Megazone 23 Part III Original Soundtrack

MEGAZONE 23 PART III ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK

— by Charles McCarter

1. Eden the Last City 3:42

2. Sleeping Beauty 3:56

Vocal: Takaoka saki

3. Eiji 6:01

4. Netjacker 3:26

5. Ryo 1:16

6. G-Form 2:03

7. Artifact 5:20

8. The Wall of Eden ~Another Story of Megazone 12:15

9. Tragic Idol 4:13

Vocal: Takaoka Saki

10. Wang-Dai 2:25

11. Net Police 5:54

12. Bahamude 3:14

13. Cyberspace Force 3:40

14. Project Heaven 1:56

Vocal: Takaoka Saki

15. Pandora Boat ~ Remix Version 4:01

16. Mother Earth 1:48

MEGAZONE 23, apart from being known as one of the earliest OVAs, was also highly regarded for its music, specifically the songs of the virtual idol, Tokimatsuri Eve. MEGAZONE 23 III is arguably the most different of the Megazone universe in terms of character design, story, and overall feel. It is thus no surprise that the music contained on the soundtrack is different as well.
The first, and probably biggest, change, is that Eve is no longer performed by Kumi Miyasato; Eve's new voice and singing are handled by Takaoka Saki. Although this change in voices for Eve may be someone jarring for long-time MEGAZONE fans, Ms. Takaoka performs quite capably, and her voice is somewhat reminiscent of her predecessors.
The first vocal on this disc is "Sleeping Beauty," and it is also the most unique, making use of violin solos that are reminiscent of European folk melodies and blending them in with more modern electronic instruments. Also, the song contains a few Russian words, which is probably a first in anime music. The song itself has a moderate beat, but the combination of the violins and Ms. Takaoka's soft, melancholy vocals add a strong flavor of melancholy.
The BGM is mostly electronic in nature, consisting of guitar, bass, drum machine, and keyboards. And, despite the limited amount of instruments available, the BGM is better than one would expect. "Eiji," titled after the protagonist, is a soft piece that allows an air of introspection and intrigue. "Ryo" is much more minimal, comprised of sampled bits of human voice (such as in AKIRA) and some rather minimal accompaniment on with the drum machine and keyboard. Although short, it is one of the more interesting and unique tracks on the disc.
Most of the BGM tracks on this disc could be classified as something like "ambient light techno-pop," as they all have the signature of the electronic instruments used to perform them. However, there really isn't anything industrial or overly foreboding about them, despite this. The music is rather sunny and bright, and in some ways surprisingly so, since the story is not an especially happy one. Even the track "Cyberspace Force," has a bouncy melody, punctuated by occasional blasts of a police whistle. Hardly what you would expect for the theme of the Megazone's defense force.
The remaining two vocals on the disc, "Tragic Idol," and "Pandora's Boat" are reminiscent of the old MEGAZONE songs, no doubt in part to the similarity between the voices of both singers for Eve. "Tragic Idol" is a faster song, but the lyrics are more depressing. The two songs sound somewhat similar and are good songs. However, they don't appear to have become as popular with anime fans as "Senakagoshi no Sentimental" from Part I or "Himitsu Kudasai" from Part II.
This CD is interesting to listen to, and may be even more enjoyable if you are especially fond of electronic music. However, while the BGM is good, it is not especially memorable or especially different from anything else. The vocals are probably the reason that people will buy this disc. And at a domestic price, that's a good enough reason, I suppose.