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As I sit here to write the next song, I am reminded of a song that took my breath away playing the original Assassin’s Creed. City of Jerusalem was the first song that I took notice to in Jesper Kyd’s great soundtrack that took the video game world by storm. The reason I choose City of Jerusalem for this week is because it does something new and bold that video game soundtracks rarely see. It takes a look at a middle eastern view on music and add’s great depth to the series, especially to this particular game in the franchise.
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The song starts out very slow and methodical; adding wind instruments catching the tranquility of the area when you first hit Jerusalem. This is especially powerful when you land in Jerusalem and notice the huge city surrounded by a huge wall. The powerful imagery is then cast aside by roaming people when the arabic tones come into play. The arabic tones by the man singing and his backup chorus make City of Jerusalem come alive. The beat pickups up, imagining you’re headed into the city as you passerby’s speaking to each other in harmony. Jerusalem then becomes a living city and as your enter the city and you are greeted by the townspeople and as you put your horse’s reigns on wooden piece of block you enter the city where the music ends.
City of Jerusalem adds charm to the franchise in which none have seen before. Kyd’s recognition to the area surrounding the player adds a uniqueness that will be very hard to duplicate for many games to come. This is not the only piece within this great soundtrack that has a lot of these types of songs; you should buy the album from iTunes as soon as you’re done reading this article.
Next week, we head back to the classics. For now, I will leave you with this hint: You’re a winner!