友よ静かに瞑れオリジナルサウンドトラック: A Hidden Gem from 1985 Japan
Let’s cut to the chase—this album is a vibe. Shigeru Umebayashi, yeah, that guy who knows how to tug at your heartstrings without you even realizing it, crafted something special with 友よ静かに瞑れオリジナルサウンドトラック. Released in '85 under Canyon Records, this isn’t just another soundtrack for some random stage or screen project. It’s more like an emotional diary set to music.
Now, let me tell ya, there are ten tracks here, but two stuck out so hard they practically tattooed themselves into my brain: 緑のトロイメライ and ワルツを踊る魚達. Let’s break ‘em down real quick.
First up, 緑のトロイメライ (or "Green Traumerei," if we’re translating loosely). This piece feels like stepping into a dream where everything is soft-focus greenery, kinda like walking through moss-covered woods after rain. The piano melody? Oh man, it’s got this bittersweet quality, like remembering a summer love that never quite panned out. It doesn’t hit you over the head—it whispers instead, letting nostalgia do its thing. You might find yourself zoning out while listening, only to snap back and wonder why you suddenly feel all wistful.
Then there’s ワルツを踊る魚達, which translates roughly to “Waltzing Fish.” And honestly? That title alone had me chuckling before I even pressed play. But holy cow, once the strings kick in, it’s like watching fish glide gracefully underwater…except now they’ve got rhythm. There’s something absurdly charming about pairing whimsy with elegance, and Umebayashi nails it. By the end of the track, I swear I wanted to grab a snorkel and join these imaginary sea creatures on their aquatic dance floor.
The rest of the album ain’t slouching either. Tracks like HOTEL ROOM and VAR-BALLAD bring in moody atmospheres perfect for late-night introspection, while PARADE gives off major celebratory vibes that make you wanna throw confetti at strangers. And hey, who doesn’t love hearing a jazzy take on AS TIME GOES BY? Classic moves meet Japanese flair—that’s what we’re working with here.
But here’s the kicker: albums like this remind us how soundtracks can stand alone as art. They don’t need flashy visuals or big-name stars attached; they just need soul. Listening to 友よ静かに瞑れ feels like flipping through someone else’s photo album—not yours, not mine, but someone whose life somehow overlaps with ours in weird little ways.
So, would I recommend this album? Absolutely. Just don’t expect perfection. Some parts feel raw, almost unfinished, but maybe that’s the point. Life’s messy too, right?
Final thought? If sound could be folded origami-style, this soundtrack would be a crane mid-flight—delicate yet powerful enough to carry you somewhere new. Or maybe it’d just crash land on your coffee table and demand attention. Either way, worth it.
