Uematsu Gets All The Fame!

[Terramax]

Why is it that Nobuo Uematsu gets all the fame when it comes to game soundtracks?

Don't get me wrong, I have quite a few of his OSTs in my collection, but why is it that everyone celebrates him and not H. Sakimoto amongst others?

The reason why I usually prefer H.S.'s music as opposed to N.U. and others is that his music isn't so linear. Usually, when listening to N.U., he often makes a simple melody and just runs with it throughout, sometimes building it up (and I know it's for games and track looping, but still). What really drew me to H.S.'s music is how he wonders off and seems to improvise a little.

This is most obvious in the 'Vagrant Story OST' where, for all those who have played the game may realize, the music is edited to the actions of the characters.

Anyway, this is more of a statement than a Q+A to all fans, but i'm interested if anyone else feels the same or thinks I'm wrong.

terramax

[Karizuma]

I don't know; maybe it's because Mr. Sakimoto isn't as famous, that he tries so hard making original compositions so he can become famous, and because Mr. Uematsu is so famous, that Mr. Uematsu just sticks with what he knows everyone will like?

[Jormungand]

The games themselves are partly responsible...

Take Final Fantasy X. When watching the title sequence, the first music credit that rolls by is Uematsu, and Hamauzu and Nakano aren't even mentioned till way later as "other music" or some such nonsense even though they not only handled the larger portion of the score but also provided the finest and most sophisticated content.

The other big problematic factor is that people who are so enamored with Uematsu refuse to divy up credit where it's due. Consider Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. Uematsu's role was to provide the main theme in its infant form (melody + accompaniment), which was later arranged by Sakimoto. People have expressed, however, that it's more "important" that Uematsu wrote the theme, and thus it's his composition -- despite the degree of arrangement, which ultimately makes "Main Theme" more of Sakimoto's composition.

The same kind of mindless labeling will undoubtedly occur with FFXII, but as of right now Uematsu's presence is probably little more than it was with Tactics Advance.

[TerraEpon]

Why is it that Nobuo Uematsu gets all the fame when it comes to game soundtracks?


terramax

The same reason that John Williams does in film music.

The same reason the Beethoven does in classical music.

It's simple really. It's what people -know-.

-Joshua

[Rain Corale]

You guys...

:)

Sakimoto is going to be doing just fine before too long. Its clear that the torch has been passed from Uematsu to Sakimoto. Nobuo is a Titan. Sakimoto is also a Titan. Lets leave it at that...

[Karizuma]

Strangely enough, I notice there is no forum dedicated to talking about the works of Mr. Uematsu here.

[datschge]

Strangely enough, I notice there is no forum dedicated to talking about the works of Mr. Uematsu here.

That's because the composer specific forums are part of the English composer websites Cocoebiz hosts and maintains. The English website of Mr. Uematsu is not among them.

[Rain Corale]

Strangely enough, I notice there is no forum dedicated to talking about the works of Mr. Uematsu here.

That's because the composer specific forums are part of the English composer websites Cocoebiz hosts and maintains. The English website of Mr. Uematsu is not among them.

Thats alright! Nobuo has plenty of fansites. I am glad this site opened because it introduced me to many new faces, many of which I greatly admire now.

[level99]

Why is it that Nobuo Uematsu gets all the fame when it comes to game soundtracks?

Don't get me wrong, I have quite a few of his OSTs in my collection, but why is it that everyone celebrates him and not H. Sakimoto amongst others?
That is why I love CocoeBiz so much - they work to promote composers that are not as widely-known in the US.

To answer your question, I think the popularity of the composer goes hand-in-hand with the popularity of the games he or she composes for. Final Fantasy is the most popular series here in the US, so it would only make sense that the series' primary composer is most popular here in the media as well. I think with the release of Final Fantasy 12, Mr. Sakimoto's works will be more recognized in the US. I am very happy for Mr. Sakimoto and am greatly looking forward to his work in FF12!! The samples released last year were absolutely beautiful!

Furthermore, I'd say Uematsu's international success can only be good thing for VGM fans. It brings us that much closer to someday being able to attend an Ogre Battle orchestral performance, or a Star Ocean rock concert!!! *dreams*

[Karizuma]

Furthermore, I'd say Uematsu's international success can only be good thing for VGM fans. It brings us that much closer to someday being able to attend an Ogre Battle orchestral performance, or a Star Ocean rock concert!!! *dreams*
Now, I just wish there would be a Star Ocean ORCHESTRAL concert... :/

[Garamond]

As I observe, Sakimoto (within the Basiscape) is a composer refuses self-advertisement among audience. (I suppose he does the pitch in his industry, of course) Less arrange album of him also made less attraction.

