Thank goodness, as I've probably said 6 years ago, that this doesn't cross to
the next month because I'll... be... talking about Nan-chan's single then NO I
HAVEN'T PRE-ORDERED YET Klassic Note rule is unless we heard a preview for all
the songs I'll see if there is any on TrySail's radio for this week later
haha
Welcome back. If you have arrived from the one "August Otaku Package" (aka
AOP) (it's an idol group's name btw I gave two songs already) from the
previous post which I didn't put this on so tagging will be fun lol, we talk
about music now. Surprisingly, everything here is idol stuff. Sorry,
mainstream. You guys didn't release great singles to put on my shelf haha
Shall we start then?
...
Uh oh I have to determine an order for this, huh. Heck, whatever I pulled out
of the box first- I'm joking Inorin first HAHAHA because it's been some time
since I gave a three-track single too
音楽 The Klassic Note Review
Minase Inori - Kokoro Somari [Single]
(Close-ups are great, especially when it's Inorin, I promise you. Very
deceptive cover too; more on that later)
Origin: Minase Inori-chan, I have done it. On your 8th single. So, about her.
You might have known of voice actress Minase Inori, for she is famous of her
roles in Anime, but also, of her powerful singing voice since she started in
2015, but it was not until 2016 and her 2nd single that I heard of her power
in songs from record label (now) KING AMUSEMENT CREATIVE, and along with any
song that was given to her, her powerful voice still shines through the
horizon, making her one of many power singers in the Anime music industry. Of
her share of powerful songs and cute songs because she is, she also sings a
good portion of motivational and emotional songs, and with her single in 2020
and her second time writing lyrics (her first composition and lyrics were on
her 3rd album), she shows us how well she can present herself in music in many
ways than other, even without writing lyrics. Let's see if this can represent
her as a music artist, or even more.
(1) Kokoro Somari [Coloring Hearts]
From first chorus:
"With the warmth on (our) overlapping hands, (I'll) give you love anytime
Overflowing thoughts (that I have), (I'll) continue to convey (those
thoughts) to you"
Okay, topic song and my first impression of this single. How can I describe
this... I've not listened to good emotional songs for a while, and I think
the whole package in this song makes it so good, I'm agreeing with the many
people out there who might have been more impressed by the music video (not
starring her, sadly), but honestly, this melody is as soft as it is of
impact. Pair it with dear Inorin's lyrics which say about love and being
together, it sure colours the hearts of her listeners, for it is sure to
touch the hearts of many. For being an Anime theme song, this might be way
too good and different from usual theme songs which ask for impact, but this
one tells a totally different story. A story, even I would be touched
singing into the last chorus. If you want a song with lyrics of impact, you
need not look any further.
Rating: 4 stars (Heart-Touching Above Average)
(2) Bokura wa Ima [We Are Now]
From last chorus:
"Every single one (of us) are not alone, every single one (of us) is not
determined as (we were) born
Tonight on this place, to the future (we) will create (a) legend that will
pass down"
As the B-side which changed my mind, this is not only just a long melody
probably the longest she has ever sung, but also it has a different background
which will explain why it took this long for me to review this. Firstly, this
was coincidentally or not, used as the theme song for her live tour after her
3rd album from last year, and of course, due to unforeseen circumstances, all
of them had to be cancelled, sadly, but she held an online event to celebrate
how far they have come, and give a proper conclusion to this... tragedy. By
singing to be together in the present, the lyrics remind us about not being
alone, that we can go through this together, for the future and beyond, and
preserving till the end. If this doesn't make you like this song which might
have lesser impact in the beginning, nothing will. Not even the subpar English
used in the end as an emblem. Add on the usual Rock style in melody often used
on this artist, it is enough to make me like the song as long as I have the
mood. And you know, I happen to have it, which is why we are here now.
Rating: 4 stars (Motivational Average)
(3) Well Wishing Word
From first verse:
""(We'll) be together forever" (you) say
(I) won't promise, (I) can't promise; Miracles aren't forever (either)
"(I'll) be sure to meet (you)" (you) say
(It's) my intuition, (acting up) for some reason, so how about (I choose)
you instead?"
