Past the horror that was Sora wo Kakeru Shoujo’s first OP by Ali Project comes this really great song by Kuribayashi Minami for the second half of the season of Sorakake (episode 14 onwards), “Miracle Fly”. I must admit, I first heard the full version before I heard the TV sized version, and the full version is just much better.

I do not really like listening to full versions before TV-sized versions, but this time round I was late in picking Sorakake back up (though I am now back on track). This was different though – Kuribayashi Minami struck a huge chord with me last year in the second OP of Blassreiter, “unripe hero”. And no question about it, like that song, this one certainly grew on me.

Miracle Fly

Like unripe hero before it, Kuribayashi Minami is more suited (IMHO) for such songs. Miracle Fly speaks of the necessity of a miracle, and thus, the possibility of a miraculous flight. Such a flight can be in relation to Akiha’s current situation and what she might do in the second half of Sorakake. The song also almost always ends every two verses with “go forth” or “fly forth”. It is, if I were to pinpoint an emotion, a sad form of inspiration.

Why do I feel that way? The song itself is meaningful and inspirational in its lyrics, plus, the music is upbeat, though the music and the rhythm can be off at times. That does nothing to detract from the song’s main intent though. The sad part about it, as you can see, is Akiha herself. To perform this “miracle fly”, it is quite possible that she must possibly kill her own younger sister, Nami, in order to achieve happiness (or peace) for everyone. How many times indeed have you seen Akiha crying in the anime, barring the OP animation? A great cover to use.

Perhaps in the course of pursuing miracles, we must sometimes learn to let go and sacrifice something. Miracles are necessary indeed, but no one will get one without working for one.

Much thanks to Honya-ch for the single cover picture, and the lyrics, which he has now translated. I do not agree entirely with his translation, but he has more knowledge of the Japanese language than I do, and is a way better start.

This song is now in the running for OP of the year. Perhaps, it might just grow on you too, like it did on me, because the first time I heard it, it did not sound like much, but seriously, after a few more tries, I got hooked.
 

Little Promise

Quite unlike the songs I am used to hearing from Kuribayashi (which is to say, precious few), Little Promise is more of a slower piece, perhaps pertaining to soft rock in genre. I doubt if her voice was as fitting for this piece, but nevertheless, it is nice all the same. Something different to listen to from her, and nothing that goes out of the ordinary to be either an extraordinary piece, or a really bad one.
 

Overall, Miracle Fly is certainly well recommended for those who love the rock/pop types, or are into the Sorakake series. Kuribayashi Minami, I was told, is quite the classic as a singer, but since I have no prior knowledge of her works, I can only go by what she has done since I finally caught onto her. And I must say, for such songs, she is really impressing herself and the songs on me.

Related posts:

1. Sorakake 16 – Jovian Jostle
2. Current Entries for 2009 Best – Music
3. Summer Anime OP/ED Full Impressions
4. Chaos;HEAd OP & ED SINGLEs Impressions
5. Kemono no Souja Erin OP – Shizuku