The Mighty Nein's Opening Sequence Chose the Incorrect Critical Role Song
The Mighty Nein, the newest animated adventure from Critical Role, unveiled an exciting opening credits. It showcases our favorite cast of misfits, outcasts, and criminals fighting hard and taking names, while teasing at multiple heart-wrenching personal histories for characters such as Liam O'Brien's wizard Caleb, and Travis Willingham's orc warlock, Fjord.
All in all, the opening appears stunning. However, I felt that an element was missing in the song choice.
This sequence uses "Welcome to Wildemount", a truly stellar song composed by producer and singer Colm McGuinness. This piece originating from the soundtrack album of that title, the second one released by Critical Role Productions LLC's record label their music brand. It's a wonderful nostalgic choice, and I believe that devotees of the sequel series will love its inclusion.
Personally, The Mighty Nein's intro doesn't quite capture the hype and excitement that accompanied the show's live-play sessions. "Your Turn to Roll", written by singer-songwriter the artist, became an immediate hit in my view when it was first revealed in 2015, and it only got better when co-founder Sam Riegel wrote words to the melody for the animated Campaign 2 opening in 2018.
Featuring vocals from one actress, another performer, Travis Willingham, as well as Riegel himself, the song was catchy and fun. Back then, I hadn't even watched the second campaign yet, but this was such an earworm that I still saved it on my device. This track that excites you before you dive into an installment of adventurous fun.
The Mighty Nein's intro with "Welcome to Wildemount" doesn't strike the same chords for me. It's an impressive piece of music, but from what I know of this party, I feel that its tone is somewhat mismatched.
Of course, Critical Role has already said that the series will have a few surprises and variations from the original live sessions. A tonal change for its opening seems to be one of them.
This animated adventure will be released on the streaming service from November 19. If you can't wait before that, or wish to prepare to learn about the personas of the second series, the original episodes are available on Spotify and YouTube.
