Track Listing

1. TOKYO NIGHT
2. December
3. Revolution
4. TOKYO NIGHT (Instrumental)

1. TOKYO NIGHT

Considering the song was produced by none other than LEO Imai, I knew it was going to be different from previous MiChi songs and it sure does sound different but really good.  There’s a lot of synths involved which is cool!  I actually could see LEO performing this too but I have to say that MiChi sounds really good in the song!  Some of the arrangement does remind me of “JUMP ON IT” but this was actually damn good! 

2. December

The B-side of the single puts more focus on MiChi’s rocker side but is more towards a ballad to a mid-tempo than “TOKYO NIGHT’s” more danceable style.  I’ve noticed also that this is actually kind of reserved of a song unlike most B-sides which is random and different.  Though I can say that the interesting thing here is that the song is in English.  It’s a bit too long-winded, but this is a B-side I can dig!

3. Revolution

The cover song on the single is actually from The Veronicas this time and it actually suits her very well!  I kind of like MiChi’s take because it’s so her and she sang the song quite well which is pretty different since her covers in recent times have been alright but nothing spectacular.  I’d say it’s her best one yet!

This is her 6th single and I’m wondering when that album will appear!  TOKYO NIGHT is definitely her best single since “All about the Girls ~Iijanka Party People~ since all three songs are actually quite good.  TOKYO NIGHT was different and executed strongly and she had a good producer in her hands.  Revolution is probably her best cover yet…such a perfect song that represents her.  December is a bit more relatable but the only fault was that it was a little long-winded.  Still GREAT single!

Track Listing

1. Mangetsu ni Hoero
2. Mangetsu ni Hoero (Piano Inst)

1. Mangetsu ni Hoero

Mangetsu ni Hoero by chatmonchy is kind of a bit slower than previous A-sides (though let’s not forget their last single was back in 2009).  I will say that it sounds like good ole chatmonchy with a solid rock melody but I’m not sure if I can really take Eriko’s screaming in the chorus very much since it’s kind of piercing in headphones.  Though I can see this being a popular song sung live actually. 

Since it’s the first for the era, I was surprised at Manatsu ni Hoero since it’s not really bad of a song but Eriko can still manage a sour note here and there.  I will say since it’s the first single since their drummer Kumiko left the band, it feels like nothing has totally changed but it’s an alright song…I wonder how “Thermae Roman” will turn out.

Track Listing

1. Hikari wo Kasanete
2. Faraway
3. Hikari wo Kasanete (instrumental)
4. Faraway (instrumental)

1. Hikari wo Kasanete

So we had an A-side tied to GUNDAM and one for the Tales of… series, however we now get a .hack tie-in for Hikari wo Kasanete and I wasn’t surprised that the song was a ballad.  Once again the melody of the song isn’t amazing or anything but it’s simple and just has the lullaby-type.  It’s a small step up from “Memorial days” but still kind of boring for me.

2. Faraway

But oh no, we have to get even MORE softer for the B-side in Faraway.  It’s kind of what I thought of “0 Kara no Hajimari” in that it’s maybe a little too soft for me.  I will say this did somewhat entrance me because of how breathy KOKIA is in the song plus how echoey it gets in some parts.  This might be the better song but I don’t know…

KOKIA’s third single released on the same day kind of isn’t very surprising or memorable for that matter like “New Day, New Life”.  Essentially if you’ve heard the “Memorial days” single then you’re getting the same treatment for Hikari wo Kasanete.  Both songs are ballads and the B-side does rank a bit higher…but still kind of forgetful (once again…) >.>

Track Listing

1. Serment
2. u/n
3. Serment -instrumental-
4. u/n -instrumental-

1. Serment

As this is Mami’s 3rd A-side it’s actually the most rockin’ between the three but then again also has a lot of synths as well.  It’s pretty interesting to hear Mami under suto-tune for some parts of the song but it’s not too obnoxious.  To be honest, the song is quite good but it definitely screams anime theme (which it is).  Sadly I think I like the other two A-sides more.

2. u/n

The B-side though is a bit more focused on the guitars and there’s little synth to be found.  It kind of streams as a B-side but there’s something about it that I just kind of bore myself with.  It doesn’t seem like it pulls the listener in very well (cept that rather cool muffled part before the second chorus).  Pretty straightforward rock track from her.

