Yu Suzuki's mega-budgeted, genre-making epic, Shenmue is scored by two highly notable veterans. Takenobu Mitsuyoshi and Yuzo Koshiro, are in top form and ably assisted by some less familiar names.

Takenobu Mitsuyoshi's Asian influenced music possesses an element of elegance derived from the subtle role of the piano. Mr. Mitsuyoshi also utilizes a male chorus with interesting effect, especially in contrast to the hip, electronic background music.

Yuzo Koshiro contributes three songs to this 2-disc set. The first two pieces ( disc 1) are reflective piano themes that leave the impression of tenderness and passion. Koshiro's only tune on disc two is a wild in your face hip hop jam.

Another ancient Corp. composer, Tekeshi Yanagawa, has created a couple of stirring cues that will send shivers down your spine.

The workhorses for the Shenmue soundtrack, Osamu Murata and Ryuji Iuchi, expertly use electronics to create catchy melodies that whisk the listener away too far off places.

The pop song "Wish," co-written by Ryuji Iuchi and Yumi Asada (T's music), is a pleasant song, although a little long, but nicely sung by Yumiko Yamamoto.

Shenmue is an adventure in discovering oneself worth. The music by these fine composers helps create the humanity of this digital entertainment.

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Shenmue is owned by SEGA.