Shingeki no Kyoujin ED
Tracklist:
1. Utsukushiki Zankoku na Sekai
2. Starting line
3. Utsukushiki Zankoku na Sekai (Instrumental)
4. Starting line (Instrumental)
1. Utsukushiki Zankoku na Sekai
A quiet and subdued piano solo makes an introduction to the pretty standard anisong-ballad arrangement, but only when the track unravels it becomes very powerful and touching, perfectly rounding up the polar opposites of triumph and despair, which are featured in the series. Likewise, Yoko's voice follows the strong arrangement in the same manner, being gentle at the verses, but blooming into its full energy at the choruses, accompanied even by some electric guitars and the varied instrumentation. The opening single for Shingeki no Kyoujin is not out yet, but the ending theme is equally as satisfying, if not even more.
Rating: 9
2. Starting line
Surprisingly, the next song is actually quite upbeat and high in tempo, reminding of the signature catchy techno-rock style from the singer Mami Kawada. As a contrast, this track could as well be used as an anime OP with its strength and explosiveness. Again, the vocals are not filtered even in this kind of a heavy arrangement, which is a decision I welcome, because Yoko's voice retains the power from the first song completely.
Rating: 8
Yoko Hikasa fits in the trend with the huge number of voice actresses becoming singers, but rare are ones which have the excellent debut single like this. In only a month, her second single will be released, so this was just the right thing to get my hopes up and wait for more good music. My overall rating for this single is: 8 ½
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