AAA – Hide-away/Hide & Seek/Find you October 22, 2009

Track Listing

1. Hide-away
2. Hide & Seek
3. Find you
4. With you
5. Hide-away -dino starr Mix-
6. Hide & Seek -SCP ReVamp Mix-
7. Find you -Super Mix-
8. Hide-away LIVE
9. Hide-away (Instrumental)
10. Hide & Seek (Instrumental)
11. Find you (Instrumental)

1. Hide-away

As the main A-side (well, the one with all the members present at least), AAA oddly enough goes into GIRL NEXT DOOR theme for the first track and a lot of people might agree with because it’s really similar.  I guess I’m on ends with this song because of it, but there’s something that just doesn’t spark my interest fully.  Well, I actually like Hidaka’s rapping parts and Urata’s solo here.  It seems like it would fit them more, because the middle interlude goes all trance-like, but seriously this isn’t as exciting as “Summer Revolution”.

2. Hide & Seek

However, I was totally taken aback when I heard the boys-only track.  Not only it was really needed, since Saihuun took over the last single, it was an electro tune.  I loved the heavy sound and since it was basically only Nissy, Urata, and Hidaka here they really made the song amazingly catchy.  That is, until the main problem of the entire single started.  They reused the melody which is a terrible idea to start with.  Since, I’ve already had heard the other tracks beforehand, Hide & Seek’s take of it was a whole lot better for me.  The arrangement might not be as broad as I hoped, but it’s damn good for sure.

3. Find you

Then we get another Misako & Chiaki only song and Find you is a tad bit more guitar-driven than the other two songs and since it’s only the girls singing and reusing the melody of course.  I did like that they actually had more guitar here and it really sounded like a dat track.  The girls sounded together here and IMO sounded a lot more in tune than the boys.  It’s pretty good too, but the reused melody is getting on my nerves.

4. With you

Then we get to the lone B-side of the single and immediatly was pissed off.  Not only they reused the melody, the reused the arrangement fully but changed the lyrics to fit it’s tie-in with “InuYasha”.  I really don’t know why they pulled this stunt off, they could’ve just used “Hide-away”.  I guess the new set of lyrics could’ve been the reason since I’m guessing the previous three tracks all link together perhaps.  Still, the was just laziness on avex’s part IMO.

5. Hide-away -dino starr Mix-

The first remix of the single, Hide-away’s remix takes the monotonous arrangement out for a more euro sound and the synths are amazing here.  I was loving it right from the start.  It reminds me of Ayu’s “GOOD” remixes and it gave the song a lot more punch.  The chorus though does feel rather meh-ish and Hidaka’s rap is covered by the synth overload, but still way better than the original.

6. Hide & Seek -SCP ReVamp Mix-

Whoa, Hide & Seek’s remix is energetic as all hell here.  Its got a bigger punch than the original and the first remix combined.  The remix has got this rave feeling going on and I’m liking this as well.  They did slow things for the verses and then brings back the loud in the chorus.  Though they brought Hidaka’s rap out in this song and it really fits the arrangement.  Why am I getting a feeling the remixes are better than the main tunes?

7. Find you -Super Mix-

Hmmmm, the opening for Find you’s remix is another one of those euro-induced remixes and the arrangement also adds punch.  I’m actually these 3 remixes made the songs stand out from each other which is what I think they were trying to do the entire time.  I actually want to know who remixed this because it sounds very similar to a m.o.v.e track.  Another strong ass remix.

8. Hide-away LIVE

So on the special release of the single, we get a live version of the A-side.  As such, you can hear that the group sounds really good live and it shows here.  Though it does sound like the place is really empty since you don’t hear the crowd throughout the song like a bunch of their previous lives.  Good live version.

