23 posts tagged “jpop”

Takashi Nagayama, or "Nagayan", is a Japanese actor & singer. He is probably best known for his roles as Eiji Kikumaru in the Prince of Tennis musicals and Tōshirō Hitsugaya in "Rock Musical Bleach".  He made his television debut in 1998 with the drama Change, and his debut single [Kokoro Ga.../ My Heart...] was released in 2005 (exact date unknown- not even available to purchase)

The single opens with the endearing ♪「心が…」♫(My Heart...)  a slow, calm soft rock number with jazz and subtle gospel influences. Nagayan's vocals shocked me the first time I heard them, they sound very young and have a unique tone to them but they aren't bad at all. He sings with a lot of emotion and his vocals are pretty powerful- not too nasal either. This song sounds like a bittersweet love song of sorts, but mainly due to the vocals it sounds sweeter than bitter. I also appreciate that just as the song is becoming repetitive, it subtly begins to change for the "kokoro ga, sayonara" part and afterwards. I really like that part of the song- the last half. But I guess I really like the entire song. It's quite simple, borders on being a bit too repetitive, but it's calming  to listen to and has a sweet feeling to it. I do wonder though at "kokoro ga, sayonara" - my heart, goodbye?

Following that is 「おくるうた」(A Song for You) - which more upbeat, quicker and livelier,  than 「心が…」 but is still the same kind of soft rock. Nagayan's vocals are still childish, but it makes this sound youthful and fun. I don't like the backing vocals/layering of his vocals in the chorus much, but it's not obnoxious/difficult to listen to. This song is also a bit repetitive, more noticeably than 「心が…」, because despite the liveliness of the song I feel bored.  Finally there is an instrumental solo, and then how the song changes for the bridge.  Nagayan's scream/woah thing is bizarre though...really I have no idea what he is trying to do there because it fails at anything other than an animal like noise. So yeah, a pretty average song which would be nice to listen to in the background- apart from weird backing vocals, and an even weirder attempt at a exhilarated shout.

The third track is ♪「雨音」♫(The Sound of the Rain) which is pretty funky with some lovely bass. Like both of the previous tracks, the instrumentation is pretty simple but effective- just allowing Nagayan to take over and drive the song forward. His vocals actually manage to sound mature and smooth here. Throughout, I really like the rhythm of this song, it's cool and laidback but not slow, or dragging. And the chorus- Nagayan's vocals are just great and I love the electronic distortion. This song is really cool. It's simple, and repetitive but I love the electronic effects, and the "cool" feeling. The gospel influences come out again, quite strongly here, with what sounds like an organ during the end.

Lastly is a different version of the title track, 「心が…」(Toscana version). It's noticeably shorter than the original, and there is definitely something different about the instrumentation... yes, it's more string based? I think this version brings out the ballad of this song. It's nice, but the strings are obviously fake and well... was there any point to this really?

Overall rating: 4/5 (Good)
Favourite tracks: 心が…, 雨音

I really liked this. It's simple, but effective. Each song is different from the last, but they are definitely soft, bordering on pop, rock with some jazz and gospel influences. It’s quite a unique style, something I don’t hear a lot of personally. Nagayan's vocals are childish sounding however there is something captivating about them, and it does make his music very unique; give it a unique feeling. There really isn't much else to say about this... it's good, it's nice, it's relaxing and lovely to listen to- unfortunately it just doesn't go beyond that to be 5/5 or awesomeness (above 5).

Sitting down to review this album I find myself lost for words. But I will try my best to convey my thoughts on this album, even though this album really is just so hard to talk about. I just want to put the title then in the main body put "it's awesome" and leave it at that!! I am...  is the first time that Ayu would compose her own music, under the name CREA as well as write all the lyrics. It was her 4th Studio ablum released on 01.01.2002.

The album opens with the title track, I am... . the song is slow relying on the interesting overlaying of many sounds and electronic effects. I love how the song changes, builds up and down and incorporates so many different sounds. A steady beat goes throughout the song, and for the chorus the song suddenly becomes a loud rock affair with Ayumi belting out the powerful lyrics "listen closely I'll keep screaming until you understand". The song has a raw and bitter feeling: it is packed with alot of emotion and power. It's brilliant.

Even though the album has only just begun, a short interlude opening run fits in neatly between I am... and the next track connected.  It's short and sweet- building perfectly to Connected. Connected is a short but powerful club number. It's by Ferry Corsten so you know it's gotta be good.  It's a dark futuristic sounding trance number, with a heavy beat and stunning encorporation of Ayu's vocals.  I love the short sentences, which somehow manage to convery so much in so few words. As I said, it's Ferry Corsten- who really knows how to make excellent trance songs.

The album takes a turn for the worse with UNITE!- a rock number with the familiar Ayu touch (piano, electronic sounds etc etc). Technically, the song is awesome and packed with emotion and power. The instrumentation is just awesome. For me, I find it dull. I don't even know why, but there's nothing about this song that truly grabs my attention.

Moving onto evolution, a classic Ayu song. It starts with that familiar tune, an ethereal piano with Ayu's voice floating ontop. Immediatly the song grabs your attention. Then it builds up to be a faster, darker rock song. It' got such a sense of urgency to it. The song sometimes has a pop feel to it, sometimes it's more a  rock song. Throughout it all are some pretty unique sounds and an underlying edge to it. In short: it's pretty awesome.

The album goes back to the "meh" tracks with Naturally. Like UNITE! I think it's more due to personal taste. The song has a bit of a rock feel to it, and I really like all the effects in the song. The instrumentation is really good. It's a very strong, catchy track. I find it pretty boring though.  

Then it's the powerful rock song NEVER EVER. Childish twinkling sounds and synth start the song, before Ayu's vocals come in giving a very bittersweet feeling to the song- it's very sad in a way. Then the chorus kicks in and it's full blown rock, gone are Ayu's reserved vocals and she's belting it out "If you had one wish- what would you wish for?". Still that rather sorrowful feeling and  that constant childish sound in the background- a beautiful contrast. The song has very sweet feeling to it in a way contrasting to the otherwise bitter atmosphere. However overall the song is incredibly powerful with amazing lyrics, isntrumentation and just so much emotion. One of Ayu's best.

still alone was one of my first Ayu songs, and though it's very beautiful I don't like how drawn out the chorus is.  The instrumentation is very pretty, got that same childish sound going on that NEVER EVER had. The song has a very sad sort of feeling to it, and I really like parts of it. But the chorus just makes it feel boring and dragged out.

