Koda Kumi – POP DIVA January 29, 2011

Track Listing

1. POP DIVA
2. Black Candy
3. POP DIVA (Instrumental)
4. Black Candy (Instrumental)

1. POP DIVA

While it hasn’t been a long time since we’ve seen slutty Kuu last “Lollipop” being the last track to, POP DIVA is quite dark, but I think it’s pretty fitting for some odd reason.  I’m also with the group that says the song is a bit like that one song, “Like A G6″ because of the verses arrangement.  Though when Kuu start to yell for the chorus it feels different and refreshing, but she’s yelling x.x  It might be a messy song, but in a way it’s kind of edgy and cool at the same time…I’m on the fence for POP DIVA.

2. Black Candy

I didn’t think the entire single was going to be hot and steamy.  While it doesn’t have the edge factor “POP DIVA” had, it focuses more on the sexual flow and it really captures my attention.  I love the beats here and while the electric guitar is present but not like “Ningyo-hime” and “Can We Go Back”…To be honest. I can see this as a song that people would love to hear on tours since it has that pump your fist kind of feeling to it….Sweet!

Ending the “Dejavu” era, POP DIVA was kind of a much needed single.  I mean “Gossip Candy” was pretty good but felt like it was maybe a little meh and strange that neither Inside or Outside made the cut.  Then we had that whole ballad blahfest with “Suki de, Suki de, Suki de./Anata Dake ga” and now POP DIVA brought back….well like the title shows duh!  It’s wild and relentless and I’m happy that both A & B-side are equally as good….I have hope for the album!

Maria – Good bye Good day January 28, 2011

Track Listing

1. Good bye Good day
2. AGAIN
3. Good bye Good day (instrumental)

1. Good bye Good day

It’s been quite a while since we’ve seen Maria and it seems she’s kind of found herself in a not so good area of music.  Let’s be honest, the whole R&B thing is getting old and to be honest the flow and rhythm of the song is definitely similar to some of Alicia Keys’ stuff which makes it an even more of a borefest to listen to, but I will say that Maria’s vocals sound great and her melodies actually work for the song despite the style. 

2. AGAIN

I think it’s great that the B-side covered up the mistakes the A-side had since it’s definitely more along her normal style and it sort of reminds me of her last A-side, “Wasuretakunakute”, but that’s not a bad thing since this has pretty strong vocals coming from Maria.  Definitely a much more stronger song IMO.

Beginning Maria’s sophomore era, Good bye Good day I guess is just an alright single, but the B-side kind of tops the A-side just because it was more of her style.  I really wished I didn’t get such strong Alicia Keys vibes from the A-side, but whatever…let’s see how “deep into you” does next.

faylan – Shuumatsu no Fractale January 27, 2011

Track Listing

1. Shuumatsu no Fractale
2. HAPPY SOUL DANCE
3. Shuumatsu no Fractale (off vocal)
4. HAPPY SOUL DANCE (off vocal)

1. Shuumatsu no Fractale

Even though faylan is an anison singer of meaning, it doesn’t mean her songs have to be somewhat bland.  Take Shuumatsu no Fractale, I ws pretty disappointed with it, but not as much as I was with “Last vision for last” though.  To me, I think it’s her poppiest song yet and even though I love faylan’s strong vocals in the song, there’s something a bit off and not fitting for her.  Still, very good song to showcase her vocals.  Maybe it’s one of those songs that’ll grow on me in time, like “Honnou no DOUBT”.

2. HAPPY SOUL DANCE

Then again HAPPY SOUL DANCE probably is faylan’s happiest song so far released.  To me, it keeps up with the pop/rock style moreso than the A-side did, but it feels sort of just purely B-side material.  Nothing really stands out to me and it kind of sits in the bland place with songs like “AROUSING SOUL”.

