Ballads and Bows

review of: THE LAST CHANGE

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Some Basic Info.

lyrics: Fuyumori Kayoko
composition: Kosaka Akiko
arrangement: Yamamoto Kenji
Song Length: 2:42
Featured in: Sera Myu Musicals
Which musicals was this featured in?: '1997 Summer Special Musical Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon -Eien Densetsu-
Other information: (from WikiMoon)

Though the song was composed for Miyuki Kanbe's portrayal of Sailor Moon, it was also featured on Marina Kuroki's last day performance.

The song has two versions: an orchestral arrangement used in the musical Transylvania no Mori, and the "21st Century Version."

Marina Kuroki sang a shortened original version of the song in Kakyuu-Ouhi Kourin - The Second Stage Final.

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Jezebel's Review of The Last Change

tone/mood:
The tone set here is a little more serious than the other "image songs" (if you want to call them that) from Sera Myu, particularly because the music is fully orchestrated. The strong horn and some of the lower string lines definitely provide a sense of urgency to the song, and the gentler piano and harp at the beginning provide almost a contrast in mood fitting of the song's message, lyrics, and placement.

placement:
I've actually only seen this song used twice in its entirety in only one of Miyuki's musicals (I'm not sure if this was in the original Transylvania no Mori, because I couldn't find a clip of it), and its placement was wonderful, for lack of a better word. In one of the earlier Kaiteiban, this was sung as Sailor Moon declares that she will defeat the villain. In the final Kaiteiban, this was used to accompany Usagi transforming into Sailor Moon as she resolves to defeat the villains currently threatening the Earth, and, considering the lyrics of the song, the placement couldn't be much better.

memorable:
For me, absolutely. Although the Miyuki-era musicals may not have been the easiest to follow, the music was beautifully composed (with a couple of exceptions, but I digress). I can say that I have had this song in my head before, and Miyuki's vocals definitely pack a lot of power, but it isn't as if I spontaneously run to my iPod just to listen to it.

lyrics:
The lyrics are simply fantastic. What especially pulls together the song and its placement in the show are these lyrics, and particularly the second verse:

"I have a feeling the light of the cosmos is calling out to me
Everyone together in this gentle kingdom
Now is the Last Charge Last Charge
It's passionate, but I can't love you"

This really speaks to the placement: This song occurs in two scenes where Sailor Moon displays her resolve to save the earth from destruction/domination/etc., and BSSM fans know for a fact what wonders that resolve can do. I particularly like the line "They're shining, my forgotten tears", which hearkens me back to the endings of the first story arc in the manga/anime.

overall rating:

If we had a 3/4 heart icon, The Last Change definitely would deserve it instead of the half! This song really dives into the more mature, serious side of Usagi that evolves over the course of the series, and presents it wonderfully (with a full orchestral backing, no less!). There are a lot of Myu solos out there, but this one is definitely worth listening to.

Posted on 25 Jul 2008 by jezebel

Tzlil's Review of The Last Change

Tone/Mood: This song has an upbeat version, that match Usagi, it's fast and happy. The other version is a slower and darker version, it's more about sailor moon, and how she may see her friends die or something bad. The voice of miyuki (the first to sing this song) in unique and add a lot to the song.

Placement: The happy version mostly placed when sailor moon come to rescue the team, as a theme song should be. I saw the darker version only once, before moon and the other teleport to save the outers, not very connected but you can understand.

Memorable: Yes, something about it make it easy to remember, it's not to long to remember and it's easy to sing along.

Lyrics:

Eternal future (Dance to my secret make-up)

This line is very powerful, eternal future and make up are always in english. This line really talked about the two people she is: sailor moon and princess Serenity, the word future is cut while singing, and it's a symbol.

Overall rating:

A very nice song, it's very Usagi sometime, and very sailor moon sometime, marina's version is weaker then miyuki's version.

Posted on 24 Jul 2008 by tzlil

Iron Mouse reviews The Last Change

Tone/Mood: This song, to me, gives Sailor Moon the ability to encourage both herself and the Senshi to fight whatever enemy they may face. I love how it starts out slowly, building with power just as Sailor Moon is. She may be afraid to fight at first but knows that she needs to overcome that fear. The future of all she holds dear rests on her shoulders and the ability to win her battle. Placement: It is used as a costume change which fits in with the song. Moon is giving herself a "pep talk" through this song which allows her to transform into Eternal form. Placed just before the final battle of the story, the Senshi can listen to their Princess and leader to know that if they fight all will be well. Every story needs to have its hero discover the ability to stand up and fight. This song does just that. Memorable: Extremely memorable song for me. The melody is catchy and I found myself humming along almost instantly. It is a song I can listen to over and over again and not get sick of. The slow beauty of the beginning mixed with the upbeat tempo later on go perfectly. Lyrics: I love the simplicity of the lyrics. "I cross out the moon with my moon stick The wind sways around my crystal Eternal future (Dance to my secret make-up) Crossing into eternity with the breeze" Sailor Moon sings of her weapon used to heal those affected by evil. The ginzinshou shining in the moonlight while the night breeze swirls from the battle being fought. As she sings of crossing into eternity the Senshi are defeating those trying to take it away. "I have a feeling the light of the cosmos is calling out to me Everyone together in this gentle kingdom" Now she is singing of her life with all her friends, whether it be on Earth on in the Moon Kingdom, dreaming of a happy time without wars to fight. Peace is all Sailor Moon wants and she can recall them from a life before. A life when she was the Princess on the Moon. "They're shining, my forgotten tears" Overall Rating: 4 1/2 Hearts Although I love this song I have to mark it down a bit. It couldn't be sung live if the Moon was changing and most of the choreography was her swinging her wand around.

Posted on 26 Jul 2008 by Mousie