Berryz Koubou – Asian Celebration March 20, 2013

Track Listing

1. Asian Celebration
2. Sekai de Ichiban Taisetsu na Hito (Limited A, C, and Regular only)
3. I like a picnic (Limited B and D only)
4. Asian Celebration (Instrumental)

1. Asian Celebration

You know ever since “Heroine ni Narou ka!”, Berryz has never really unimpressed me in their A-sides but for some reason, the league of A-sides end because I really am not a big fan of Asian Celebration.  I mean the disco vibes are actually really nice, but it’s just a lot of everything else that ended up getting wrong.  I mean the amount of Miyabi’s English is surprising but that was ok.  What annoyed me the most were the purposely done DJ scratched vocal flip they were doing in the verses…that was supremely annoying (especially Yurina, who was shockingly BAD in this song).  After “WANT!”, this just comes as a big disappointment.

2. Sekai de Ichiban Taisetsu na Hito

The B-side found on most editions, Sekai de Ichiban Taisetsu na Hito seems to be the afterthought from “WANT!” with its more electro sound but strangely enough this kind of sounds like an anime theme, but I’m OK with that because the song is actually kind of nice to listen to, especially seeing here the back members get a lot more presence.  The chorus is a bit sugary for me, but I do like the arrangement.  Not bad and it’s slightly better than “Asian Celebration”.

3. I like a picnic

So on the other two editions, we get ANOTHER Bird Thongchai cover!  This time of I like a picnic because that isn’t a strange title for them >.>.  After “cha cha SING” and “Loving you Too much”, it seems this whole Thai bang is getting to the girls lol.  I like a picnic is kind of more upbeat like “cha cha SING” but there’s a lot more going on vocally and in the arrangement.  I kind of like the song as its another quirky cover TBH lol.

Berryz has finally dropped a meh A-side after all the good single they’ve done for a while.  Asian Celebration is weak and kind of vocally unpleasant to my ears.  Didn’t help the PV was a “Dakishimete Dakishimete” clone…it was bad.  At least Sekai de Ichiban Taisetsu na Hito and I like a picnic fared much better.  The main B-side is quite poppy but I like the arrangement.  The cover song was the best of the single though as it was just so fun!  At least they can go up from here now lol.

Berryz Koubou – Berryz Mansion 9kai February 10, 2013

Track Listing

1. Succha ka Meccha ka~
2. WANT!
3. Otokomae
4. Nandakanda de Ii Kanji!
5. Koi Itoshiki Kisetsu
6. Be Genki <Naseba Naru!>
7. Massugu na Watashi
8. cha cha SING
9. Anata Nashi de wa Ikite Yukenai (2013 Ver.)
10. Momochi! Yurushite Nyan♡Taisou (Yurusanyai Remix)

1. Succha ka Meccha ka~

Beginning the album is the song that was sort of the promotional song (every member got their own solo MV of the song).  I do like that they opened it up with an energetic song and I’m kind of loving the beat and tempo of the track.  Plus we get more of the rapping Captain in there (but in shorter does than in “Loving you Too much”.  It does kind of remind of “Pyocopyoco Ultra” for some reason, but this song is that bizarre and wild kind of track that Berryz usually excels at and it worked!

2. WANT!

Then we go from hyper to sexy with WANT! which was the 3rd single released for the era and I REALLY LOVE this song.  It’s got that electro/dance style down pat (no thx to Tsunku’s love for the genre now).  It’s really cool and has a lot of sexual ooze to it even if the song is kind of the innocent puppy love.  Though I have to say Maasa and auto-tune were like meant to be…because it sounds soooo good!  Yeah, this is definitely a great track for them, almost to the same levels of both “Heroine ni Narou ka!” and “Aa, Yo ga Akeru”.

3. Otokomae

The next three tracks split the ladies up into smaller groupings (which isn’t a new idea in H!P >.>).  First up is Otokomae sung by only Momoko and Yurina.  First off, the fact these two sing together are like total opposites since Momoko has that cutesy high voice while Yurina has more of the throaty deep tone.  I do like that the song keeps up with the high-energy arrangement.  I actually surprised at Momoko here because she’s singing in more of a deeper tone which is something she rarely does in Berryz!  It’s not bad actually…it might be my favorite of the split up songs.