For faylan’s 3rd (or 4th) single, Shuumatsu no Fractale is a more kind of “it’s there” kind of single since neither track fully did anything.  However, I will say Shuumatsu no Fractale does have amazing vocals from faylan and it has potential to grow onto me while HAPPY SOUL DANCE was a bland as it can get!  Album time?

Mano Erina – Seishun no Serenade

Track Listing

1. Seishun no Serenade
2. 21 Seikiteki Renai Jijou
3. Seishun no Serenade (Instrumental)

1. Seishun no Serenade

After that album she put out, it seems Manoeri wanted to start the new year off with an exciting song.  Though I actually enjoy this song quite a bit since it’s a continuation of her more upbeat and synthy sound she established back in the days of “MORE FRIENDS”.  I also notice that Mano’s vocals sound quite deeper than I remembered last but that’s great…could you remember how she sounded in “Manopiano”?  Either way, it’s not a bad A-side this time around.

2. 21 Seikiteki Renai Jijou

I really don’t know what to think about the B-side however.  I actually think this song is so much more favored for a group like S/mileage or the Minimoni/Petitmoni revival units.  This song is just so un-Mano of her since it’s brassy, uber cute, and just sugary in all aspects.  I don’t know but this song is alright, but it’s definitely not in her normal. 

Since it’s the first single of a new era, Seishun no Serenade is actually not that bad of a an A-side and I kind of found it catchy and cute.  As for 21 Seikiteki Renai Jijou, it’s way too out of her comfort zone to be putting herself into and should’ve left it for a group to have done it, not Manoeri.  Though let’s be honest…since Yuu Kikkawa is now a soloist, Manoeri is going to be definitely thrown to the back once she releases her debut.

Tohoshinki – Why? (Keep Your Head Down)

Track Listing

1. Why? (Keep Your Head Down)
2. MAXIMUM
3. Why? (Keep Your Head Down) -Night Rod man Regeneration Mix- (CD only)
4. Why? (Keep Your Head Down) -Less Vocal-
5. MAXIMUM -Less Vocal-

1. Why? (Keep Your Head Down)

If you’ve been living under a rock this last month, then you should be ashamed.  This is actually Tohoshinki’s first single in Japan since three of the members decided to go AWOL on the group.  Also to note, Why? (Keep Your Head Down) is a Japanese take on the main track of their Korean album they released earlier in the month.  There’s not much I can say that I already had in the Korean version, but I will say that the original sounds much more refined and natural for them…plus YUNHO doesn’t sound amazingly nasal in the song.  I know this is a bit of nitpicking…but why couldn’t they changed the ~Wae~ to Why?  I mean lazyness for sure!

2. MAXIMUM

Also a JPN take on the song that was released earlier in the month, MAXIMUM, is quite an interesting dance track from the boys.  While it’s not as forceful and powerful like the A-side, this song actually sounds right being sung in Japanese which is great because YUNHO sounds great and so does CHANGMIN with his lines.  While I think it could’ve been easily a double A-side single, MAXIMUM is pretty good!

3. Why? (Keep Your Head Down) -Night Rod man Regeneration Mix-

The only relatively “new” think for the single is the remix for the A-side.  I don’t think nothing could really surpass the original but it seems other people don’t think the same.  While the song is more lighthearted than the original, it still feels odd listening to the JPN lyrics for the song and the feel doesn’t feel right for the remix.  Crappy remix!

For being THSK’s “comeback single” after the entire debacle, I wasn’t surprised that the main songs were just Japanese sprinkled versions of their Korean stuff.  As such Why? feels too weird for me and I much prefer the Korean version while I love the Japanese version of MAXIMUM more than the original.  Also, the remix?  Yeah it’s pretty bad for remixes let’s be honest.  Hopefully the next single is an original track and not the KOR>JPN transfer.