[LunarHeart]

In my oppinion, I think the reason to why Uematsu is extremely much praised is because he always manage to make tunes that stick like super glue to the mind, he creates crystal clear and well composed themes, its not just the Final Fantasy title that gives him credit, but also his way to not accept less then best..

There are other great composers as well of course that deserves almost as much praise that also have gotten it to a certain extent..
Almost noone has released as many soundtracks as Nobuo yet so if we wait until the others have a fatter Discography they will rise taller ..

[Geoffrey Taucer]

Uematsu's early stuff (up to FF6) was great. He's done one or two good tunes since then, but for the most part his recent stuff just doesn't do it for me.

I think his work from FF7 onward is, like the games themselves, hugely overrated.

[Fatigue]

All Right! Now for my view:

Sakimoto is one of the most diverse composers of VGM. From his epic and legendary scores of Final Fantasy Tactics to his calm and accoustical songs of Legaia Duel Saga, his work is never dull and always raises the bar of todays music. Uematsu USED to be good, but now, he is just an average composer. There is no doubt that Final Fantasy had some really good songs, its just that after the SNES era, Uematsu decided to climb down the mountain. As for Sakimoto, he is continually climbing the mountain and he isn't anywhere near the top yet. He is improving with every score.
So, all I have to say left is... Sakimoto is God!

[LunarHeart]

Well.. Now I must say, Uematsu is underrated lol
He deserves alot of credit for his composing on the three games FFVII VIII and IX that is after the Snes era..
I personally think the best tunes from FF is alot better then anything that Sakimoto Has come with, thats my oppinion though..
And the best overall ever is without doubt Uematsu and Mitsudas music..
Sakimoto makes kick ass music too!..
And Yeah, Uematsu is having dull times nowadays.

[KujaFFman]

What about a "Sakimoto gets all the fame!" thread? You see, Stella Deus was recently released in the United States. Many reviews only mention Hitoshi Sakimoto. No word about Masaharu Iwata... even if his tracks are more numerous. Gah!

[LunarHeart]

What about a "Sakimoto gets all the fame!" thread? You see, Stella Deus was recently released in the United States. Many reviews only mention Hitoshi Sakimoto. No word about Masaharu Iwata... even if his tracks are more numerous. Gah!

Extremely good point.. Ridiculous that not every composer is mentioned, if I were a part of a grand project and struggled hard to get a soundtrack top-notch, and didnt get my name on the credits, I would quit on the spot and advertise my name as a part of the project on my own..
Damn disgusting systems, disgrace..

[Jormungand]

What about a "Sakimoto gets all the fame!" thread? You see, Stella Deus was recently released in the United States. Many reviews only mention Hitoshi Sakimoto. No word about Masaharu Iwata... even if his tracks are more numerous. Gah!
I've noticed this too, and it's pretty irritating. I mean, how do these people see Sakimoto's name and not Iwata's?

I've made efforts to correct them when I can, but there's so many it's overwhelming. :(

[Garamond]

Same situation as Metal Gear Solid 2 and 3, Williams gets all the fame.

[KujaFFman]

Absolutely! Norihiko Hibino is really in the shadow of Harry Gregson-Williams, even though they are both so talented. Some people even think that HGW worked on Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes alone! Fortunately, Hibino is finally along with HGW in the opening credits of MGS3.

But this kind of situation often happens. Final Fantasy X, for example: Nobuo Uematsu is one of the first names credited at the beginning of the game, but Masashi Hamauzu and Junya Nakano are far after that. But of course, when you have a great name to put on the credits, why would you add some unknown people?

[Garamond]

But this kind of situation often happens. Final Fantasy X, for example: Nobuo Uematsu is one of the first names credited at the beginning of the game, but Masashi Hamauzu and Junya Nakano are far after that. But of course, when you have a great name to put on the credits, why would you add some unknown people?

Speaking of FFX, Hamauzu and Nakano actually gained their fans and position in Square with the pieces better than Nobuo's. I wanna hear Nobuo's hardcore fans how to protest that without "To Zanarkand" and "Sudeki da ne".

Honestly, I stand off the game or OST that Nobuo is the only composer.