As Mami’s 3rd single, I wasn’t all that impressed with Serment.  At least as a package it’s better than “No buts!” but I feel that “See visionS” still leads IMO.  The A-side is cool and rockin and has the right stuff going for it but it just didn’t capture my interest as much as I thought it would.  u/n was just B-side property…didn’t leave much of a mark as well.  Album soon?

no3b

The first group the was actually recommended to me was no3b which of course is another AKB-related sub-group but the music caught me off guard.  I’m gonna start with their single “Answer”.

Mayu Watanabe

Yep, I’ve said in my reviews of WH/WH7 that I was waiting for the time that Mayuyu would get a solo career and it seems that that became true and now I’m including her on the site starting with her debut, Synchro Tokimeki.

IU

After BoA there hasn’t been really a solo artist that really caught me eye from Korea but there’s now a sign in IU.  She’s finally making the switch to the Japanese market with her single “Good Day” which I’ll review when it comes out.

AFTERSCHOOL

Yeah another K-pop group crossover.  Though AFTERSCHOOL has been doing stuff in Japan for a little while.  Bang! will be the first review from them lol.  Another SNSD XD….aye carumba XD

Nagi Yanagi

As the ex-singer from supercell, Nagi Yanagi fortunately found herself starting a solo career and I’m so happy she did since she was a great singer for ryo.  Her debut single, Vidro Moyou will be reviewed in due time!

Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas

Even though it’s really hard to describe their music, Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas are unique to me and they surprised me with their music.  I’ll start with their recent release in “Just Awake”.

Jin Akanishi

Ex KAT-TUN member Jin Akanishi surprised me by starting a solo career and trying for the American market as well.  I’m going to start with his single Eternal and work up to his upcoming album, JAPONICANA.

Like this list of artists??

Track Listing

1. Naishou no Hanashi
2. I’m in love
3. Hontou wa
4. Naishou no Hanashi -Instrumental-

1. Naishou no Hanashi

I’m not exactly sure why but I’m not really into Naishou no Hanashi for some reason.  The main reason I did get into ClariS was the fact that their A-sides have been all kinds of awesome and synthy stuff.  This time they replaced all the synths with rock instruments and took the auto-tune out of the vocals.  It’s a bit of a odd switch of genres but there’s some good things like the verses and the vocals…but I rather have stuff like “Connect” and “nexus”…

2. I’m in love

At least the B-side brought back something similar to their synth stuff.  I’m in love does remind me of the reasons I didn’t enjoy any of the B-sides from “nexus”.  It’s a bit too laidback but once again, I’m liking the less-synthed vocals which surprises me.  Of course the chorus also brought me in as well.  It’s pretty good actually after getting used to it for a bit.

3. Hontou wa

The other B-side is actually a ballad…hmmm odd.  Hontou wa is kind of nice but at the same time kind of boring and not very memorable at the least.  I will say the vocals impressed me a bit though so it saves the song from being entirely a failed attempt.

I will say that this was a step up from “nexus” since all the songs had something nice about them.  Naishou no Hanashi might take some time to get used to since it’s not like their previous efforts.  I’m in love and Hontou wa were both still a little under expectations…but vocally it was actually quite nice.  I guess I can remember this single better actually.

Track Listing

1. Hajimari no Toki
2. Hello
3. Akai Sora
4. The beginning
5. HIKARI
6. Sora yo Onegai
7. Tsunagaru Kokoro
8. THIS IS THE TIME
9. Soko Made Aruite Iku yo
10. Egao no Canvas
11. Magic Mind
12. Kimi e
13. Yasashii Ao

1. Hajimari no Toki

Kicking off ayaka’s return to the music industry, we start with the promotional song for the album!  To be honest, I was worried on how she was going to sound due to her reason she went on hiatus, plus her new label as well.  To be honest, she sounds powerful and she really sung Hajimari no Toki out very well.  The music is also quite nice and it doesn’t seem she lost any of her spark.  Good choice to promote the album ^_^

2. Hello

I will say that I miss her upbeat pop/rock songs and Hello reminded me of the good days but in a good way because Hello is quite awesome actually.  I’m surprised we get to hear her sing in a more deeper tone which sounds pretty good but the odd thing is is that I get YUI vibes from the song hahaha.  Still, it’s pretty damn good and I’m loving this track right now!