Daybreak follows, and it's rather uplifting starting with that kind synth before breaking out into the upbeat sunny instrumentation. Still got that darker, rockier edge to it. Ayu gives a wonderful vocal performance throughout too. But the highlight of this song for me is the chorus. I just love the feeling of the chorus, and how both instrumentation and Ayu's vocals blend so perfectly. The song has such a great feeling to it. I love how it varies, how the texture changes and all the diffferent dynamics.  I just find it so beautiful- it's very upbeat compared to the slow, forlorn still alone too.

A short interlude ties Daybreak and M together. Taskinlude doesn't present anything new Ayu-interludes wise with slight dance beat to it, a bit an ethereal feeling. You get the point by now.

Another Ayu great- M is next. Personally I have very mixed feelings on the song. Yep, it's a signature Ayu song and one of her most well hand. On one hand it's really pretty. On the other it's pretty OTT, standard OTT ballad sorta thing like Voyage is. The song has the whole piano string thing going on, the quiet verse slowly building up to louder stronger chorus. It's pretty awesome but not a song that I really like.

The solo version of a song is born follows and it's very very very long but somehow there's something pretty hypnotizing about it, it's slow but soothing with wonderful relaxing instrumentation and sweet, sincere vocals from Ayu. It's a very pretty song. 

Then it's the first of the Inuyasha tracks and one of my favourite Ayu songs- the beautiful Dearest. This song is so familiar now  I don't even know how to describe it. I'd say the instrumentation is very beautiful and Ayu gives such a lovely sincere vocal performance. I love her "ahs": especially at the end. The lyrics totally stand out too- and make the song into a romantic and hopeful love song. It's incredible. The song has such a great feeling to it. It's just so pretty!!   

no more words follows. I remember watching the Inuyasha movie and I wasn't really wanting to cry much at the ending, then this song came and it just created such an atmosphere that I couldn't help but shed a couple of tears. This is simply one of the most beautiful songs. I adore the orchestral instrumentation, tinged with a traditional Japanese feeling to it. Ayu gives a gorgeous vocal performance, and I love the rythmns of the words- creates very interesting sound. The lyrics I will always remember- "If this world were split into winners and losers, I'd rather be a loser." It's a deep and complex song really. Either way it's absolutly stunning. Definitly sounds like a movie ending though, it's long with that dramatic feeling and a blend of sorrow and hope leaning more towards hope and moving forwards etc etc.

Then the album ends terribly with a horrible rendetion of Endless Sorrow and the even worse Flower Garden. Pity.   

The album incorporates many different sounds, genres and is laced through with some pretty experimental stuff. Hamasaki Ayumi really presented something very unique, something extremly interesting with this album. Sometimes I find it's not the best album to listen to for listening sake, but I find technically it's amazing. One of Ayu's most unique and interesting works to date. Some personal favourites found on this album too : ) I must also say wow- it's amazing she can write lyrics and music this incredibly powerful. Reminds me of why I love her so much- because she is so incredibly talented to play such a big part in her music!!

This is Ayu's 5th album released on 2002.12.1. This album featured Hamasaki's first use of English, and like I am..., featured more CREA songwriting/composition.

The album opens with everlasting dream, a short and ethereal introduction. It has quite a heavy atmosphere, building up to feel much lighter. I love all the synth, all Ayu's intro's use synth in such a good way.  I love how they incorporated Ayu's voclas too, her voice is so light and dreamy. It's a very beautiful piece and a wonderful opening. You can imagien it being like sparkling ice, fitting to the album cover.

Next up is WE WISH, a very upbeat rock song with quite the edge to it. It's quite an awesome track. Ayu's vocals are great, and the rock instrumentation is rather nice. The song is fast and upbeat but still manages to sound bitter and angry.  It's pretty cool, but not a favourite. There's something lacking to make it totally awesome.

Then it's Real me, a beautiful song with the worst lyrics. Some seriously seriously shitty lyrics that don't make much sense. I get what she's trying to say, but she says it better later with ourselves. The song itself is pretty cool. It's very dark with alot of attitude. The use of backing vocals is awesome and Ayu's vocals also are just great. The song has fantastic instrumentation, hints of rock and heavy use of synth. It's a very strong track with alot of attitude. I think overall it feels a little dull though. As I said, the later ourselves does this ALOT better.

Free and Easy is next. This took a while to grow on me, but now that it has...wow. It has this wonderful orchestral beginning, which really builds up so much atmosphere. It sounds so dark and forlorn yet so beautiful. I really love the use of airy synth, flute and piano. When Ayu comes in it just builds on the beauty...her soft vocals and gentle adlibbing is gorgeous. What I really hate about this song is what makes the song, the way it suddenly goes from piano to forte for those verses. It's dramatic and powerful...but it's way too sudden. Ignoring that this is a very beautiful and dramatic song with a great atmosphere and lots of emotion. I really do love how much variation goes on in the song, it just makes it so interesting to listen to.

The powerful rock track Heartplace follows. It starts quietly with an omnious beat before the guitars and everything come in. It's a very powerful instrumental. I love it when the strings come in too! This is a very dark and bitter song. Ayu sings this amazing too. Ayu knows how to perform a song, and she really gives this her all. The emotion she adds to this song. The use of backing vocals or overlaying her vocals is fantastic too. Ah and her adlibbing at the end- just makes the song!  The lyrics are quite something too "I've come to be able to smile Even when I feel no fun. I wonder if I have changed" But what I really love is the chorus. It's pure rock and I love her english- "we are free to go anywhere we want, yet not free at all". This is a beautiful song. It has a great feeling to it and it's incredibly powerful. Such a dramatic rock song.

