[WORLD GROOVE] Currently listening to the “SAIYUKI - Original Soundtrack”

ARTIST: Various

ALBUM TITLE: SAIYUKI - Original Soundtrack

LABEL: Rhythm Zone

CATALOG #: RZCD-45663

DURATION: 1:13:13

Released on August 1, 2007

21 tracks with 19 of the songs being instrumental tracks by Takebe Satoshi and two vocal tracks. Track 20 is “Tabibito” by Takasugi Satomi and the final track “Around the World - movie ver.- by MONKEY MAJIK.

The following review is for the soundtrack for the film “Saiyuki” starring SMAP’s Katori Shingo.

Back in 2006, Katori Shingo, Fukatsu Eri and a few others did a drama on FUJI TV based on the character of “Saiyuki” (or Monkey King) that was not exactly based on the Chinese book. It was more of a humorous take on the adventures of the monkey king and of course, was very different for the story and was to be taken light heartedly.

Thus the film came out continuing those adventures and the soundtrack was released.

Interesting enough, the soundtrack does feature vocal tracks. For those who have purchased a drama or film soundtrack in Japan, you typically get an instrumental version of the vocal track or some weird remix.

All in all, you get 21 tracks featuring instrumentals by Takebe Satoshi which range from lighthearted, traditional Japanese music. Some that may sound new world type of music but the majority that utilize traditional Japanese instruments. There are some that feature scores that are serious and dramatic and overall, for the music featured in the soundtrack, you get a good balance of music on the soundtrack.

As for the vocal tracks, you get “Tabibito” by singer and gravure model Takasugi Satomi which features a pop song utilizing a blend of Chinese and Japanese instruments. The song is actually quite good and having never heard of Takasugi’s vocals but knowing she was a gravure model, I wasn’t expecting too much. But for this track, well sung.

And of course, the popular song on the soundtrack features MONKEY MAJIK’s “Around the World - movie ver.-” Which happens to be a song that help catapult the band to its current popularity and an awesome all English song nevertheless.

The CD insert features tracklist, no lyrics for the songs and just cast information for the film.

Personally, I wish I can go into depth of how the music and the film work great together but having never seen the film, it makes it a bit difficult in that aspect.

But listening to the overall soundtrack, the film’s score is actually pretty good. You get a good balance of a well-scored instrumental tracks that sound adventure driven and something from a big budget film to tracks that combine traditional Japanese and Chinese instruments and then give it a more modern spin.

“Tabibito” by Takasugi Satomi is actually very cool and MONKEY MAJIK’s “Around the World” is one of my favorite songs from the band, so it was nice and a surprise to hear that track on this soundtrack.

If you enjoyed the film and its music, this soundtrack is definitely for you!