[quote name='Kirin Lemon'] The intro is fine - it's just different from what you're used to. I also expect much better voice acting this time around, since most of the Working Designs cast was, at best, amateurish.[/QUOTE]
I agree with this. I listened to both the WD version yesterday and the new version. I was surprised to hear it's the same woman singing (though I can hear that now), but that just fits in nicely to what I'm about to say.
They're different aspects of the same thing. The WD lyrics scan a lot better, but they also don't really say a lot -- they favor easy rhymes and romantic cliches over what the original song actually had to say.
Don't get me wrong -- I am very fond of the song, but lyrics like:
"In your dreams, love is the plot carried on wings of hope"
I mean, it's pretty and it rhymes, but what is it saying and what does it have to do with the game? Not much either way.
Also, the WD versions weren't completely without clunky lyrics:
"Each of our souls intertwine when we do"
Uh, what? Our souls intertwine when we...intertwine. Well, duh.
The new song is certainly clunkier in the lyrics department, but the words at least describe the game. The original lyrics could describe any number of games or movies or anime.
Which is better? Depends what you want: poetry or authenticity. This is not a black-and-white question, either, and has a long history (and baggage) in anime.
That brings us to the singer. In the WD version, she's less polished but has a good, honest voice -- in other words, perfect for Luna. Now, she has more technique, but uses that technique to make the song more emotional. Also perfect for Luna, but in a different way. Same singer, but she's grown and changed and wants to bring something new (and yet thoughtful and respectful) to the song.
Which is better? Hard to say. And it's always hard to accept change.
But I think it's good to hear new translations and attempts at localizations and see what they bring to the table. It's the balance between faithful in meaning and elegant in English, and that can be really challenging.
Me, I'm looking forward to the Boat Song, and will probably buy the CE just for the soundtrack. That alone sold me on the original.