Review by Therese Ybanez
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Brighter Day [CD+DVD]Namie AmuroAn inspirational song from the Queen
Brighter Day is definitely one of my favorite songs of Namie Amuro, second from Red Carpet. It is highly addictive. I love how the music swells and a strong beat comes in accompanied by a piano and chimes. SWEET KISSES is a short song. It does uphold the vibrant theme this single has. Still Lovin’ You slows the overall tempo of the single. Its music focuses on the synths and piano. I like it that they made the single balanced. It's a very catchy tune. The cover image of the single definitely befits a Queen. Simple yet elegant. I love it that only Namie and a beautiful flower is present in the picture.
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Brighter DayNamie AmuroAn inspirational song from the Queen
Brighter Day is definitely one of my favorite songs of Namie Amuro, second from Red Carpet. It is highly addictive. I love how the music swells and a strong beat comes in accompanied by a piano and chimes. SWEET KISSES is a short song. It does uphold the vibrant theme this single has. Still Lovin’ You slows the overall tempo of the single. Its music focuses on the synths and piano. I like it that they made the single balanced. It's a very catchy tune. The cover image of the single definitely befits a Queen. Simple yet elegant. I love it that only Namie and a beautiful flower is present in the picture.
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Just You and INamie AmuroJust Namie!
Just You and I is a nice mid-tempo ballad that generally surprises me. The more I listen to the song, it makes me like it even more. Strike A Pose surely changed the mood introduced by Just You and I. It has a pop-electronic sound and it is quite the same from her past song, Chit Chat. It can definitely make you dance. Overall, the single itself is satisfying. Even the single cover is so beautiful. Simple yet elegant. That is Namie!
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Amaenbo [CD+DVD]Ai OtsukaIt's cute to be spoiled once in a while
Amaenbo is a relaxing song with an enchanting chorus. The lyrics of the song talk about the cold coming in and how Ai keeps her self, and spoils herself with her partner even though she knows. The final chorus is powerful, strong and gives me chills as Ai belts out. Following the final chorus is an instrumental break mainly dominated by an electric guitar and a few of Ai's "lalalala"s. Ame Iro Parasoru begins with sounds of pouring rain and continues with instruments like saxophones and in the background a double bass. Ai's vocals are once again very good in this song and stay good. It is a song you can listen to. Sakuranbo (studio live ver.) was performed live and recorded so Ai's vocals aren't fantastic. It sounds as if Ai gets over excited and forget to thing in tune in some parts. Truly this song is just a bit of fun, it's hilarious to hear Ai so overly happy and the noises she adds to the words. Amaenbo is definitely one of my favorite single of Ai Otsuka. The colors of the cover makes you feel warm and safe.
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Daisukidayo [CD+DVD]Ai OtsukaSo much feelings poured in
Daisuki da yo is a very emotional song. The lyrics talks about reminiscing the past with the lover and how the singer misses him. Ai Otsuka's vocals is serene in this song but you can really feel the emotion from the way she sings. The music video is a tearjerker. I like how it shows a compiled video clips and pictures of the couple and how it opened and ended with the line "Daisuki da yo" from each of them. Friends (Sakaban ver.) is a smooth transitional song from Daisuki da yo. It complements the overall genre of the single. Daisuki da yo is definitely my no. 1 favorite single of Ai Otsuka. I like how the cover is simple.
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Planetarium [CD+DVD]Ai Otsukato the Stars and back
The song lyrics describe how Ai Otsuka longs to see someone who has already passed away, and then recalling all the happy memories of the past. Ai tries to wish upon a shooting star, hoping that this person will hear her, but by the end of the song she realizes that no matter how much she yearns to see that person her feelings won't reach to him far away in the sky. For me, drop. is a cute song good for chillin' when driving. Ai's vocals here is kinda laid back but cute. Everything about Planetarium is great, the music video, the melody, the vocals and Ai Otsuka herself. The lyrics are no exception here. The lyrics are sad and lingering, and it really makes me feel the emotion the song carries.
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"Nagi no Asu Kara (Anime)" Intro Theme: ebb and flow [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]RayA Lull in the Sea
The tittle track was used as the second opening theme for the anime Nagi no Asukara, while "nagi" was used as insert song for the same anime and was released previously on Ray's first album. ebb and flow is absolutely my favorite song of Ray. When I first heard it from the anime Nagi no Asukara, I instantly fell in love with the song. From the beginning until the end, the instrumental is just so amazing. Insert Ray's voice, and the song is just perfect! The music video is also nice. Ray underwater singing is just as awesome as well as the cover. a-ha...! and nagi are as just the same cuteness Ray's voice is showing.
