Pokémon "2.B.A. Master"
Music from the hit Television Series.
CD by 4Kids Entertainment, Nintendo/Game Freak, Koch, and Warner Bros.
Reviewed by The Avardancer (Philip Andrew Wesley)
CD Type: Enchanced CD. 1 CD.
Released: June 28th, 1999
Use with: A CD Player, CD ROM Drive equipped computer. Macintosh, or Windows
compatible PC. System 7.5.5 and Windows '95 suggested. Monitor resolution of
640 - 480 screen resolution, a minimum of 256 colors, at least 4MB available
RAM, Double Speed or better CD-ROM drive. Of course.. you ONLY need the CD
PLAYER if you want to listen to it. The computer junk is only if you wish to
view the Pokérap video. The video requires Quicktime 3.

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Opening Snide Remarks: Well, I break out my "spiffy" Song-by-song review
style to give you a most indepth review of the "POKéMON 2.B.A. Master" CD...
SONG BY SONG! Cool, huh? Yes.. VERY cool. I'm also going to list the vocals
for each song.. HA HA HA! The music in this CD will be shown on "Pikachu's
Jukebox" after the TV show. Nifty. Anyways, I picked up the CD. Actually, I
reserved a copy two weeks ahead of time; because it almost instantly sold out
the day it arrived. No.. really! The "Hastings Books and Music" store was a
usually quiet place that day. Sitting back in its "selections" and "high
priced goods". Not caring a lick that Meg Ryan's store was losing business
just around the corner.

One of the music staff slowly approached the back door to the warehouse. The
other staff member in the green vest nodded in affirmation. "It's time" He
said. With trembling hands, the music staff-member grasped the cardboard box
with the large red "Koch Records" logo. "This is it..." He mumbled as he
began to walk slowly toward the soundtrack section of the CDs. He opened the
lid of the box slowly and gazed upon the blue CD cover with a flying Pokéball
emblazoned on it's cover. He reached into the box to pull out the CD and as
he placed the first CD on the rack.. he heard a noise. A slightly muffled
noise that started to rise to a dull roar. The sound of running feet and it
grew louder and louder! Then he heard: "THE CD!!!!!" He dropped the box and
tucked the CD into the pocket of his vest as dozens of ravanged ten year olds
descended on to the fallen box like vultures. Cardboard flew everywhere and
he could hear the ripping of re-order stock papers for what seemed like hours
and hours. Then the noise stopped as the pre-pubescent beasts dragged the
remains of the cardboard box into the Children's Books section with the large
cut-out of Tarzan, Jane, and that annoying character with the Arabic slur for
a name ("Terk") that no one likes near the front of it.

He smiled as he slowly moved closer to the main section of the music section
and slipped the CD he was gaurding into the Special Order drawer. "Now, that
one kid will get his order..."

So, I was called and I got the CD. HA HA HA! And now.. I will review it.

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Impressions: This is a "Song-by-Song" (TM) review and for that reason... I am
going to ditch the "Liked", "hated" sections of the review template.

Linear Notes and CD Extras: The Linear notes for the CD fold out into a nice
poster; just like the Star Wars: Episode 1 soundtrack and the TLC album: "Fan
Mail" do. The poster is nice and colorful. The linear notes include complete
lyrics for all of the songs. This allows you to "sing along" with the Pokérap
and any of the other songs. The CD's "Enchanced" section is pretty cool; the
CD includes a version Quicktime 3 and has a friendly, simple interface. You
just pop it in and it auto-runs on most CD-ROM drives. The Pokérap video is
clear, concise, and moves quickly and in sync with the audio. Even on my
rather "ancient" system; it runs smoothly with no skipping.

Track 1: "Pokémon Theme"
This song is the song that plays in front of the episodes you see on your
television every day. From the opening electric guitar flourishes near the
begining on the track to the last few beats of the synthetic drum at the end
it is here and in an extended form. The song seems "louder" and more clean
(beat-wise) than the Television program version. The lyrics focus on the
"friendship" theme that is prevailent in the show. The "gotta catch them all"
choruses and the enthusiastic, almost "1980 metal" vocals piece together an
interesting fluidity of music. This track is an excellent example of planned
music. A catchy tune that you may find yourself humming a little. Very good
track and this track alone makes this an essential item for the Pokémaniac
that you probably are.

