Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail has a pretty solid soundtrack, all told—I found myself bopping along to most of it, and I think the choice to make its capital city Tuliyollal filled with swingin' jazz is inspired. I even like the corny rehash of the main theme during the story's final trial (even with my more complex thoughts on the story surrounding it). Alas, one song is an exception to my appreciation: Smile.
For some context as to why Smile was a big deal: You've gotta understand the kind of good will Final Fantasy 14's composer, Masayoshi Soken, has built up so far. Pretty much every expansion's soundtrack has been a cornucopia of leitmotifs, buffeted by swelling moments and thoughtful arrangements. I still get chills listening to Tomorrow and Tomorrow, or tears stinging in my eyes at Flow.
