Okay, now this disc is just absolutely weird. its application to Final Fantasy X-2 is indirect, but enough of a worthwhile notation to cover on RPGFan. The first and last tracks are not worth talking about: they are just another Kumi Koda song, being the title track of the CD. The tracks in-between are what we’re focusing on.
Even though the English version of FFX-2 had vocals done by Jade from Sweetbox, Kumi Koda recorded her own English versions of the songs “real Emotion” and “1000 Words.” The difference between the two versions is striking.
In the Kumi Koda English versions, what you find is a lot of “Engrish”, some awkward translation, and generally a very different product than what the American X-2 gamer is accustomed to. Honestly, I enjoy listening to tracks 2 and 3 when I want a good laugh. They sound silly. Of course, I know people who think they sound much more “authentic” than Jade’s versions (found on the International + Last Mission OST), so…to each his own, right?
The fourth and fifth tracks are also seriously worth listening to: these are remixes of the Japanese versions of Kumi Koda’s lovely performances of the X-2 vocal themes. I didn’t think the 1000 Words remix was too impressive, but I am quite fond of the real Emotion remix. I prefer it to any other version of the song, honestly.
Final bit of advice: unless you are a big X-2 collector, or you love Kumi Koda, don’t bother hunting down this CD. It isn’t that great, but it holds some more obscure music in the strange world of Final Fantasy X-2.