3. Akai Sora

After that burst of energy, Akai Sora comes in and tones things down quite a bit.  I will say that was an odd slide down but the song is kind of cute in a way with the keyboard melody.  Unfortunately, it really does take a while to get into the song because it doesn’t really grow much and it stays on this bouncy rhythm that kind of gets tiring.  The chorus does sound good though, I can’t lie about that…but the verses are pretty meh for me.  It’s def a track to warm up to.

4. The beginning

As the the title track and longest one of the bunch (at 5:50), I didn’t expect a title like this be the 4th song on the album hahaha.  Taking it a bit more simpler than “Hajimari no Toki”, it feature piano and strings and drums of course but I will say the star is ayaka herself.  She just sounds all kinds of powerful in this song.  Great ballad here!

5. HIKARI

At first I thought it was another ballad, but HIKARI is kind of not and has this bounce to it that makes it somewhat cute.  I hear some underlying synths in the song which adds a nice dimension here.  I will say that I’m surprised at how loud ayaka is but right when the chorus comes in, it kind of makes sense.  I’m a little curious at the decision at the destructive guitar mash…that was odd…but didn’t take away from the song either.  I’m kind of really enjoying this song!

6. Sora yo Onegai

I wasn’t expecting the next song to be so bare-boned of a song.  Only featuring piano and ayaka’s voice…it seemed just a little too bare against the previous songs but I will say that ayaka did what she could given the arrangement.  She’s got a rather airy style going in her voice and I’m not too big of a fan of that…but the melody was surprisingly good…hmmm I’m on the fence on this one.

7. Tsunagaru Kokoro

At least the album moves back up to a cuter song on the album.  It does sound like something she’d pull in her mind while sitting on a porch (if she plays acoustic guitar) lol.  It’s got a catchy rhythm to it and I find myself moving my head to the beat.  It’s affectious and just happy!  Maybe not my favorite, but it’s catchy as all hell lol

8. THIS IS THE TIME

Whoa, what’s with the all-caps on this song haha.  The introduction totally threw me off because I thought it was going to be a ballad but then switches into this mid-tempo pop/rock tune…almost a country vibe haha.  It’s pretty good though and kind of gives a free-form style from her…like a reserved version of “CLAP & LOVE”.

9. Soko Made Aruite Iku yo

Kind of like “The beginning”, Soko Made Aruite Iku yo is a pretty basic sounding ballad and this time I was actually bored by this one.  I’m not sure why but I don’t think the melody of the tune really makes me feel much for it and kind of reminds me of older works as well.  Still good vocals though…I don’t know if it makes up for the song though…it’s kind of ehhh there.

10. Egao no Canvas

It seems we keep going back to a cute side to ayaka.  I felt Egao no Canvas isn’t a bad song actually but it’s my least favorite of the “cute” songs on the album.  Though I will say the only major thing I remember is all of that ~sha la la la la~ parts of the song more than the actual lyrics hahah.  So I kind of forgot it in the end.

11. Magic Mind

If there was one song that I could say is kind of danceable, it’s Magic Mind.  It’s weird to think ayaka could do that but this song is kind of unique on the album and it combines the best things like acoustic guitar and ayaka’s awesome vocals.  It doesn’t have as much punch as I thought and the move into the chorus is quite anticlimatic but it still sounds really pretty.

12. Kimi e

At first I couldn’t tell what Kimi e was going to be until the electric guitar and drum beats kicked in.  I wouldn’t say it’s a ballad but it’s definitely not all upbeat either.  This kind of reminds me of her work from “First Message” actually which is a good sense of nostalgia for me.  Good song overall!

13. Yasashii Ao

Finally, closing the album out is unsurprisngly a ballad which seems to be ayaka’s thing lol.  It’s a bit hard to get through since piano/strings ballads kind of bore me to death but this is actually less memorable than friggin “Soko Made Aruite Iku yo”.  I don’t know it might be a bit sentimental, but I’m just not into this one.

