Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi)

Hisaishi Joe, the long-time collaborator of Miyazaki Hayao, has certainly not failed in bringing the mystical world of Spirited Away to life through his creation of unforgettable melodies and orchestral scores. With the gentle yet wistful strains of "Ano Natsu" (Summer) that leads into the album, one is soon acoustically enmeshed in the vibrant strings and effervescent percussion of the following tracks. Of note, the pomp and pageantry of "Kami-sama" (Gods) is unusual yet exceedingly attractive with its light trembling vocal to complement the grand piece. Another outstanding track that captures the sheer joy of soaring through the clouds is "Futatabi" (Again). This is the music that plays in the movie's background as Sen is flying back to Yubaba's bathhouse on dragon Haku's back. A gentle yet hopeful start to the piece is built up to a stirring climax, and although a little poignant at parts, it still lifts the spirit as one imagines flying through a starlit midnight sky on a sliver white dragon.