, and this arrangement embraces that flexibility.
Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the - Black_Doom on May 7, 2013
Not that big of a fan of the vocals, to be honest, though I can't exactly pinpoint what I do not like about them. Maybe it is the part around 2:00 that just sounds a bit too nasal for me.
- Martin Penwald on February 3, 2012
The piano is incredibly good at conveying the sadness in this mix.
The oboe(?) is great for the opening part.
The drums help build up the dynamic towards the end.
My only problem is that it's really short. Is it so bad that I want more? Haha
- Tuberz McGee on December 25, 2011
Prior to this I had been familiar with much of JH's work from whilst I was still hosting the PRC, but the writing approach on this one managed to take it to a whole new level in comparison. Throw in Cyril's vocal work as well, accenturating with the faster variation at 1:50 and we have this dynamic yet somewhat somber approach to the track that really reflected on the more claustrophobic nature of the source.
For the most part, the writing game out well, though I'm not really too sure about the stiff string expression here, even at the end when the playing suddenly cuts out. That to me may be the only real issue I have with what is otherwise a beautiful piece of work.
I feel somewhat sad though that after Hedgehog Hysteria, JH decided to retire from remixing and dedicate his artistic capabilities elsewhere (most notably through the Crackton comics); though, we are still happy to see that you want to focus your time within the community and all associations with it, and by having a mix post on OCR you've managed to really break through that barrier and showing that personal side through your music. I am still so proud of you even today :)
- Rexy on December 2, 2011
Connor is steadily improving with the vocals, although I do wish the breathy quality would go away :razz: . A little before 2:00, it reminds me a little of this song. Perhaps the song could have went a little longer with that last part to enhance the feel of finality.
Good job with this though, a fairly good execution here with this mix.
- Bahamut on December 2, 2011
- Crulex on November 25, 2011
This song is so beautiful; so touching. You can woo the women with it and make them cry. If you ever need to lose your positive attitude for a while and get down and dirty with the blues, then this song will help take you to that magical land.
Download!
- coder12 on November 25, 2011
- Nonamer on November 18, 2011
- BlackRazgriz on November 17, 2011
- Chernabogue on November 17, 2011
- MechaFone on November 17, 2011
- GreyDefender on November 17, 2011
- OA on November 17, 2011
