Good news for Gundam fans! Singer Hiroko Moriguchi is releasing a brand-new album of Gundam song covers. The album is titled "GUNDAM SONG COVERS -ORCHESTRA-" and it will be available on June 18, 2025.
This isn’t just any cover album. Hiroko Moriguchi has teamed up with the Japan Pops Orchestra from Tacticart Orchestra, a talented group of young musicians who are making waves both in Japan and internationally. Together, they have created orchestral arrangements of ten classic Gundam songs.
Hiroko Moriguchi is well-known for her powerful voice and her connection to the Gundam universe. She has sung some of the most iconic Gundam theme songs, including "Mizu no Hoshi e Ai wo Komete" from Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam and "ETERNAL WIND ~Hohoemi wa Hikaru Kaze no Naka~" from Mobile Suit Gundam F91. These songs are included in the new album as self-covers, meaning she is revisiting and re-recording her own beloved Gundam hits with a fresh orchestral sound.
This new album is a special addition to her popular "GUNDAM SONG COVERS" series. The first album, simply titled "GUNDAM SONG COVERS," came out in 2019. It was followed by "GUNDAM SONG COVERS 2" in 2020 and "GUNDAM SONG COVERS 3" in 2022. All three albums were incredibly successful, reaching the top ranks of the Oricon weekly album charts in Japan. In total, the series has sold over 250,000 copies, showing just how much fans love Hiroko Moriguchi’s Gundam covers.
Initially, Hiroko Moriguchi thought that "GUNDAM SONG COVERS 3" would be the final chapter in the series. However, due to overwhelming requests from fans for more, she decided to create this special spin-off album, "GUNDAM SONG COVERS -ORCHESTRA-." She expressed her happiness at being able to respond to her fans’ wishes and create something new and exciting.
Hiroko Moriguchi shared her feelings about Gundam songs, calling them "eternal hope." She described the recording process as deeply moving, saying that the combination of the grand Gundam songs and the vibrant orchestra touched her heart and even brought tears to her eyes. She hopes that listeners will enjoy the beautiful melodies of these theme songs along with the rich and powerful sound of the orchestra.
The album, "GUNDAM SONG COVERS -ORCHESTRA-," is designed to be a "Gundam Song Cover Album for Adults," suggesting a sophisticated and mature take on these classic anime songs. The orchestral arrangements promise to bring a new level of depth and emotion to the already powerful Gundam music.
Here is the complete tracklist for "GUNDAM SONG COVERS -ORCHESTRA-":
- "Ai Senshi" (Mobile Suit Gundam Ⅱ theme song) – A powerful and emotional ballad from the second Mobile Suit Gundam movie, known for its poignant lyrics and memorable melody.
- "Meguriai" (Mobile Suit Gundam III theme song) – Another iconic song from the original Mobile Suit Gundam trilogy, “Meguriai” is a sweeping and dramatic piece that captures the epic scale of the Gundam saga.
- "Mizu no Hoshi e Ai wo Komete" (Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam 2nd opening theme) – One of Hiroko Moriguchi’s signature songs, this is the second opening theme for Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam. It’s a vibrant and hopeful song that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the series.
- "Giniro Dress" (Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam insert song) – A beautiful and melancholic insert song from Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, “Giniro Dress” is known for its gentle melody and emotional depth, often associated with moments of reflection and loss in the anime.
- "Toui Kioku" (Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket ending theme) – The ending theme for the emotionally resonant OVA Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket. “Toui Kioku” is a tender and nostalgic song that reflects the themes of memory and innocence lost in war.
- "ETERNAL WIND ~Hohoemi wa Hikaru Kaze no Naka~" (Mobile Suit Gundam F91 theme song) – Another of Hiroko Moriguchi’s most famous songs, “ETERNAL WIND” is the main theme for Mobile Suit Gundam F91. It’s an uplifting and powerful anthem that speaks of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
- "FLYING IN THE SKY" (Mobile Fighter G Gundam 1st opening theme) – The energetic and passionate first opening theme for Mobile Fighter G Gundam. “FLYING IN THE SKY” is a high-octane song that embodies the熱血 (Nekketsu – hot-blooded) spirit of the series.
- "10 YEARS AFTER" (Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team ending theme) – The poignant ending theme for Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team. “10 YEARS AFTER” is a reflective and mature song that deals with themes of lasting love and the passage of time in a war-torn world.
- "Tsuki no Mayu" (Turn A Gundam ending theme) – The ethereal and mysterious ending theme for Turn A Gundam. “Tsuki no Mayu” is known for its unique sound and dreamlike quality, reflecting the enigmatic nature of the series.
- "FIND THE WAY" (Mobile Suit Gundam SEED ending theme) – The powerful and emotionally charged ending theme for Mobile Suit Gundam SEED. “FIND THE WAY” is a song about finding hope and direction amidst conflict and uncertainty, resonating deeply with fans of the series.
Fans will be able to choose between a first press limited edition CD jacket and a regular edition CD jacket. While details about the differences between these editions are still to be announced, the existence of a limited edition suggests there might be bonus content or special packaging for early purchasers. Gundam collectors and Hiroko Moriguchi fans will likely want to keep an eye out for more information on these editions.
The announcement of "GUNDAM SONG COVERS -ORCHESTRA-" has already generated significant excitement among Gundam fans and music lovers alike. Hiroko Moriguchi’s previous Gundam cover albums have proven to be incredibly popular, and the addition of orchestral arrangements to this new album promises to offer a fresh and sophisticated listening experience. The collaboration with the Japan Pops Orchestra adds another layer of prestige and artistry to the project, making it a highly anticipated release for 2025.
With a tracklist featuring beloved songs from across the Gundam franchise, and the promise of powerful orchestral arrangements, "GUNDAM SONG COVERS -ORCHESTRA-" is shaping up to be a must-have album for any Gundam fan. Mark your calendars for June 18, 2025, and get ready to experience these classic Gundam songs in a whole new way!