Koda Kumi – Koishikute December 19, 2012

Track Listing

1. Koishikute
2. Alone

1. Koishikute

Fitting that since Kuu is releasing this single two days after Christmas, she would put out Koishikute (her Winter ballad of the season).  That being said when compared to her other songs released in similar fashion, this is little less wintry but definitely fitting into her collection of ballads.  I really liked this song though because Kuu sounds amazing and she pulled it off…it still isn’t her best, but it’s definitely up there.

2. Alone

Interestingly enough, Kuu did a cover for the B-side which is Mayo Okamoto’s Alone and unfortunately being another ballad, the song is kind of a frown point for me.  Though there is a beat to kind of keep things going without making it a total bore, but her vocals aren’t as impressive as they were “Koishikute”.  It isn’t terrible but being placed next to the A-side is kind of making this sound more bland than it should.

 

 

After “Go to the top”, I was pretty sure she’d follow-up with a ballad because of the release date and Koishikute was a pretty good attempt and it fits with the other good ballads she’s done.  Alone could’ve been too, but I felt bored after a while.  Short single and a pretty slow one too, but I think Kuu fans will enjoy it.

Koda Kumi – Go to the top October 24, 2012

Track Listing

1. Go to the top
2. darling
3. Go to the top (DJAKi ASY Remix)

1. Go to the top

LOL, oh time off from Kuu has must’ve done something since she’s had her kid.  Go to the top is pretty unique in her discography (maybe not) but it’s like she took “Boom Boom Boys” gave it a little more of a 8-bit/rock mix and it’s just different for me.  I will say that I kind of like the swag of the song a bit more.  Not a bad A-side overall and it’s a good way to come back to music after her short hiatus.

2. darling

As for the single’s B-side, darling is a bit more stripped down to basics here. but that’s a pretty good thing since we haven’t had an R&B track on a single for quite a while.  Kuu sounds really pleasant and the song is just a smooth sailing indeed.  Might not be one of her more memorable slow jams, but this is rather very smooth and unoffensive luckily ^_^

3. Go to the top (DJAKi ASY Remix)

I wasn’t expecting a remix on this single for some reason but here we are with one for the leading track.  I was actually kind of digging the remix even though it isn’t really special.  I love the energy and speed of the remix and the cool synths but it did feel quite empty in different places. 

 

 

After going through a small hiatus (to have her child of course) Kuu came back with Go to the top and for the most she came back on a good note!  The leading track might sound similar to “Boom Boom Boys” but I think she brought that fire back into her music for the time being.  darling was a nice nostalgic trip to her early days and it turned out well also.  The remix for Go to the top though could’ve had a little more vocal parts but the arrangement isn’t bad at all ^_^.  Good single!

Koda Kumi – JAPONESQUE January 22, 2012

Track Listing

1. Introduction ~JAPONESQUE~
2. So Nice feat. Mr. Blistah
3. Boom Boom Boys
4. V.I.P. feat. T-Pain (Album Version)
5. Slow feat. Omarion
6. Brave
7. Everyday
8. IN THE AIR
9. You are not alone  (Acoustic Version)
10. Interlude ~JAPONESQUE~
11. ESCALATE
12. Love Me Back
13. No Man’s Land
14. Ai wo Tomenaide
15. KO-SO-KO-SO
16. Lay Down
17. Love Technique
18. Poppin’love cocktail feat. TEEDA
19. All for you

1. Introduction ~JAPONESQUE~

Opening the album, I really enjoyed the intro of the album because it has a really smooth ethnic vibe to it which more into like a subdued version of “Get It On”.  I did find it weird that Kuu really says ~I wanna be~ through the entire track which is unusual but I like it…Different from her previous intros!

2. So Nice feat. Mr. Blistah

Seems like we get another collaboration with Mr. Blistah (last time was with “Candy” by the way.  All of the vocal tracks on the album have videos and all have been promotional for the album which is great (and what “Kingdom” could’ve done actually!  So Nice actually goes back into some nostalgic sexy times and I have to say she still pulls sexy off like it’s nothing and I’m enjoying it a whole lot, oddly enough Mr. Blistah isn’t bad either but I don’t remember his part very well lol.  I’m also a little surprised that it’s the shortest vocal song being under 3 minutes and all that…

3. Boom Boom Boys

One of the more surprising yet much needed tunes I’ve heard from Kuu, it’s a song that uses a gritty guitar riff mixed with Kuu’s kind of unleashed hotness and it’s just an epic song for me!  I didn’t think she’d find rock being a good output (especially the last few were kind of bummer songs).  It’s just in your face and brash and full of attitude, I’m loving the song right now!