Sukima Switch – Saigo no Hi January 26, 2011

Track Listing

1. Saigo no Hi
2. Denwaki
3. Human relations
4. Saigo no Hi <backing track>

1. Saigo no Hi

After “Ice Cream Syndrome” I was wondering what was gonna be next for the duo and with Saigo no Hi it seems they went for a softer route with the lead track.  Takuya’s vocals sounds really pleasant and sweet, especially when he builds up the more interesting chorus.  The thing that kind of affected me the most was the fact that it was longer than 6 minutes which means this song can have a tendency to drag (mostly in the verses though).  I guess it’s a good A-side, but I liked “Ice Cream Syndrome” quite a bit more.

2. Denwaki

I actually like the rather ethereal feel for Denwake, the first B-side on the single.  Sadly, the song is 5 minutes+ which also has this song leading more towards the forgettable side of things, but I think with the oddball arrangement and soulful vocals from Takuya, it’s a little more tolerable than “Saigo no Hi”.  Is it supposed to be the duo’s winter song?!? because it sounds like one!

3. Human relations

Really? a 9 minute song?  Well it starts with some piano playing the melody but then…I think…Takuya maybe starts talking and of course I have no idea what he’s saying so it leaves in questions for the entire thing because it’s just that.  The entire 9 minutes is just piano and Takuya talking…WHAT KIND OF CRAP IS THIS!?!

Seriously, this single was such a downgrade after “Ice Cream Syndrome” that I just don’t have any interest to listen to again.  Saigo no Hi was alright for an A-side and I’m OK with that, but Denwaki’s lack of energy and overall change and the fact Human relations is nothing but talking over a piano…it’s just a failure of a single…probably the first crappy single of 2011…

Meisa Kuroki – MAGAZINE

Track Listing

1. Intro -MAGAZINE-
2. LOL!
3. SWITCH⇔
4. BYE BYE MY FRIEND
5. CELEBRATE
6. SHOCK -Unmei-
7. Say Good Night☆
8. As I Am
9. Why??
10. Loneliness
11. LOVEHOLIC
12. Wasted
13. 5 -FIVE-
14. Somewhere…

1. Intro -MAGAZINE-

For being just a indroduction to the album, I was surprised this sounded pretty awesome and quite fresh coming from Meisa.  I mean yea she does only adlib, but the music really stood out with the synths and strings and such.  I actually kind of hoped the album will be as jaw-dropping as the intro was.

2. LOL!

Then we finally start the album with the third A-side released in the era.  I still don’t know what to really think about when it comes to this song since it’s kind of blah from Meisa since she’s not really singing but more like talking through a good portion.  I will admit the drastic change of style is different, but I think the best thing that came from the song was the chorus and that’s about it…

3. SWITCH⇔

After that slight misstep, our first new song off the album actually cleaned up quite nicely after “LOL!”.  Of course there’s still strong amounts of synths present, but I feel Meisa’s performance was a whole lot more better.  While it’s difficult to imagine a PV for it, I can only wonder what’d be like.

4. BYE BYE MY FRIEND

Ok, I get a huge 80′s vibe from our next song, BYE BYE MY FRIEND for some reason, but I think it’s from the arrangement and the way Meisa tackled the song.  While it’s true her vocals are far from being amazing, she actually put a lot of emotion in this one and I have to say it’s one of my favorites from the album right now. 

5. CELEBRATE

To me, CELEBRATE kind of started out like it was going to be like a ballad, but the synth and beats quickly replace it and turns the song into something I would’ve expected to have heard on “hellcat”.  I mean it’s not really much of a celebratory kind of song, but it’s catchy and the beat is solid and nice to listen to.

6. SHOCK -Unmei-

Wow I didn’t think they would go ahead and put SHOCK -Unmei- on the album since it’s so old and such being a 2009 single.  I will admit that in time this song has got better with me with the classical samples and Meisa’s whole ~are you ready for the SHOCK!~ lines in the song.  I still think arrangement-wise, it’s still messy and kind of all over the place, but the song has caught on with me betweem the single release and album.