4. Nandakanda de Ii Kanji!

Chinami and Maasa get the next song up and their track is kind of the old genki-ish type of a song which is basically calling it a typical plain H!P idol song.  There’s just something about the track that didn’t work for either of the girls because Maasa’s vocals seem a bit too mature for a song like this and Chinami well, she didn’t exactly work the song very well with her cutesy pitch.  This was pretty damn disappointing to be honest.

5. Koi Itoshiki Kisetsu

Moving on, the third track is for the remaining members, Captain, Risako, and Miyabi.  At least their track is a bit more unique and this is kind of catchy as well. Will say though, that I’m unsure where the song is at genre-wise because it wants to be a dance track but it’s stuck in this mid-tempo groove. I’m a surprised I hear so much Saki in the song but also happy as well.  It’s definitely a new style I can get behind if Tsunku continues with it because it’s smooth and floaty but doesn’t try to be anything but that…this might surpass “Otokomae” as the best new song on the album!

6. Be Genki <Naseba Naru!>

It’s strange coming back to this song even though it’s been almost a year since its release.  Be Genki is a song totally on its own merits which adds more to the wtf-ness of it coming after “Koi Itoshiki Kisetsu”.  I mean the kind video-game-y sound mixed with the overall superhero theme its trying to get across just made this song stand out in a strange way LOL.  This did grow on me though and it feels like such a great victory theme for some reason and that chorus was glorious!  Such a bizarre song, but I love it the same!

7. Massugu na Watashi

Despite that there’s only two new group tracks on the album, Massugu na Watashi just is the filler ballad.  I do like that all of the members get an equal amount of solo lines, but the song is just like their other ballady album songs which doesn’t say much for them in the long run.  It just kind of dragged the entire time.

8. cha cha SING

At least we have a song like this that just barrels its way into your ears and just makes you want to dance!  As the 2nd A-side released, cha cha SING is just an amazing song as well.  To me, this song was their big one and good lord is it catchy and fun to dance to.  I still can’t believe it’s a cover though, but those have been pretty amazing when Berryz do them.  If the next two tracks didn’t happen, I would feel a bit strange having this as the final track because it’s so hyperactive and demands attention.  Great song though!

9. Anata Nashi de wa Ikite Yukenai (2013 Ver.)

However, “cha cha SING” didn’t close the album and we get bonuses of which the first one we get is a self-cover of the group’s debut single!  I’m so happy that Tsunku left the arrangement alone (which means it keeps that Indian sound that oddly sounds like it was taken from Mandy Moore’s “In My Pocket” XD).  The vocals were resung and it’s such a big difference from when Berryz were just little kids!  It actually kind of sounds a bit more sexier (if that’s possible).  If you’re wondering Yurina and Chinami took over Maiha’s parts since she’s gone.  Not bad of re-treading and I hope they do more of these self-covers (but keep the original arrangements) of songs like “Special Genera~tion” and “Jiriri Kiteru”.

10. Momochi! Yurushite Nyan♡Taisou (Yurusanyai Remix)

Ok Tsunku you’re gonna allow this song on the album but not “Loving you Too much”?!?  Fuckin’ A dude…lol.  I will say that I was rather curious with the remix tag.  I hate to say but it does make me rather enjoy the song a bit more and everyone knows I loathe the original.  The remix has more synths and beats and random shit which might throw everyone for a loop xD.  It’s like Momochi! on drugs XD.  Even though the lyrics are a few and far between…it’s not terrible, but I don’t know…xD

Tracks Recommended

• cha cha SING
• WANT!
• Koi Itoshiki Kisetsu
• Be Genki <Naseba Naru!>
• Anata Nashi de wa Ikite Yukenai (2013 Ver.)

Song of Avoidance

• Nandakanda de Ii Kanji!