4. V.I.P. feat. T-Pain (Album Version)

Since all of the songs from “4 TIMES” made the album cut, it’s interesting to know that V.I.P. was the only song that had changes made on the album.  Small changes were made to the arrangement like less synths but in place of that, we get an uneccessary rap from T-Pain (who is oddly not under his auto-tune….WHT?!?)…Yeah I think I’ll keep the original version over this one.

5. Slow feat. Omarion

The last of the collaborative efforts, Slow is already making “Passing By” look amateurish IMO.  Of course considering she’s working with Omarion (who’s an American soloist, plus used to be in B2K) so this is actually a fitting mix since both vocalists compliment each other.  Well, I could’ve lived without the amount of auto-tune used in the song but it sounds rather cool and it’d work well in the States.  Omarion’s rap…is a little off but nothing song breaking to be honest.

6. Brave

So I’m guessing Brave is Kuu’s winter ballad and since she’s had a couple in recent times, she never seems to do too wrong on them (well, considering there’s not much to screw it up with).  However, it’s hard to really split the difference between them because I keep on thinking of “stay with me” with this one…Unoriginal, or just trying to say at least there’s a winter ballad here somewhere!

7. Everyday

I get the same feelings with Everyday which is weird but that’s OK because I like her poppy and light tunes like this which kind of goes back to “anytime” and “You’re So Beautiful”.  Just that positive and cute glow and oddly enough I really enjoy those songs from Kuu.  Shes got that voice for it and it isn’t too wild.  Pleasant tune here!

8. IN THE AIR

As it was my favorite from the “4 TIMES” single, IN THE AIR makes sense coming after “Everyday” because they both had a light-hearted arrangement.  However, IN THE AIR packs a little more punch like “WIND” did and it still is a great song even on the album.  The only thing I wished for was the song to be a little faster, but it’s me nitpicking at the tune.

9. You are not alone (Acoustic Version)

I didn’t think the B-side from “Ai wo Tomenaide” would make the album cut since the original was so bland and crappy.  Luckily, the tune was also edited for the album and it’s so much better than the original IMO.  I can totally imagine seeing her sing this around a campfire with everyone clapping to the rhythm.  I’m kind of enjoying it in this version loads more than the original.

10. Interlude ~JAPONESQUE~

Getting into the interlude, it kinds of ties in from the intro, but seems a little more oriental than before as well.  It’s really soft and it’s leads into an electro section…which is random but makes sense as the next track…but quickly it shifts back to the flowing oriental sound…Uh-huh…

11. ESCALATE

I was wondering when we were getting our heavy dance Kuu and ESCALATE is a sure place to start.  I really like the aggressive nature of the song and the chorus is pretty damn catchy here.  Kind of reminds me of “POP DIVA” but less messy actually.  It’s really cool and stands out the most from the new songs.

12. Love Me Back

So our “Cherry Girl” wannabe finds it’s place on the album and it kind of fits after “ESCALATE” quite well.  Like “So Nice” I’m finding myself surprised that it’s short being at 3 minutes.  It’s still one of her better A-sides she’s had for a long time so it’s great to hear something like this.  Sexy but also cool, YAY!

13. No Man’s Land

Another rock track?  I’m surprised by this but also happy since the album has a lot of different flavors on it.  There’s something about this song sadly that rather doesn’t impress me but it could be from the whole lower tone Kuu is singing in and the rapping verses.  Plus her pronunciation in English needs to improve NOW…no more of this ~no man’s rand~…you’d think as a huge artist as her would actually get some…meh.  I love the arrangement but the vocals were meh…I guess it can grow on me so that’s a good thing!

14. Ai wo Tomenaide

It’s a little weird that we go from sexy to rocker chick to a straight up ballad on this album (yeah, Kuu’s albums always had a problem with flow).  I mean of the three ballads on the album (This, “Brave” and “All for you”), I liked this the most and still manages to surprise me everytime I listen to it.  It’s just handled so much more better than most of her older ballads too.  Just a pretty song for sure!

15. KO-SO-KO-SO

Along with “IN THE AIR”, it was the only other song I seemed to enjoy from “4 TIMES” but on the album it actually gets surpassed by a few other upbeat songs.  It’s the go-to synth song though because there’s a whole lot of that here but still doesn’t surpass older ones like “Driving” but I do like the effort put into the song and is also one of the songs I can listen to on end.  BTW, raunchy little tune!

16. Lay Down

It’s good that “KO-SO-KO-SO” came before since it sets the stage for Lay Down which is probably the cooler and edgy dance track to listen to from this album which is great!  Just loving the flow of this song and Kuu does an amazing job with her attitude to making it all sexy and dark.  LOVE IT!

