Hell yeah
By Muuurgh · 2010-03-14 · Rating: 8/10
This song went over any expectation that I had for an entry in this compo.
Right from the get-go you have two very engaging elements: first, a simple, yet powerful, melody, and second, singing and lyrics. We know exactly what kind of nation you're establishing from the melody and instrumentation. Now, this anthem doesn't sound traditional to me, but as it's supposed to be for a video game, I can see how this would fit in a fictional realm.
I don't care how good or bad you sound; a point of a national anthem is that everyone in the nation can sing it and be proud, right? So, as even the most common citizen would sing the anthem, your decision to sing really brings out the right feeling (and, by the way, the singing is convincing; I wouldn't doubt you loved Petra). I also don't care how bad the lyrics are, particularly because we aren't all called to be songwriters. Not to mention, I have been replaying Final Fantasy VII recently and readily remember some Shinra anthem music with text that seemed like it couldn't possibly fit over the music scrolling across the screen. The cheesier the better, really.
Oh, yes, and though I'm not a stickler for resolution, you've got to get it done at the end. Too much is hanging there, I think--especially for a national anthem.
It was very easy to be excited about this entry, and I found myself hitting my head against the wall because I couldn't stop wanting to sing "O, Petra, you are rock and fortress now" at work. Excellent job.
Thanks!
WarpToken · 2010-03-15
I'm so glad you enjoyed my entry.
I agree it's a little off for traditional anthem material. I just kinda ran with something and before I knew it, I was done with it, so I didn't really reflect on it as much as I should have, maybe.
As far as the cheesy lyrics go, I completely agree! I knew that people may not listen to this song but once...and I wanted to convey the story of my country without them having to read a whole lot of back-story...so I just kinda made up a story....including the important details and trying to weave a bit of imagery in there.
I really struggled with the ending...if you listen to the Instrumental version, you'll hear a resolution...and I wasn't content with that. I'm going to try something else and upload another revision sometime soon. It was simply a matter of time on this one.
I laughed aloud about you getting the tune stuck in your head...I was singing the thing over and over in the shower and everything like it was the latest hit song or something. Ridiculous.