I have such a hard time with liking albums from H!P because most of the time, they’re sooooo short!  Berryz Mansion 9kai could’ve benefitted with a couple more songs (and “Loving you Too much” as it was planned in the beginning >.>) but this just didn’t fulfill anything.  I mean the A-sides were all amazing and basically defeated all the album tracks which by the way…only 2 new group tracks, 3 shuffle songs, a self-cover, and a remix?  Talk about weak.  It was pretty mediocre, even when there was 4 amazing songs (Anata Nashi doesn’t count).

Berryz Koubou – WANT! December 19, 2012

Track Listing

1. WANT!
2. Yuuki wo Kudasai!
3. WANT! (Instrumental)

1. WANT!

I have no idea why but I’ve been loving Tsunku’s love of the electropop and WANT! is another one for me to enjoy.  At first, I wasn’t sure because it’s a bit mechanical of a song for Berryz but after the last single, I think Berryz needed a little bit of the fun everyone else has been doing.  The auto-tune isn’t atrocious which is a great thing and the song worked all-around (plus Maasa sounds good with auto-tune for some reason!).  Definitely another strong song from the group (strange they really had a good year for the most part).  WANT! great way to end 2012.

2. Yuuki wo Kudasai!

I wasn’t sure coming into the B-side of what was going to happen, but the song is kind of like the cuter songs we’ve gotten from H!P this year like most of the stuff from S/mileage.  I like hearing all the members singing in this track too, but I feel this song would’ve been more suited for a younger Berryz (or S/mileage).  It’s OK…but kind of forgettable in the long run.

 

 

As the final single before they release their next album, “Berryz Mansion 9kai”, WANT! overall might be my least favorite overall of the singles release before but WANT! is a pretty damn good song!  It’s got punch and the synths are really gasmic to my ears.  Yuuki wo Kudasai! I think was more for the cuter side of the group, but it was sounding a bit too youthful for Berryz IMHO.  It’s not a bad single though lol.

Berryz Koubou – cha cha SING July 28, 2012

Track Listing

1. cha cha SING
2. Loving you Too much
3. Momochi! Yurushite Nyan♡Taisou
4. cha cha SING (Instrumental)
5. Loving you Too much (Instrumental)
6. Momochi! Yurushite Nyan♡Taisou (Instrumental)

1. cha cha SING

I found it interesting that Berryz would once again humor everyone by doing a cover song (this one is from Thailand’s own Bird Thongchai McIntyre’s “Row mah Sing”).  The last time Berryz covered a big song “Dschinghis Khan”, it went with a lot of positive comments.  The same thing can be said about cha cha SING which is incredibly catchy and random that it’s hard to see this done by anyon else but Berryz.  I’m loving the energetic arrangement and it keeps true to its Thai roots.  I’m also enjoying the different vocals styles coming from the girls (especially Miyabi, Risako, and Momoko) they were actually impressive and the other four ladies got solo lines throughout which is good too.  Definitely had me enjoying it a lot more faster than I did with “Be Genki”.

2. Loving you Too much

The first B-side is also a cover of another Thongchai song “Too Much So Much Very Much” and I was wondering if it was going to be as wild as “cha cha SING” was.  I guess my overall thought was no it isn’t but it stands out as well since I felt this could’ve been an A-side as well.  I also find myself enjoying Risako a lot more in this song funny enough.  I think the song has some hooks but none that are as memorable as the A-side.  I think what stood out the most in this song was the rapping section from the ladies…I don’t think the Berryz gals have ever rapped in a song (I know I could be wrong though).  It isn’t bad but I don’t find it as exciting as “cha cha SING”.

3. Momochi! Yurushite Nyan♡Taisou

Then comes the scariest part about this single.  Momoko got her own solo song and it’s based off her catchphrase on shows ~Yurushite Nyan!~ *and insert cat paws*.  I’m just surprised it was worth a song because this song gives me a HEADACHE.  I hate Momoko’s cute voice so putting this with a cute song is just torture.  The rest of the girls are here but they are backups and one-word quips.  It is short though being under 3 minutes…but this was just unneeded…

 

 

I have to say this single is quite weird for me.  2 Thai covers and that ugly Momoko solo and it just seems so out of the blue for me.  I have to say cha cha SING though is a pretty awesome song and definitely makes me wanna do a flashmob and dance it down yo!  Loving you Too much is alright but it lacked something to make it really good and like I said Momoko’s song is just bad…bad, bad, bad!

