ReMix:The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time "Falling Back" 4:05
By Darangen
Arranging the music of one song...
"Gerudo Valley"
Primary Game: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo , 1998, N64), music by Koji KondoPosted 2005-12-11, evaluated by the judges panel
Darangen writes:
"This is a lyrical remix of Gerudo Valley. I made it for RPGamer.com's Splendid Performance competition, round 4. I know the judges haven't been fans of my lyrical remixes in the past, but I believe my vocal work has improved at least somewhat since my last vocal submission, so hopefully I'll either get acceptance or some new, helpful comments."
This does represent an improvement over the last mix Michael sent our way that had vocals, and while it lacks the clarity and pitch control of Hale-Bopp's 'Summertime' or jdproject's 'Ken Song,' those mixes set a pretty high benchmark for vocals in the genre. Michael also gets vocabulary bonus points for managing to write a rock lyric that incorporates the word 'ardency' - and in the chorus, no less. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure if that's the type of word I'd use in a rock song, but there's still vernacular cajones involved in doing so. This is Gerudo, which becomes readily apparent at 0'26" after a nice, edgy electric guitar intro. The chorus really works well in the chosen genre - it's already addictive as hell, but Darangen's power guitar anthematic treatment ensures that it'll be reverberating around in your head even longer. Instrumentally, it's what you'd expect from Mike, and the highlight for me was (surprise) the rockin' wah-wah solo at 2'45" - great addition. Vocally, I think the ReMixer sounds better when he's singing on top of a heavier bed of guitar and drums than he does in the more exposed passages. When the first verse entered, I was a little shaky (especially the "all" in "all that we've been through"), but as things progressed, they improved. Gray and Jesse both hated the intro, citing the production primarily, but it didn't rub me the wrong way. Of course, I like the White Stripes, so what the hell do I know? Quoth Oji-wan Kenobi:
"Mike's vocals are my main gripe, as they sound thin and a bit beginnerish. With more practice, but more importantly time, Mike's voice will continue to be stronger. Plus, on multiple listens, the delivery style sits a lot a better in the track. I could have gone for some richer harmonies, but the harmonization here sounded pretty nice. I liked the tone when the chorus's hit, and the lyrics were really catchy. A lot of people are gonna be singing 'em.
I thought the track could have sounded sharper, but I loved the arrangement here and the production was alright. The "Gerudo Valley" theme was skillfully woven with original material that pieced together very naturally. Great rock conversion with some genuine (even if unintended) pop overtones."
Pretty much. I can certainly appreciate the challenges of doing vocal mixes when one is not a singer by nature, and this represents marked improvement in my book, and the panel's as well. Furthermore, it's Darangen, and it's Gerudo, and this should be enough for more than a lot of you, so embrace your inner ardency and check it out.
Discussion
on 2021-04-15 08:34:10
I know it's been years at this point, and it's probably not going to happen, but I wish that this could be posted to iTunes so I could listen to it at any time while I'm out and about, it's such an amazing remix, and I've listened to it *many* times since it was used as the theme for Tauberpa's Phantom Hourglass Abridged series over on YouTube.
on 2015-12-15 15:54:26
This theme is surprisingly more catchy than brentalfloss' content on Youtube. It's so good that I'm also surprised no one has extended the track by any means at all.
Well, someone had to get around to it I suppose: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BJTIStxMEM
(Don't worry, I gave proper credits, linking to this website, Darangen's website, and even posted the lyrics)
on 2015-08-14 08:16:23
Two points of concern:
- The syllables in the first and third quarters of the chorus (pre-"I'm falling back...") go by a bit too fast. I can decipher every lyric just fine by ear, but it's almost like some of the words' potential impact is lost due to being rushed. Then again, it does provide some contrast with the more relaxed lyrics, not to mention that rising arpeggio is a practical cornerstone of Gerudo Valley (leaving it out seems almost unthinkable).
- It's been touched upon before, but the mix ends with a prolonged undulating synth that latches onto the final lyric and slowly swells in volume before deflating abruptly. It makes for a weird and goofy outro, contrasting with the general mood.
Interestingly, both these issues have been fixed in Darangen's acoustic upgrade (an amazing revisitation, might I say, and a testament to the musician's growth). Back to this song - the guitar work and basic instrumentation are so easy on the ears I can't find fault with them if I tried. Plus, it's always a good sign when a vocal mix is clear enough that I don't have to refer to the written lyrics to know what's being said AND I can feel the emotion behind the words themselves. This could totally pass for a mainstream love song on the radio.
on 2012-10-31 09:47:13
One of the first tracks I've listened to when I discovered OCR so it holds a special place in my heart. Still holds up today. It's catchy.