 

 

AAA took a pretty big hit this time on their 2nd release of their 5th era.  Let’s start off with the blaring cause.  I didn’t enjoy that they reused the song’s melody through all 4 songs at all, it just felt lazy to me, but since all four songs had different lyrics, I’m pretty sure that they are linked somehow (with the exception of With you because of its tie-in.)  About that, I was not pleased how that track was just a pure copy of Hide-away with new lyrics.  The live version does show the group’s energy is still doing grat.  I don’t know, but “Break Down/Break your name/Summer Revolution” is still one of my favorite singles from them in a LONG time.

AAA – “Q” September 18, 2009

Track Listing

1. “Q”
2. Hallelujah (Live version)
3. “Q” (Instrumental)

1. “Q”

It’s been a while since we’ve had our “fun” tune from AAA.  “Q” represents this quite well as a summery beach tune.  I’ll be honest, I’m not used to these kind of songs they release as it’s not what I’ve been used to.  I really like the pace of the song and then speeds in the chorus where most of the members are heard.  Once again though Nissy & Urata have the leading roles (no surprise).  It isn’t as memorable as the first two singles of the era, but hey it’s a nice track overall.

2. Hallelujah (Live version)

Taken from -1st ATTACK ROUND 2- at SHIBUYA-AX-, Hallelujah begins the era’s live versions from the current era.  Like any other live versions, AAA has energy and Hidaka stands out the most because he’s yelling to pep up the crowd.  I’m noticing that Urata is sounding so damn good here as well.  They did well with this track.

 

 

While “Q” should’ve ended the era since what’s next is that mini-album, “ALL/2″…it’s actually not the last single of the full era which makes me mad because it means less new tracks.  Back to the single, “Q” isn’t too bad of a song, but coming after “Let it beat!” this does strike me as a bit of a letdown.  Maybe they’ll pick things up.

AAA – Let it beat! August 20, 2009

Track Listing

1. Let it beat!
2. DRAGON FIRE (Live Version)
3. Let it beat! (Instrumental)

1. Let it beat!

All this waiting for the track I wanted from AAA the whole time.  Let it beat! is everything I was expecting since “BLOOD on FIRE” a heavy arrangement that’s easy to dance to and strong energy from the group.  I’ll admit Hidaka’s rapping is pretty bad in the song, but like Urata and Misato’s parts are quite awesome.  Actually when Urata sings the title, it’s just quite sexii.  Definitely a strong track from the group.

2. DRAGON FIRE (Live Version)

Alright, it’s no surprise that we get another live version of a past A-side and DRAGON FIRE is up.  Besides “BLOOD on FIRE”, this would be the next track that I really liked from the group as it has a great band sound to it.  The live version doesn’t change that fact much around and continues to have the fun energy the studio version has.  Pretty great live version.

 

 

This era has been pretty long and continuing as well.  Let it beat! was definitely what AAA needed to bring my interest back at full force as it contained the most energetic performance this era has seen so far.  Well, “Soul Edge Boy/Kimono Jet Girl” was odd…but OK well, it means their energy is still going and gotten better.  DRAGON FIRE’s live was a nice touch, but I rather would’ve had a B-side or something instead.

AAA – Soul Edge Boy/Kimono Jet Girl August 1, 2009

Track Listing

1. Soul Edge Boy
2. Kimono Jet Girl
3. Friday Party (Live Version) (CD only)
4. Kirei na Sora (Live Version) (CD+DVD only)
5. Soul Edge Boy (instrumental)
6. Kimono Jet Girl (instrumental)

1. Soul Edge Boy

I’m pretty surprised that Soul Edge Boy is a rock song from the guys of AAA.  I know they aren’t playing the instruments, but it sounds so fresh from them.  By the way, it is a guys only track and you only hear Urata, Hidaka and Nissy singing/rapping on the majority of the song which is a little disappointing that they didn’t give more parts to the other guys.  Still, I’m still giddy that the track is rock-oriented.