Berryz Koubou×°C-ute – Chou HAPPY SONG June 21, 2012

Track Listing

1. Chou HAPPY SONG (Single Ver.)
2. Chou HAPPY SONG
3. Because happiness / Berryz Koubou
4. Shiawase no Tochuu / °C-ute
5. Because happiness / °C-ute
6. Shiawase no Tochuu / Berryz Koubou
7. Chou HAPPY SONG (Single Ver.) <Instrumental>
8. Chou HAPPY SONG (Single Ver. Berryz Koubou vo. Iri) <Instrumental>
9. Chou HAPPY SONG (Single Ver. °C-ute vo. Iri) <Instrumental>

1. Chou HAPPY SONG (Single Ver.)

If you’ve been living under a rock the last couple of months, then shame on you!  Chou HAPPY SONG is one of Tsunku’s crazy creations by mashing two totally unrelated songs and popped out the final submission.  Basically what I meant was he took Berryz’ “Because happiness” and C-ute’s “Shiawase no Tochuu” (notice both songs have happiness in it, well Shiawase = happiness in Japanese) and got this winner.  Of course this is the single mix of the tune and there are some changes heard in the arrangement but for the most part remained untouched.  Add a few knick-knacks and some brass and you get Chou HAPPY SONG.  I’d talk more about the song but I’ll leave it for the next track hahaha.

2. Chou HAPPY SONG

So we get the original version of the mash-up next (which was released a month ago xD).  I loved the idea and sheer genius of taking two songs that were polar opposites and just putting them together.  It’s no surprise that the ballad form Shiawase no Tochuu’s arrangement would be overtaken by Because happiness’ loud and energetic style but you can still hear the piano.  I loved hearing all the girls’ vocals and seeing how parts swerved in and around the song and then come together at parts…so GOOD!  I loved this idea so much and hope it happens once again in the future (you know before the ladies have to graduate and stuff!)

3. Because happiness / Berryz Koubou

After the important track passes by we get into the individual songs that made up “Chou HAPPY SONG” starting with Berryz’ song since it was released first.  Coming from “Ai no Album 8″, Because happiness is the tune with the energetic arrangement but as I’m listening to it today…it REALLY feels empty as a standalone song.  I mean without C-ute’s parts the song has a lot of empty space which is odd that I never mentioned it in the album review hahah.

4. Shiawase no Tochuu / °C-ute

Moving onto °C-ute’s ballad with Shiwase no Tochuu from “Dainana Shou “Utsukushikutte Gomen ne”, I actually thought this fared better as a standalone since it lacked those awkward moments of no lyrics but I still feel without Berryz it would’ve been off.  It’s pretty and since there’s a lot of lines of solos from the girls (mostly Airi, but does it matter?).  Pretty and there’s stuff I couldn’t remember from the mash-up that I found interesting in the song…but it’s still a bit of a bare-boned ballad from them.

5. Because happiness / °C-ute

I guess to commemerate the single more we flip the groups and they sing their opposite’s tracks.  °C-ute’s version of Because happiness sounds a lot more younger and higher pitched than Berryz’ but it’s no surprise to me.  I mean there’s not much to really say otherwise that I haven’t twice before hahaha.  I will say that hearing Maimai and Nakky more than normal is a bit of a surprise but it’s the same song but with different girls

6. Shiawase no Tochuu / Berryz Koubou

Flip side of the coin and we get a Berryz version of Shiawase no Tochuu which once again to me says they can carry a tune just a bit stronger than their sister group (then again 7 to 5 ratio and it makes a difference).  They sound so much cleaner and more mature (odd huh?).  I will say that hearing Yurina more is making me like her tons hahaha.  Interesting…

 

 

As it’s Berikyuu’s second single, Chou HAPPY SONG really blew away “Amazuppai Haru ni Sakura Saku” in the main song because it suits them perfectly.  Two songs by two entities joined as one and it’s the H!P Kids time to shine with this song.  It’s fun and the meaning behind it is lovely.  Plus it’s nice they updated the mash-up slightly to make it more festive!  B-sides though wasn’t necessary.  I mean I know it’s there to say *Hey, our big song was created by these two* but most people would have them via their respective albums.  Though it was a nice incentive to switch the groups around for those songs for two tracks too.  Good single, a little bit rushed but understandable.