Cute song alert! Cute song alert!! This is my first impression of this song.
And I tell you, I can use more of these songs because they don't come often.
So it already wins in style points, literally, because they made Inorin sing a
cute song. Kawaii style: checked. Then, the lyrics. One would argue all one
would hear is "bye bye" in its contradictory lyrics which talk about being
together but not really because of the times to be apart, it's kind of an
awkward situation in love one would rather not get into, but in a positive
sense. This is what I felt from it, and it might to you if you understand
where this is getting from. Ignoring that, the melody is great even with the
off-beat bridge part of the song which I tend to criticise, but overall it's a
lovely song. The next time you hear the intro again, tell me if you will make
an impression of this or not. That's how much it has gotten into me already,
to be honest.
Rating: 4 stars (Lovingly Above Average)
Conclusion: This particular release was not expected mainly because of lack of
mood to give one song, but now that I have given it I think this truly
represents what music artist Minase Inori is today. From emotional, to cute,
to happy and inspirational... she has everything covered. And with such a
versatile yet powerful voice, it's hard to not give her a listen. As an Anime
fan, as a music listener... she presents herself so well in music, you will
give her any number of chances to impress.
- Kaineng, on the Klassic Note
(I SWEAR CORONA if you weren't here I could've at least seen the DVD live
footage of her singing this song by now ugh I hate viruses lol)
ALSO!!
(Haha I used to do stupid stuff like this huh as I realised going through my
archives)
音楽 The Klassic Note Review
Earphones - churata churaha [Single]
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Radio Edition
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Live Shinjigen no Mirai Dorobou* Edition
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(Okay, I know it's Radio Version, so hear me out below. The covers though...)
Origin: We have come full circle, girls. Cue to their recent anniversary in
June, celebrating five years of this unique voice actress group together. They
had humble beginnings, stemmed out from Anime "Sora ga Seiyuu!", and as newbie
actresses, took their first step into the music industry. Style-wise, they are
one of the few who would go for a sensual experience instead of just releasing
new songs, making them very unique in perspective in the growing industry of
idols. Personally, I've heard of the three of them - namely from covers left
to right: Takahashi Rie, Kouno Marika, Nagaku Yuki - since the beginning from
the Anime, and of course more importantly, from their Limited Edition debut
single which totally does not define them after their first album in the same
year, then took over in singing songs in a variety of styles instead of
following the Anison norm. Calling on their 3rd album here, they continue to
amaze with music, maybe just words and chatter, but emphasis on what is close
to the ear: earphones are recommended for best experience. With this one
representing their music well, I think we can talk about it to our heart's
content.
(1) churata churaha
From first chorus:
"Jumping into (my) dream world
(I) want you to be in happiness
But somehow staying around and rolling like (a) fool, (I) wonder why?"
As you can hear from the beginning till the end, besides the obvious
never-ending vocals, it also presents a very rare style heard even in the
Anime music industry: smooth jazz. Truly unique though, and coming from
production of yet another derived band of producers, have I must say, come
up with a masterpiece ever since I heard of it in 2019. Just purely for
the melody and music, it's already enough to catch your attention. Of
course, being Earphones, the focus on their marketing is actually, on the
words used in their singing, or sometimes, speech. Such as kisses and
whispers which are ASMR-like, it presents a different experience on a
whole new level, literally. Overall, there's not a moment to relax on this
lovely song, it's loads of awesome, and I can't compliment much. If you
are okay with the occasional lack of singing, this is a wonderful melody,
to say the least. The lyrics talk to space, as per credit to the Anime
movie starring the three of them as the theme song.
