Songs of Healing Volume 2 Review
Editor’s Note: I would highly recommend listening to the full 20-track album on YouTube (embedded above). If you want a digital copy of the YouTube album stream, consider supporting Soundole on Patreon.
Continuing where his previous album, Songs of Healing, Volume 1, left off, Soundole has collected 20 tracks spanning over 2017 and 2018 for Songs of Healing, Volume 2. In my review for Songs of Healing, Volume 1, I praised Soundole for his “expressive and nuanced performance” as well as the sound quality. For Volume 2, I’m happy to say that Soundole improves upon both areas.
For starters, Soundole’s arrangements are fuller than ever, thanks in part to the addition of new instruments. On a few tracks, Soundole even enlists help from the VGM community in the form of Holland Albright and Mklachu who add keys and a violin respectively. With such a wide variety of games on display, the album never loses its steam as it presents a tapestry of textures which are perfectly realized thanks to the expert production. That being said, the arrangements are where this album truly shines.
In my review for Volume 1, I stated “Soundole is pretty faithful to the originals in terms of composition and arrangements”. While that’s true for the most part on Volume 2, Soundole does take some liberties with these arrangements, creating the most original and uplifting rendition of “Lavender Town” that I’ve ever heard. What’s more, he’s adapted existing arrangement from the VGM cover community, adding his own voice when appropriate. Some might question the decision to cover a cover, but I believe adapting pre-existing arrangements is crucial for the development of the VGM community. Hyperbole? Perhaps.
If the VGM cover community is to exist for any length of time, these arrangements must survive beyond any one given platform. By taking someone’s else’s arrangement and adding to it, Soundole has breathed new life into these tracks while simultaneously bringing attention to the original covers and cover artists themselves. Groups like Materia Collective have a similar goal of ensuring VGM’s viability, releasing sheet music for cover albums like Hollow Knight Piano Collections. As for myself, I dream of the day when video game covers are taught in the same context as contemporary music.
While I question the inclusion of “Kaepora Gaebora” on an album that’s designed to heal, I have to give credit where credit is due. Soundole once again has delivered on his promise to give an “extra shred of calm into your life” with his music. Now, let’s hope we don’t have to wait too long for Volume 3.
RATING: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
(Most VGM Fans Should Enjoy)