2. Kimono Jet Girl

I was shocked when I heard the girls only track, Kimono Jet Girl.  If you thought the boys was energetic, you are in for a surprise because this song sounds exactly like something Buono! would do.  Even right down to the idol-like vocals from Misako.  I’m not sure if Yukari or Chiaki get solo parts, but the video suggests they don’t.  It’s a shocker when the girls track is the highlight of the single and for the odd reasons stated above.

3. Friday Party (Live Version)

Oh yeah….Friday Party.  Coming from their first full live tour, their performance of Friday Party was actually kind of nice when compared to the album version.  I think all of the key singers sounded great and had a lot of energy.  Though Misako fails at singing here…Oh well, so much for that.

4. Kirei na Sora (Live Version)

It’s kind of suckish when you put two somewhat similar tracks together.  Kirei na Sora and “Friday Party” are a little bit alike in live performances even though the song is a bit more closer to being an R&B track, I still felt like they did better in their performance in the last track moreso.  I think harmonization here was pretty damn weak…oh well.

 

 

AAA’s first male/female only single was a surprise to many as they didn’t think avex would have the balls to pull it off.  In the end, they did pretty well for themselves.  Soul Edge Boy gave the guys are a harder appearance (especially after the last few singles being poppy and stuff).  Kimono Jet Girl also gave the girls and nice needed edge, but did they have to go into idol mode for it?  I know that Chiaki can sound amazing and Misako can do some good singing while…..wait who’s that other girl again?  Kidding guys.  I still dont feel Yukari’s presence.  The live tracks were alright, but more or less energetic than their “BLOOD on FIRE” live.

AAA/Saihuun – Break Down/Break your name/Summer Revolution July 30, 2009

Track Listing

1. Break Down
2. Break your name / Saihuun
3. Summer Revolution
4. Break Down -Broken Deep Mix-
5. Break Down -TOKIMA TOKIO Summer Of Love Mix-
6. Break your name -Break the limit Mix-
7. Break your name -YUKSEK Mix-
8. Summer Revolution – Summer Splash Mix-
9. Break Down (Instrumental)
10. Break your name (Instrumental)
11. Summer Revolution (Instrumental)

1. Break Down

Alright!  Now this is the AAA I’ve been waiting for since “Red Soul”.  Break Down starts with Misako doing some breaking down with the title before they come in with the chorus.  I have to say after that, the song gets very energetic with Misako doing the ~Break-bre-break Down~ stuff.  As typical of AAA, we got Misako, Nissy, Urata, and Hidaka doing all of the work.  As usual they do a pretty good job and Hidaka’s rap doesn’t sound wrong here.  I’m just surprised there’s so much of Misako (she’s not that great of a singer still).  Still it’s one of my favorite A-sides this year since it has a great feel overall.

2. Break your name / Saihuun

You are probably wondering who Saihuun is.  It’s the new boys alternative to AAA.  Being a 15-nin group and 10 of them are still unknown to the public with five of them being the guys from AAA.  Sad that Nissy, Urata, and Hidaka.  Seriously, where’s Shuta and Shinji’s vocal parts?  Break your name has a rock/dance feel to it and it’s pretty catchy otherwise.  I do wonder how you ~break your name~.  Just wish they friggin released the members names…

3. Summer Revolution

Oddly enough, Summer Revolution is strictly a track from Misako and Chiaki (the girls).  We get one of those tracks once in a while, so it’s good to hear something energetic from those two.  I’m surprised they let Chiaki sing first as it’s pretty awesome (she’s so much better than Misako).  The arrangement of the song is a lot more like something taken from GIRL NEXT DOOR, I’m not sure if that’s a good thing, but they both sound better than CHISA.  Damn, all of the A-sides are great.

4. Break Down -Broken Deep Mix-

Our first remix takes Break Down into a more rock-infused sound with a lot of electronic influences.  Right from the start I knew it was going to be a very messy remix as there’s just too many bells and whistles going through the song.  You hear various parts of the song strung in and mostly Hidaka’s parts too.  It’s a bad remix.