Berryz Koubou – Be Genki (Naseba Naru!) March 25, 2012

Track Listing

1. Be Genki <Naseba Naru!>
2. Mou, Kodomo ja Nai Watashi na no ni…
3. Be Genki <Naseba Naru!> (Instrumental)

1. Be Genki <Naseba Naru!>

Well, when I first turned on Berryz’ newest single I kind of felt like I was listening to “Pyokopyoko Ultra” at first because of its youthful sound oddly enough.  Not gonna lie but coming after “Aa, Yo ga Akeru”, this was pretty much a tough change since it’s totally different.  I do like the superhero theme though and hearing Miyabi and Risako take over was nice.  Unusual but it’s like the 2012 “Yuke Yuke Monkey Dance”…you know random but oh so good!

2. Mou, Kodomo ja Nai Watashi na no ni…

The bigger surprise was the B-side because it just was unexpected to see that Chinami is actually the lead singer of this one.  If you liked their last A-side that I mentioned above, then this might be your style which has that classy but poppy feel to it.  Of course the biggest difference is that one of the back girls ended up with the most vocals.  The other girls get lines but it’s Chinami most of the time.  It’s cute and all and it does stand out amongst their last couple of ones. 

 

 

It didn’t feel like we had enough time to take in “Ai no Album 8″ but having Be Genki is nice if not interesting.  Of course I don’t think this single surpasses either “Ai no Dangan” or “Aa, Yo ga Akeru” but it’s a nice single that doesn’t really have too many faults.  Not bad overall ^_^…I will say though A-side >B-side.

Berryz Koubou – Ai no Album ⑧ February 24, 2012

Track Listing

1. Mythology ~Ai no Album~
2. Yononaka no Barairo
3. Shy boy
4. Because happiness
5. Ren’ai Moyou
6. Ai no Dangan
7. Amazuppai Haru ni Sakura Saku
8. Atarashii Hibi
9. Aa, Yo ga Akeru
10. Seishun Gekijou (Berryz Koubou Ver.)

1. Mythology ~Ai no Album~

Starting the album off, we get the title track and funny enough it kind of reminds me of Momosu’s more disco-based songs because of all that synthed brass that’s used here.  I have to say, I loved Risako and Yurina’s vocals stood out here and it’s quite catchy but damn it if I can’t call it Berryz’ version of “Kono Chikyuu no Heiwa wo Honki de Negatterun da yo!”.  They are just quite similar to one another.  At least it’s a nice start to the album. 

2. Yononaka no Barairo

The next track on the album starts off slow before speeding up and kind of having a fast-pased arrangement.  It’s kind of weird that I get a young Berryz’ sound when compared to many of the other songs on the album.  I’m really liking it but the deeper vocalists are having a harder time than Momoko and Miyabi.  I will say that it sounds like “7 Berryz Times” stuff but a little better.

3. Shy boy

I’m surprised at the amount of synths that are in Shy boy, it’s kind of odd but enticing for sure and I’m liking the more sexy atmosphere but did we need to have auto-tune on EVERYONE?!?  It really turned me off from the song in a major way and hearing the members sounding all kinds of awkward just doesn’t work.  Without the the overload of auto-tune, this song could’ve been amongst the best on the album.  WHY TSUNKU WHY?!?!!!!!

4. Because happiness

When I heard the opening of Because happiness, it reminded me of a mix of Momosu’s “OK YEAH!” and S/mileage’s “Uchouten LOVE”.  Yeah it’s that gritty high-pitched synth H!P has been utilzing for quite a while now and it’s getting tiresome on me.  The rest of the song is kind of mid-tempo-ish and flows by nicely and throws in a Classical melody randomly before the final chorus.  It’s an interesting song and pretty good.  EDIT: Two months after being released, Tsunku actually came out and said that this and °C-ute’s “Shiawase no Tochuu” are meant to be played together and it becomes a full song (to be honest, this is a lot better because I felt after a while that Because happiness was empty in a lot of spaces).