17. Love Technique

I was wondering where the super cute Kuu song would be and I’m surprised it’s found towards the end of the album and not so much the middle like after “IN THE AIR”.  I will say that I’m loving this as well since it’s not annoying like “Melting” was fortunately.  Even the arrangement is cutesy and all kinds of goodness.  This was a great song from her and I’m happy she’s got cute done right this time around.

18. Poppin’love cocktail feat. TEEDA

I know this was THE promotional song from “4 TIMES” but why did this have to be on the album?  It’s just ridiculously bad and seeing as it’s almost at the end of the album is bizarre.  I mean Kuu isn’t totally in the bad on this track and I’m sure the song would’ve been good…IF IT WASN’T for the fact that TEEDA was on it.  His rapping annoys me to no end and I’m just kind of wishing he was absent on the album.  It’s pop/rock like “Hashire!” and “Lick me♥” (more the latter though) but destroyed by her collaborator.

19. All for you

As the final track on this rather lengthy album, All for you kind of ends things on a rather unusual and unnatural sounding terms here!  It sounds so low-quality and it sounds like Kuu is singing in her bathroom which isn’t out of expectations from her…but I didn’t think she’d try this out.  I mean her sister misono is more known for these kind of tracks and hearing Kuu is just…..huh?  I will admit though that she sounds rather solid…but the whole, low quality-ness and odd decision was well…ODD.

Tracks Recommended

• Boom Boom Boys
• Lay Down
• Ai wo Tomenaide
• ESCALATE
• Love Technique

Song of Avoidance

• Poppin’love cocktail feat. TEEDA

After three albums of rather mediocrity (in Kuu albums), we finally see her return in full form with JAPONESQUE!  This jam-packed album hits many niches of hers and she really did well on most of the songs which is great since “TRICK”, “UNIVERSE”, and “Dejavu” had problems on them, this one doesn’t have many actually.  At least this will tie us over since Kuu is more than likely to go on an hiatus due to her pregnancy.  GREAT ALBUM!!!

Koda Kumi – Love Me Back November 29, 2011

Track Listing

1. Love Me Back
2. Say Her Name
3. Love Me Back (Andy Price Remix)

1. Love Me Back

The first thing I immediately though of when I listened to Love Me Back was the way it sounds like “Cherry Girl” (which was another A-side she released long ago!).  That being said, I really like sassy Kuu and this song matched that side of her quite nicely.  It’s just cool and pretty much makes the last couple of A-sides rather lackluster.  HOWEVER, at three minutes it’s pretty damn short of a song for this calibur and I think there was some missed opportunity because of that.  Might be a “Cherry Girl” clone, but I sure did like this!

2. Say Her Name

Her B-sides have rarely interested me since they lacked a certain quality to make them memorable.  Say Her Name isn’t any different since it’s pulling out to more of her normal R&B sound she’s had since she debuted.  I will say that it’s been a while since we’ve heard a track like this so it’s nice but amongst the other songs she’s put out…this is kind of ok…but nothing overly special.

3. Love Me Back (Andy Price Remix)

It’s been a while since we got an actual remix on a single no less and it’s of the A-side which is longer as well!  Being more club-like and filled with synths to the brim, I was curious but I was also kind of weirded out from the unusual chords the synths kept swerving through.  I also noticed Kuu’s vocals in this song is loud and sounds like she’s yelling which is not good (odd I didn’t notice in the original).  It’s an alright remix but not better than the main.

 

 

 

This has been a strange era for Kuu, not gonna lie there.  Love Me Back might be my favorite of the A-sides released but this era altogether has been rather bland for me.  This single has a great A-side (though it’s a blatant clone).  Say Her Name had potential, but she’s already got too many of these similar sounding songs that it’s just not funny.  As for the remix, it’s better than others I’ve heard from Kuu but it’s not too amazing.  Weird single AGAIN like “Ai wo Tomenaide”…

Koda Kumi – Ai wo Tomenaide September 24, 2011

Track Listing

1. Ai wo Tomenaide
2. You are not alone (CD only)
3. Anata Dake ga (Strings Version) (Movie Version only)
4. Anata Dake ga (Music Box Version) (Movie Version only)

1. Ai wo Tomenaide

It hasn’t been that long since we’ve had an A-side Kuu ballad (“Suki de. Suki de, Suki de./Anata Dake ga” would be the last one if I remember right.  I kind of found this really pretty for some reason because of the arrangement and the little splash of spanish guitar in the beginning.  It’s dramatic but not overly so and she sounds really pretty here.  Pretty ballad…and I was surprised it turned out as good despite being a rushed single!

