REVIEWS: A little bit different this week due to no one single really standing out to me, I'll be doing slightly more thorough reviews of 4 different singles which I thought were all equally good (though not great). They are my collective group of Singles of the Week, and for that reason they all have previews which I'm sure you'll all enjoy!
Guuzen no Kakuritsu GIRL NEXT DOOR
Kono Yubi Tomare Suga Shikao
GIRL NEXT DOOR is a new band from Avex and Guuzen no Kakuritsu is their debut single. The band consists of female vocalist Chisa, and band members Suzuki Daisuke and Inoue Yuji. Can I just say that the band's name is slightly misleading. Chisa looks anything but the 'girl next door'! *fans self*
Guuzen no Kakuritsu begins with a really sweet piano intro and for a second you almost think you're going to get a sweet ballad out of this but the instrumental soon drops into a rockier style.
The verses are sung smoothly and there is no denying Chisa has a beautiful voice. It isn't the most unique voice I've heard, sounding a lot like many other singers, but she hits all the notes and it's very pleasant. The step up into the bridge is nice and not too intrusive, with a couple of hooks and a really good change of style leading into the chorus.
The chorus kind of moves onto an upbeat, dancy pop style but it's not too impressive to be honest, at least until the end. The end of the chorus has a few really rock driven vocal lines, where Chisa gives a real punch and it leaves quite an impression for me. I really love female pop/rock songs which utilise such types of lines. They seem to be common but I can't get enough.
The second verse and chorus are much the same as the first which is a shame as a song like this could benefit from some surprises and switches. Oh well. Following the second chorus we get an awesome rocky instrumental section which is kinda the highlight of the song for me lol. Oh look, here comes a synth vocal bridge, how original...
The final chorus brings nothing new to the table apart from some random synth backing vocals.
I tried to LOVE this song but I don't. It's almost as if the song is a giant tug-of-war; one side being rock the other being pop/dance and both sides are fighting out to become the victor, with neither side winning. You would think that a rocky, pop/dance number would bring the best of both worlds to the table for a wonderful track but for me it doesn't. It tends to do the opposite, attempting to mesh both styles and in the process losing the heart of each style, if you will. There are moments of brilliance, the instrumental and some vocal lines and the song is catchy and will appeal to the masses I'm sure. My problem with the song is that it could have been so much more.
Rating: B
HANABI Mr. ChildrenGuuzen no Kakuritsu begins with a really sweet piano intro and for a second you almost think you're going to get a sweet ballad out of this but the instrumental soon drops into a rockier style.
The verses are sung smoothly and there is no denying Chisa has a beautiful voice. It isn't the most unique voice I've heard, sounding a lot like many other singers, but she hits all the notes and it's very pleasant. The step up into the bridge is nice and not too intrusive, with a couple of hooks and a really good change of style leading into the chorus.
The chorus kind of moves onto an upbeat, dancy pop style but it's not too impressive to be honest, at least until the end. The end of the chorus has a few really rock driven vocal lines, where Chisa gives a real punch and it leaves quite an impression for me. I really love female pop/rock songs which utilise such types of lines. They seem to be common but I can't get enough.
The second verse and chorus are much the same as the first which is a shame as a song like this could benefit from some surprises and switches. Oh well. Following the second chorus we get an awesome rocky instrumental section which is kinda the highlight of the song for me lol. Oh look, here comes a synth vocal bridge, how original...
The final chorus brings nothing new to the table apart from some random synth backing vocals.
I tried to LOVE this song but I don't. It's almost as if the song is a giant tug-of-war; one side being rock the other being pop/dance and both sides are fighting out to become the victor, with neither side winning. You would think that a rocky, pop/dance number would bring the best of both worlds to the table for a wonderful track but for me it doesn't. It tends to do the opposite, attempting to mesh both styles and in the process losing the heart of each style, if you will. There are moments of brilliance, the instrumental and some vocal lines and the song is catchy and will appeal to the masses I'm sure. My problem with the song is that it could have been so much more.
