[Mini-Album] Mika Nakashima – Oborodzukiyo~Inori (Limited)

Oborodzukiyo ~Inori is Mika Nakashima's 2nd mini-album which released at September 15, 2004 and limited to only 111,000 copies. The title track later appears on her MUSIC album. Oborodzukiyo~Inori translated to 'A Misty, Moon-lit Night ~Prayer'. This mini-album reached #3 on Oricon charts, selling 93,000 copies in its first week. The title track was used as the Sokenbicha CM song, and was recorded with Japanese violinist Hakase Taro.

Oborodzukiyo~Inori is an amazingly beautiful song. Nakashima converted a folk song into a very beautiful piece of music. Actually, I didn't like Nakashima's vocal. But, I was completely wrong. Her vocal sounded really gorgeous here. Talking about the music, oh my god, it's so damn beautiful. Koto, percussion, acoustic guitar, some electronic effect and the strings mixed in a genius harmony. It's the best ethnical song I've ever heard. This song is even better than my old favorite Shinjitsu no Uta. The overall presentation is just stunning. The violin solo is also the best I can hear from Japanese music.

After the stunning title track, I was shocked when I hear the sitar intro of Sara. I didn't expect a middle-eastern influenced track here. Every piece of instruments was set to fit the middle-east theme, even the strings. I really enjoy the music. The strings were so playful, like her song Love No Cry from the LOVE album. In the song, there were some silences put which make the song a pure musical amusement.

Nakashima just keep on experimenting. Tsuki no Sabaku, AFAIK, is her first blues song. The song is in a mellow tune. The overall song was just vibrant and fitted Nakashima's vocal perfectly. The strings and saxophone added a misty, sand atmosphere. I love the improvisation made by the saxophone. Although this song runs about 40 seconds longer than Oborodzukiyo~Inori, the overall atmosphere presented was just kept me listening to this song.

Yuki no Hana (silent version) continued the mellow vibe from the previous track. This is probably Nakashima's most-known song. Accompanied only by a piano and a violin, the raw emotion from Nakashima really shines here. Her vibrato may be off-tone sometimes. But, it couldn't hide a fact that this song is even better than the original one. It was just more sad, depressing, yet hopeful.

We're near the end of the mini-album, but Oborodzukiyo~Inori (acoustic mix) still gives us the goodness of Japanese folk song. The acoustics, koto and violin has even more spotlight here (also Nakashima's vocal, of course). In a good note, the emotion in the verses was clearly visible. But, I was somewhat disappointed because they removed that gorgeous violin solo by Hakase Taro in this version. There was still a big dynamical difference between the second verse and the last chorus. Still, it was an excellent addition to this so-far amazing mini-album.

Not over, an electronic jazz remix of the second track namely Sara (Jazztronik mix) showed up. At first, this remix may be pretty annoying because its constant beat. Next part of the remix may be pretty nice. But, it becomes even more annoying when the vocal being 'chopped' and scattered EVERYWHERE. Luckily, the remix still kept the strings part at the bridge. This remix sadly made my overall perception on this mini-album decreased, but not slightly.

And YES! Nakashima included the instrumental of Oborodzukiyo~Inori here. It's very essential for me to sing with.

Conclusion: By far, this is the best mini-album I ever know. Nakashima put her best effort in this musically colorful mini-album. This mini-album instantly converted me to be her fan. Nakashima, I demand another fantastic mini-album like this to be sold UNLIMITED, because the price of this mini-album is in unreasonable nowadays for a poor student like me XC.

Mini-album grade: 100/A++

[Single] Tomiko Van – Tokyo Biyori

Tokyo Biyori is Tomiko Van's fourth single. It was released on June 18, 2008, and sold 5,219 copies. This single didn't have any tie-ins and Van's first single in 2 years since Yumeji.

Tokyo Biyori is a calm acoustic song. But, I have to say that this song is too easy-listening for her standard. The strings were too bland. They didn't fit the song well. I love the guitar works. But, they didn't solve the problem. This is a step down from her previous singles. But don't worry; her vocal is flawless as usual.