2. You are not alone

However, I can’t say the same for the B-side because it just lacks something.  I mean given that it’s poppy and a little R&B-ish and has a good positive message for it.  It reminds me of my feelings of another B-side she’s released, “Come Over”.  They both have this uncharacteristic sound and it feels either cheesy or just boring at other times.  This was definitely the rushed song XD

3. Anata Dake ga (Strings Version)

The other version of the single included two versions of Anata Dake ga oddly enough.  First off is the strings version of the song of course and it’s definitely a pretty version of the song.  It seems to fit Kuu’s vocals quite a bit better than the original’s synth version and it’s even better to hear the woman actually resing the tune to the point where it’s just perfect.  There’s some points where I think she’s a bit airy in her singing, but this is a nice version.

4. Anata Dake ga (Music Box Version)

On the flipside of the coin, we also get a music box version which is true to its title but honestly I would’ve enjoyed it if they kept it that way like what Kuu did with “stay with me”.  Kuu actually sings along with the tune once again and since the song is essentially one instrument, it’s just kind of blah.  I rather listen to the strings version here!

 

 

 

Ai wo Tomenaide is pretty strange of a single.  I love the A-side no doubt since it’s strong and Kuu continues to sound pretty damn awesome with this ballads (even though she still has an equal amount of bad ballads under her belt).  You are not alone though is just strange and being that it’s placed after Ai wo Tomenaide is even more absurd.  It has its moments but it’s not even B-side worthy tbh.  Also, the new versions of Anata Dake ga is alright but I really prefer the strings take more than the music box.  I think Kuu should slow down though seeing this single was a little strange.

Koda Kumi – 4 TIMES August 14, 2011

Track Listing

1. Introduction ~sunny time~
2. Poppin’love cocktail feat. TEEDA
3. Interlude ~sunset time~
4. IN THE AIR
5. Interlude ~midnight time~
6. V.I.P.
7. Interlude ~time to…love~
8. KO-SO-KO-SO

1. Introduction ~sunny time~

Another Kuu single that has way too many intros/interludes?  Why am I not surprised seeing as this is a quad A-side.  Sunny time begins on a beach with a clock ticking then a car starting revving off and driving off (“Driving” much?).  Anyways the radio is turned on for a short period of time and then the brakes are used.  Weird intro if you ask me.

2. Poppin’love cocktail feat. TEEDA

Our first full song is a collaboration of course and it seems that this is the summer song for the song but it’s funky because it’s an upbeat rock track (think “Hashire!” but TEEDA who kind of annoys to a great degree).  Kuu doesn’t sound too bad but like “Hashire!” it doesn’t really suit her very well.  I also get vibes of “Lick me♥” as well which puts my interest in this song even LOWER.  Sorry but this first main track is pretty bad, ngl.

3. Interlude ~sunset time~

So the ticking clock returns and so do the sound of waves but the music in the background is really nice and sparkly and mixes really nicely with each other despite the uber short length.  I just hope it leads to something pretty awesome.

4. IN THE AIR

And for good reason to because IN THE AIR is probably the first song I’ve been rather interested in a while from Kuu.  I’ve heard that it’s been compared to “WIND” and “anytime” and that’s pretty good because she pulls off the more fluffy pop songs.  It’s a bit like going to the past with her and I actually like her vocals quite a bit.  Good track!!!

5. Interlude ~midnight time~

Yeah, the typical clock enters but this time around it sounds like we’re at a party with music playing in the background.  It’s one of the more useless interludes on the single but whatever!

6. V.I.P.

So we usually have our dirty song but it seems we get two on this song “Poppin’love cocktail” kind of failed though.  V.I.P. is definitely one of those ero-kakkoi songs from Kuu with a pretty clinky arrangement with a good clapping rhythm.  It sounds pretty busy in different parts of the song but Kuu did sexy pretty well but I could use less of the filtered vocals heard throughout.  It’s pretty interesting and some of the arrangement kind of reminds me of “UNIVERSE” but still it’s good.

7. Interlude ~time to…love~

Getting into our final interlude, time to…love starts off like the others do for sure.  However it does sound like the previous interlude with people talking like it’s a party but it seems Kuu leaves the party at the end.  Kind of sudden of an ending but I guess it works in some strange way.

8. KO-SO-KO-SO

Strange that she closes the single with another synth-based song like KO-SO-KO-SO but that’s good because I actually also ended up enjoying this one.  It really fits her style and she sounds sexy without crossing the line which is nice.  I have to say this is a pretty damn good song to listen to!

 

 

 

Kuu begins a new era with something that parallels “4 hot wave” yet feels like a clone to “3 SPLASH”.  4 A-sides eh?  I have to say this one was just as good but it has some hollow issues to work out.  I mean were the interludes REALLY that necessary?  I seriously could’ve lived without them and Poppin’love cocktail…it really sucks as a song!  IN THE AIR and KO-SO-KO-SO were the single’s best tracks and I have to say cute, pop songs and synth tracks are her forte.  V.I.P. is a little on the fence, but I think I just need more time to get used to it.  Good single and with “Ai wo Tomenaide” announced so quickly…I’m sure we’ll get a ballad next.

