ReMix:Chrono Cross "Under Cerulean Skies" 4:26

We continue our featured selections from Chronopolis: Music Inspired by Chrono Cross with this lovely & playful folk vocal arrangement of several themes from both Chrono Cross & Chrono Trigger, courtesy of multi-instrumentalist Earth Kid (Natalya May):

"I joined the Chrono fandom late -- I didn't play Trigger and Cross until adulthood, but the stories of both games and the music of Yasunori Mitsuda captured my heart and have earned a permanent place in my hall of inspiration. This remix was born of my love for the franchise and my appreciation for Mitsuda's artistry. I noticed that several tracks from both games had similar chord progressions at certain points, so I borrowed elements from "Life ~A Distant Promise~" and "Schala's Theme," the vibe of "Chronomantique," and the poignant end of "To Far Away Times" while arranging "Fields of Time: Home World." For this remix, I sang, wrote the lyrics, and performed the harp, piano, hammered dulcimer, Irish bouzouki, tenor recorder, and tambourine, while my husband contributed his djembe skills. I wanted this arrangement to have a laid-back, island feel, but, in the true spirit of Chrono Cross, to also convey introspection as the speaker ponders the deeper meaning of life and wonders if there is something more beyond the horizon. I hope I achieved that!"

Great combination of folk/traditional instruments, and spousal djembe skills to boot! This has the same delicacy & emotion of Natalya's Hometown Heroes FF6 mix, and continues the organic/intimate vein that runs through much of the album. Director prophetik music writes:

"I mentioned this before for Ophanin's tracks, but one of the joys of directing an album is when a newcomer appears out of nowhere and knocks a track out of the park. Earth Kid is another newbie who really did a fantastic job with a big-name track. Her attention to detail -- from the instrumentation choices to excellent consonants -- really shines through and brings a joyful and free vibe to an iconic track."

I love the lyrics, in particular; some of the vocal phrasing actually reminds me of Sting. Ritardando at 2'23" takes us into an upbeat, offbeat vocalized section that reads poppier, almost Carribean, which was a playful surprise that works well and segues successfully from beautiful/dramatic to more joyful/relaxed; neat. We end with flair on a downward gliss, which is again a creative & spontaneous touch that makes everything more memorable. Superb work from Natalya which blends four themes & two games into a cohesive and transporting whole!