Rating: B
HANABI is Mr. Children's 33rd single and the theme for Code Blue -Doctor Heli Kinkyuu Kyuumei-. When I saw they had a new release this week I was a bit confused, thinking I had reviewed them only a few weeks ago and alas I had. Their 32nd GIFT, was released at the end of July and failed to spark much interest in me. Thankfully HANABI is a much more enjoyable venture.
HANABI is a sort of a mid-tempo styled ballad and a nice opening to the Autumn/Fall season. The song starts out with a really nice, somewhat melancholic instrumental which sets up the mood for the rest of the song. The verses are sung in a really beautiful way. I'm not a HUGE fan of the guy's voices but their singing is full of emotion and it makes me forget about anything else. I honestly have no clue what this song is about (fireworks doesn't give much away) but it sounds reminiscent and sort of sad (I'm pretty sure they're saying goodbye to something in the chorus... *pretends to speak Japanese*)
There is a short instrumental and a drum leadup to the chorus which lifts really nicely. Without such a push I feel HANABI could have just drawn along and become a bit boring but the steps within the song are really nice. Once again the chorus is sung with much emotion, very nice.
The second verse has a bit more oomph in the vocals which help continue the growth of the song and the bridge starts of soft and grows really nicely leading up to the final set of chorus' which are introduced with a nice acapella of the first line.
The song ends with the beautiful instrumental again, which lasts half a minute of so, it's a nice way to finish off the song. The instrumental slowly dies away and fades out.
The song is a pretty good indication of a nice Autumn ballad, somewhat laid back with a rich, earthy sounding instrumental. I prefer this much more to GIFT which I found a bit monotonous and bland. The growth of this song helps it overcome this trap and they end up with a good tune.
Rating: B
HANABI is a sort of a mid-tempo styled ballad and a nice opening to the Autumn/Fall season. The song starts out with a really nice, somewhat melancholic instrumental which sets up the mood for the rest of the song. The verses are sung in a really beautiful way. I'm not a HUGE fan of the guy's voices but their singing is full of emotion and it makes me forget about anything else. I honestly have no clue what this song is about (fireworks doesn't give much away) but it sounds reminiscent and sort of sad (I'm pretty sure they're saying goodbye to something in the chorus... *pretends to speak Japanese*)
There is a short instrumental and a drum leadup to the chorus which lifts really nicely. Without such a push I feel HANABI could have just drawn along and become a bit boring but the steps within the song are really nice. Once again the chorus is sung with much emotion, very nice.
The second verse has a bit more oomph in the vocals which help continue the growth of the song and the bridge starts of soft and grows really nicely leading up to the final set of chorus' which are introduced with a nice acapella of the first line.
The song ends with the beautiful instrumental again, which lasts half a minute of so, it's a nice way to finish off the song. The instrumental slowly dies away and fades out.
The song is a pretty good indication of a nice Autumn ballad, somewhat laid back with a rich, earthy sounding instrumental. I prefer this much more to GIFT which I found a bit monotonous and bland. The growth of this song helps it overcome this trap and they end up with a good tune.
Rating: B
Kono Yubi Tomare Suga Shikao
Kono Yubi Tomare is written, produced and performed by Suga Shikao and is his 24th single. If I had to describe this song in one word it would be 'funk'tastic', it's just very hip and cool.
This song starts with some infectious bass playing leading into a disco style beat with some strings. I have to admit, the opening has me dancing in my seat as I type this (-_-;) ...
Suga's vocals are raspy which work wonderfully for this song, working even further with the laid back, cool feeling of the song. It's almost like he doesn't care, he's just singing along with the music, not even trying. Not to say he sounds bad, just singing effortlessly.
The verses have some very catchy sections which sadly are missing from so many songs nowadays. In fact Suga manages to create some catchy melodies in all aspects of this song which is surprisingly nice. The bridge leads off the verse really well, almost like it is a part of it.