5. Ren’ai Moyou

There’s two songs on the album that are split into smaller groups, the first one has Chinami, Maasa, Yurina, and Risako singing together!  It kind of sounds like pretty cool and different for them as it’s a ballad and such.  I’m happy to hear that Chinami kicked things off for the song since she has the high-pitched voice while Yurina has the deepest of the group.  Of course we can’t forget Maasa and Risako as they’re in the middle.  It kind of reminds me of old Tanpopo (the original trio).  It’s soothing and vocally impressive for all four! 

6. Ai no Dangan

Of course the A-side would be included on the album starting with the era’s first big hitter, Ai no Dangan.  Goodness gracious is this song quite badass!  All the members have equal opportunities (cept Miyabi in the chorus where she gets one word LULZ).  It follows their more rockin’ experimentation they’ve been doing since “6th Otakebi Album” and they hit gold with this.  I love the power behind the girls and even girls like Saki and Chinami surprised me here.  Still quite an epic A-side and I didn’t think they could top it…OH how I was wrong XD

7. Amazuppai Haru ni Sakura Saku

AGAIN?!?  I really wish I didn’t have to review this song for the third time.  Like I said back on °C-ute’s album review, this song doesn’t fit for Berryz IMO.  It’s a style that really isn’t touched upon and really is a sore thumb on this album.  Considering that there’s no solos and the vocals are pretty much singing together not providing a lot of Berryz vocals since I hear more °C-ute and Momoko >.>  Just sugary and not impressive at the least…

8. Atarashii Hibi

As the last new song on the album, Atarashii Hibi starts with glass breaking before getting into a rather mid-tempo song.  It’s a bit more mature for them (like the next song) but this is pretty good.  I like the 90′s pop atmosphere with the small latin flares here and there.  I will say that I’m surprised because this is the song with Saki, Momoko, and Miyabi and they all do good and I really like Captain’s deep vocals in the song…SEXY lol.  It’s definitely a throwback kind of song but I liked this a little more than “Ren’ai Moyou”.

9. Aa, Yo ga Akeru

I was coming off my high of “Ai no Dangan” and expecting the song to be bad BUT Aa, Yo ga Akeru is awesome on a stick!  It’s not as badass as as the other song but it’s amazing and mature and just classy all around and I STILL don’t get why people dislike it so much.  It’s like 90′s Eurodance almost and it just flows so well throughout the song.  I’m still in love with he song as is still the best song of 2011!  Why do you think I gave it that title!!!  Oh, you think it was because I gasm because of Risako/Miyabi’s swoop to that high note? Prolly XDDD

10. Seishun Gekijou (Berryz Koubou Ver.)

Yup like °C-ute’s album, Berryz ends theirs the same way with their own version of Seishun Gekijou.  I find it amusing that it’s different from their sister’s group AND the original version in arrangement.  While °C-ute’s version is more guitar laced, Berryz’ version is more towards piano so it’s a little better at being soft enough for the 7 members to sing.  Of course the guy is also singing here but the girls power over him.  It’s actually the preferred version IMO.

Tracks Recommended

• Aa, Yo ga Akeru
• Ai no Dangan
• Mythology ~Ai no Album~
• Atarashii Hibi
• Because happiness

Song of Avoidance

• Amazuppai Haru ni Sakura Saku

I’m starting to notice a certain rhythm between this group and °C-ute.  It seems to me in my book that they go back and fourth between good and bad albums IMO.  It’s really strange for me so when I disliked °C-ute’s recent album, I assumed that I would actually enjoy Berryz’ album and for the most part that is true!  Most songs were pretty good but there were some weaknesses.  Shy boy was the first miss because of the overuse of auto-tune to the point where it was just cheesy and just plain bad AND Amazuppai Haru ni Sakura Saku’s addition to the album…it just had NO place on here.  Still not bad, but I still think “6th Otakebi Album” is their best (that I’ve reviewed so far).