First Van's composition, message., appears as the first B-side. This is what a calm acoustic song should be for Van. The acoustics and a bit of pop were just really lovely. This song is better than its a-side. It reminds me of Do As Infinity's B-side materials just with a less rock. Really excellent job, Van!

Ah, a cover song again? Hum a Tune is an inconsistent rock song. At first I find this song promising. Van's vocal become more masculine than usual. But then, this song was just hell too long with many repetitions. Although the bass solo is awesome. Though, it's pretty nice. Oh, and we have a very good opportunity to hear Van's falsetto. It's fabulous XP.

Single Rating 83/B-

[Single] Ayaka X Kobukuro – Anata to

 

This is Ayaka and Kobukuro's second collaborative single. This single only contain a single song. It's used for Nissan CUBE commercial. I can't give the sales data since the wiki.theppn.org can't be accessed anymore XC.

Anata to is a gorgeously wonderful jazzy ballad. Aaah… 3 months has passed since this single released and this song even still exists in my regular listen-to and sing-to list. Crisp acoustic guitar and piano melt perfectly with the sweeping strings, tender saxophone and lovely percussion. More importantly, their vocals are just… perfect. Both of the singers, who actually excel in this genre, can pull out their true talent here, making this song sounded dramatic and dynamic. However, for the arrangement, I can really hear the kobukuro flair in everywhere. But, it's not a bad thing. Because this time I don't hear any overly-dramatized musical part that usually infect Kobukuro's ballads. Not only that, I also love the line "anata to, egaku mirai" which means (if I'm not mistaken) "with you, paint the future…" The PV is also in a lovely side.

Song Rating: 98/A+

To conclude, this song has my award as the ballad of the year and the PV of the year. Because, … I think you're already know that I have reviewed this song twice. But, you also have to know that this single only contain a song with its instrumental. But, despite of the excellent quality that this song has, it still not a good deal since you'll eventually (hopefully) get the song as a bonus track in one of their album.

Single Rating: 87/B+

Finally, a review after 2 months of inactivity due to the damned quarantine (oops..)

[Single] Tomiko Van - Yumeji

Yumeji is Tomiko Van's third single. It was released at November 29, 2006. It peaked on #14 at Oricon Weekly Chart by selling 9,646 copies of single in total.

Finally, Tomiko delights us with a ballad, Yumeji. I really love her vocal here. It's really beautiful. In contrast, i have to express a great dislike to the strings in the chorus. To be honest, it's very rare to me to dislike string arrangement in a song, like in the choruses of this song. It didn't match Tomiko's vocal at all. Actually, my perception of this song will change greatly if the arranger split the arrangement between violin and the other ones.
Arrangement: B | Music: B | Vocal: A++

Yeah, now she presents us groovy song (again), labyrinth. Uniquely, this song is a fusion between jazz and rock. I really enjoy this song. Tomiko's vocal is really cool to hear. Recommended for someone who love groovy jazz song!
Arrangement: A | Music: A+ | Vocal: A

Favourite track: labyrinth (B-side hattrick! XP)
Conclusion:
Yumeji, actually, is also a cool single. Yumeji is her best ballad up-to-date (vocally XP). Futhermore, it's also because the B-side has affected here. I really hope that she will include ALL of her B-sides to her upcoming album this December.

Overall, i give the score [92/A-] for this single.

[Single] Tomiko Van - Senkou

This is Tomiko Van's second single, which was released at September 27, 2006. It peaked at #14 on the Oricon Weekly Chart by selling 13,860 copies of single in total. The A-side song was used as the commercial song for the ringtone service site mu-mo, and for music.jp TV-CF.