We totally jump up on the chorus which has beautiful lift (yes I love my lifts) though still retaining the song's laid back atmosphere. A slight downside is that the chorus isn't anymore memorable to the rest of the song. You could look at that as a plus towards the verses or a negative for the chorus. I actually prefer the verses and build to the chorus. Anyway, back to the funky bass beat *dances*
The bridge of this song really brings the song's tempo and instrumental back down. It's only short but effective in creating another level to this song. The instrumental quickly grows and we get a nice violin instrumental section before heading back into the final chorus'.
The song fades away *eventually* with lots of la la las and humming.
Like I said, this song manages to be hip and cool without seeming to try very hard which can ultimately be very difficult for a performer to do. A downside is that it substitutes any real oomph for this laid back style, and while some sections are catchy, it all ends up melding into one continuous beat with no real distinction within the song's sections apart from the bridge towards the end of the song. This may be a plus for some but it works against the song in repeatability, at least for me. I prefer songs which have that catchy, definable chorus and this song just doesn't have that. That being said, I did really enjoy this track and it made me dance which is always a good thing. Very cool!
Rating: B
miss you Yuna ItoThis song starts with some infectious bass playing leading into a disco style beat with some strings. I have to admit, the opening has me dancing in my seat as I type this (-_-;) ...
Suga's vocals are raspy which work wonderfully for this song, working even further with the laid back, cool feeling of the song. It's almost like he doesn't care, he's just singing along with the music, not even trying. Not to say he sounds bad, just singing effortlessly.
The verses have some very catchy sections which sadly are missing from so many songs nowadays. In fact Suga manages to create some catchy melodies in all aspects of this song which is surprisingly nice. The bridge leads off the verse really well, almost like it is a part of it.
We totally jump up on the chorus which has beautiful lift (yes I love my lifts) though still retaining the song's laid back atmosphere. A slight downside is that the chorus isn't anymore memorable to the rest of the song. You could look at that as a plus towards the verses or a negative for the chorus. I actually prefer the verses and build to the chorus. Anyway, back to the funky bass beat *dances*
The bridge of this song really brings the song's tempo and instrumental back down. It's only short but effective in creating another level to this song. The instrumental quickly grows and we get a nice violin instrumental section before heading back into the final chorus'.
The song fades away *eventually* with lots of la la las and humming.
Like I said, this song manages to be hip and cool without seeming to try very hard which can ultimately be very difficult for a performer to do. A downside is that it substitutes any real oomph for this laid back style, and while some sections are catchy, it all ends up melding into one continuous beat with no real distinction within the song's sections apart from the bridge towards the end of the song. This may be a plus for some but it works against the song in repeatability, at least for me. I prefer songs which have that catchy, definable chorus and this song just doesn't have that. That being said, I did really enjoy this track and it made me dance which is always a good thing. Very cool!
Rating: B
The final song this week is Yuna Ito's beautiful ballad miss you, her 11th single.
miss you starts off with the sound of waves crashing on the beach, very sunset summer-ish which is perfect for this time of year; Summer has just ended and Autumn is beginning (In the northern hemisphere at least). Nice timing there from Yuna.
Ballads can easily be VERY boring but this song manages to be catchy, sweet and beautiful at the time. The first thing I notice about this song is Yuna's vocals, they are just so pure and wonderful. There is this unique fragility which aids this song's melancholic overtones.
The verses are simple, with the instrumental softly growing behind the vocals. The pre chorus build opens with beautiful high notes which are repeated throughout till the chorus. The bridge gives off the feeling of needing, reaching for something which is displayed through Yuna's vocals, especially in the higher sections.
The chorus is the winner here, with repeated vocals it is surprisingly catchy for a ballad. To be fair the chorus ventures towards a faster tempo and the whole song flutters between slow and mid-tempo but whatever. The final line of the chorus is the epitome of the song, "I miss you" with Yuna's flawless voice. It's very moving.