Track 2: "2B A MASTER"
This track is an original song that reminds me a lot of the early music of
Micheal Jackson. No.. really. It reminds me of "Thriller". Right down to the
"taunting voice". This is a "dance" tune. It's up-beat and driven by a driven
beat as the lyrics speed by. The song basically reinforces the "gotta catch
them all" theme that seems subversively run through out the CD. The "na na na
na na na na" choral part is similar to umm.. well, "Black and White" by the
same artist. (Back when he wasn't a jerk.) It is very up-beat; but it isn't
all that catchy. Nope, it's a track you can basically skip. A great emulation
of an era's louder voices.

Track 3: "Viridian City"
Eclectic Techno Beat with gospel roots. Umm. The song's driving beat is more
important than the lyrics; the lyrics are inspired by the first few episodes
of the Pokémon Anime. It's an excellent up-beat performance. The guy that did
the vocals for the main theme (Track 1) did the main vocals here. What's with
the "I'll find a place worth fighting for" part of the lyrics. The lyrics are
ignorable; but the music itsself is excellent. This song is "pokégospel" and
is definately a keeper. It's worth a listen or three. The song is best
described in one phrase: "Eclectically Joyous, Techno, PokéGospel". This is
a fun track that would make an even better theme song than Track 1. (Big
surprise there.

Track 4: "What kind of Pokémon are you?"
This R & B, Rap hybrid is sadly as uninspired as most Rap/R & B music is. The
lyrics are "clever" and spunky. The vocalist is exhuberant. The style of rap
is a "shaker beat" plus "old school" style mixed with "new school" cliché.
The lead vocalist gets a bit carried away and almost ruins the integrity of
the soundtrack. The vocal harmonies of the back up vocals save the song with
their excellent chorus. The chorus is addictive. The lead vocal is annoying
near the end. The whole "rap culture" lends itsself to being annoying. Yes,
the song is plagued by a bad rapper who tries to emulate todays artists while
attempting to be relavent in the song's "old-school" theme. The record
scratches that show up from time to time make this song laughable as a Rap
song. Too bad; because the chorus part is very tight and is legitimate Rythem
and Blues. I like the lyrics and choral sections; but the "rap" delivery is
tardy and slack. That said; I think the people who recorded and mixed this
track had a bit too much fun with it. The title alone is an excellent pick
up line... sort of. (It works well really. It's an excellent ice-breaker at
parties. I just go up to some hot girl and ask: "What kind of Pokémon are
you?" If she doesn't stare at me like I'm from another planet; she will
suddenly fall deeply in love with me. Although, for the most part, everyone
I tried it on has run away in terror.)

Track 5: "My Best Friends"
This dance track is backed with more "gospel" vocals. Very good gospel vocals
in the songs choruses and opening. The lead vocal is VERY good. The lyrics
emphasize friendship and harmony. The back-track is sketchy; but it works.
The song breaks into an almost "Grease" style around the middle of it and
that works well; actually. The vocals are top-notch in this song. It has a
great production value and is a lot better than some commercial songs out
there. It is a positive track that is worth listening too. One of the best
tracks on this CD in terms of musical merit.

Track 6: "Everything Changes"
Hmm.. the songs starts out with some interesting piano terms. The vocalist
has a soft voice at first; but still manages to pull out an Aretha Franklin
style flourish. The beat is heavy; but the over all mood is subdued. This
song's lyrics focus on the fact that everything changes or "evolves". This
song almost doesn't sound like it should be here; but a clip from the TV show
is thrown in to make it fit with the CD. Anyways, this is Rythem and Blues
music that is well done. It's the type of quality music I would expect from
contemporary gospel artists. It's a nice track.

Track 7: "The Time has Come"
This is the song that played in the episode "Pikachu's Good-bye". The lyrics
are sad; and the music reflects that to a tee. It's a pretty song and if it
wasn't made for a Yellow Electric Mouse... it would be an excellent song that
could probably make it's way on the Billboard Top 40. This song could be sung
at a funeral or memorial service and be completely relevant. It is a "I'm
leaving on a Jet Plane" statement that makes this track a stand-out on the
CD. The piano music and the other instruments complement the chorus and vocal
to perfection. It's a bit depressing; but it is a solid addition to a very
good album. I find myself singing along.

Track 8: "Pokémon Dance Mix"
This dance mix would make DJ Rap and Fatboy Slim proud. This is "euro-dance"
with somewhat substantial lyrics. The beat is heavy and "club-tech". In a
perfect world; this would be the lead single in Europe and it would beat the
synthetics out of Cher's song "Believe". The vocals are loud and fit in well
with the song. It draws heavy influences from many other dance hits. But, its
cool. Very cool. This track has the power.

