Background of the music in Final Fantasy X

Cover of the Final Fantasy X Original Soundtrack
A different approach was made to the music of Final Fantasy X. The main composer, Nobuo Uematsu, wanted to make sure that the voices of the characters were always the focal points and not the music during cut scenes. So, whenever a character would start talking, the music will automatically either; become softer or become silent. Final Fantasy X has the most silent scenes of any Final Fantasy game.

In previous Final Fantasy games, Uematsu would compose the entire soundtrack himself. But, in Final Fantasy X, he was aided by two more composers: Masashi Hamauzu and Junya Nakano. Each of the three composers divided up the work for the soundtrack and were asked to work independently. Uematsu chose these composers because: "They can create the type of music that I cannot compose myself."

The three composers of Final Fantasy X. Junya Nakano (left), Nobuo Uematsu (middle), Masashi Hamauzu (right)

The music in Final Fantasy X is more cinematic than previous installments. Old songs from previous Final Fantasy games such as the "Chocobo Theme" are also included. Final Fantasy X was originally supposed to be in mono sound. But they decided to switch it to the more present stereo sound. Stereo sound gave the game a much deeper atmosphere.

Final Fantasy X also features a vocal track: "Suteki da Ne (Isn't it Beautiful). The singer "Rikki" was decided almost unanimously by the composers after just hearing one of her tracks. Uematsu describes Rikki's voice as amazing and she was the only singer he wanted to sing the track.