Gran Turismo, the game that was a instant classic the very same day that it hit the stores had too boot a very good soundtrack. An interesting fact is that the OST is for the Japanease version of the game and does not have the same BGM in it. The U.S version of the music is more alternative rock style where the Japanease have a very soft J-Pop taste that is actually very good too. So my review is about the Japanease version BGM not the U.S one.

The main theme of the Gran Turismo OST is "Moon over the Castle." After a slow start the track really begins with some high-pitched electric guitar and a lively beat. This reminds me of some of the Redbook Audio from "Tokyo Highway Battle," a very little known Playstation game. So if you like that piece you should consider placing Tokyo Highway Battle's Redbook to the test.

My favorite piece of the entire album is track 5, "Freedom to Win." A perfect race music sound very similar to the original Ridge Racer piece (not the numerous remixes from the later games): simple, yet interesting.

Although most of the tracks are indeed lively and interesting, I must admit that some of them have rather "bizzare" sound samples or rhythm. An example is " A Man of the World" which uses some kind of synth keyboard sound straight from the seventies disco era.

Track 11, the "Ending Theme," is quite good, although it could fit almost anywhere in a racing game, some old unknown B series love story at the credit roll... heck, you name it.

So if you love J-Pop, but not too hardcore J-Pop, this CD is for you. You should consider getting it. Overall, it's good but, still, it misses some fast paced BGM like those found in Ridge Racer Type Four Direct Audio.