Then it's time for a ballad with Over. This is so pretty. It's very soft and sorrowful. The instrumental is very ethereal. The piano part and all the synth is wonderful. I love how it builds up getting more complex, and the way it tones down for the verses yet becomes stronger for the chorus and then when it finally dies away at the end.  I think what makes the song though are Ayu's sincere vocals, especially when Ayu sings in the most beautiful tone of voice, so soft and ethereal and so heartbroken she sings "it's over"- and at that point it really gets me. But the entire song is wonderful. Ayu uses alot of english, and yeah it's accented but it's pretty good and it actually makes sense. This song is incredibly beautiful with so much emotion in it. So so pretty and a favourite ballad of mine.

Hanabi is next, and it's another ballad- yet it's totally different from Over. I really love that one sound that goes through it all, combined with all the other instrumentation the song has a great atmosphere. Ayu's vocals take on a very interesting tone, and I think are digitally messed with, to really suit the song and as always she sings it with alot of emotion. This is a very pretty ballad. It's not as dramatic as episode II though, and can drag if you listen too much. A listen now and then and it's very beautiful and filled with alot of emotion. I love the instrumentation, and how it all goes together to create such an interesting sound.  

Time for an interlude with Taskinillusion. This one still is pretty soft and ethereal with a strong dance feeling to it and a sense of urgency. It's like a wake up call after such pretty and soft ballad. Once again I love how they incorporate the vocals in there. This is a very pretty instrumental break.

The dance track continues with everywhere nowhere. This has a very experimental start which is pretty random, but sets the scene for this heavy dance track. It's pretty upbeat but with a darker, heavier feeling. The chorus is pretty cool, and carries alot of power. I find the backing vocals slightly annoying though. This song is very fast and filled with alot of energy. The instrumentation is very cool and Ayu gives a good vocal performance. It's pretty cool, and totally catchy. There feels like something is missing though from making it totally awesome.

Then it's the first pure pop track- July 1st. The song has a wonderful opening and I like the slight edge given to it by the heavy synth and the electric guitar. Overall it's still a pop track, it's  very fast and upbeat and filled with alot of energy but unlike alot of Ayu's pop, I do quite like this one.  I like the darker feel, and the more experimental composition.

Next is Dolls. This is a very dramatic song with some very pretty instrumentation and a very dark feel to it. I love the dynamics of the song, and the overall feeling to the song. There's something very sad, very forlorn about the song. The feeling of having lost something almost. Either way it's beautiful. Ayu sounds stunning, especially in the chorus- her voice is so soft and sincere, and just...really beautiful. Her adlibbing at the end too...gosh it's stunning.  

neverending dream follows, it's a very ethereal and dreamy interlude with some very cheesy but instrumental at times. I think it fits in nicely, however it doesn't sound very unique and it lacks those dreamy vocals of Ayu.

Voyage is next. This one had a short movie used to promote it. It's a very OTT ballad, which still is very beautiful. It starts softly with a music box type thing and then the piano. The strings are just breathtaking. It's got the vocals, the strings and the piano -everything for a beautiful and dramatic ballad. I think it's very beautiful however I do think it's a little OTT. I also think there's nothing really unique about it. Frankly, it's not the sort of song that appeals to me. 

Track 14 is Close to you. It's got that dreamy, ethereal synth of all the interludes of the album. Ayu's soft vocals really match that soft and dreamy atmosphere.  It changes for the chorus where it actually sounds quite sexy with the whole "oo" and heavy beat.  It's very pretty and a decent song. Nothing too special but very nice to listen to.

15 is independent and mixed in there is the bonus track more than (although I've never been able to tell where one starts and the other begins) I HATE the clapping for Independent. Stop with the clapping! Ugh. More than is a very upbeat pop rock number- similiar in style to chorus. Ayu's vocals sound a little strange, but it's got a nice feeling and a cool atmosphere. The chorus...and everything goes down hill. Stop with the backing vocals and the chanting! Rubbish ending. 

This is another pretty cool album from Ayu. I felt there were some tracks that were slightly bland and some that were downright annoying but overall it's a nice package. This album has a very dark feeling to it, all have great feeling to it. For some reason though I don't think this is the best thing Ayu has ever done. The album is great to listen to, and I have some favourites from it but overall there's something missing, something preventing it from being too awesome. And there are some bad tracks... some tracks which really let the album down.

If you've not got it by now I'm aiming for the whole  review all of Ayu's albums. OK, I'm only going for the studio albums, and her A ballads but STILL. It takes forever though! I've only done LoveAPPEARS, Secret and Memorial Address so far. Anyway, Here is Ayu's Duty. Hamasaki Ayumi's 3rd album released 2000.09.27. Duty is the 22nd best selling album in Japan. It topped the charts, probably broke records...the sort of stuff you'd expect from Hamasaki Ayumi. And for Love appears she was naked, now she's in a cat girl outfit!! XD

The album opens with starting over, a short instrumental piece to set the scene. I like the subtle use of Ayu's vocals. It's a very light and airy piece, and I like the dance feeling to it and use of synth. It's a good opener.

The title track, Duty follows. duty is a rather dramatic song, with a beautiful strings and spanish guitar part leading to the full instrumental- a very heavy beat and some airy synth to create an impressive and darker atmosphere. This is a very beautiful, dark song from Ayu. Her vocals are beautiful, and add to the dark emotion. This song has a brilliant atmosphere and a gorgeous feeling to it. Ayu's vocals are still not at their strongest, but they really work here.  

Duty flows nicely to Track 3 which is vogue. This is a pretty cool song with a rather exotic type instrumental. It still got that dramatic feeling that Duty has, that sort of subtle awesomeness about it. The instrumentation is truly beautiful as are Hamasaki's vocals. The backing vocals are very nicely done too. The song can get a little boring though, with not enough variation to make it something truly standout, but it's still very  good. Like duty it has a wonderful feeling to it.

Next up is the wonderfully titled End of the World and it's just as awesome a track. It's another very dramatic song, with wonderful rock instrumentation blended with synth. Ayu's vocals are wonderful as always, and she gives so much emotion to the song. This is a pretty dark sounding song. At first the airy sounds in the background with the heavy beat and Ayu's vocals create a very interesting atmoshpere. But the highlight is when it breaks out into the chorus, a rock feel lent by furious guitars and Ayu's angry vocals. The song continues to be bitter and loud. I love the dynamics of it, the sheer power of the song. It's freaking fantastic!