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LOVE STORYKana NishinoA Fan's Collection
As an avid fan, this collection mustn't be neglected. It'll be nice to see Kana Nishino's memories in photographs. Her 5th year anniversary should definitely be celebrated through this photobook.
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Pa [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]Kana NishinoThe Pineapple Trend
Pa can be categorized as pop. It is a perfect example of an over-the-top happy song. It's bubbly and too cute for my taste but it's not that bad. I'm thinking Kana's team would like to bring back the PPAP trend by incorporating the pineapple in the covers. At first I thought it was weird but then I guess it's okay. At least the colors complemented each other. 27 is kinda rock-like. It reminds me of her song 25 and it seems like a complete imitation of it. It may just be a continuation of Kana's story since it is based on her age at the time the song is written. Work is just a repetitive song for the sake of making it long. It is not that striking unlike Kana's previous b-side songs. Overall, the single is just okay but the b-sides are definitely not a song I'll repeatedly listen to. I am hoping she'll stop releasing bubbly, cutesy and country-like songs for the meantime and release more Ballads and RnB because it is what made me love her.
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Love EvolutionMariya NishiuchiStrong Debut
Love Evolution is a strong dynamic rock debut music for a famous model. It explores the potential of Mariya Nishiuchi as a singer that it makes you look forward to more of her songs. Koi wa J.E.L.L.O is absolutely a great accompaniment to the lead track. The beat is relative and the song is in a way sassy and cute. The music video is just as creative. It shows Mariya as a model wearing different stylish outfits. She is also shown playing the drum and electric guitar. She really is talented. I look forward to hear more of her music!
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7 Wonders [w/ DVD, Limited Edition / Type A]Mariya NishiuchiA dynamic follow-up to her debut
7 WONDERS, unlike Love Evolution is a slower mid tempo music. The inclusion of some english words in the lyrics makes it more appealing. Don't let me down is a perfect rock music, very suitable for an anime ending theme. Its beat and melody is unforgettable. Mariya Nishiuchi is definitely a singer to look forward too! There's still more to her music and much more potential to explore as a singer.
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Red CarpetNamie AmuroA generally continuing success
The highlight of the A-side Red Carpet is Namie's interpretation, particularly in the chorus where the singer delivers the right dose of catchiness as well as an appealing performance in the bridge, and what's even better, the track doesn't mess around with fillers or uselessly lengthened sections, going straight to the point and resulting in the enjoyable pop track it successfully aims to be. The second and last track Black Make-up delivers a more uplifting vibe, maybe a bit too standardized in certain sections, but that ultimately does a good job in being a catchy and thoughtless track, and once again the entertainment is held up by a straightforward formula that makes the compositions on this single flow just right. Red Carpet is a single Namie's fans will undoubtedly like and that will possibly get anyone looking for nice pop tunes interested, with both tracks doing a nice job thanks to a smart approach.
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[Second Hand] Love Evolution [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]Strong Debut
Love Evolution is a strong dynamic rock debut music for a famous model. It explores the potential of Mariya Nishiuchi as a singer that it makes you look forward to more of her songs. Koi wa J.E.L.L.O is absolutely a great accompaniment to the lead track. The beat is relative and the song is in a way sassy and cute. The music video is just as creative. It shows Mariya as a model wearing different stylish outfits. She is also shown playing the drum and electric guitar. She really is talented. I look forward to hear more of her music!
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1st Mini Album: With Love, J [Import Disc]JESSICAThe Best, yet!
