Milan Records release Evangelion: Finally, a collection of vocal songs performed by Yoko Takahashi and Megumi Hayashibara as heard in the hit anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion and Evangelion 2.0...

This 15-track (1 hr, 18 min, 49 sec) collection includes Yoko Takahashi’s well-known opening song to the series 'The Cruel Angel’s Thesis,' as well as new covers of original songs including 'Fly Me to the Moon (2020 Version),' a new recording of the classic jazz standard featured in the show’s end credit, and a new vocal arrangement from Takahashi of 'Kokoro yo Genshi ni Modore 2020.'

Also included in the collection is 'Thanatos - If I Can't Be Yours,“ a new original track and the theme song to the Shin Evangelion feature film performed by Loren & Mash. Meanwhile 'Come Sweet Death, Second Impact' is a jazz arrangement of the legendary masterpiece featuring the voice of Megumi Hayashibara.

It's an interesting album, and certainly one that will be embraced by Evangelion fans the world over. There are some quirks and oddities here, even for fans of the franchise.

'Fly Me to the Moon (2020 Version)' opens with vocals that sound like "Fry me to the Moon!" which was unintentionally amusing. Also the "I Love You" at the start 'Fly Me to the Moon (Yoko Takahashi Acid Bossa Version)' is incredibly creepy and certainly spoils the song.

It's odd how you can change your mind about a song. On the first play through I really didn't enjoy 'Tsubasa Wo Kudasai'. It sounded like The Chipmunks / The Smurfs singing a really twee song. But the more I listened to it the more I warmed to it, until it became one of my favourite tracks on the album.

Overall a good mix of styles and songs from the franchise. It's certainly one worth picking up if you love anime.

Track listing:

01. The Cruel Angel’s Thesis
02. Fly Me to the Moon (Yoko Takahashi Acid Bossa Version)
03. Soul’s Refrain
04. Thanatos - If I Can't Be Yours
05. Komm, Susser Tod (M-10 Director’s Edit Version)
06. Kyou No Hi Wa Sayounara
07. Tsubasa Wo Kudasai
08. Fly Me to the Moon (2020 Version)
09. Kokoro yo Genshi ni Modore 2020
10. Mugen Houyou
11. Shiawase Wa Tsumi No Nioi
12. Come Sweet Death, Second Impact
13. Dilemmatic Triangle Opera
14. The Image of Black Me
15. Dilemmatic Triangle Opera Ayanami Version

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Darren Rea