Track 9: "Double Trouble"
Did you really think that they wouldn't let Team Rocket have a track in the
CD? Well, this song is original and is a bit "campy". It has vocals by James,
Jessie, Giovanni, and MEOWTH!!!! Oh, yeah. This is my favorite track on the
CD far. The chorus is boisterous and very true to style. It's a mix of Disco,
Rap, Techno, Rock, and Gospel (!) that works very well. The character voices
are the same character voices from the show. This track is kicking! The Team
Rocket motto is mixed into here with some great clips and superb stylized
mixing. (Team Rocket's Blasting off again!) I like it a lot. This track is
so cool. If you dig the villians; then this track will take you out back and
make you dance. I like this one. It's GOOOOOOOOOOOOD! It's not from any of
the episodes; but it's still cool. The chorus sums it up: "Team Rocket's
Rockin'!" Yeah. Rock on, Jessie, James, and MEOWTH! (That's right!)  If Team
Rocket was at least 1/10th as good as this track; they would have already
caught Pikachu.

Track 10: "Together Forever"
This track is up-beat, almost tropical. My sister says it reminds here of the
Backstreet Boys, and N*Sync. (Shudder.) But thankfully, this qaulifies as
music. It's "party" fare that the kids will eat up. The lyrics are about the
"Joy of being friends". Man, I wish the world was like the lyrics. Overly-
positive? Yeah.. but that's okay. This isn't Nine Inch Nails, this is a
POKéMON soundtrack. The clip from the TV series seems a bit out of place; but
the vocals are together and very harmonious. Some nice harmony seeps from
this track. It also has an addictive "hook" and that will bring you back to
this track for multiple listens.

Track 11: "Misty's Song"
Umm... Misty is singing about not being able to tell Ash that she "loves"
him. (I think that she's just after his Pokéballs. Umm.. that sounded wrong.)
The lyrics are "par" for this type of song. This is the type of music that
would hit #1 if it was being sung by, say, "Brittany Spears" or some other
"bubble-gum pop" musician. The lead vocal is "weak" and a bit "dainty". Sigh,
this song sounds like it would fit better in a Sailor Moon soundtrack; but
the clips from the show make it fit in. (As well as making it a bit funny.)
Sigh, I feel sorry for Ash now. It's ball-room pop. The vocal is from the
series. (She's Misty! Duh.) Anyways, the song makes me wonder what Misty
should sing next. I think it would hilarious to hear her do a copy of "Angel
of Mine" or "Baby one more time." Ha ha ha ha. Good Night, Misty.

Track 12: "The POKéRAP!"
Although.. it really isn't RAP; it's cool. It's a "device" used to memorize
the names of all 150 Pokémon. In it's complete form.. it's VERY long; but it
is addictive and it's a challenge to memorize. This song will sell the CD by
itsself. (Especially since LYRICS are included.) To be a Pokémon Master is
my DESTINY! Some good stuff. You'll like it if you dig the series. This song
plays at the end of the shows. From Electrode to Arbok. They are ALL there.

Track 13: "You can do it"
>Insert gratuitous Water Boy joke< This is an "inspirational lullaby". The
guy singing sounds like he Phil Collins or Steven Curtis Chapman. There is
some slow jazz in the music, and some "choral" music as well; but it's the
LYRICS that count the most here. The song is inspirational. This is Rare
Candy for your self-esteem. And God only knows that children today need all
the self-esteem they can get. It would fit well on a Phil Collins or Bob
Carlisle album PERFECTLY. Yeah, it's that good. It's an excellent way to
round out this album.

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Improve: Hmm.. if they got a "big name" artist in here; and added some
instrumental themes as well. This CD has raised my hopes for the soundtrack
to the movie. I can't wait. Also... there is ONE glaring sad note here. I
want them to do another of these and include JIGGLYPUFF's song. Oh, come on!
Do it for me! I want them to add that one and print the lyrics. So I can sing
along. "JIGGLYPUFF! JIGGLYPUFF". That's some sweet music there. JIGGLYPUFF is
cooler than Mariah Carey, and she could beat up TLC. Also.. it would be so
very hilarious if they did "specialized" cover songs in the next album. I can
see it now. "AND I IIII will alwaaaaays love MEEEEEEEW!" Okay.. maybe not.

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Final Words: If you like POKéMON.. you need to get your rear down to the
store and get this. If you hate Pokémon... ummm.. why did you just read this
review? The CD is aimed for the under 15 set; but those who appreciate music
will like it as well.

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Score: 96%

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Secrets: (Any special things like a built in code or secret messages? IE:
Super Game Boy, Game Genie, Game Boy Camera.)