With a western like bouncy beat and subtle synths, With Love, J begins with title track Fly. The drums really play a role during the chorus, giving it a bit of an indie inspired sound while keeping the main beat pop dance. The slight piano also adds giving it a classic sound rounding it all out. There is also a rap part, which goes along with the song and the overall meaning of it. Big Mini World starts with a strong heavy bass beat and rhythm clapping. Jessica's soft voice enters along with a piano giving it a faux ballad like sound. Once it hits the pre-chorus, that's when the pop comes in giving it a pop ballad sound and then when it goes to the chorus it goes on full pop while keeping the bass it's main rhythm. The chorus part is where it is more addictive and makes a good inspiration type of song. It also gives me a bit of 90s vibe with the beat and melody. Jessica also focuses on her lower register during the verses, which is a nice break from hearing her more higher pitch. Starting with a piano and some synths, Falling Crazy In Love goes toward the pop ballad, giving Jessica a more powerful like sound. The drums, guitar and some slight dance effects come in during the chorus, giving it a 90s power ballad like sound which fits her voice very nicely. Jessica adds her infamous ad libs which makes the song more rounded out as it closes off with a nice wind chime effect. Love Me the Same is slow but upbeat ballad song. It definitely suits Jessica well as she was able to portray her emotions and lets one drown in the sweetness of her voice. Golden Sky is exactly what I mean when I talk about ballads being done right. It is simple and elegant. A song to lose yourself in. Dear Diary is a sweetly sung, fluffy piece with a bit of a smooth jazz influence that is perfect to relax to. Jessica portrays a lot of emotions when she sings especially with this album because she put so much hard work into it, that it shows.
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Go For It !! [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]Kana NishinoGO FOR IT!!
GO FOR IT!! is a nice upbeat cheer song portraying the feelings of girls trying to confess their love. The lyrics is quite good and relatable. In here, Kana's vocals are powerful. There are changes in beat and tempo but her vocals still blends. TALK TO ME is a relatively nice accompaniment to the lead track as it balances the overall feel of the single. SUMMER TIME is a second favorite of mine next to Summer Girls when it comes to summer anthem. The beat is party-like that it truly makes you wanna dance. It's a perfect summer song!
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We Don't Stop [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]Kana NishinoRockin' Kanayan
I've been a fan of Kana Nishino since her glowly days single era but this is my first time actually buying a single of hers and this single is just perfect! She has an angelic voice but singing the title track rocks! It can make you sing. It can make you dance. She definitely is a versatile singer. I also love the song 25 and especially the RnB song HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Overall, the single is PERFECT!
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Darling [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]Kana NishinoEntry into Country Music genre
Darling is a cute and friendly song, with a small side close to country music and I was really surprised to enjoy it as much. I think the highlight of the song really lies in the instrumental that is really cute, sweet and nice. Love & Joy is a song pretty well built for the summer. It is dynamic and fun. It helps listeners to get into the summer spirit. Still Love You is a usual classic ballad of hers. It may be her usual ballad formula but it can still get you the feels. Overall, Darling is a strong contender on its own from her past singles and genre.
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Suki [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]Kana NishinoLOVE titled
Suki surprised me, for a mid-tempo ballad she managed to be effective and enjoyable to listen to. The b-sides are much more dynamic even though Kana Nishino has done better: Never Know has a small-side light and dancing although it quickly becomes repetitive, especially in its melody which is rather flat during choruses. I Say No continues this momentum while being more effective and interesting than the other. I can still say that this is a good single. 2014 being a favorable year for her.
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with LOVE [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]Kana NishinoA natural blend
Certainly one cannot avoid the typical songs in JPop like Kana Nishino in her Koisuru kimochi but even with a song standard, there is something pleasant in the melody and the interpretation of the singer that made the song click quickly. Gomen ne was also a nice surprise, continuing on the acoustic/country genre that Darling brought with softness. There are also dynamic tracks like Tough Girl and Abracadabra which I both like, having their own style. What really made me appreciate with LOVE is its cohesive homogeneity. The album follows a melodic theme that evolves, changes a few times without being spotty and it is really its strong point. It is full of surprises that delivers playful melodies and singles all made for the album.
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Moshimo Unmei no hito ga iru no nara [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]Kana NishinoContinuing the Country-like genre
Moshimo Unmei no Hito ga Iru no Nara takes back a recipe that has been very successful with Darling which incorporate a little country music into the melodies. Darling had surpassed the 400,000 downloads on iTunes Japan, so it is not surprising to see that Kana Nishino's team wants to re-enact the success. It is a success because the song manages to keep the side very Kanayan-like while having a refrain of the most enthralling and pleasant. It is dynamic and very well sung even though on the end, the song tends to be very repetitive. The song Lucky returns to Kana Nishino's previous style which is RnB. Shut Up's style is in a way aggressive. Although the voice of the singer and her interpretation is not really able to make the feel of the aggressiveness of the words. Overall, Moshimo Unmei no Hito ga Iru no Nara is a convincing single, quite typical and surfing on a recipe that has proved successful. It is for the moment effective.