The bridge isn't very different from the rest of the song, which I think works well for miss you. It's such a pure, soft song that any drastic tempo or style change could ruin it. The bridge sounds almost like a 3rd verse but is different enough to distinguish and lift towards a climax.
The final set of choruses start off with a soft instrumental, which shows off Yuna's vocals even further and the songs ends with some vocalisation from Yuna and the beachy sounds again. I would have liked for the song to end with the "I miss you" line, I think it would have left a more lasting impression.
The ballad is beautiful and very good for a ballad. The problem is that I don't think it sounds too different from a lot of other ballads, in fact it sounds really similar to a couple of the Wonder Girl's ballads, mainly due to the instrumental I think. It's still touching and sweet and nice way to say goodbye to Summer. The sun is setting on Summer (well it technically has already set but I'm not sure I'm ready to let it go)... I won't miss some of the awful summer songs though lol.
Rating: B (close to a B+ but needs more originality)
miss you starts off with the sound of waves crashing on the beach, very sunset summer-ish which is perfect for this time of year; Summer has just ended and Autumn is beginning (In the northern hemisphere at least). Nice timing there from Yuna.
Ballads can easily be VERY boring but this song manages to be catchy, sweet and beautiful at the time. The first thing I notice about this song is Yuna's vocals, they are just so pure and wonderful. There is this unique fragility which aids this song's melancholic overtones.
The verses are simple, with the instrumental softly growing behind the vocals. The pre chorus build opens with beautiful high notes which are repeated throughout till the chorus. The bridge gives off the feeling of needing, reaching for something which is displayed through Yuna's vocals, especially in the higher sections.
The chorus is the winner here, with repeated vocals it is surprisingly catchy for a ballad. To be fair the chorus ventures towards a faster tempo and the whole song flutters between slow and mid-tempo but whatever. The final line of the chorus is the epitome of the song, "I miss you" with Yuna's flawless voice. It's very moving.
The bridge isn't very different from the rest of the song, which I think works well for miss you. It's such a pure, soft song that any drastic tempo or style change could ruin it. The bridge sounds almost like a 3rd verse but is different enough to distinguish and lift towards a climax.
The final set of choruses start off with a soft instrumental, which shows off Yuna's vocals even further and the songs ends with some vocalisation from Yuna and the beachy sounds again. I would have liked for the song to end with the "I miss you" line, I think it would have left a more lasting impression.
The ballad is beautiful and very good for a ballad. The problem is that I don't think it sounds too different from a lot of other ballads, in fact it sounds really similar to a couple of the Wonder Girl's ballads, mainly due to the instrumental I think. It's still touching and sweet and nice way to say goodbye to Summer. The sun is setting on Summer (well it technically has already set but I'm not sure I'm ready to let it go)... I won't miss some of the awful summer songs though lol.
Rating: B (close to a B+ but needs more originality)
ROUNDUP
All the singles I've reviewed this week are good, but not great. I feel they each have something specifically holding them back, preventing them from being fantastic. I have given them all Bs, I prefer some to others but I'd put them all relatively on the same level quality wise. These Bs are high Bs, very close to B+ but not quite there. I also listened to TOKIO's new single and didn't care for it at all so I didn't even bother >.<
Let me know what you think of this week's releases ^^
Let me know what you think of this week's releases ^^
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2 comments - Join the discussion!:
Ok, I can so totally pass on the first two (especially the 2nd) they did nothing for me... I think I cringed at HANABI... I like number 3, but the instrumental sounds a lot like Jamiraqui (or whatever his name is XD... Number 4 is great, but honestly, you had me when you said Wonder Girls, it does sound like their ballady stuff ;)
The third track was definitely great as the instrumental was amazing. I found some interesting info on instrumental songs on
instrumentalsongs.org
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