Review by Simon

I slightly disagree with "Will". I think hearing her versions of Morning Musume songs is a benefit to this CD. Natsumi has a sweet, soft voice that has improved over time. Her voice wouldn't seem suited to a more up-tempo song but I enjoyed those more because of the contrast. I would not say that this CD is for fans of Morning Musume - I can't 'get into' their music - but it is still a good lite-pop (?) selection. I recommend it.

I have both of Nacchi's first two solo CDs and I have enjoyed them. I might give this one a slight edge over her first effort but it's close. I can listen to them both repeatedly. As with her other CD, I enjoy the contrast of her soft voice with a more up-tempo song. (But what's with the rapid fire dialog that comprises track 12?) If you like either of her CDs, you'll like the other.

I didn't like the single "I Got a Boy" when I first heard it - it seemed to be too many styles smashed together. But after repeated listens I decided that for me that was it's appeal. It keeps the song shifting direction throughout. I understand very little Korean so for me whether I like a CD or not has to be based on the music and quality of the vocal arrangements. This is one of my favorite collections. There is still the problem of some of their songs sounding 'girly' but these songs have a more mature sound to them for the most part. (And they can't cut themselves off from any part of their fan base.) I don't know why they just didn't release "Dancing Queen" as "Mercy" though. I think Girls' Generation fans can keep supporting them by showing love for this CD.

My review title may give an indication of my general feelings for Girls' Generation and I plead 'Guilty'. I would be thrilled to be able to see them live and experience their fans' excitement. The songs "Stay Girls", "T.O.P", and "Not Alone" are certainly in my top 10 of their songs. I really enjoy the energy of "T.O.P". I understand very little Korean so it could very well have the worst lyrics ever written but I listen for the music and vocals. I never cared for "Paparazzi" but for some reason it just works in this collection for me. I don't know that I would give this CD to someone to turn them on to K-Pop but Girls' Generation fans should buy it.

When I first saw this CD on-line I was very excited because I thought it was a 'mash-up'. (My definition is a central, repeating melodic theme carried through with different songs layered on top of it.) It's really more of a medley - one song fades into the next or there's an abrupt change to the next song. Other posters have said you could achieve the same result yourself with a decent audio editor if you already own all the songs. While this is true to some extent this is REALLY well done. You can listen to it as one continous 60 minute mix but it is divided into 21 different tracks so you can repeat or jump around. I'm glad I bought it.