Then things quiten down for the ballad SCAR. There's still a prominent use of interesting synth, combined with a rather nice piano part. It's a very sorrowful, and beautiful ballad. Ayu continues to give a good vocal performance, especially in the chorus where her voice takes on a very interesting tone. The subtle backing vocals work really well too. The instrumental break is beautiful too, I really like the inclusion of the guitar.  The whole song just has this great feel to it. I really love the feeling of the song. It's so bittersweet. 

Far Away follows. Starting quietly it builds up into another dramatic song with interesting, unique instrumentation. This one thing is that it's not really all that interesting, it goes too long with too little variation and thus it gets a little tedious. The instrumental break is much needed to pick the song up and make it a little livlier. You can really hear th e beginning of some of her later works in that instrumental! Anyway, this is a decent song with rather nice instrumentation however something is lacking to make it truly interesting.

SURREAL is next. The single for SURREAL was released on the same day as the album. The song is amazing. It starts with some distorted type piano and the synth, before Ayu's deep and quiet vocals come in- building up always building up... The song has alot of power in it. There's so much variation and different sounds in this song- it's so interesting. Ayu's vocals are great, they have a strange tone that works really well for the song. I love the rock elements with the guitar and the darker sound to it.  This song is tense and dramatic, with a great feeling and alot of emotion presented. It's pretty awesome.   

Next is AUDIENCE, which unfortunatly is the first very weak song on this album. It still has the rock element combined with the synth but man, I hate the clapping sounds and overall there's something annoying about this song. I cannot bring myself to like it. It's catchy though and fans of Ayu's more pop sound will probably appreciate this more than I do.

Then it's the very well known Ayu song SEASONS, but a song of hers I cannot like. This song sounds alot like that western song "a moment like this.." You know? I always think of that song, and those old sandals advertisments when I hear this song. It is very pretty and Ayu gives a wonderful emotion to it with her lovely vocals but I can't help but feel there's nothing unique about it at all. It's nice...I guess.

Track 10 is teddy bear: a quiet and emotional ballad. This song...this song is fantastic. The simple, sometimes almost childish piano that is so beautiful combined with Ayu's soft, and so sincere and emotional vocals. This song is pure emotion.  The lyrics are stunning too-"When I woke up, I found by my pillow a teddy bear...in place of you." Ayu sings this like she means this and more. She sings this likes she's about to cry. This song is sad, almost heartbreaking. It's so beautiful. A very soft and tender ballad.  

The album is nearly done with Key~eternal tie ver.~. A soft ballad with hints of rock. This song reminds me of her earlier ballad, or perhaps it's just become so familiar to me by now. Either way it's not Ayu's best ballad but it is very pretty. I really like how the song builds up in the beginning, and Ayu's "oo" or whatever before the line of the verse. The chorus is extremly pretty though, Ayu sings it with alot of emotion and the backing vocals are used well. This is a pretty dramatic and emotional ballad. It's rather pretty. I really love Ayu's vocals here  : )  

The album ends with the fun pop rock song girlish. It's not something I really like but it's decent. It's really a very fun and upbeat song. I do like the instrumentation and Ayu's vocals are very nice. It's when it gets to all the...was it chanting? Yeah all those backing vocals and stuff. Totally ruins a good song. It's nice to end the album on such an upbeat song like this though!

So? Overall I shall repeat: Duty is the 22nd best selling album in Japan. And you can totally tell why. This really is a masterpiece. Ayu's albums continue to get better and better. Song for XX was barely listenable, apart from a few standout tracks. LoveAPPEARS had  a prominent dance sound and Ayu's vocals had improved. Duty ventures into rock, with a few ballads and some pop. All have a very interesting and unique sound. Damn- you fon't know how fast I typed for some of these songs. This album is special man. Very special. Ayu is continuing to present new and unique sounds with her albums, and her vocals are definitly improving alot too. This is a beautiful album. It's kinda awesome even if I don't like all the songs, I think that overall it's pretty good.

I don't tend to listen to Japanese boybands. I don't mind them or have some kind of hate for them I've just never really been able to get in to their music. Tohoshinki is the only Japanese boyabnd I like and technically  they are korean. And shh..but sometimes I listen to KAT TUN. XD  HOWEVER I sat down to watch Maou the other day and well, I fell in love with the opening. It's not a perfect song but damnit it's so catchy! I also like about Japanese boybands is how well packed their singles come- you get so many songs and instrumentals! This single has not one nor two but three songs on it! This is my first Arashi single I'm listening to in full too. Here I go eh? This is their 23rd single released 2008.08.20.

Tracklist:
1: truth
2: 風の向こうへ
3: スマイル
4: truth (Original Karaoke)
5: 風の向こうへ (Original Karaoke)
6: スマイル (Original Karaoke)

Truth is a fastpaced pop song with a darker edge. Truth starts pretty strangely, and it kinda puts me off but then it builds up to sound pretty cool. I like the dark atmosphere to it. There's heavy use of synth, I also really like the piano/keyboard part and the strings are pretty cool. I think there's an electric guitar too. The instrumentation is really fitting to the darker theme and creates a fitting atmosphere.  The vocals are not the best, sometimes they sound a little flat (in the verse where they need to relax more  in order to get a smooth lower note) but overall they are passable and they sing the song well. I like the bit at the end of the chorus where they reach to the higher notes, it's very light and quite pretty: not to mention interesting contrast to the lower notes of the verse. I also like the part where they overlap the vocal parts. I won't call this amazing but it's catchy and it sounds so good. I find it amusing the engrish though- "I'll take your life forever". Well you can't take the life and give it back. :P  This is a good song with a rather nice, darker atmoshpere and an interesting composition. Lastly, This sort of song is rather fitting to the drama maou- even the lyrics reflect the storyline which is rather cool.

風の向こうへ was the NTV Beijing Olympics theme song. It's an upbeat pop song, totally contrasting to truth. There's something incredibly cheesy about it but hey this is a johnnys group. The vocals aren't good but they are decent and appropriate to the song. The rythmn of the chorus is pretty cool and I like the ad-libbing. The speaking fits in nicely too, and I like how it's overlayed over the repetetion of that one line.  I really do like the overall feel to it, and it's pretty infectious with it's happy hopeful ness. Overrall it's happy happy catchy catchy pop fun.  I can tell this will get stuck in my head (and refuse to leave). I think it could get annoying if you listen too much to it though!