Here's Darangen's acoustic version to those who are interested. Great stuff:
on 2012-10-30 21:52:15
After thinking about it a bit more, I realized that there's a word for this: ardency.The image I get is of someone who has something very important to say and it matters to him so much that it overcomes any fear of criticism, he just belts out his joyful noise because he knows it is right.
on 2012-10-28 02:46:34
You know, I actually like this song more because of its imperfect vocals. The song, therefore the underlying emotion, feels more real to me due to the lack of pitch correction. The image I get is of someone who has something very important to say and it matters to him so much that it overcomes any fear of criticism, he just belts out his joyful noise because he knows it is right. What's more, this song makes me feel better about myself and my shortcomings, to the point where I'm unafraid to sing along even though I know my limitations and that I might be ridiculed for the attempt. A perfect-pitch remake of this track would not mean as much to me.
on 2012-03-18 14:10:43
I have to say, I have always loved this remix ever since I first heard it when I first found OCR. The music is catchy as all hell, the lyrics are easy to follow along to, to the point I've found myself singing it in college breaks - The only other mix with that questionable honour being For You by AkumajoBelmont.
Others may have issue with the vocals but for me they elevate it from simply catchy rock to the kind of ReMix alongside Sixto,Willrock and Disco Dan that I would happily play for non-VGM fans to show them the power of VGM.
I also would be in favour of a return to this mix for a Remaster of sorts with the skills you have learnt since the original was accepted.
on 2012-02-06 09:38:12
I've love this song ever since it got posted. It blew me away as beign one of the first really good lyrical songs backed by great Zelda music.
I admit I would LOVE to see it updated, but it's such an awesome song that I've been able to look past the amateur singing- I've heard worse from actual bands, so props!
on 2012-02-01 00:26:40
The idea to go back and redo this song is definitely something I've considered. I do think I could do it better now, but it comes down to working on something new or revisiting something already done.
Maybe someday.
on 2012-01-31 22:17:11
Assuming he didn't stop vocal training, I think it would be pretty cool to hear Darangen redo his own song with a stronger lyrical performance. I love the song and lyrics, so it would be pretty sweet to hear an "upgraded" version. It's been quite some time since this mix was posted, anyhow.
If you're reading this, Darangen, I meant this in the most positive way possible!
on 2011-08-25 15:12:27
this is wonderful. being a singer myself, i appreciate the difficulty in some of the notes you hit, and think you've done an excellent job. the rockyness of the mix is very fitting, and the words you've chosen i find to be fantastic, considering i find them, well... pertinent. keep this up, i adore lyricals
on 2010-12-07 17:03:49
I enjoyed this song. I have some gripes about the vocals, but seeing as that's been covered, I'll let it be. I also enjoyed how this song was put together, I've always been interested in hearing Gerudo Desert songs, and vocal tracks are no exception.
on 2010-12-07 12:57:16
Love, love, love this song. I really do. The amazing arrangement that gives this ReMix more life than the original had really sold this song. I'll be completely honest here, I think this is the best Darangan ReMix I've heard. Yes, even the voice work was well done in my opinion. Sure, the vocals could be a bit stronger here, but he gave it a damn good go and I can't fault him for that, especially when the lyrics are that damn catchy. Plus, I've heard an acoustic version/cover/whatever of this song on YT, and his vocals really fit the lyrics and feeling of the song there, so I don't necessarily think the voice was the issue, so much as it just may not have fit the way the song was played here. Minor voice bit aside, really awesome ReMix and credit to the site's awesomeness.
on 2010-09-02 10:57:07
Vocals are the focal point here, and they'd be pretty good, but they sound a bit buried and there are some rhythm and pitch issues in spots. Regardless, props to anyone who is willing to put their vocals out there. I'm certain that your singing skills have only improved in the past 5 years.
Lyrics and arrangement are great, and the guitars are strong as always. Good stuff.
Sources Arranged (1 Song)
- Primary Game:
-
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo
, 1998,
N64)
Music by Koji Kondo
- Songs:
- "Gerudo Valley"
Tags (5)
- Genre:
- Rock
- Mood:
- Instrumentation:
- Electric Guitar,Singing,Vocals: Male
- Additional:
- Lyrics > Lyrics: Original
File Information
- Name:
- Legend_of_Zelda_Ocarina_of_Time_Falling_Back_OC_ReMix.mp3
- Size:
- 6,061,017 bytes
- MD5:
- 412a9459ea097863c939f3490fb7b648
- Bitrate:
- 195Kbps
- Duration:
- 4:05
looking back on all we've been through
what is left, what else could we do?
we've been down this road so many times before
will i ever learn the way... to come back to you
[Chorus]
this ardency has taken me
and now it is a part of me
i'm falling back to where i used to be...
this heart's debut is overdue
now i can see, i know it's true
i'm falling back... yeah, falling back to you...
i can see you from a million miles away
things weren't always the way they are today
if only i could learn to change the past
if only things could last... another day
[Chorus]
this ardency has taken me
and now it is a part of me
i'm falling back to where i used to be...
this heart's debut is overdue
now i can see, i know it's true
i'm falling back... yeah, falling back to you...
Download
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