Ataru Nakamura – Kotonakare Shugi July 23, 2009

Track Listing

1. Kotonakare Shugi
2. Tabako
3. Heya Souji

1. Kotonakare Shugi

Kotonakare Shugi is a bit more upbeat than I’m used to from her.  Though, Ataru is using her male vocals which threw me off big time because if you didn’t know who sung it, you would instantly think it’d be a guy singing….(though it somewhat is).  I don’t know, but the song is pretty good and it suits Ataru’s jazzy style.  I think I really like the song despite the confusing gender issues here.

2. Tabako

It’s so weird that we go from “Kotonakare Shugi’s” more upbeat nature to a slower jazz track with Tabako.  Her vocals are a bit more fitting now, but I can still hear male-ish vocals, but I won’t fault Ataru for it as she’s an interesting singer all-around.  Now the song seems to flow really nicely and showed much of her work and I like it alot.

3. Heya Souji

Being the shortest track off the single, Ataru delves into country music for this B-side.  I won’t question why she chose to do a song in this genre as it sounds more or less sameish, but it does stand out on the single becuase of the whole playful sounding that’s comng from the arrangement.  Ataru does take her vocals a bit softer and I thought it was pleasant. 

 

 

Wow, I thought “Kaze Tachinu” was amazing, but Kotonakare Shugi totally stumped it.  The titular track and Tabako were nicely arranged jazz tracks because well, she’s so comfortable in that genre and moreso that she composes em herself is good too.  Heya Souji is a bit strange being country and all that, but being short actually made the blow not painful, great single and way to end off the era,

Ataru Nakamura – Kaze Tachinu April 13, 2009

Track Listing

1. Kaze Tachinu
2. Mayoi Ko
3. Kama Kou Ei ~Tanpopo~

1. Kaze Tachinu

Ataru begins her 3rd era with a ballad.  Kaze Tachinu is a pretty heartfelt ballad and her vocals are pretty soothing to listen to.  There such a grand feeling to the song and it flows really well, including the minor synth passage the comes along to the song.  I just love how her voice just resonates with the track, what a great way to start the era.  At some points I hear her male sounding vocals which is really good, but definitly making Ataru stand out from the rest of the ballad forward singers.

2. Mayoi Ko

Our first B-side is definitly interesting.  It’s basically a mix of blues and folk and enka which is a daunting task, but Ataru passes with its intricate melody and strong vocals from Ataru.  It’s exciting for sure and just brought the fun side of her out, great B-side.

3. Kama Kou Ei ~Tanpopo~

Kama Kou Ei is also a ballad, not surprising.  Just only having a piano backing her up, Ataru showcases more of her vocals here and it actually was a good idea.  Pretty nice way to end the single off with a simple song. 

 

 

Ataru Nakamura is a force to be reckon with IMO.  Her voice has such strength and with the whole controversy behind her, she’s really stepped into being a lady pretty well, because this single was downright beautiful.  Kaze Tachinu and Kama Kou Ei were perfect examples of how ballads should sound like and Mayoi Ko showed a playful side to her music.  What a great single overall *RECOMMENDED*