Koda Kumi – Dejavu February 26, 2011

Track Listing

1. Prologue to Dejavu
2. POP DIVA
3. Lollipop
4. Okay
5. Aitakute
6. Passing By
7. AT THE WEEK END
8. Interlude to Dejavu
9. Melting
10. Hey baby!
11. Choi Tashi Life
12. Anata Dake ga
13. Suki de, Suki de, Suki de.
14. Bambi
15. I Don’t Love You !??

1. Prologue to Dejavu

Just like most of the more recent albums Kuu’s done, we get an introduction to the album and Prologue to Dejavu sounds pretty nice since there’s marching drums and some ad-libbing before ~why wont you come with me to my dejavu~ is repeated about 4 times before closing out.  It sounds like it could be eventually turned into a full song, but who knows with how Kuu does things nowadays.

2. POP DIVA

As the last A-side released in the era, POP DIVA I guess makes the dirtier songs come first on the album and I don’t mind since there weren’t many on the album to begin with.  I still get “Like A G6″ vibes from the song, but Kuu in the chorus really changes the mood, but her vocals kind of goes in the dumper.  I do like it sometimes, but other times I find it much more of a harder listen.

3. Lollipop

However, I’ve continued to enjoy this song.  As the lead-in song from “Gossip Candy”, Lollipop is also quite drenched in Kuu’s sexyness and hornyness that it just reminds me why I fell for Kuu in the first place with lines like ~lick my lollipop~.  While the slight Arabian feel gives it a nice touch, it’s lighter and not as forced as previous songs in the same arranging area.  Still…does anyone really believe she’s saying ~I dodged a bullet, bullet”?  I still dont think so hahahah!

4. Okay

Getting into some new tracks from the album, Okay feels like something I’ve heard from a K-pop group and while I love the slower arrangement here, it feels like it needs an energy boost.  I just get interlude vibes that was stretched too far.  I feel bored after a while and just want to have a different song come up.  “No Way” did a much better job.

5. Aitakute

Slowing down even more for our next song, Aitakute, I wasn’t sure what we were going to end up getting and oddly enough I find myself surprised that it’s more of a nod to Kuu’s early stuff.  By the way, Kuu’s sultry vocals really suited the song and I liked that she gave us a lil bit of a nostalgic track here.

6. Passing By

Another ballad?  I wasn’t expecting another song that was going to remind me of “No Way”, but I actually felt for this one quite a bit because I loved the strings that were used here.  Though I will question the male vocals that remind me of Akon….what the hell happened there eh?  Otherwise this is one of Kuu’s better ballads in recent times.

7. AT THE WEEK END

After having some ballads passing us by, it was time to get back into some hard songs and AT THE WEEK END is definitely one of the album’s more harder songs.  I love the pounding beat and Kuu’s vocals here as well.  It feels really good, but, I feel like I can fall for “UNIVERSE” and “Driving” more than this, but I don’t know why.  I’m pretty unsure where I really stand with the song.

8. Interlude to Dejavu

Hey, we get an interlude!  When was the last time we had that eh?  Anyways, it sounds so creepy at first and once again like the “Epilogue to Dejavu” the marching drums are present and Kuu’s Engrish makes a full-blown return and it really makes me wonder if she actually isn’t learning anything in the language XD  It’s alright, but it doesn’t really set things up for the second half of the album.

9. Melting

While it was rumored to have been the B-side to “POP DIVA”, Melting I guess was changed or just they didn’t have that in mind to begin with.  Anyways, after the interlude, the mood of the album changes into a more poppier side which is a side we don’t get a whole lot of but it’s nice.  Melting is a nice change since the song is cute and with the synth/acoustic guitar mix, it’s a nice and fluffy song to listen to.  Kuu sounds like how she does in most of her cutesy type songs, but I don’t know if it was done well here…but I like the arrangement.

10. Hey baby!

As the lone digital single release (and it’s her second overall), Hey baby! was used in Crayon Shin-chan.  Of course knowing that very hilarious and disturbing show, Hey baby! had to be just as a bit bizarre and I love this song for some reason.  While people prefer “AT THE WEEK END”, I much prefer this song since it’s got punch and has a fun atmosphere going on.  The thing though that’s bothersome is the fact that it’s really short…2:35?  SERIOUSLY?!?

11. Choi Tashi Life

Wow, this song reminds me of Mario Kart for some reason…but with lyrics.  I think it’s the fact of the sparkly atmosphere and peppy feel is what makes me think of like Rainbow Road for some reason XD.  I think Kuu scored points with this song since it’s cute, but not overbearing.  I kind of liked this song quite a bit!

