Hey hey it's about time. Welcome back to another round of song appreciation and
excitement. This time... it's all female. I know. I need to get (records of)
some guys (alone) to sing good songs soon. *laughs* Let's begin.
(I
know. Tables are becoming a BIG ISSUE now. Make do without it, yes? I'll see if
I can get it going...)
(Edit: Looks like I can below. See?)
音楽 The Klassic Note Review
Toyosaki Aki - Uh-LaLa [Single]
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Limited Edition |
Regular Edition |
(Close-ups are always great, but for this time round I am neutral. Both are
great for a summer feel.)
Origin: As our dear Aki-neechan (as I like to
call her already) reaches her 30s, she still is as cute as ever. Man, she can
represent my impression of Japan already. Anyways, we all know I come a long way
ever since her debut in 2010, and now she comes back with a summer song, a first
in her singing career. It isn't bad after you take a listen, and especially if
you couple it a cool drink, some shelter under the hot sun, and a radio to play
the songs (on a CD, preferably), you'll feel the mood too. (That's what I've
been doing when I got the stuff)
(1) Uh-LaLa
Whoever thought of
this title (I hope it's herself) must be rather desperate. It can mean many
things in many levels, if you're as imaginative as me. Nonetheless, it's Tsuji
Ayano writing the whole song this time round, and I must say it's not the first
time I've heard her, and her writing for Aki-chan too. Her last impression (if
you listen to her songs) should be "music", back in 2012, which fares somewhat
the same when listening to this song too. Just that the song now is different in
mood, and with plenty more English lyrics which we know that Aki-chan can't
really sing in. Well this is not much of an issue anyway, not after you see that
music video of her literally being like what Anime "K-ON!" Hirasawa Yui does on
a summer day. Really. (whisper) It's awesome...!!!
Rating: 4 stars
(Average, excluding fanservice)
(2) Hoozuki [Ground Cherry]
If
you don't know what plant it is even after looking at the translation, don't
worry because you're not alone. Ignoring that, this song has its special feel,
for there is only one person behind all three roles (if you understand what I
mean) for this very localised song. Nonetheless, it does bring a relaxed summer
feel to complement the first song, and besides the instrumental parts and the
extended ending (the whole song is five minutes long, mind you), this song is
actually pretty well done. The melody is rather nostalgic, and relaxed are its
lyrics as it tries to represent the season.
Rating: 4 stars (Below
Average)
Conslusion: Overall not such a great single, comparing to
her single last year of the same time frame, where she literally sings me a love
song. However, this is another reason, that the fact it's a summer song, that
the fact it's written by Tsuji Ayano (the A-side, the first song), this gives
much reason for me, as a fan of her, to give her chance once again. Of course I
know this isn't the worst impression of her singles, so this would fare as
pretty good in my opinion. If you're not a fan of her, then I guess this is not
for you. I can't possibly cut out the best parts of this single and let you
listen to spoil your impression when you hear the full thing afterwards.
Anyways, a good listen for Aki-chan yet again, but definitely not her beat.
ALSO!
音楽 The Klassic Note Review
miwa - Kibou no WA/Gessoku ~winter moon~ [Single]
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Limited Edition |
Regular Edition |
(Yes close-ups are better. *sob* But then I think the version I had is very
beautiful too. More below.)
Origin: After just one year, miwa-san
brings us another double A-side single (as what it's called) (and if you don't
know her by now it's not my problem), though this one I say is from last year.
By now she has completed her tour final for her latest album "ONENESS" released
just a few months ago, in which is also one of the reasons why I got this
release now instead of like, eight months ago. Back then I didn't have the mood
to give both songs, so I only gave the first one, and no more within the album.
Only when I reached recently after watching the performance did I decide to give
her due credit, and here it is.
(1) Kibou no WA [Ring of Hope]
This
one is one of those songs that sounds great when everyone sings together. If you
would recall this would likely happen if it is credited to an organisation or a
cause, in this case it is a group of children under OECD known as "Kan WA", thus
the title of this song. And if you ever watched the music video, you wouldn't
stop yourself from listening to this song again. With such a song written for
its purpose of unison, no wonder I took it at first listen, without much
hesitation. The fine lyrics coupled with a simple melody will be sure to hook
anyone to join in this chorus.
Rating: 4 stars (Above Average)
(2)
Gesshoku ~winter moon~ [Lunar Eclipse ~winter moon~]
This song, in initial
impression, wasn't outstanding. Probably I'm deterred because I don't have the
mood for it, maybe it's because I don't accept the song, but this song as its
special meaning in love. Furthermore if you understand the lyrics it's quite a
lot about family, which is why there is much love in this song. And I guess this
fundamentally mounts up to how this song is sung, and her live performance wins
it all. Of course, if you ever get to listen to it.
Rating: 4 stars (Above Average, on second thought)
Conclusion: Now
that I gave the other song on this release, then yes it's a listen. It's a very
good listen, and an encouraging one if you intend to cheer people up with a
couple of song from a wonderful voice rising from probably the best
singer-songwriter in Japan. Man, this may be too exaggerating, but if you
listened to her you'll agree. And with many of her singles this one is pretty
good in itself. It is encouraging, filled with love, and has some sentiments
with us, and that is what happened with me. I am touched, and I believe you guys
would too.
(Honestly, I myself did not expect to get this single too. Even
though I'm thinking about it. Reminds me of Aso Natsuko, if you recall.)
-Kaineng,
on Klassic Note
THE PACKAGE
Of course, it's been some time since
I waited for miwa, but then Aki-chan has already been decided like a couple of
weeks ago, leaving me with little pre-order gifts to choose from. Thankfully, I
still managed to get it, though I would want something else. Like, a better
photo. Damn. I need to be their photographer someday. Just joking.
miwa's is from CDJapan because I want to clear my birthday points (hell yeah for
her birthday too), and Aki-chan's from HMV Japan, so delivery transfers are
minimal for me. The photo (or bromide as they call it) gift is not under a
plastic slip (oh yeah now that I think about it the previous time I pre-ordered
with a gift it's a poster not this), and I found out that the single is rotated
90 degrees. Very interesting indeed.
What's more interesting is when I opened up miwa's single. So, so great that I
can't even bear to scan it and keep it for myself. And I thought I won't get
more surprises today. I was wrong. *laughs*
Well, I guess that's all. Considering that the latest review I had
today may have its chance of getting on my shelf, we may not be far away from
another review. Until now, these are my most satisfied releases for now.
Especially miwa, that is why if you came from Twitter you'll know I emphasised
on her, not on Aki-chan this time round. Cya guys soon then, and until next
time... I can never bring myself to say things like "enjoy these releases", but
I can say for myself "enjoy the releases that is Klassic Note". Bye.