7. Say Good Night☆

After that hectic track, I was surprised to see Meisa go for more of a mid-tempo kind of track with our next new song.  I really do like the fact that she slowed down and tried for a more nicer tone for her vocals which is great.  I know it’s a pretty strong stretch but this song reminds me of Kuu’s “No Way” but slightly more uptempo.  It’s alright, but it made a weird transition from “SHOCK -Unmei-”.

8. As I Am

Though it’s kind of funny we get back into the more danceish style we’re so used to from Meisa and As I Am kind of takes a similar note from “CELEBRATE”, but I think she ended up doing better with this one because I love the synths found here and the more relaxed nature from Meisa’s vocals.  I think it’s another one of the album’s bests!

9. Why??

Slowing down again for more of a ballad-like sound, Meisa tries to show off her higher pitched vocals in this song and fails quite amazingly in doing so as they’re so thin and offkey that it just ruined the song right from the start.  The verses are alright though I will say, but jeeze that chorus is a huge mess and left a bitter taste in my mouth.

10. Loneliness

For a song to be called Loneliness, I was expecting another ballad type out of this, but I was sorely wrong as this is a return to the more darker dance songs that Meisa pulls off well.  I like how the hooks in the song just stick out and Meisa’s sleek vocals worked the song all over.  It might not be the most amazing song on the album, but it’s darn catchy.

11. LOVEHOLIC

I’m not sure what to make of LOVEHOLIC just quite yet since the arrangement is so much more fitting for Kuu or even BoA to be honest.  The kind of eerie synth/electro sound is quite intriguing for me, but there’s something I think is missing for the song.  Iono, it just feels like there could’ve been more of a boom for it!

12. Wasted

Of all the B-sides and mini-album songs she could’ve chosen, I was so disappointed she had picked Wasted to make the cut over them.  It doesn’t really fit the album much since it’s more pop/rock (AKA: MiChi-like) than all of the other songs so I have no reason why she chose such a meh song.  I did like she brought energy to the song, but it’s just not her if you know what I mean.

13. 5 -FIVE-

Being the middle single released in the era, 5 -FIVE- is still actually the best A-side of the three released because it’s different from what she did previous and has a good amount of hooks and style to it that I couldn’t but love it.  Yes, it’s still slightly all over the place in the arrangement but I really think she did it right this time around.

14. Somewhere…

Closing Meisa’s first full-length album, I wasn’t surprised that Somewhere… was going to be another ballad, but it’s the closest thing to than the others.  The song actually feels more R&B-like as well and I like the relaxing arrangement of acoustic guitar and light synths.  Her voice actually sounds really nice as well…strange she saved this for last because I kind of enjoyed it after the immense amount of dance music.

Tracks Recommended

• As I Am
• BYE BYE MY FRIEND
• Somewhere…
• Loneliness
• 5 -FIVE-

Song of Avoidance

• Why??

So what did I think of Meisa’s first full album?  I actually think it’s quite good for Meisa, but once again there’s times where she lazied up with the arrangements, but the singles pulled that thought out since all three A-sides were wacky tunes.  I honestly would’ve thought she would’ve benefitted from adding the mini-album songs she promoted to add more oomph to the album but I guess not.  It’s a pretty solid release, not amazing, but not terrible either.

YUI – It’s My Life/Your Heaven January 25, 2011

Track Listing

1. It’s My Life
2. Your Heaven
3. Rain ~YUI Acoustic Version~
4. It’s My Life ~Instrumental~

1. It’s My Life

I’m surprised at how joyous and upbeat It’s My Life is because of the whole brassy feel that almost makes me wanna say YUI wanted this track to be slightly latin in sound, but kind of lightly sprinkled.  Either way, I wasn’t expecting something happy from YUI especially after “Rain”…I’m still kind of shocked at the change of moods here…I will say that YUI’s vocals were of course at their calibur and added to the festive arrangement.  I’m already sensing this era is going to be something refreshing for her.

