alan – RED CLIFF ~心・戦~ [6th Single]

October 18, 2008 at 7:55 pm (alan) (alan, Oricon Year 2008 Singles)

alan’s 6th single and the 4th consecutive releases featuring the five elements, entitled RED CLIFF ~心・戦,~ was entitled 10.15.08. The element associated with this single is fire. The title track was used as the Japanese language theme for the RED CLIFF (alan also did the Chinese version of the theme, included on the single as the first B-side). RED CLIFF ~心・戦~ was also selected to be the theme song for the video game Dynasty Warriors 6 Special.

RED CLIFF ~心・戦~ is an absolutely beautiful ballad that evokes a true emotional response in the listener. Opening the song is a haunting but capturing instrumental with alan singing “la la la” over it with very delicate vocals. The first verse then comes in and the instrumentation is less haunting but there is a sorrowful atmosphere that is supported by alan’s vocals. The chorus manages to stand out merely from a slight instrumental change and alan gives even more emotion and power in her vocals, communicating the lyrics’ meaning of love and war. Following the second verse, alan performs her signature wail, which only adds to the song’s strength. The song closes with a little more instrumentation, to bring the song to a fantastic finish. alan brought beauty and gentleness to this emotional ballad and as a result, the listener can’t turn away not even for a moment.

心・戦 ~RED CLIFF,~ the Chinese version of the song, is included as the first B-side. It’s not any different from the Japanese version but one thing that is notable is that the Chinese is so fluid that it has a carrying effect. It definitely works well with the song and makes for another enjoyable song.

The second B-side included on the single is 明日への讃歌 ~Orchestral Version,~ her debut single re-arranged and re-sung to be complimented with an orchestra. The opening instrumentation shows the new arrangement’s strongest point: a magical and dreamy atmosphere. Some parts are actually switched around, which makes it all the more interesting. She sings two lines from the second chorus first and it’s a wonderful introduction. Each moment of pure instrumentation provides the listener with a journey into a fantasy world. The first verse is then sung and following are the original first lines, which now segue into the chorus. The last lines of the chorus are where it’s easiest to see the re-recorded vocals as alan goes softer on those final notes. Closing the song are two lines, which were originally earlier in the song but they make a very good closer. This new re-arranged version is absolutely fantastic, creating a magical atmosphere that makes it stand out.

In order to promote the single, a PV for RED CLIFF ~心・戦~ was made. The video features two primary scenes: alan resting on a board floating in the ocean and alan adorned in a red kimono in a traditionally decorated room. In the course of the video, the room catches on fire leaving alan trapped within the flames (this is the last we see of her and it’s presumed that she dies). The other alan floating in a boat is then seen drifting out even further into the ocean and then she falls in, once again leading to the assumption that she dies. The video is fantastic as it truly communicates the emotions of the song and alan looks fantastic.

Single Ranking: A +

This is another perfect single from alan as she delivers beautiful vocals to all three songs. The title track really stirs the emotions while communicating the themes of love and war. 明日への讃歌 ~Orchestral Version~ creates that magical atmosphere that makes it so loveable to round out the single. It’s a perfect package and one of the greatest of the year.