Rina Aiuchi – FULL JUMP October 27, 2008

Track Listing

1. FULL JUMP
2. HIMAWARI
3. FULL JUMP “Full throttle mix”
4. FULL JUMP -instrumental-

1. FULL JUMP

After what seemed like an eternity of ballad A-sides, Rina finally returns with a bang with this almost mix of eurobeat and rock.  Her voice at the starts sounded so good and then the music kicks in.  I thought she gave a great performance and sounded very lively.  The chorus is where she shined the most and I was quite happy at her power as well.

2. HIMAWARI

I’m fine with this track also, which is also a pop-like track.  Though it pales in comparison with “FULL JUMP” because the music lacks attention and force.  I mean it’s pretty calm and mellow.  The use of piano and synths didn’t really stand out but Rina’s vocals did…is that a good thing?

 

 

Finally!  I wanted a great dance-like A-side and although it’s not really for dancing FULL JUMP was definitly upbeat and very catchy as her songs go.  HIMAWARI was definitly B-side material and it’s pretty obvious from how the two sound against each other.

Tommy Heavenly6 – I’m Gonna SCREAM+ October 27, 2008

Track Listing

1. I’m Gonna SCREAM+
2. GOING 2 MY WAY!
3. +gothic Pink+ (Melancholic guitar version)
4. I’m Gonna SCREAM+ (original instrumental)

1. I’m Gonna SCREAM+

I always wanted to know how her next era would start out and OMG did it really brought some new things.  The song has a very dark atmosphere to it and some of the lyrics are really dark.  Tomoko is pushing her vocal ability pretty far but it doesn’t corrupt anything in particular.  It’s definitly a strong A-side.

2. GOING 2 MY WAY!

The start has her shoot lyrics in an odd fashion with the bass being the only thing played.  Then when the other instruments are added the song takes a more slower take than “I’m Gonna SCREAM+”.  Initially, I fond the song quite strange tempo-wise and how she sung it was quite off for me.  After a while I did get used to it all, so it turned out to be an OK song.

3. +gothic Pink+ (Melancholic guitar version)

Taking a track off her debut album and changed it so it’s a more acoustic driven song.  I think this is one oh her more interesting retakes on her song and I quite like it a lot.  Her voice did sound more vulnerable at some parts and her oice was shaky too…was she nervous? 

 

 

This single now is considered pretty hardcore.  I mean the title track is very quick-paced and very hard and dark.  The B-side didn’t stick with me until after a few listens but there’s still problems present and the acoustic mix of an old track was a great idea. 

Final Fantasy X-2 Vocal Collection – Yuna October 27, 2008

Track Listing

1. Kimi he
2. Morning Glow
3. Kimi he ~ Instrumental
4. Morning Glow ~ Instrumental

1. Kimi he

Yuna’s theme has been given lyrics and also had the most drastic changes between the ladies.  The song has a melancholic feel in which the original was more happier.  Aoki sounds very pretty given the fact that she’s a seiyuu.  The chorus adds more vocals but I thought they sounded off for some reason.  Still it’s one of the better sung ballads.

2. Morning Glow

Taken fron “Eternity” I quite loved Aoki’s rendition of it.  It flowed seamlessly great throughout and her vocals were definitly a quite soothing as well.  I’m not exactly certain if the song was a ballad or a pop track, but it definitly left a mark on me.  One of the best tracks of the vocals tracks of the entire FFX-2 era.  The best thing has to be the lively chorus…One of the best!

 

 

Yuna’s vocal collection is pretty much all ballads and definitly sounds different from the other two members.  Aoki has such a charming and sweet voice that just emulates passion within the songs.  Best one of the 3