12. Anata Dake ga

So reversing the 2nd single’s A-side around on the album, we get Anata Dake ga first.  To me it feels refreshing after the poppy songs and since it’s a ballad, I still was impressed with this song more than “Suki de, Suki de, Suki de.”.  There’s still something that’s quite sweet and innocent about this song that makes me want to come back to it.

13. Suki de, Suki de, Suki de.

However, I still am pretty bored with the primary A-side Suki de, Suki de, Suki de. because it feels like some bland ballad when put against the other songs that are classified as such.  I still feel that it’s more suited for Ayu more than Kuu since I keep imagining her singing this song.  I just don’t feel much for this song and to me was the worst A-side of the era.

14. Bambi

Well the last song that was titled Bambi made me laugh so hardcore (Diggy-MO’ track).  Following along the other cute tracks on the album, Bambi has more of a pop/rock kind of sound which is interesting nonetheless.  It’s quite random at this point of the album, but I guess it’s an interesting twist.

15. I Don’t Love You !??

Wow, no ballad to close out the album?  I really like that the song sounds a bit more chiller and yet cool to listen to.  I like the synths the run around the song since it makes things quite catchy and fun for me to listen to.  I will say, it might not have stood out on her other albums, but it does here in a good way.

Tracks Recommended

• Choi Tashi Life
• Lollipop
• Hey baby!
• Passing By
• Anata Dake ga

Song of Avoidance

• Suki de, Suki de, Suki de.

In a way, Kuu took less jumps on this album than she did in “UNIVERSE” and “TRICK” which might disappoint people in the long run, but going down safety land actually might have gotten her somewhere since it’s her lightest album at least IMO.  I don’t think she really got amazingly epic with this release, but it’s an alright album, just not her best.

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!

Koda Kumi – BEST ~second session~ November 4, 2010

Track Listing

1. Introduction to the second session
2. D.D.D. feat. SOULHEAD
3. you
4. Candy feat. Mr. Blistah
5. Shake It Up
6. feel
7. WIND
8. Love goes like…
9. No Regret
10. Birthday Eve
11. Lies
12. Ima Sugu Hoshii
13. KAMEN feat. Tatuya Ishii
14. Someday
15. A Whole New World / Koda Kumi & Peabo Bryson (First Press Bonus Track)

1. Introduction to the second session

I am a little disappointed that the album did begin with a really short excerpt from “Get It On” but what can you do, Kuu begins her albums like this.  I do love the full song a lot with its Arabian-like arrangement and sexual flow going on throughout and seeing the mood get cut in half is a little disheartening at the end of the day because none of the verses appear which is blah.  At least it opens it nicely.

2. D.D.D. feat. SOULHEAD

Now if we remember this album is full of pre-released singles (12 actually) but I didn’t review them all because they were of no importance to review until now (except a certain few with B-sides and other versions).  The first song up is the first of 4 collaborations on the album and earliest as well.  D.D.D. is definitely in the realm of ero-kakkoi Kuu and with R&B group SOULHEAD helping out, the song was sexy and fun to listen to.  Especially with the whole ~yippee yi yo~ parts.  It might be a little too loose on some parts, but at least it’s better than “XXX”.

3. you

One of the singles I ended up reviewing, you was the first released in the era and I still think it’s a pretty good song even though it keeps on with the R&B ballad formula that we’ve gotten in all of Kuu’s era’s so far but I don’t mind since it sounds pretty heartfelt and her vocals are smooth to listen to. 

4. Candy feat. Mr. Blistah

I found that going from hardcore “D.D.D.” to “you” to Candy is a bizarre line to listen the song and Candy reminds me a lot of the introduction which surprised didn’t come right after.  As the 7th A-side, Candy has the sex appeal going for it, but it’s not as strong as the other dance tunes off the album and Mr. Blistah kind of brought the song down because he just sounds like a damn perv.  Sorry but he needs to go, otherwise the song was nice.

5. Shake It Up

To me, Shake It Up is the continuation of songs that sound like summery party songs and while I’ve heard most of them if not all of them by now, it’s kind of getting harder to tell them apart, but with Shake It Up has some gloryfying parts like the acoustic parts before the verses and the thumping rhythms that drive the song.  I though it was pretty good and early favorite since it was the 4th A-side.

6. feel

Skipping over “Lies” to the 6th A-side released, feel never really stood out for me even though it’s a lot like “you” but more smoother and fit for Kuu’s smoky vocals.  Otherwise it’s just like the previous songs that were like this song and it just kind of falls flat for me.

7. WIND

WIND also kind of falls into the same category, but it’s a bit like “Someday” which is pretty bad considering that WIND was the 11th A-side and released before said song.  I do however like this song since it’s one of the songs that got me into Kuu in the first place.  Though it feels like she wants to keep releasing songs that sound like it (“anytime”).  Still it’s a pretty poppy song and one of the cuter songs done right from Kuu.

