Review by Timothy

Disclaimer: I first heard of Tokimeki Idol altogether via DanceDanceRevolution A3 Arcade. As always, I will review this CD Maxi, based on three things: packaging/presentation, musical content, and long-term enjoyability. Presentation: 5/5 This CD Maxi already presents all 15 members of the Tokimeki Idol project, as seen featured in the actual Tokimeki Idol mobile game. The materials used are top-notch and of high quality. Musical Content: 5/5 The listed songs are playable as full-version master tracks, while the game versions included are game-accurate. The bonus tracks listed feature solo renditions of specific songs within this CD MAXI from individual members of the Tokimeki Idol project. Overall: 5/5 I enjoy this debut single by the Tokimeki Idol project and would love to see them become active in 2023 and beyond. PS: Konami, please include all Tokimeki Idol project songs in DanceDanceRevolution for DDR25!

I originally bought "Accentier" under the premise it's the intro theme song for Digimon World -next 0rder-, and the title track more than delivered. Packaging: 5/5 The CD came in a special Digimon-themed cover art, featuring the game's main selectable characters and initial Digimon partners. Music: 5/5 "Accentier" more than delivered to its original premise as the game's intro, as it also played during in-game boss fights, appealing to the song's true merit as a fight song. "Close Friend" detailed about reminiscing a new-formed friendship, which the title conveyed. "Haru ~spring~", originally sung by Hysteric Blue, served as a cover version, which Eir performed and made it as her own rendition. Overall, this was a standout track by Eir, as I was and still am thankful this track is my introduction to her.

Presentation: 5/5 The front packaging cover catches the attention, as the material used for the front packaging cover is top-notch. Yuko Oshima, Mariko Shinoda, and Atsuko Maeda did a great job as the cover members for the Type A package. Music: 5/5 Heavy Rotation, the title track, delivers energetic rock-based beats. The song conveys the emotion of being wanted, as the song lyrics imply. "Namida no See-Saw Game" harkens back to the halcyon days of American Motown, from the presentation to the beats and the Under Girls, singing in a Wonder Girls-type of style. "Yasai Sisters" is a lighthearted song made for product placement for a Japanese vegetable juice brand. The trombone usage makes the song a bit musically whimsical. Overall, Heavy Rotation is an amazing introduction to AKB48.

I have been listening to this CD since its release last year, and I have to say, this album demonstrates Ayumi Miyazaki's various talents within the Japanese music industry as a singer, songwriter, and composer. While the Digimon franchise is first big break in Japan, he has since evolved (pun intended) beyond just an Anisong artist and this album demonstrates such evolution. Individual songs will evaluate the entire album's musical content. I will refer to individual tracks by their numerical order, due to letter/character constraint. #1's opening hook, beats, and lyrics perfectly convey its intended purpose, as demonstrated on Digimon Frontier. #2's opening gives the sense of anticipation, lyrics, and rhythm invoke the feeling "it will test you". #3 overrides all your emotions, once the opening guitar riffs play. This song invokes on you to take action for change for the better. #4 is an upbeat, rocking rally cry. #5 evokes feelings of regret, sense of loss, and the wish to turn back time. The lyrics are rather painful to listen to. #6 is like listening to "All By Myself", which evokes emotions of fear, the regrets of self-imposed solitude, alongside other relevant emotions. #7's riffs are fun to listen to, while the build-up to the chorus is easy to follow. #8 starts out calm, but ends up energetic for the remainder of the song. #9: a great cover for the namesake's TV show opening theme. #10: also an enjoyable cover. #11: faster paced than the original. #12: a faster and more intense cover, in contrast to the original version. In addition, the American country music style this cover embraces makes this song stand out as its own. #13: evokes memories of Dancemania non-stop mixes. Enjoyable as a dance medley. Overall, I justify giving this album five stars, due to how much I've enjoyed and still enjoy this album, even after this review.