5. Break Down -TOKIMA TOKIO Summer Of Love Mix-

The other remix is a bit better this time around.  Instead of the harsh conditions of the last one, they slowed the original a bit and added a bit more of a classy sound to it.  I do feel the tempo change of the song was maybe not the smartest idea too, but they also let the BKGD stuff pop out more than in the original which is pretty cool.  It’s still isn’t better than the original, but it beats that last remix.

6. Break your name -Break the limit Mix-

We get into our Saihuun remixes next and the first also gives the original a more edgier rock/dance sound.  I’m also getting a feeling that the same people that destroyed “Break Down” was also responsible for this.  It doesn’t sound as jumbled as before, but this is still a pretty weak remix overall.

7. Break your name -YUKSEK Mix-

The second remix from Saihuun is more dance-oriented a bit more simplistic in nature.  It does take a while for it to start up, but there’s a lot of repetition of ~Break your name~ throughout.  When it gets going, Urata comes and Nissy singing the verses and it’s really catchy as well.  I wish there were more of these parts, but this is a good remix.

8. Summer Revolution -Summer Splash Mix-

I wonder why there was only 1 remix of the girls track on the single.  It’s funny that they somewhat sped the song up actually.  Unlike the GND-ness of the original, the remix is a bit more of a rock track this time around.  It’s a lot better overall than the other rock remixes, but I can’t help but disliking it because there’s nothing of the verses or the extra parts of the chorus until near the end and by then, I’m a little annoyed from the rest of the song.

 

 

AAA’s 21st single is pretty sweet.  I mean you got an aggressive track in the form of Break Down and the GND-inspired Summer Revolution and both are great tracks to begin an era off.  Especially since the “depArture” era was full of meh tracks.  The 3 remixes were alright, but nothing that made it better than the originals.

Saihuun’s debut was also good even though the track was known since like….January/February and we still don’t have a clue on who else is in the group besides Urata, Nissy, Hidaka, Shuta, and Shinji…Break your name’s remixes were like Break Down’s, nothing spectacular, but just there for amusement.

AAA – Hurricane Riri, Boston Mari June 3, 2009

Track Listing

1. Hurricane Riri, Boston Mari
2. BLOOD on FIRE (Live Version)
3. Hurricane Riri, Boston Mari (Instrumental)

1. Hurricane Riri, Boston Mari

Where are we 3rd single of the era?  I guess so.  Hurricane Riri, Boston Mari doesn’t sound like it’s really single material especially when Chiaki is leading the song off from the start.  Nissy sounds alright for the most part, but it’s when Urata comes in that actually ruins the song altogether.  The chorus is cute and catchy, but otherwise for a summery song like this to pop out, it doesn’t make me any happy.

2. BLOOD on FIRE (Live Version)

For the rest of the “ALL” era, each single has a live version of a past track starting off with their debut single.  So hearing the live version of their most energetic track so far, BLOOD on FIRE performed live is actually still pretty good.  It’s vocally not together but the energy is felt.  Alright live performance.

 

 

Ouch, from what I’m hearing so far in this era, I’m gettin more disappointed with what’s happening.  Hurricane Riri, Boston Mari in my opinion has pretty bad vocals from everyone this time around, but at least there’s a live version of a song I really love so it kind of made the single average.

AAA – Shalala Kibou no Uta March 20, 2009

 

Track Listing

1. Shalala Kibou no Uta
2. Shalala Kibou no Uta (Instrumental)

1. Shalala Kibou no Uta

I wasn’t expecting much for our next single from them, but it’s kind of catchy and with the light R&B sound it actually worked for the group.  I’m actually surprised that I didn’t like Urata’s yelling in this song, but he sounded good everywhere else.  It’s nice to see Nissy and Misako getting some strong parts as well.  There’s no rap here as well which really made me happy. 