8. Love goes like…

As one of two new songs on the album, Love goes like… seems to be like a mix of the last two tracks.  Enough to be danceable, but light and poppy at the same time.  I actually like the beat for this song quite a bit and it gave Kuu some room sing even though the chorus is a little of a downer.  I do love how she does finish the chorus ~My love goes like on and on and on~.  Interesting new song and better than “NO TRICKS” (the only new song off her first best).

9. No Regret

I was very surprised when she released No Regret because it just doesn’t sound like anything else in her repetoire at the time.  I do find the kind of anime-ish sound rather interesting to listen to and the small splashes of sitar throughout even more interesting to hear.  Might not be the oddest song off the album, but it’s unusual but good at the same time.

10. Birthday Eve

As the 2nd of the project, Birthday Eve is not surprisingly the cutest song from the era and it shows because Kuu takes up a rather cute tone for this poppy R&B/Jazz hybrid.  I’m not usually fond of these songs, but it’s the cutest thing she’s released and it kind of stands out in her discography.  Still, I’m not much for it.

11. Lies

Going from an obscenely cute song to a more seriously driven R&B tune, Lies sounds like something I have heard before…”m·a·z·e” is the first song the randomly pops up and I agree that both sound similar, but this has less synths going on and more focus on the lyrics and rhythm.  For right now it’s alright, but familar.

12. Ima Sugu Hoshii

Even without knowing what was going on in the song, I’d say this was one of the strongest songs Kuu has ever done vocally.  It’s so filled with smooth and sultry vocals and the mood is very relaxing.  Now why it’s become rather not from the music but the lyrics this girl is singing out.  I mean it’s enough to have it banned!  It’s just sexually charged and to some extent the pinnacle to Kuu’s ero-kakkoi movement.  I just love the broken barriers this song called and it still is classy on its own merits.  Love it!

13. KAMEN feat. Tatuya Ishii

I guess the only way to put something after such naughtyness is the 3rd collaboration of the album.  Since I reviewed this, I’ve kind of grew less to enjoy it because KAMEN does sound very awkward since Kuu and Tatuya doesn’t have many parts with each other and it just seems more Tatuya heavy than Kuu and that’s unfortunate.  Luckily it’s not the weakest collaborative effort.

14. Someday

Ending off the main album, I don’t really agree with Someday being included over “Boys♡Girls” since the latter ended up miles better, but seeing as Someday ends the album off it hurts more.  I wish there was something positive to say about it but it’s like “WIND” pt.2 mixed in with a little of funky rhythms and the like.  To me it was the throwaway song for me kind of.

15. A Whole New World / Koda Kumi & Peabo Bryson

Yes, this would be the same exact song you all would know if you’re a Disney fan.  Coming from “Aladdin” Peabo Bryson is surprisingly not the original singer but was the second to have it recorded for the soundtrack…strange oh so strange.  I don’t know why he decided it was a green light to sing with Kuu who has like less than 50% a grasp on the language.  Of course given that it’s a Disney cover, the music is still as grandiose and orchestrated like the movie’s original.  It’s however, kind of one-sided since Peabo’s vocals are of course perfect (since he did the damn song).  Kuu however…she just bombed it entirely…I was like this should be illegal XD.  Still I gotta give props that she had the guts to try.  I’m sure if she tried today, she’d actually do better…but this was a tragedy.

Tracks Recommended

• Ima Sugu Hoshii
• WIND
• D.D.D. feat. SOULHEAD
• Love goes like…
• Shake It Up

Song of Avoidance

• A Whole New World / Koda Kumi & Peabo Bryson

While this is considered a best-of and titled so, I usually think of this as a studio album since all of the songs have never seen an album beforehand.  BEST ~second session~ is a good collection of songs for Kuu and while she might have had some slips…mainly in near the end and the last collaboration, this was a solid album from her.

Koda Kumi – ETERNITY ~Love & Songs~ October 14, 2010

Track Listing

1. TATTOO
2. Love Is Over
3. SWEET MEMORIES
4. Ienai yo
5. 0-ji Mae no Tsunderella
6. Megumi no Hito
7. BE MY BABY
8. Chiisana Koi no Uta
9. Wine Red no Kokoro
10. I love you, SAYONARA
11. Swallowtail Butterfly ~Ai no Uta~
12. Sayonara no Mukougawa

1. TATTOO

I’ve said before that Kuu and rock songs are very hot or miss and not in between.  TATTOO luckily is the only one found on the cover album and for me it just shows how much it doesn’t suit her because her sultry vocals just don’t add up with the guitar riffs and edgy atmosphere.  So it’s not a great start for the album with TATTOO.