2. Your Heaven

For the second A-side, Your Heaven is a much quieter song from YUI and while ballads are one of the more weaker points for her since her vocals don’t seem to fit right in that style, it shows that off as well since she hits some notes offkey.  Even though the song is slow, there’s enough oomph to make it pop out at me besides YUI’s higher set vocals.  I guess it’s alright.

3. Rain ~YUI Acoustic Version~

Falling back into doing acoustic takes of previous A-sides, Rain of course felt right with having something like this and while she does this continuously, she gets this one right at least and I fell in love with it again.  YUI’s softer vocals didn’t feel forced like in “Your Heaven” so it’s already a step up.  Good acoustic take here!

As the second single for the era It’s My Life/Your Heaven is probably YUI’s weakest single she’s had in quite a while, but then again she did take a pretty interesting risk by making It’s My Life so sugary cute and festive and then failing in the vocal department for Your Heaven.  At least the new version of Rain took the cake at least…hope she picks it up on the next single!

Do As Infinity – EIGHT

Track Listing

1. Baby! Baby! Baby!
2. Special
3. 1/100
4. Hand in Hand
5. Wonderful Life
6. Boku ga Egaiteta Boku
7. JIDAISHIN
8. Everything will be all right
9. Fly to the Freedom
10. Dear memories
11. 1176 Jikan
12. Kimi ga Inai Mirai

1. Baby! Baby! Baby!

Starting off DAI’s album, I can already tell this is going to be a much more fun album to listen to.  Unlike their last album’s opening track, Then energy from Ryo’s guitar-playing, the brass fusion and Van’s powerful vocals with touches of English actually surprised me a whole lot since the last time I’ve heard this kind of fun was basically “1/100″.  I love the atmosphere and the excitement the duo pulled off was extravagant, what an awesome way to open the album.

2. Special

Keeping up with the upbeat atmosphere for their next song, Special focuses a little more on the melody of the song and Van isn’t so much doing her yelling that she did in the first song which is a solid change.  I still feel like getting up and dancing to the song since it’s just that much of a feelgood song.

3. 1/100

Being the main song from the “∞2″ single, 1/100 was definitely a nice change after the “ETERNAL FLAME” and “Kimi ga Inai Mirai” single.  While it’s definitely slightly more serious than the previous two songs, the PV wasn’t definitely not like what I was expecting from a song like this.  Van’s vocals are so good in a rock setting and it really stood out, especially with the flute having a big part as it did.  Strong song for sure!

4. Hand in Hand

Being the album’s promotional track, I wasn’t expecting a ballad to have taken that place.  Of course it’s great that “1/100″ made the bridge from the peppy and fun songs to the more serious Hand in Hand.  Also making such a strange setting is that Ryo has lines in the song and he sounds really good for some reason.  Talk about getting it going, I love the song…sounds very strong for DAI.

5. Wonderful Life

Moving along on the album, we get into Wonderful Life and it feels like it definitely has a Western feel to it since it’s a lot of acoustic guitar, electric, bass, and lighter percussion.  To me, Wonderful Life doesn’t exactly do much after the songs the precede it.  I mean it’s alright for a mid-tempo kind of track, but otherwise, I feel the impact out of this song was more dull for me.

6. Boku ga Egaiteta Boku

At least the next song tries to pull me back into liking things again haha.  I love the control Van has over this song and she has that spark that makes songs so lively and emotional.  I think this is what “Wonderful Life” should’ve gone for an exceptional song.  I thought this was a nice pick-me-up after the two songs so I’m happy with this.

7. JIDAISHIN

Being the last single released in the era, JIDAISHIN represents as the bands 11th Anniversary together and IMO, I would’ve had expected this song to be placed closer towards the beginning since it’s upbeat and has a solid rhythm throughout that is kind of catchy in a way.  I thought it was a solid song for sure and while I’m not sure where it stands on the best A-sides, it’s a fun and strong A-side for sure.

