2 posts tagged “tvxq”
As promised I'm here with Tohoshinki's latest, "Doushite Kimi wo Suki ni Natte Shimattandarou?" or why did I end up falling for you? (another translation being why did I fall in love with you? etc). This single hit one on the oricon, sending Tohoshinki into the record books (evidence). I'm happy to hear this, as this is one amazing amazing single. The A-side leaked very early, but the actual single was released on the 16/07/08.
Tracklisting: (combining the versions together)
1: Doushite Kimi wo Suki ni Natte Shimattandarou?
2: Box in the Ship (aka boxing the sheep)
3: Doushite Kimi wo Suki ni Natte Shimattandarou? (accapella)
4: Doushite Kimi wo Suki ni Natte Shimattandarou? (less vocal)
5: Box in the Ship (less vocal)
Doushite Kimi wo Suki ni Natte Shimattandarou? is an amazing track. It's a beautiful ballad with a steady RnB beat. It opens with a pretty ethereal little part before introducing the vocal and the main beat. All members sing with so much emotion, enough to move (even) me to tears (at first, I have become immune now :P ). The song is incredibly sad, about two childhood friends. In a typical manga situation the guy hasn't been able to confess, and now the woman is getting married. The lyrics are absolutly stunning. This song is just perfect, coming together so well. Everything just sounds so beautiful and sad.
Two versions of the PV were made for this- a drama version which did not feat Tohoshinki and another version which included scenes of Tohoshinki. The drama version is excuted well, with scenes fitting the lyrics and pretty decent acting. The Tohoshinki version slides in scenes of each band member, and then a group shot. Their faces can be a ltitle overacted, but otherwise they look very pretty in white.
Box in the Ship (aka boxing the sheep) takes a 360 from Doushite etc and is a fun, upbeat summery tune. It's complete with Island like instrumentals and happy vocals. I love the adlibbing little thing they do- the "ahoy" thingies. It's very typical little pop tune, but I'm a sucker for their vocals and the "boxing the sheep" is pretty amusing (if slighlty strange... they should really tell them how to say these things! Pronounce your engrish properly!). The instrumental break is a little dark sounding for the song but still adds a little bit of variation. The bit just before the ending, where they overlay their vocals, is very nice.
Lastly there is an Accapella version of Doushite etc on the CD only version. Accapella pretty much annoys me, but this one is quite pretty. Apart from the overly pronounced "ohs" the vocals are still beautiful and emotional. They keep good rythmn and the dynamics are good. The accapella version certainly captures the emotion of the song. To be honest I love the song, so another version is quite appreciated.
I'll also note that I like both the instrumentals for Doushite etc and Boxing the Sheep. It does bring to light how repetetive both isntrumentals are, and how Tohoshinki drive the song forward by themselves for the most part.
The single balances a heart-breaking and beautiful ballad, with an upbeat and fun little summer number. This contrast works rather well, if it was too ballads or "sad tracks" it would be down right depressing right? Tohoshinki showed a very mature side of them with their last single, beautiful you and they continue to improve and show this mature side with Doushite etc. It's a beautiful, and memorable track filled with alot of emotion. Box in the Ship is cute without being annoyingly so, and their engrish is lol worthy. It's nice to listen to and very catchy. Overall this single is a must listen. It's amazing. Tohoshinki are clearly a talented and mature boyband. (atleast now...)
T is Tohoshinki's third album released on January 22nd. It comes in a riduculous money-grabbing three versions, all of which have different track listings. Even more clever, there are songs exclusive to the CD only and there is a Bonus CD to another version. Lastly there is a 2CD and 2DVD addition, which I assume is limited edition. To make the review of "T" easier on me I'll begin first with a review of the bonus disk. It's a shame this bonus CD is probably only limited edition, as it is quite nice. The bonus CD is mainly centered on Ballads, both upbeat and slow.
1: Song for you
2: Day moon ~Harudal~
3: Beautiful Life
4: You're my miracle
5: Kiss Shita Mama, Sayonara
The bonus disk opens with the upbeat ballad- "song for you". On the version that I downloaded, this was the first song that played and it really helped me fall in love with the CD. Song for you features beautiful, heartfelt vocals and brilliant arrangement. It's a nice, easy listen- the way pop should be. The next track is the RnB influenced ballad: Day moon ~Harudal~. This track has a strange opening with thunder that soon goes to the main arrangement. This ballad is a little slower, with RnB influence. Once again, gorgeous and emotional vocals. This track is similiar in style to Song for you, but is still nice to listen to: and is quite relaxing. The strings are a nice addition. There is even more RnB influence with Beautiful life, which actually...isn't really a ballad. Nvm. I think arrangement of this song is really good. The chorus is a little annoying with the strange sounding instrument in the background- and I don't like it as much as the first too tracks however the vocals are still really good- especially during the bridge. The one guys voice (the one who sings first) really suits the song. This is a nice, laid back RnB track. 4th up is "You're my miracle"- another heartfelt ballad. I like the dynamics, the way it starts quiet then goes loud. The chorus is one of the best on the CD, with lots of emotion. Once again, excellent use of strings and brilliant vocals. The last track "Kiss Shita Mama, Sayonara" is very very sad- and it wants to be. The opening is quite beautiful though, with the simple piano chords and the strings that are eventually added. It is a classic sad ballad with piano and strings. However, even though the vocals are gorgeous (They do mess up sometimes though) and feature just the right amount of pain I think the song goes on a little too much. If the lament was shorter, it may be better. However, there is no denying that the chorus is even better than You're my miracle. The ending of this song is just too cheesy...though quite nice. Brilliant use of silence and emotion throughout this over the top ballad.
Overall, this CD is a nice listen. The vocals, arrangement and whatnot are really good- there are some quality ballads and pop oriented tunes here. I reccomend you listen : ) overall rating: 4.7/5 (this is a plausible rating!)
My Groups
-
J-rock music reviews Updated: Oct 19, 2009
Neighborhood
Explore friends, family, friends & family, or entire neighborhood.