The last song is スマイル (smile). The opening is very strange and once the song gets going it's more a chilled out sort of pop number. It's about the same standard as the A-sides.  The song is very cute and upbeat and still just as catchy. There's no real interest though- nothing that stands out or you can say "hey! that's pretty cool". It's standard pop fare but it still sounds very nice. It's very upbeat with sweet vocals,  nice rythmns, a romantic feeling and  decent instrumentation. 

I... I really like this! There. I got it over and done with. truth is the dark one, and 風の向こうへ is very happy happy hopeful one, and smile is the more relaxed but still sunny and happy pop song.  The vocals aren't the best but fit the songs well. I'd say this is a pretty cool single. I'm definitly interested in Arashi now.

Changin' my Life is best known through their songs used for Full Moon wo Sagashite. Indeed, between 2.5 and 3 years ago it was those songs that first started my interest in the Japanese pop scene. They don't get alot of attention unfortunatly. Then again all you hear about these days is alan, ayaka and the like *rolls eyes* Anyway, this is their debut album released 2002.07.26. It contains the three singles and their B-sides released beforehand.

The album opens with Myself, the ending and theme for Full Moon Wo Sagashite and an amazing song in it's own rite. It's a powerful ballad that carries alot of emotion. It's hard for me to talk about this song ,which I have been listening to even longer than certain Ayu songs- probably 3 years this song has been with me.  Well, it blends alot of synth, a keyboard part, and some strings  for a rather beautiful instrumentation. It has a soft, almost ethereal feeling to it. I always think of winter and snow falling ^_^  Myco doesn't have the best voice, but for sure her voice is powerful and presents alot of emotion. I love the backing vocals too. This song really is just powerful. Even the lyrics: "Why why do I love you so much? The answer is so close I cannot reach it" are just really sad. I love how it builds up to the ending, before quietly ending. This song is moving to say the least.

Luv.Remix follows Myself, and it's alot faster and more upbeat. It has a very quirky instrumentation- something that should sound outdated with the use of synth and keyboard but yet...it really doesn't. I really love the constant dance beat and the vibrant string part. The chorus is really strange, with what Myco does with her voice- but it's really cool and adds something very unique to it. I also like the quiet backing vocals. The song has agreat, upbeat feeling to it. It's really great and alot of fun! It does get a little repetetive after a while unfortunatly. I do really love the ending with Myco's soft ad-libbing. Really makes listening worthwhile for an ending like that! 

Then it's an album version of Star Dust. This song has a beautiful piano part, with the bass and some strings too. Myco sounds beautiful and her voice carries alot of emotion. I notice her voice sounds a little strained at times, but it's not distracting nor does it ruin the song. Overall It's a very bittersweet ballad, which is soft and gentle making for a very relaxed feeling. I really do like the beautiful instrumentation, especially the piano and synth solo instrumental. It really does conjure up the image of a starry night. The backing vocals this time round are a little distacting, a little too harsh for the song, but that's the only thing that really gets me.

Confidence follows and it's a favorite. It opens with a beautiful piano part, and some wonderful and light vocals from Myco. The song is really gentle, with wonderful keyboard instrumentation. I love how it builds up to the chorus, becoming stronger and well, more confident. A wonderful effect. I also love all the other variations this song goes through, the use of dynamics and the way it builds up and then down is very interesting. This is a beautiful and relaxing song which really, it's just so pretty. As always, it carries alot of emotion and a soft power to it. Like Luv.Remix the ending is something worth waiting for too XD Myco sounds so pretty in this song! The instrumentation is beautiful too.

Track 2 is an album version Embraced love, the B-side to the Star Dust single. Embraced Love is a little odd. It starts badly with Myco sounding a little flat and the thumping instrumentation, and various other parts of it  is a tiny bit annoying too. The song first comes off a little flat, a little mediocre. But then comes chorus, which is alot more powerful with better vocals and the song picks up. This is a weaker track, it has some very nice parts and a like the rock edge apparent during and after the first chorus- however the beginning is a bit weak and generally off-putting. Sometimes Myco sounds strained. Her ad-libbing is wonderful though. This song has good and bad points to it. I would say once you get past the beginning, and if you can get used to rather weaker vocals now and then then it is decent. I do like how they ventured into a more edgier song for this. The ending, like the beginning is strange.

Next up is SAYONARAはわたしから (Goodbye from me), the song with very strong vocals from Myco building up to a fast and edgy dance number. Complete with synth, keyboard and backing vocals. I find the backing vocals a little annoying when they suddenly pop up now and then- though they sound quite nice for the "say goodbye" parts. Other than that I like the thumping dance beat, and Myco's powerful vocals.  The high pitched Keyboard sound that pops up now and then it rather nice too. Myco's adlibbing at the end is just gold, and I like how the guys end it before it fades off. 

Then it's the fast and exciting Focus. The song in Mitsuki's dream episode one of Full Moon ^_^ The song is very fast and energetic, with wonderful blend of fast dance beat and some awesome synthetic strings. The song carries alot of attitude, and mainly alot of energy!! I really love it, it's so catchy and upbeat. It's fun and energetic and it makes me smile alot!!

Crazy for You was the B-side to Luv.Remix and it follows next. The song has much more mainstream pop/RnB feel than alot of their other work. Frankly I think Myco's vocals are really wierd in the beginning, and the heavy beat smothers her in the chorus. It really picks up in the chorus where there's a bit of edgy guitar work, and good use of backing vocals- gives the song a bit of power and an edge. This song is like Embraced love- a bit of a mixed bag really. So I'm forced to say it's no more than decent.

The album is nearly over with Nostalgia, where suddenly the album goes back to relaxing and soft ballads. This song has a very sad and regretful feeling to it. Myco sounds really wonderful and sincere. It's a beautiful and laid-back ballad. That one synth part is a bit strange though! This song reminds me alot of Myself, but a little toned down and more laid-back. The song is very pretty, but it's not outstanding.  

