Hi everyone, I just came back from a short vacation, that’s why this write-up is a bit late. I should be resting right now but I think I can’t sleep until I’ve finished this post 
Before you scroll down and view my impressions of each song, here’s my summary. On the vocal side, this OST is more focused on Ranka’s songs, as OST 1 was more focused on Sheryl’s songs. This proved to be a treat for me as Ranka’s songs are more traditional Yoko Kanno, which I was quite dying to hear from OST 1. OST 2 though lacks the flow that was in OST 1, I suppose they couldn’t pull off a Ranka on Stage this time around, though I’m not complaining. Just like in OST 1, the lack of lengthy bgm tracks might make the bgm-loving fans of Kanno feel shafted, but for me, the presence of well-arranged pop tracks for Ranka make up for it.
So now on to the individual tracks:
Prologue F - Just as I thought, this is the other intro theme, which towards the end of the animation was being played as the AltoxSheryl moments. I suppose it was grand enough to depict their side of the love triangle. No, I’m not shipping, that’s just how I felt Sheryl’s love for Alto was.
Northern Cross - I love this song, the energy, the lyrics. Nuff said. I think I’ve said enough praises for this song and it’s time to give some space for other reviews. Oh, and by the way, I recall so many people thinking that this was either Sheryl’s love story demise or Sheryl’s love story triumph song depending on how you interpret the lyrics, but it seems to have ended up to be either, hasn’t it.
Triangler (fight on stage) - The final ED to the series, with what sounds like Sheryl and Ranka duking it out on each other on a song. It somewhat mirrors how the love triangle ended - it didn’t! I think I hear May’n’s mature voice as she starts the second verse, how I wished she sang consistently in that voice for this series. The tinkly bridge arrangements gave me goosebumps. Great job May’n on that falsetto, I just wish she kept the throatiness of the other high notes away. Megumi’s voice was not that notable, but should get praise for consistency.
High School Life - This is the funky “next episode” guitars and percussions bgm. I initially thought that this was Alto’s theme as it was quite nonchalant, but I guessed wrong
Transformation - Perhaps the most electronic bgm in OST 2, although I would like to hear a non-electronic version since the backing orchestra sounded a bit roughened up by the rhythm, but that might have been the intention of the song.
Anata no Oto - I loved this song ever since I heard it in the Macross Radio. The perky strings, the wind instrument (a trumpet I guess), and acoustic arrangement perfectly depicts Ranka and her innocent love for Alto. I love the simple arrangement and Megumi’s simple voice all over it like a mildly sweet syrup 
(For YKDB members… DOKUN DOKUN nightmares haunting you yet? *cackles with laughter* )
Test Flight Delight - This is sooo reminiscent of Macross Plus and the banter between its two main character leads XD Not to mention it’s entitled “Test Flight…” Playful and catchy, this has to be one of my favorite bgms in this OST.
Seikan Hikou - However I loved the energy of this song, by this time, I’m so sick of listening to it that I jabbed the forward button XD
Inu Mimi Ranka - Ranka is cute, and so is this. It evokes the image of cute without being too candy-like.
Yousei - I think this final mix finally made me like this song! It starts of sadly and picks up quickly feeling very hopeful. I think the progression of this song mirrors the events in Sheryl’s life starting from when she fell, to when she started to get hope, and when she started to fight despite her life being snuffed out of her.
Tsuioku no Trumpet - This is the funeral song isn’t it? It starts out a big sad and solemn and ends with grace a triumphant and glorious feeling to it. I sure wish this piece was fleshed out in about 1 or 2 more minutes. As it is, it ended a bit too abruptly for any development that would etch it in my mind. (more…)
I always thought it was entitled “Anata no Oto / Your Sound” because it was going to be a non-stop music fest, and I think I may be right!
Lion