 

 

AAA’s 2nd single of the “ALL” era was surprisingly good.  It’s got a whole lively side to it, that they haven’t truly explored yet and all the members harmonized really well in this song.  Still, the lack of a B-side is sad though.

AAA – depArture February 10, 2009

Track Listing

1. -introduction-
2. MUSIC!!!
3. SAVE YOUR SOUL
4. Jamboree!!
5. Wonderful Girls
6. Deai no CHIKARA III
7. a piece of my word
8. ZERØ
9. HORIZON
10. BEYOND~Karada no Kanata
11. Mosaic
12. Hajimaru no KISEKI
13. Tabidachi no Uta

1. -introduction-

OK, this has got to be the funniest introduction I’ve ever heard.  I mean it’s an airport scene and just announcing that the album is about to start.  It’s luckily the only one with the airport feeling.

2. MUSIC!!!

I have always thought that “ZERØ” has covered this song’s potential. Other than the wide difference in moods between these two, MUSIC!!! seems a little too giddy for me.  Why, do I not like Mitsuhiro’s rapping here?  It’s just so bleh and not needed.  It’s gotten better since the single, but not that much for me.

3. SAVE YOUR SOUL

Our first new track pops in with a band-like sound and then this futuristic lead into Misako’s singing in the verses which is really good here.  I just wished that Chiaki had more parts to herself here, but I guess it comes with being the other girl.  The guys just didn’t have a huge part only singing quips and in the chorus.  I thought it was pretty good though.

4. Jamboree!!

At first, I was turned off at the choice that it was going to be the album’s promotional track, and made worse by the fact that its PV was godawful.  Jamboree!!, the song isn’t too bad since everyone gets a part somewhat.  The inclusion of a celebrational mood and blaring brass parts really stood out.  I think the best part is that Mitsuhiro didn’t rap at all!

5. Wonderful Girls

In retrospect, Wonderful Girls sounds like early 90’s pop with the synths that were used.  Even then, the song is a boy’s only tune which isn’t nothing new here, but we get to hear Shuta sing finally and he has a deeper tone which was surprising.  It’s not as good as the previous boys songs, but this’ll be OK on the album.

6. Deai no CHIKARA III

Being the longest song, over 6 minutes, it’s also just a track only for Nissy and Misako which is something different, but Misako’s vocals aren’t really good here because she tends to be nasally which corrupt the melodic emotion the song is trying to convey.  After the chorus it gets a bit more lively which was a good idea, cuz I was starting to get bored.  Still, 6 minutes on a ballad?  Someone is asking for failure IMO.

7. a piece of my word

I liked the transitioning from the boys song to the girl’s song.  Returning from the “Tabidachi no Uta” single.  a piece of my word was the best non-remixed track off the single.  It isn’t deadly slow, like the previous and both Misako and Chiaki has equal solo parts and sometimes it’s hard to differentiate the two, but I think Chiaki has the better vocals of the two girls which is sometimes so frustrating.  Still it’s a nice track.

8. ZERØ

Seriously this song stands out like a sore thumb on the album, but surprisingly the best as well.  They went back for a more darker side of themselves to split “MUSIC!!!”s mood.  It’s very tense and angsty for an AAA track and the vocal distortions are bizarre, but cool nonetheless.  Misako though fails in the vocal area badly…at least Urata sounds uber sexii here.  Fierce!

9. HORIZON

HORIZON does seem a lot more lighter on the pop sound and the fact that the song sounds like a duo moment mostly between Urata and Chiaki?.  Mitsuhiro raps again…but that’s what finishes the song up.  There’s a cool synth melody and a catchy clapping beat and both of them are actually quite good together.  I just thought the ending came too fast and I was like wait Mitsuhiro usually raps in the middle of songs, but this time he ends it?  WTF

10. BEYOND~Karada no Kanata

BEYOND sounds just like a hot mess at the beginning with the drumming.  I’m surprised to see Urata fronting the song first which he has a great part.  The song has a summery kind of feeling, but maybe its me but this song just isn’t at their best caliber and just had a messy arrangement. 

