X Japan - Symphonic Silent Jealousy [1992]

First of all, the title of this release is prone to cause confusion: the album from which this material comes from is titled Jealousy, yet it's title sans the "Symphonic" is Silent Jealousy, which was a song on the aforementioned Jealousy album. Bleh, wrap your head around that. Anyhow, on with the review. I sort of expected the charm to wear off after already hearing Symphonic Blue Blood, but I may actually like this rendition more. For people not familiar with that release let me give you a recap. This is a full orchestra version of most songs from Jealousy in a seemingly random order. It's masterfully performed and written, portraying the material in ways you wouldn't expect. It is neither an exact emulation nor a liberal reworking.

The material here is all really great, and there are no unnecessary repeats like "Eternal Rain" in Symphonic Blue Blood. "Say Anything" is as all-encompassing and emotionally versatile as I've ever heard instrumental music. If I made a movie, this song would be playing over the final credits. Two of the brief instrumental pieces ("White Wind from Mr. Martin" and "Es Dur No Piano-sen") and from Jealousy have been expanded into full-fledged five minute songs, which seems questionable, but they actually became a couple of the best songs on the CD. "Joker" is so faithful to the original, it's dirty glam undertones actually sound amusing in an orchestral setting. "Stab Me in the Back" is as chaotic as before, but in a more subtle way. There's a feeling that something could strike at any moment. It all ends with the epic closer "Silent Jealousy," a ten minute finale that covers all necessary ground.

The song not included? "Desperate Angel" was mercifully left out of the fold, but so was "Voiceless Sreaming." C'mon, guys! I could understand the "Week End" situation because of the wide expanse of material available to cover, but this is ridiculous. Okay, so maybe it's not that bad and I'm just getting nitpicky. This really is another dazzling display of orchestral music that could live on its own without the X Japan name. I'm not sure the word "kickass" applies here, but I'm using it anyway; this is a kickass album that's pretty much just as good as the source material, if not technically better. Once again, it's only for a few select groups of music fans (instrumental/orchestra/X Japan), but its truly pro execution should go a long way. I wish more bands had stuff like this.

   Overall: 7.5/10 (Cool, But Be Wary)