The First Quarter

This album, and it's partner "The Last Quarter," are Nanase albums unlike her others. These are not the hard-rock, tough girl kind of songs for which she is famous. And frankly, it's a very nice change. Don't get me wrong. I really like Nanase-san's harder rock albums, but it's nice to hear her voice singing softer songs like these. The cuts on this album have a much more mellow jazz infused flavor. It feels like sitting in an expensive, high-quality lounge, sipping your favorite beverage and listening to the gorgeous singer on stage belt out the tunes with all her heart. And yes, there is quite a bit of emotion in the songs. Here we get a real sense of the strength of Nanase's voice. Moreover, she seems perfectly at home with these songs - none of the forced feel occasionally present in her harder material. She fits this kind of music perfectly. I suspect this album has been overlooked by many, since it's not geared to her rock fan base and probably wasn't advertised much outside of that group. But it's a very good album not to be missed. Pick it up. I think you'll like it.

This album brings out a whole different side to Nanase It proves that Nanase is a versitile artist and one of the best that Japan has to offer. BUY THIS CD and prepare to be blown away! My rating 9 of ten a really good singer