Lastly it's an album version of New Future- and it's only 5 minutes long?! New Future's biggest flaw before was that it went on for ages but this is more compact. Either way it's a great way to end an album, being a very powerful song about hope and looking toward the future. It makes me think of Mitsuki :P Anyway, we all know this one right? "Let's sing a song~". Ah...this song must be ingrained in my brain by now. It's a very pretty, very powerful song with alot of energy and hope. Myco gives an impressive vocal performance, and the instrumentation is lovely too.  

I love changin' my life, and I have for a long while.  For about a year all I'd heard was their best of album, until I found this album of theirs. Changin my life has a strange sound. The keybord, the dance beats and the synth should sound outdated (think abba or disco music)- yet somehow they make it work.  Their work can be powerful songs like Myself and Confidence, and upbeat energetic numbers like Luv.Remix and Focus. I think some of these songs are subpar, but there are really some great tracks too that are just awesome to listen to.

Rather threatening title neh? XD Miura Daichi, and this song, is someone I discovered through Himitsu. The song Inside Your Head is pretty catchy and I grew to like it rather alot. Now I find the full single! Released on 2008.07.23 this is his 6th single. This was produced by the guy who produces Namie Amuro's stuff.

Tracklist:
1: Inside Your Head
2: Magic
3: Inside Your Head -DJ KENT REMIX-

Inside Your Head is an addictive dance track with a bit of an RnB beat. The song is fast with lots of synth, and good vocals from Miura Daichi. It's got a nice beat and it's pretty sexy (the bridge is very sexy... ). Either way it's a great track that is really catchy. The use of synth and electronic sounds gives the song a good feel.  Miura Daichi's vocals are stunning. It's got good instrumentation, a nice beat and alot of variation to keep it interesting. A really good track. Did I mention addictive? :P

Magic is a much more prominent RnB number. The whistling opening is a little strange, but once the beat comes in it proves to be quite a smooth RnB number with nice expressive vocals from Miura Daichi and hints of pop. I like the ballad feel given to it by Daichi's vocals, and the accoustic guitar is quite pretty. There's something a little annoying about it, it's certainly not the standard of Inside Your Head however it's still got quite a nice feel and is decent to listen to. Rather relaxing and laid-back and I really like Miura's vocals. Take away the whistling though!!

Wait? Is this....a good remix? Woa!! The remix of Inside Your Head gives it a heavier RnB feel to it, the  dance feel it very subdued instead the remix focuses alot more of Miura's gorgeous vocals. There's an annoying background instrument that gives the beat, but otherwise it's a decent remix and is rather toned down compared to the original.  I think I still prefer the original though.

Overall? Inside Your Head is the strongest track on the single, it's quite sexy and is wonderfully addictive. Magic has a few weird bits, but is decent to listen too. Magic is let down by the wierd bits though. The remix of Inside Your Head is not as aweful as I'd imagine, but that too has some wierd bits. Stil, it's a good song and a decent remix. It brings out another side of the song, and is alot more focused on Miura's vocals which is never a bad thing. I'm rather impressed by this single. Miura has rather nice vocals, and I like the RnB feel to his music, as well as the synth. This is a good single and I would reccomend it!!

I'd obviously heard of Chemistry, they are a massive duo (one of Japans biggest)... however I'd never really bothered to actually listen to their music (yeah, pretty bad right?). That changed when I was watching Antique Bakery, and I immediatly got hooked on the opening song. The PV then came out, and I was even more impressed with the full version. Now the whole single is out and I can hear the D side- which though personally I think the K side is better, is still pretty nice and relaxing. This is Chemistry's 24th single released on 2008.08.20 (I'm reviewing the promotional single). Wierdly the single doesn't come out in a million different versions :P

Tracklist:
1: Life goes on ~Side K~
2: Life goes on ~Side D~
2: Life goes on ~Side K~ [Less Vocal]
2: Life goes on ~Side D~ [Less Vocal]

Life goes on ~Side K~ has a rather offputting opening, with some kinda of electronic slide and some speaking, but once the song gets going it's got quirky electronic instrumentation. The use of electronic instruments, and effects creates a really cool, really catchy song. My favourite bit is the chorus, which has a very uplifting feel. The whole song feels very hopeful, got a "life goes on" feeling to it aka appropriate to what it's trying to say. The duo sound amazing, their english is good and I like being able to understand the song just a little. The bridge is kinda cool too, a little darker than the rest of the song but definitly adds to the overall atmosphere. This is a fantastic, uplifiting song. It's quite unique, but rather catchy and the different effects make it very interesting to listen to. I really adore it, and it's totally worthy of putting on repeat for a few days. (Not that I have or anything :P)

The Life goes on ~Side D~ is a more relaxing, laid-back version of the K side- well, it's like an accoustic version. It still has a rather nice feel to it, and it's all soft and relaxing with beautiful and sincere vocals however I think the electronic version I prefer, perhaps having listened to it more or because I like the feel of the song more. The D side is not bad, it's very relaxing and beautiful to listen to. The soft instrumentation is very pretty. The D side presents a new side of the song, a more subdued and perhaps more bittersweet version of it and it's absolutly lovely.

Despite being only two version of the same song, I adore this single. The A side is a catchy and upbeat electronic pop tune, and the B side is a softer and more laid-back accoustic version. The K side has a wonderful feel to it and is totally catchy. The D side is very beautiful and rather relaxing to listen to. Overall I prefer the K side, but both songs are amazing. This really is great to listen to and I would totally reccomend it!

Hey! I return after a short break from reviewing. This month (yep, it's already August) there's alot of brilliant new singles coming out! I've already heard Onitsuka's and it sounds beautiful, looking forward to 12012, Despairs Ray, plastic tree and Chemistry life goes on. I prefer to do album reviews these days, apart from 12012 probably where I'll review the single : )   So...I'm still reviewing older stuff. It feels strange calling this album old, as I can still remember waiting for it to come out. I adore the album, there are some crappy tracks but there are some beautiful ones too. The photobooklet is photoshopped, as my family had great fun pointing out, but absolutly stunning and it suits the mood of the album- beautiful, dark, myusterious with splashes of bright diamonds and light. Um..yes. I also got a poster with this album, which became the  first Jpop poster on my wall. Took all my courage to put it up and keep it up, but I can still look up and see Ayu every day now <3 On to the review!!