Berryz Koubou – Piriri to Yukou! December 22, 2011

Track Listing

1. Piriri to Yukou!
2. Kacchoee!
3. Piriri to Yukou! (Instrumental)

1. Piriri to Yukou!

I’m not sure what to think of Berryz’ 3rd A-side.  I do think the arrangement is catchy and it’s great that the members have a pretty equal line distribution (and solos for that matter).  I like the melody not gonna lie but that chorus being slow when compared to the verses is a little bothersome to me.  When compared to the previous two A-sides I will say that it’s in the middle…not as good as “Fighting Pose wa Date ja Nai!” but so much better than “Anata Nishi de wa Ikite Yukenai”.

2. Kacchoee!

For being only 2:30, this song really annoyed the hell outta more than anything else.  I mean the same kind of sounds heard in “Piriri to Yukou!” are present which is a surprise since they didn’t utilize same sounds in their previous efforts…What’s even worse is that it has repetitiion problems and they repeats ~kacchoee jan!~ way too many times for me to remember.  The only fact that I might like this song is that once again all the girls get the same amount of solos and singing time so that’s really great…but to a song like this is pretty damn disappointing.

 

 

Closing the “1st Chou Berryz” era, Piriri to Yukou! was an alright single but definitely not as great as “Fighting Pose wa Date ja Nai!” that’s for sure.  The A-side is alright and the girls sound good once again but there’s something that doesn’t come off right for me with this tune.  Kacchoee! though was just B-side crap…why do they have an annoying song like this T.T

Hello! Project Mobekimasu – Busu ni Naranai Tetsugaku November 19, 2011

Track Listing

1. Busu ni Naranai Tetsugaku
2. Moshimo… (Regular & Limited A only)
3. Kacchoii Uta (Hello! Project featuring Morning Musume) (Limited B only)
4. Kacchoii Uta (Hello! Project featuring Berryz Koubou) (Limited C only)
5. Kacchoii Uta (Hello! Project featuring °C-ute) (Limited D only)
6. Kacchoii Uta (Hello! Project featuring Mano Erina) (Limited E only)
7. Kacchoii Uta (Hello! Project featuring S/mileage (Limited F only)
8. Busu ni Naranai Tetsugaku (Instrumental)

1. Busu ni Naranai Tetsugaku

It’s been a while since we’ve had a last get together with the acts of Hello! Project, of course the last was Bekimasu’s “Makeru na Wasshoi!” but officially was H.P. All Stars’ “ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL”.  Of course times have changed since then and the member count is half of what it used to be.  Busu ni Naranai Tetsugaku is their way of saying here’s what we have and of course this song is coming off major losses of Ai Takahashi, Saki Ogawa and to a minor degree Fuyuka Kosuga.  First, I wanna talk about the line distribution.  It’s been said many time through other blogs but I agree that it’s a little unfair since it’s really the main stars so Reina, Riho, and Risa from Momosu, Airi and Maimi from °C-ute, Risako and Miyabi from Berryz Koubou, and Yuuka from S/mileage all get important lines while everyone else just does the chorus (seriously ManoEri got shafted?!?).  The song itself is actually kind of awesome since it’s got a snappy kind of attitude for it and a little bit of English which is good too.  Oddly enough, people have compared the song to Berryz’ “Aa, Yo ga Akeru” and I can see that…but this has a little more brass? in it.  Still, I was kind of hoping for something a bit more out there to show off all the members since minus Berryz, °C-ute, Risa, Sayumi, and Reina were involved with the last “GET EVERYONE TOGETHER shpeal” which would’ve left us with Aika, 9th Gen, 10th Gen (though they didn’t participate in the studio/PV…they’ve done performances on TV promoting it), ManoEri, and S/mileage (plus the new official members, which they were sub-members when the PV was released).  Good song but doesn’t have the longevity that “ALL FOR ONE & ONE FOR ALL” did.

