"Princess Mononoke"

Joe Hisaishi's "Princess Mononoke" was my introduction to his work, and what a superlative beginning it was. The "John Williams of Japan," as I dub him, entered my sonic world with a stirring, sweeping theme that carries the weight of the entire score. Its various interpretations are the clear highlights, while the action cues prove somewhat tedious to my ears, never having been Hisaishi's strongest suit. The album's operatic conclusion further cements my recommendation, though a custom playlist may ultimately provide the most rewarding listening experience. Nevertheless, "Princess Mononoke" remains a significant score for me personally, marking the moment an unfamiliar legend entered my musical world.