Rating: 4 stars (Above Atmosphere Average)
(2) Wagamama na Allegory [(The) Selfish Allegory]
From second chorus:
"Walking hastily (along)
(The) scenery (is) going to go away
Slowly (our) bodies move by instinct in (this) parade, connecting while
(marching) along"
Ah, this of course, was the deal breaker. And surprisingly, listening to
this from the single I know why I liked the remaster from the album a year
later already. Firstly, remember the producers of this single? Yes, they
wrote this too, and interestingly, I did not take interest in it until I
heard of this... re-produced by the same people, in gospel style. Yes, there
is a much softer, quirkier version of this melody. Peeling off the shell
that is the parade theme as can be heard from this release, the album
version totally changed my mind of this song, and I came in to appreciate
the melody more as I listened to it more, and is of course, how I ended up
giving it. But yeah, initial impressions were way different, and I think it
is indeed a good lesson to many producers out there as to how it'll change
the song entirely if wrapped in a different package. The lyrics speak to
a... play on the usual marching theme, and if you didn't find it familiar
because it's meant as a credit for Christmas, you are not alone. But to be
frank? I really prefer the album version, but this isn't too bad.
Rating: 4 stars (Album-Better-Than-Single Average)
Conclusion: It ended up to be a good single, since in Klassic Note we give
melody, and with production changes, impressions change with time, and I'm
glad to have given this a second chance with a different mindset. Other than
that, Earphones is truly a piece of art in the saturated Anime music industry,
so take some time to hear them out if you can, whenever they are not singing
Anime theme songs, of course. Production made them so powerful, it challenges
the way we think about music even as an Anime fan. Even if you are not a
connoisseur, the first (topic) song should also leave an impression, if it
hasn't already, for me.
- Kaineng, on the Klassic Note
(*"LIVE New Generation's Future Robber Edition", as termed from their 3rd
anniversary Some Dreams Tour 2018)
THE PACKAGE
Let's talk about regrets surprises the
origin for this package first. Man, storytelling is tough haha
So, because I bought both of these with a certain magazine *wink*, and totally
missed the wave on a certain store (Gamers, by the way) by I think two days?
Yeah, those guys were quick. So I ended up with HMV Japan which, even in the
pandemic period, is prohibiting international shipping from its store which
usually offers them, but yes, to pad the order, I then thought of giving
Inorin's single with it to cover for local shipping because it's higher than
if I bought it two days ago haha sadded
Problem is, that because I didn't think twice like what I did after it shipped
off, is that I could've just went for
the official store
to get a chance of getting
a free bromide gift
which... I actually have with Earphones. Yeah, that single is one year old, by
the way. I thought I would try my luck on getting it from their official
store, and man, did I have a wide grin when I saw two items registered in the
forwarding service hehe it's Marinka too so even better haha okay Rieri would
be good too but it differs on store
BUT! I think the only consolation here for not buying it from the original
store for Inorin's single is that, with every purchase of her CDs you already
get a trading card in it. Yeah, so that's a relief. So, about her single
though...
I was surprised to, besides seeing this small freebie hehe, also how
differently the jacket (booklet) is done for this release. It might be the
most unique one I've seen so far, using translucent material for the cover
(and back too btw) and overlapping with white to show the "colouring" of the
background with of course, yours truly. This truly is a wonderful physical
release I can tell you despite the lack of bromide and inlet image DAMMIT now
I really regret this even more now *sob*
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So much for the live tour announcements, huh.
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For Earphones, eh.. it's a normal package, to be frank. Again, if you don't
think their style is already unique while of course, trying to fit in with
that airline Anime they were starred on last year, you have not seen enough of
life haha. But really, if you saw the making video of this you'll understand
how hard it is to do a photo shoot with the three of them technically glued
together in one outfit lol I want in too Nagaku Yuki go away haha
That's it for tonight *yawn* I need coffee or sleep whichever hits me first
haha okay maybe not coffee lol. Oh, and if you see some stuff missing or
incomplete it's because I'm rushing to publish on time for today only; I'll
touch up on the rest of the stuff when I have the time over this weekend if
I'm not going to be too busy working or just watching after that work part
settles down and then me having to go to work on Monday super early to act as
support just in case anything happens. *sigh* I'm so glad for this now, as
tired as I am now. Okay, cya guys next time then, and hopefully by the time I
wake up I'll spend the time do up this post. For them. That's Klassic Note for
you, man. Okay have a good night because I know... I... will... *lands on bed*
P.S. (Dream talk but) A capella Earphones before bed is saikou!!... (*Not in
this reviewed single btw, from the album this year)