2. Moshimo…

The B-side that is found on two versions of the release actually only have five members participating and it’s one member of each of the five acts involved.  Means Fukuchan, Momoko, Dawa, Nakky, and ManoEri were the chosen ones for this one.  All of us should know that Momoko, Dawa, and Nakky are known for their high squeaky vocals while ManoEri has a little deeper tone but still cute in a way.  I can’t see why Fukuchan got chosen because she doesn’t seem to have a cute voice like them.  My worries happened since it is quite cute of a song…like a S/mileage album song.  I’m kind of meh towards the song since it isn’t my kind of thing but I will say that Fukuchan and ManoEri were the best between the five of them (then again I’m used to the other three as it is…)

3. Kacchoii Uta (Hello! Project featuring Morning Musume)

On the remaining editions of the single (B-F) there’s another B-side but this one is different since each edition corresponds to one of the groups + soloist that’s in H!P.  The first one is from Momosu and since it’s the first time hearing Kacchoii Uta this will be where I review the song’s arrangement.  Unlike “Moshimo…’s” cuteness galore, Kacchoii Uta has a rockin’ arrangement and it has pretty awesome energy.  I loved that Risa and Riho kick things off!  Actually, every member has lines which is surprising but AWESOME nonetheless, even they have Sayu under auto-tune which isn’t present in any other version of the song.  Weird though is that I get “My Way ~Joshikou Hanamichi~” vibes from this song!

4. Kacchoii Uta (Hello! Project featuring Berryz Koubou)

Well, now I can be certain that the song’s arrangement has not changed at all which is good and bad but at least we get different vocals!  I will say that Miyabi and Momoko taking first solos with everyone following is quite awesome.  I will say that the deeper vocals from Berryz’ sans Momoko is a nice change and they sound quite strong overall.  I think out of the five, this is vocally the strongest with Momosu close behind.

5. Kacchoii Uta (Hello! Project featuring °C-ute)

Despite being the group with the least amount of members, °C-ute’s version is quite straightforward and would fit in their discography quite nicely.  Airi and Chisato take the first solo lines and it just goes from there.  Equality was shown throughout and I liked this from them but Momosu’s and Berryz’ were a smidge better.

6. Kacchoii Uta (Hello! Project featuring Mano Erina)

Unlike the four other versions of the song, this one is slightly different since ManoEri is the only soloist in H!P so her song would be awkward for her as she really is the only one singing here (but she does have backup support but it’s unknown who that is…).  Her version is clearly the weakest of the five but it’s no surprise because the song is meant for groups.  I wouldn’t have minded if she had joined in with °C-ute since they had the least amount of members.  Oh well!

7. Kacchoii Uta (Hello! Project featuring S/mileage)

S/mileage’s closes the single out since they were the last group brought together.  Now saying that °C-ute’s version had the least amount of members is true, but S/mileages really only had Yuuka, Kanon and Dawa for the most part and that is a little sad, but the other four members at the song’s creation were still sub-members.  That being said, the cute vocals work but only to a degree and I like the groups more. 

 

 

While I liked the idea of bringing H!P together once again for a single, only three songs to me stood out the most.  Of course the lead track, Busu ni Naranai Tetsugaku was pretty impressive and shows off what the girls sound like today for the most part even though a little of the music borrows ideas from previous H!P songs.  Moshimo… was kind of a bust but it’s clearly because they brough in the squeaky cute vocalists for that and it just didn’t connect.  As for the 5 versions of Kacchoii Uta, only Momosu’s and Berryz’ were great.  The other 3 were just ok and nothing better.  I will say…I wonder how it’d sound if all 5 were played simultaneously…..OMG YES! lol

Hello! Project Bekimasu – Makeru na Wasshoi! November 17, 2011

Track Listing

1. Makeru na Wasshoi!
2. Makeru na Wasshoi! (Instrumental)

1. Makeru na Wasshoi!

Since it is the first single as the big group (though without Momosu), Makeru na Wasshoi! had a lot to live up to since it’s a big group song.  For the most part I was impressed by the song since it was youthful and pretty spazzy especially the chorus which in most of the parts it felt like the song was skipping and it kept throwing me off the beat XD.  As for lines the solos really only went to Airi, Miyabi, Yuuka, Risako, ManoEri, Maimi, and Saki (since this song was done before she left S/mileage).  It’s a good song for sure and one of the better H!P songs for the year.

 

 

It’s weird that this song was released at lives in August and now officially announced to be released all-around in December, Makeru na Wasshoi! was a pretty good song and even though Momosu isn’t a part of it, it’s passable!