Review by Reedo

This is a great start to listening to JPop or JRock if you're not from Japan. Many US people will find this music first through Anime. If that's you, also look for the music of "Full Metal Alchemist". "Dearest" is probably the stand-out track on this album (IMHO). But Fukai Mori, My Will, Shinjitsu No Uta, and all the others are really good too. If you like this stuff, and want to hear the greatest female vocalist in Japan, be sure to lookup Rie Fu. YouTube has plenty of videos and you can get her later albums here (her original work seems impossible to find). Other bands to check out include "Asian Kung Fu Generation", "L'Arc~en~Ciel", and "Maximum the Hormone" (don't let that last one fool you - it can get pretty heavy, but what a blend of sounds - pure genius in composition!).

Ok, if you've never heard her, then just buy the album. If you don't particularly like modern pop/dance (I can't listen to US pop), then just play the album from track 9 on (pick up 3 and 5 too though!). LOL If you have heard her before, then this album may divert a little from the "classic" Rie Fu sound - but let the girl experiment! Who knows what more she can be or do...! The "Strings" version of "Romantic" is wonderful; even the pop version is well composed with smooth yet powerful bass. And if you can catch video of live "Present" on piano, well, that can wet the eyes! Other stand-outs are "Money Will Love You" (be sure you get the English version as the lyrics are marvelous poetry), Track 10, Track 5, and "Hey I'm calling up!" - but honestly, as the previous reviewer said, the whole album will just grow on you until you love them all!!! Truly, this much talent rarely lands all in one place. Be it with the piano, guitar, or vocal chords, Rie Fu makes the most beautiful music you'll ever want to hear. Rie Fu = Can't Go Wrong Do yourself a big favor and become a fan!