JAM Project has done it again. They have done another great single, this time covering 2004’s Super Robot Wars/Taisen MX (A miscellaneous SRW title). Like the other singles, it covers the full versions of the opening and ending songs. In general, I greatly enjoy their songs, but there have been some that stood out to me more than others. Both “VICTORY” and “The Earth’s Promise” are excellent songs provided in the single; they’re definitely up there with some of my favorite JAM Project songs. To me, the single is on par with the magnificent Alpha 3 single that came out over a year later.
The opening “VICTORY” is instantly engaging, starting off with a somewhat gothic/baroque type of melody. From there it simply becomes even more awesome and engaging. Strong melody? Check. Excellent vocals? Check. Fun listen? Double check. It is typical JAM Project style, but one of the much better ones I have heard. Definitely on par with their Alpha 3 opening “GONG.” While I personally show slight favor to “GONG,” which had more an impact on me, “VICTORY” wins for having a superior melody at the very least. Another solid opening JAM Project style.
In regards to “The Earth’s Promise,” it is definitely the most atypical JAM Project song I have heard thus far, but regardless, it is still a wonderful song. The first few seconds sounds like something from Konami’s Metal Gear Solid, but then it kicks off to the main melody shortly after. So far, this is the only song I heard from them that features no heavy instruments at all, not even for a couple of seconds. Rather than gritty electric controls, powerful drumming and such, we hear regular guitar, along with flutes, piano and accordion, all to create a very serene melody. When the vocals kick in, it starts off with a female vocalist rather than male. That is also atypical JAM Project (they normally start off with the male vocalists). While it is very different from normal JAM Project songs, it is still a beautiful song, and they have done a great job. I have said before that they have a huge vocal range, and this song shows they can do great ballad-style melodies as well.
By the end of my first listening session, I immediately ranked this disc as one of the more excellent single I have heard. Both songs are definitely some of my favorites among JAM Project songs. It might be slightly behind the Alpha 3 single, but it’s a great listen and it’s worth your time.