Tracks Recommended

• Hello
• The beginning
• Tsunagaru Kokoro
• Hajimari no Toki
• HIKARI

Song of Avoidance

• Yasashii Ao

Taking a three year break will do you wonders (and of course going indies) and in the case of ayaka’s third album, The beginning really showed that she hasn’t lost her spark and she really pulled off a great album!  I will say that ballads for her can be hit or miss on the album but all the upbeat stuff really hit the spot!  Great album and I hope she gets some singles before her next album!

Track Listing

1. Vampire Requiem
2. Curse of Rose
3. Vampire Requiem -Kayaless ver.-
4. Curse of Rose -Kayaless ver.-

1. Vampire Requiem

I’m actually quite excited to see this release actually!  I will say it’s not like Kaya’s previous single since it’s less electronica and more of a gothic kind of song.  I mean it has harpischord and a buttload of strings which might be something typical but HIZAKI produced this so it’s not like anything before.  I will say the chorus does add the dance beats…but I will say, this one didn’t really impress me much >.<

2. Curse of Rose

The B-side of the single is also quite different for Kaya since this one is V-kei goth rock which might throw some people off.  I will say I actually quite enjoyed this right up until the guitar solo which sounded like every other rock solo and it kind of went downhill after that.  I’m just rather meh with it.

I’m kind of surprised that I didn’t find myself interested in this single (especially after coming off such a great album in “QUEEN”).  I think it was because Kaya worked with HIZAKI rather than Kalm and Hora which resulted in a rather odd sounding single.  Vampire Requiem does sound alright but dark…but Kaya has better.  Curse of Rose though is kind of too unusual and it’s not his style but more of HIZAKI’s…Meh single.

1. Backstreet Boys – The One

The Song: As the final song to really promote the album, The One was actually fan-picked which was pretty cool (though it was kind of hard to choose when the better songs were already singles hahaha.  It kind of has a rather Western (cowboyish) feel to it but it’s mainly a love song.

The Video: I think I was pretty bummed out by the video for The One as like with many fans were back then.  What still makes me frown are music videos that are filmed live on a tour like this one was and it felt super lazy that they couldn’t film true video for it (seeing as all the other singles from Millenium were really top-notch.  Though I will say that tour was pretty awesome (yeah, I went to see them once…WHAT OF IT?!?).

So why’s in on your iPhone, Brett?: This is another one of those kind of throwaway songs fro me but somehow ended up enjoying because of the music and the rather good vocals from the guys.  Plus it’s kind of nice they did a song for their fans…kind of started the whole “for the fans” kind of outlook for them.

2. Yoshino Hirano / Yuka Tsujiyoko – Petal Meadows

The Song: This little tune was actually found in the first area you go to before you get into Petalburg (the first major area outside of Rogueport you go to).  Since it’s an outside the city tune, I kind of liked it and it was sampling out but changing the original melody of the famous 1-1 of the original Super Mario Bros.

So why’s it on your iPhone, Brett?: I kind of liked it enough to put on here because it was light, fun and it’s pretty bouncy.  Plus, it’s from one of my Mario games ever!

3. Jordin Sparks – No Air feat. Chris Brown

The Song: Released as Jordin’s third single for her debut self-titled album, No Air was an interesting pairing of the new voice from Jordin (who is quite powerful as we’ve heard in future releases starting with this one) and Chris Brown…before he owned Rihanna and got all tattooed (which is personally kind of ick). 

The Video: I mean the song is a little sad but a little much like a love song as well and the video kind of shows it off a bit better than what I thought it’d be in my mind.  The beginning showing the two apart was showing the distance between them and the lyrics fit in like glue actually.  Though it did get weird when they are face to face and just bringing the final chorus down…it was a little awkward.  Plus there were scenes where they sing face to face but are shadowed out with a light blue background…that was a little unusual to me too…but I still think they did well (mostly Jordin though)

So why’s it on your iPhone, Brett?: Can’t deny that it was a good and powerful tune that year (2008).  No Air was really the song that kind of got me to enjoy Jordin Sparks a bit more as a singer since she was powerful as all hell.  I still question if it could’ve had a better male singer because Chris didn’t exactly bring it…sad >.>  Still, love the song today!