2. Love Is Over

I found it pretty ironic that Kuu decided to cover this song because misono also ended up covering this song.  Unlike misono’s acoustic take of the song, Kuu’s is more of a smooth R&B take of the song.  I like the fact that this song sounds really sexy and yet so reserved that it just sound right, but it’s funny to hear Kuu say the title in odd fashion.  It’s a good nod to her early albums as well since this would fit pretty nicely.  Much better of a cover.

3. SWEET MEMORIES

Oh hey, someone covering a Seiko Matsuda song that I have never heard!  Kind of just like how “Love Is Over” is reminescent to her early albums, SWEET MEMORIES also kind of gives off that feeling even though it doesn’t exactly sound like anything she’s done in the past.  The arrangement is very light and kind of like mediterranean as well.  It’s interesting and it’s a good kind of light from Kuu.

4. Ienai yo

I personally don’t remember this song’s original sound so don’t mind me if I passed up the whole comparison deal.  Though, Ienai yo for me is kind of forgettable since it’s definitely along the lines of like “WIND”, “Always”, and the like.  That being said, it’s not one of the most interesting songs on the album and just seems like filler-ish for me.

5. 0-ji Mae no Tsunderella

As the most recent song off the album, it is of course a cover of misono’s song from her most recent era.  Now, I loved misono’s version and is one of the few songs from the album I can repeatedly listen to, but Kuu basically jumped in and said “Now this is how you sing” and totally blew her version away.  It’s also very simple of song consisting only of Kuu and piano which is great and the whole piano version take is nice for sure.  I’d say this basically better than the original (and most covers aren’t that to begin with).

6. Megumi no Hito

I found it kind of hilarious that we go from a heartbreaking ballad to an electro dance track.  Either way, I’m surprised this is a cover because Kuu really went out of the way for this one and it sounds energetic and kind of sexy like…well most of her songs that are like this.  I’d say it’s a pretty strong dance tune since she really hasn’t had something of this calibur since….”Driving”.

7. BE MY BABY

Following “Megumi no Hito”, I’m surprised we get an even stronger dance track from Kuu that has even more interesting stuff going on and has tons more of energy.  Besides the nice use of auto-tune in the song, Kuu pulled this song just as good if not better than “Megumi no Hito”.  I really think she should’ve released this or the previous song as a single.  I really love this song right now!

8. Chiisana Koi no Uta

Getting out of the heavy dance tracks, we slow down with Chiisana Koi no Uta which seems like a acoustic pop song.  I actually get a feeling of a Children’s song from this song and I don’t know why but since Kuu’s vocals are mostly quiet until the chorus where more instruments are introduced here.  I’m not really impressed otherwise and it kind of goes over my head.

9. Wine Red no Kokoro

Here we go again with the sultry and slow R&B songs.  Wine Red no Kokoro really takes things to a crawling tempo and kind of is there to really show off Kuu’s vocals even more.  It feels a bit short even though it’s 4 minutes long, but it still moves quickly.  I just wish the arrangement had a little more going for it.

10. I love you, SAYONARA

Jeeze, what’s up with the album becoming more bland and boring deeper we dive in?  I love you, SAYONARA would’ve been nice if it wasn’t just an R&B ballad IMO.  I’m sorry, it’s just another song that kind of goes nowhere for me.

11. Swallowtail Butterfly ~Ai no Uta~

Wow, a cover of YEN TOWN BAND (which was a special band made for a movie and ended up being Chara’s biggest song).  Now since I do review Chara and I’ve heard her singing, let’s be honest, anything sounds better than Chara.  Of course it’s a ballad and I’m a bit tired of listening to em, but whatever.  Kuu’s take on the song is actually quite nice and even though it runs in the same direction as “Alive” did, Swallowtail Butterfly isn’t bad and at least I can sit through this.

12. Sayonara no Mukougawa

Another one?!?  I can’t believe she strung so many ballads towards the end of the album.  Anywho, I love the opening for this cover of Momoe Yamaguchi’s song of the same name.  I also really like hearing Kuu’s more deeper and smooth vocals as well.  Besides that, it’s basically kind of like “Swallowtail Butterfly” in the dramatic sense of the arrangement.  Oh well…

Tracks Recommended

• BE MY BABY
• 0-ji Mae no Tsunderella
• Megumi no Hito
• Love Is Over

Song of Avoidance

• I love you, SAYONARA

So we’re finally getting a cover album from Kuu and I was rather disappointed by it.  Besides the four songs I chose to recommend which were really good, the other songs seem to be missing a spark that the originals had.  Then again, love songs and ballads are probably the most chiche thing and it made these songs seem uber boring.  After “UNIVERSE” you’d think she’d keep pushing boundaries, but she really didn’t here.