This is Ayu's 8th album released on 2006.11.29.

The album opens with Not yet, a very ethereal and synth based piece blending beautiful electronica with Ayu's vocals. It's a powerful and catchy opening, with lots of power as it starts of quiet building up to a soft trance dance track- Ayu's  vocals distorted and blended into the gorgeous electronica. A wonderful and unique song. Reminscent of loveAPPEARS but at the same time, taking a whole new route.

then it's until that day... continuing on in the same light as Not Yet, except alot more gritty and rockier with strong guitar riffs and heavy drum beat besides the electronica, distorted backing vocals which pop up now and then and Ayus sometimes distorted, sometimes wordless vocals. The wordless bits are beautiful, and I adore the chorus too.  It's still just as beautiful as Not yet and justpowerful, packed with alot of emotion. It's a strong and more rebelious track, downright angry much like alterna or STEP you.

The fast Startin' is next, continuing with the heavy electronica songs. This one blends electronica, and pop rock for a fast and fun track. I hated this at first but it really grew on me, it's so catchy! By the time you hit the chorus you're kinda hooked. The song is still pretty powerful with Ayu belting it out and the hints of rock with the guitar, much like until that day... but the lyrics talk about believeing in yourself and having confidence. I love the adlibbing at the end

specially. Another great track. The PV is totally cheesy though!  

The album delves into gritty rock for 1 LOVE, which is very dark and angry- and who doesn't think of the PV when listening to this? Immediatly images of pole dancing Ayu pop into my mind. The song itself is awesome. Very angry and powerful, with Ayu belting it out with all her emotion and a fantastic soft rock arrangment. It's dark and gritty and makes you think of underground pole dancing clubs.  Excellent song. Looking at the lyrics it's actually not as angry as it sounds, more about the importance of love and wanting to be loved. 

Then it's the slow and gorgeous It was. I read so many reviews stating how boring this track was, and was surprised. Personally this is one of Ayu's most unique and beautiful ballads. The soft instrumentation filled with synth, breaking into rock in the chorus is very powerful and effective- it adds alot of power and emotion to the song. The distortion of Ayu's voice in the verses, compared to the chorus where the distortion drops and it's just Ayu sounding beautiful and emotional is a wonderful contrast. It's a soft, sad and very beautful song. I adore the contrast presented in it and the way it constantly changes, if only slighlty.

An interlude is next with LABYRINTH, an ehtereal instrumental filled with twinkling sounds and synth which fits in nicely between It Was and Jewel. It's a mood lifter after It was, building up to the romantic and hopeful Jewel whilst still having a darker edge.  A beautiful and Bittersweet little instrumental that fits nicely.

Then it's the pretty ballad Jewel. The song opens with pretty piano part, building up as the song progresses but still

staying very soft and simple, allowing the song to focus on Ayu's vocals. Ayu sounds beautiful, her voice soft and sincere. It's a beautiful and romantic ballad, not one of Ayu's best or most unique- but the instrumentation is pretty and Ayu gives a lovely and sincere vocal performance which makes the song pretty and wonderful to listen to. 

momentum is the typical winter ballad, the piano nstrumentation and the synth and everything giving alot more winter vibes than even Jewel. It's like a winter edition of say Fairyland! OK I won't take the piss too much. It's a fairly pretty, very dramatic ballad and Ayu gives a lovely vocal performance. The PV was very nice too. It's not as good as secret or Jewel, but it's still pretty and nice to listen to. The guitar adds something unique and interesting to it. 

another interlude, the beatiful Taskinlude which starts with a pretty music box sound then explodes into hard rock- this could make such a good song : ) The interlude itself is beautiful.

Then it's the annoying Born to be...which I tried to love but couldn't. The whole overly dramatic feel to it, the chanting and the whatnot just irritates me not end.

Another annoying one with Beautiful Fighters. This one I have mixed feelings about. On one hand, the distorted vocals of "beautiful fighters" and the whistling and clapping or whatnot is annoying, on the other if you take it for what it is- a cute pop song about girl power I suppose it's alright.

BLUE BIRD is the fairyland of Secret. It's a fun and summery tune, which sounds hyper and happy but actually the lyrics are really sad. The PV is the dancing on the beautiful white sands, all happy happy. It's nice.

Kiss o' kill is an amazing experimental rock track.  The song opens with children singing and a piano before introducing Ayu and the organ. The organ, synth and Ayu's forlorn, bitter vocals give the song a dark and nightmarish feel. The lyrics too are beautiful. It's a powerful and emotional track. I was drawn to the title, which in a kiss me kill me way I suppose is Kiss or Kill. Or in engrish manner- kiss of kill? I wonder. Anyway, This has become a personal favourite of mine, for it is quite simply amazing. I adore the instrumentation, and Ayu sounds amazing.Check out her performance of this too.

Secret ends the album off, as a pretty and sorrowful ballad. It's absolutly stunning with wonderful instrumentation, especially the synth and the accoustic guitar part and the strings. Ayu comes in and her voice is soft and filled with so much emotion- continuing to give a wonderful vocal performance the whole way through. I adore the chorus, it's beautiful the way Ayu reaches up the higher notes and the instrumentation with the accoustic guitar, the strings... it's just so heartbreakingly beautiful and so emotional. You can feel the sorrow and regret conveyed in the song. Everything about the song is perfect.  A wonderful end to a brilliant album. 
 
I've not listened to the album for a while, but I'm reminded of how much I love it. It's a mature album where Ayu really shows another side of her, like all her albums always present something new- something a fan could hate or love. I love this side of her, I love the powerful rock tracks like Kiss o' kill and It was, the soft rock ballad. I adore the ballads like Secret and Jewel. It's a very powerful album with lots of emotion. The photos for the album, the PVs- the entire package was well thought out and all came together brilliantly. There are some bad tracks on the album, but the number of good tracks really overpowers them. A beautiful album from Ayu and one of my personal favourites.