11. Mosaic

I can understand why they included this since it was originally supposed to be an A-side, but “Tabidachi no Uta” got that role.  Probably a good idea because Mosaic isn’t too special.  It’s got brass and the basic pop elements going for it and maybe a little jazz, but it’s just not too good.

12. Hajimaru no KISEKI

I thought it couldn’t get any worse, but yet it does.  Hajimaru no KISEKI is just too sugary and somewhat cheesy at the same time.  Mitsuhiro and Urata has solo parts which is great, but Mitsuhiro doesn’t sound good for a song like this because he’s not rapping.  Actually I think every member has a solo part….I think.  After listening, it seems to be a little wintry maybe?  *shrugs*

13. Tabidachi no Uta

I wish they chose the remix over the main track.  It does make an appropriate ending to the album since it means “Departure Song”.  Sadly, the ballad A-side for the era was just not expressive enough and add the fact that Mitsuhiro raps here just made it that much worse. 

Tracks Recommended

•  ZERØ
• Jamboree!!
• a piece of my word
• HORIZON

Honestly, this was a bad album.  It’s sad that Urata’s album was miles better than this album.  Basically, it’s their lowest point of the groups career since their previous albums were so much better.  I’m guessing they are losing steam since avex has paid so much more attention to GIRL NEXT DOOR equating a more topsy-turvy caring persona.  If this is their last album, than this was not the way I wanted AAA to end.  If it isn’t they better step up majorly next era.

AAA – Hallelujah January 26, 2009

Track Listing

1. Hallelujah
2. Hallelujah (Instrumental)

1. Hallelujah

Great, we get a happy-go-lucky track to start off the “ALL” era.  There’s a nice lighthearted sound, but Misako just sounds pretty bad during her parts.  Her voice definitly needs some fine-tuning.  The rap fits quite nicely here as well and isn’t as so crappy as a few other tracks.  Better than “Kirei na Sora” IMO.

 

 

I do wonder when they’ll start to add B-sides because their singles just feel empty without them y’know?  Hallelujah was an alright single to start off the “ALL” era, but it isn’t as memorable as their debut single.

AAA – Tabidachi no Uta January 13, 2009

Track Listing

1. Tabidachi no Uta
2. Mosaic
3. a piece of my word
4. Tabidachi no Uta [TW Departure Mix]
5. Tabidachi no Uta (Instrumental)
6. Mosaic (Instrumental)
7. a piece of my word (Instrumental)

1. Tabidachi no Uta

I usually never hear AAA ballads, but yet, there’s one right here.  It sounds just like your pretty typical ballad song.  I mean they all sound pretty good, which is a great thing.  Still I just found this to be a little boring.  There’s also some rapping and that doesn’t fit in the song either…

2. Mosaic

Then to lighten up the mood, Mosaic starts up and it’s also a pretty basic pop track bordering unoriginal for them.  This is pretty much meh to me, so I just pass it u whenever it plays.  Mosaic isn’t the best track.

3. a piece of my word

Another ballad pops up on the single and actually is a bit better than “Tabidachi no Uta”.  Then again both of the ladies sings all the portions of the song which is a little surprising.  Misako can really sound good when she wants to be and this would be a good example.  Best off the single.

4. Tabidachi no Uta [TW Departure Mix]

I actually like the remix a lot more than the original adding vocoder to the vocals and a calm dance beat.  Even Misako’s vocodered sound pretty cool.  There might be a little too much, but the song is just a nice techno sound and is a great feature to the boring original.

 

 

Finishing off the “depArture” era, Tabidachi no Uta is a little bit on the bad side of releases.  Tabidachi no Uta and Mosaic just sounded terribly pale and unoriginal against the remix and a piece of my word.  I wonder why they had to finish the era with such an underwhelming single.