IU – You & I (Japanese Version) July 18, 2012

Track Listing

1. You & I (Japanese Version)
2. Shounen Jidai
3. You & I (Japanese Version) [FPM TECHNORCHESTRA MIX] (Limited A only)
4. You & I (Instrumental)

1. You & I (Japanese Version)

Another Korean turned into Japanese track huh?  I have to say for what I got from “Good day”, You & I is a lot more interesting and brings out IU’s colors a lot more her and I found that to be great.  It’s a bit more K-pop vibed but the use of strings pulled me into it quite nicely and she’s taking more risks with her voice here.  I really enjoyed the song and the dramatics worked better!

2. Shounen Jidai

I was really surprised that IU would actually make the B-side an actual cover of a Yosui Inoue song.  As such, the tune is a lot lighter (but then again, it is a ballad lol).  It’s a simple song with just acoustic guitar, piano, and strings and IU’s light vocals and I kind of liked it here despite the music not really entrancing me.  It sounds heartful though and she gave a solid performance here.

3. You & I (Japanese Version) [FPM ELECTRORCHESTA MIX]

The final track is something new to IU in Japan and that’s a remix from Tomoyuki Tanaka aka FPM.  The song is given a cool touch of electronica and added a bit of a fluttery arrangement with the strings here and I kind of really liked this remix.  Definitely suited the lyrics nicely and just impressed me.

 

 

IU’s second single in Japan, You & I did a lot better as a release than “Good day” did since all three tracks are quite nice tunes.  You & I sticks out a lot more than her last A-side because of the stronger arrangement and overall better performance.  Shounen Jidai is a worthy cover but it’s a bit typical of a ballad (you know, the usual suspects of one).  I will say check out the remix of You & I because it sounds REALLY pretty!

IU – Good Day March 26, 2012

Track Listing

1. Good Day (Japanese Version)
2. Rain Drop (Japanese Version)
3. Good Day (Original Karaoke)
4. Rain Drop (Original Karaoke)

1. Good Day (Japanese Version)

I’m happy that there’s a new artist coming from Korea debuting (that isn’t in a group setting of course XD).  IU of course takes the easy route by debuting with Good Day which is a Japanese take of her Korean song, Joheun Nal.  I have to say that the light and poppy feel of the song stands out to me and has this cute glow to it.  Even the added horns was interesting.  It’s almost like a Katamari Damacy song but less redonkulous.  IU’s vocals though are pretty and has a unique tone to them when compared to other K-pop ladies.  It’s nice and this song turned out quite nice as well.

2. Rain Drop (Japanese Version)

The B-side though is different!  I didn’t expect IU to make Rain Drop sound so unusual but so very charming!  As it’s also a case of KOR to JPN, Rain Drop was also a great choice to kick things off since it’s pretty and shows off IU’s vocals quite nicely.  To be honest, IU reminds me of BONNIE PINK but with louder vocals.  I just found myself enjoying this song just as much as “Good Day”!

 

 

Wow, as another artist moves from Korea and debuts in Japan, Good Day by IU really is a great single to debut with.  Even though I am a little tired of artists lazily choosing to just sing new versions of their homeland songs, I thought the choice she made were great for the most part.  Both songs have a lot of charm and IU’s vocals really fit the style.  Time will tell if she can keep herself afloat in Japan but I think she’ll do good ^_^