4. *NSYNC – I Drive Myself Crazy

The Song: As the final song to promote the group’s debut album, I Drive Myself Crazy was a rather interesting song from them.  I mean it’s not like their last single which was a ballad, but it more mid-tempo AND FINALLY SOMEONE BESIDES JC AND JUSTIN SANG.  No literally, I’m so happy Chris got to open the song up and he’s got a nice voice though a bit higher than all the members.  Anyways, the song’s lyrical content does come off as a little desperate and crazy but hey if the guys miss their girl (exception of Lance, mind you) I think they’re allowed to sing about it and I kind of liked it.

Oh BTW, this is the American cut of the song, the original version didn’t have Chris as the first singer…rather JC.  Plus the song had a different sound to it…a little less synthetic stuff going on (but the remodeled version IS SO MUCH BETTER). 

The Video: Of course, there’s also two different music videos for the song based on both versions the only true difference is the beginning XD.  I think, this video was one of their best, will not lie.  It was entertaining, very funny in some cases and just all kinds of things you wouldn’t expect from them. 

The setting is an insane asylum and the boys get locked in a room together.  Of course it shows all the guys and the reasons they’re so-called crazy like JC getting cheated on, Lance’s girl ups and leaves him, etc.  So we also have the woes in asylum and the guys are pretty insane hahah.  I mean Joey pulling the Superman outfit was so random but hilarious and with JC flipping the shit out at the TV…it was awesome.  Anyways the ending ends with the guys finally being able to go home and in comes the girls that essentially broke their hearts…IRONIC HUH LADIES!….yeah it was funny as hell XD.

So why’s it on your iPhone, Brett?: I loved *NSYNC and it was my first album that I ever had to myself so it was a great nostalgic memory for me.  I actually didn’t know this was a second version of the song and I’m happy they let Chris take major lyrics this time (since Lance and Joey rarely get any time).  Still, a breezy but kind of wild tune in lyrics and I loved it for that.

5. Miyavi – Jibun Kakumei -2003-

The Song: God, this is song is quite old like his 4th overall A-side XD.  I’m surprised that it never appeared on any of his album (well until he did that remix album with TeddyLoid).  Still, I think many fans love this song all-around and I have to say I do too!

The Video: Of his videos, I also say I liked this one a lot.  I mean MIYAVI looks badass with his white coat and shades on, plus he’s going around breaking shit…yeah this is nice, very nice.  Add in the dark and bleek look of the setting he’s in and it suits him really cool.  Plus the shots of him on the big screen made him look evil ^_^.  The only thing I was lost about was that there was a second him in some scenes…it was different but still cool.

So why’s it on your iPhone, Brett?: LOVE IT, it was one of the two MIYAVI songs that really caught me eye and pulled me into his weird rock style that made him popular (and relevant).  Jibun Kakumei -2003- is oddly one of his more straightforward songs but it was powerful and showed MIYAVI in a good way

SO WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK OF THIS WEEK?  Yeah, boybands XD

Track Listing

1. LADY MIND
2. START UP
3. LADY MIND (Instrumental)
4. START UP (Instrumental)

1. LADY MIND

Who knew that one day Nami would acquire the help of the amazing Shinichi Osawa to one of her songs!  I have to say that I love this mix because her voice seems to work with the electro sound that Osawa produces.  Makes for an amazing combination.  To me, this song makes up for all the mistakes she’s made during her stint under UNIVERSAL-J it has tons of life and she’s having clearly from the PV as well.  The thing most people will probably point out in the song is that the arrangement is a little reminescent of Angelababy’s “Beauty Survivor” and Namie Amuro’s “NAKED” (which both are produced by Osawa as well).  I can totally see that but Nami’s vocals are unique to the song which is a major plus!  Great song and a new beginning to Nami ^_^

2. START UP

I was curious to see what the B-side was gonna end up like and it’s just as club friendly as “LADY MIND” fortunately.  I actually this is a bit more edgier (since this wasn’t an Osawa production funny enough).  I’m really loving the song oddly enough since it has a bit more punch and has better vocals.  I’m surprised that the B-side is actually at A-side level…it’s just great to hear! 

So, after a little break after her “Ready” album, Nami left UNI-J and joined Teichiku Records (which is known for their enka artists, Fudanjuku, and Kanjani∞).  I have to say, Nami’s first single under the label is super impressive and has rekindled my love for her!  LADY MIND ranks up their with the best Osawa works and START UP is refreshing yet damn energetic….oh yeah….she’s back *RECOMMENDED*