8. Everything will be all right

If we missed DAI with songs like “Baby! Baby! Baby!”, be prepared with one of the B-sides from the “∞2″ single.  While it’s not as festive, loud, and party-like in its atmosphere, Everything will be all right is still actually the best choice to have included from the single since “HARUKA” might have tooken up the album fully with the epicness and “Pile Driver” might’ve broken the mood of the album.  So this song’s lightheartedness beat out those two.  I pretty much enjoyed hearing this song again and was nice to be placed after “JIDAISHIN”.

9. Fly to the Freedom

I love the strings and the cool guitar riff that opens up our next new song and I kind of like the whole mid-tempo situation going for it.  I was so surprised at Van’s vocal performance throughout especially how she tackled the chorus by well…kickin its ass to the curb.  I thought it was one of the album’s standout tracks and in a good way…good track!!!

10. Dear memories

Seems our next track seems to slow down quite a bit and starts off with only acoustic guitar and Van singing before the rest of the instruments come in afterwards.  Kind of like “Wonderful Life” it kind of just passes over my head after a while since it’s nothing exciting or anything we haven’t heard before because I feel this song would’ve fit better on “ETERNAL FLAME” or something.  I mean the middle of the album slightly gets better, but by then I’m kind of wantin to move on.

11. 1176 Jikan

Being the last new song on the album, I was wondering what we were going to get and 1176 Jikan seems a bit of an oddball on the album.  It feels like it wants to be danceable, but the kind of loungy, synthy weirdness kind of just doesn’t rub me the right way.  Then again, the producer is the same guy that did “Pile Driver” which makes me shake my head in confusion.

12. Kimi ga Inai Mirai

Ending off the album is their first single of the era which was also a special release since it was the InuYasha single.  To me it still feels like more of an “ETERNAL FLAME” song moreso than an EIGHT track.  I love the anime-esque sound it has and has one of the strongest arrangements to be honest.  I still enjoy this song everytime it comes on so it should say that they had another hitter with this track…though it’s a bit odd to have it close the album though…

Tracks Recommended

• Kimi ga Inai Mirai
• Baby! Baby! Baby!
• Fly to the Freedom
• Hand in Hand
• JIDAISHIN

Song of Avoidance

• 1176 Jikan

I will admit it, this album might have taken the lighter route after the rather serious-driven “ETERNAL FLAME”, but this was a much stronger album for it.  I loved how I can actually remember most of the album with the catchy melodies and powerful vocals from Van and some surprises from Ryo as well.  Even though there were three songs that I didn’t care for, the rest of the album was just amazing.  Gotta say, DAI is finally back!

Tsuki Amano – CORE January 24, 2011

Track Listing

1. CORE
2. BLACK HOLE

1. CORE

Ahhhha, CORE is finally something I can enjoy in full.  I’m not sure why but CORE definitely sounds like something I would’ve heard back on “A MOON CHILD IN THE SKY” because it revolves around a mixture of synths and rock, but done very well despite Tsukiko being on an indies label.  I love how powerful she is in the chorus and how petit and in tune she is in the verses.  I think I’m finally impressed by a single since “Zero no Chouritsu”.

2. BLACK HOLE

Unlike the A-side though, I was surprised to find that BLACK HOLE has a lighter arrangement than “CORE” does.  Of course it fits the whole space-like idea the single is putting out since there’s still synths present.  I also love the fact that Tsuki’s vocals are a lot more lighter to find the mood as well.  It’s just like her other singles where the songs are just totally opposite to one another and some fans would call this a rather “cute” song for her.

While this is actually her first official single under OTAKURA, CORE was actually an impressive single for sure and the A-side kind of ranks up there with the better songs I love from her.  BLACK HOLE was also quite a treat and sounds so nice when compared next to CORE.  If she keeps this up her next album will turn out better…then again “Licht” was a pretty good start hmmmm…let’s see if she’ll impress me more.