LAS VEGAS is Onitsuka Chihiro's fourth album released on 2007.10.31 . It was her first in two years of hiatus, and her first under Universal. The album is a selection of the best of roughly 20 songs that she composed during her two year hiatus. The album has a theme of travel; which is why Las Vegas (somewhere relatively far away from Japan) was chosen for the title of the album. This title had been decided on since around about Sugar High's release to be the title of the next album in chronological order.

The album opens with the beautiful Sweet Rosemary, a slow and calming song reliant on stunning vocals from Onitsuka and wonderful instrumentation- a lovely accoustic guitar part building up as the song progresses. It's a sweet and romantic song, I think it's about love- or accepting that love is over and love is now gone. I think. It's a beautiful song nonetheless. I love the adlibbing bits to it.  It's a beautiful song, a wonderful opening to the album.

The second track is Bad Trip, a darker song contrasting to Sweet Rosemary. It has a dark, almost bitter sound to it. The song is entirely in english, and despite a slight (and expected) accent, for the most part it's understandable. It's a simple sounding, but emotional song driven by Onitsuka's beautiful voice, and nice instrumentation- piano, strings and some percussion too. The piano part is certainly the highlight. It continues the beauty that Sweet Rosemary first presented.

蝋の翼 (waxen wings) follows Bad Trip. The song is quite upbeat, less calming than Sweet Rosemary and lighter than Bad Trip. The song is about the emotional high of being in love, drawing on the story of icarus as a symbol- "I’m flying

on waxen wings/ up to the sun, no matter how far, if I’m with you/ That they melted and I fell, what a great feeling/I’m not waiting for what’s next/ If I’m with you". What to say? It's another beautiful song.

Track 4 is 僕等　バラ色の日々 (our rose colored days), a beautiful almost sorrowful song. I want to post what the song represents, so here: "[..] is meant to give the image of rose petals swirling about. The Theme of the song is resignation and despair in the face of the fact that rose-colored days cannevre last--and yet, to seek those days over and over represents hope" I think for sure you can picture the PV, a girl running desperatly seeking...searching for the "rose colored days"- swirling rose petals, the sweet smell after the rain has faded etc etc- the song conveys alot of imagery. It's a beautiful song, with stunning instrumental based on piano and strings, and of course wonderful, emotional vocals from Onitsuka Chihiro. I love the ending with the "ah" bits, Onitsuka conveys her emotions of hope contrasting to despair perfectly. In short, this song is amazing and very moving. Did I mention the wonderful lyrics too?

The album changes abruptly when amphibious starts, introducing a far rockier sound. It also has alot of swearing in it, which is enough for me to be turned off. I don't mind swear words, but it automatically means I cannot listen- not with the family around. I do like the overall sound to it, it's not bad but it is out of place and the swearing.. just really offputting.

Then LAS VEGAS goes back to the piano based-ness with MAGICAL WORLD, an album version of course. A song about human warmth <3 Like alot of Onitsuka's song it's a beautiful, piano based song with wonderful and emotional vocals from Onitsuka. There's something about the song I don't particulary like, but it's still very pretty.

Track 7 is a A Horse and a Queen.  I love this song, it is very relaxing and laid-back with a more upbeat sound contrasting to darker lyrics. Onitsuka sounds beautiful, and I like the instrumentation- especially the saxophone and piano parts. I wonder what she means by  "I just kneel to bright ditch down" though ^_^

Next up is a new version of the B-side to 育つ雑草 (pulling weeds), Rainman. The opening is a little cheesy, over the top like a movie theme but it tones down to the familiar repeating piano part and sweet vocals from Onitsuka. I must say, there's something I like about this alot more than the original. The instrumentation is very quirky, matching the lyrics and adding something interesting to the song: I like the overall feel to it. It's an upbeat and hopeful little song- which still remains beautiful and relaxing.

After Rainman is Angelina, named after Agelina Jolie. It's another beautiful song, with wonderful piano and string instrumentation and gorgeous vocals from Onitsuka. The lyrics are beautiful, and hopeful- "I'm not dead/not yet". I love the different dynamics to the song, the way it builds up then builds down then builds up again to finally fade away, as well as the emotion Onitsuka presents. It's very beautiful and powerful song. The cello/viola part is love <3

The second to last track is BRIGHTEN US, I really do not like the relgious connations and hymn feel to it- at all. Even though Onitsuka's voice is beautiful like always, I really have no love for religious themed songs.

The album ends on the beauitiful everyhome. The song is just piano and Onitsuka, but it is incredibly powerful and very moving. Similiar to say, 僕等　バラ色の日々 is has a feeling of hopelessness and despair, of simply "going on" with hopes and dreams, that are never realised. Onitsuka said she wrote this whilst watching Forest Gump with the sound off- and I wonder what the song wants to really convey. Anyway, I love how the song builds up, how it starts quietly and climaxes for before calming down again. The lyrics are stunning, "I'm sure they've continued blaming themselves for not snapping out of their dreams" for example; and Onitsuka sounds beautiful, giving an impressive vocal performance. The piano part is also stunning, and compliments her voice perfectly. They blend together to create a beautiful and moving song- a wonderful one  to end the album on. 

This album took a while to grow on me, but when I did eventually fall for it I fell hard. I think it is a very beautiful album, remiscent of her older albums but also presenting a new sound in many ways. I find with the expcetion of Brighten us and Ampibious it could have been perfect. However the swearing in Amphibious is not appreciated, and the more rock sound to it sounds out of place. If 育つ雑草 wasn't placed here, then why should a track like that? Brighten us, well I don't like the religious connations to it. Otherwise the album is absolutly stunning. wonderful to put on in the background as you are chilling out. It is so beautiful, and so relaxing.  I was very glad that Onitsuka Chihiro released something like this after 2 years of hiatus, proving she's still as great as she has always been.

Overall: 10/10 (Amazing, highly reccomended)

and yes, I did write far too much ; ) I really love this album you know? It moves me alot. Quite a few of these songs make me feel like I could cry. This is my second favourite album from her, or atleast it's got alot of my favourite songs from her on it.  But then, I really adore Onitsuka Chihiro and she has such a powerful voice. So that's why you'll see "beautiful", "wonderful", "stunning" etc alot. :D The cover and album booklet are stunning too. I love the setting, and the cover the border and placement of words looks very nice. Lastly, Lyrics and stuff from here