Senkou, clearly, is a rock song. Unlike her previous one, this song has a better sound. This song has more DAI flair. I simply love the keyboard which balances the heavy rock in the chorus, bridge and outtro. Her vocal is also better than she usually did in Do As Infinity, less harsh and strain in the higher notes.
Arrangement: A- | Music: A- | Vocal: A

We move to groovy Mosaic now. This song use same instruments like in the previous track did. But, it's more relaxing and like i said, groovy. Tomiko's vocal is also at the relaxing side. Personally, i enjoy this song more than its A-side.
Arrangement: A | Music: A | Vocal: A+

Favourite track: Mosaic
Conclusion:
Musically, this single may have a quality step down compared to Tomiko's past work in Do As Infinity. But, i can't hide a fact that this is an awesome single. I'll probably buy her upcoming album, Van, this December. I really have to wait!

Overally, the score for this single is [94/A]

Song of The Month: September

This is a manifestation of my laziness on reviewing a full album XP. However, for this month i have 2 awesome songs which instantly be the most listened song on my Sony Ericsson M600i (that old phone). I may only have short descriptions on the songs. I promise i'll post the full review on them, someday X3.



Title   : Zero no Chouritsu
Artist : Tsukiko Amano
Single : Zero no Chouritsu

YES! Amano did it again. I know, her Fatal Frame songs used to be very dramatic. But this time, we get such a rushing journey. This song is very edgy. Almost all part were sharply transitioned. Talking about dramatic, this song may be less dramatic. Yet, I really enjoy the coolness (scariness) of this track. Personally, I think this song is one of her best in her amazing discography. 'Just call my name.... Just call my name.....'




Title   : Anata to
Artist : Ayaka x Kobukuro
Single : Anata to

This is Ayaka's second collaborative single with Kobukuro. I really love both of their voices. Same as their specialities that made them famous, this song is a ballad. It's the best ballad ever released in this year, i really swear for that. The music has an excellent harmony. All you need is just to listen to the song. However, you can listen the sample (SAMPLE, once again) here.

Hectic Month Has Ended Successfully!

Sorry for my inactivity for weeks. However, i feel very happy now and i'll tell you why.

1. I won the silver medal on the National Science Olympiad! It means i could enter the university without nasty test that involves more than 20,000 students. But, it wasn't that which makes me this happy. Actually, the money prize did! The prize worth $450 for the silver medal -it worth my school salary for 450 days (it means i can't buy anything to eat/to drink). So, i can buy original singles and albums out there (if there is a sale X3)
2. My father said that he'll bought me a laptop because i've studied astronomy too much so that i need to study for my school grade -although i'll use that to play with XD.
3. The exam week is going to end... I still have to deal with Bahasa Indonesia and Mandarin Exam, though.
4. The fasting month (Ramadan) holiday is going to start. It may be the peak of my inactivity on school thing, which means i can go on blogging as frequent as i can.

However, thanks for your patience and honesty. ^_^

1. 
   

[Single] YUI - Tomorrow's way

This is YUI's second major single. It peaked at #15 on the Oricon Weekly Chart by selling roughly 32,291 copies. This single charted for 10 weeks. The song was also featured as the ending theme in the Japanese movie Hinokio.

Tomorrow's way probably follows almost the same style with feel my soul, but just slower. It's better, because YUI's vocal weren't in that annoying style anymore. Though, people still thought that her voice is annoying. However, this one also has better arrangement and deeper lyrical meaning. YUI perfectly deliver the message to her listeners, including me. She has clear pronunciation, yet the lyrics isn't stated in a complicated way (Please note that she wrote the lyrics by herself). However, listening to this song makes me remember my childhood past. Not to mention, this song has awesome bridge. Thanks for the strings and the electric guitar.
Arrangement: A- | Music: A | Vocal: B

Last Train uniquely has an upbeat country feeling to it. Despite of YUI's mediocre vocal, acoustics and sythetic vibraphone really bring a life to this track. It's so nice to hear this upbeat number after listening to that depressing a-side (it's depressing for me).
Arrangement: A | Music: A | Vocal: B-

YUI's first acoustic version, feel my soul ~YUI Acoustic Version~, marks the start of acoustic version tradition for the second B-side of the single. I just can say that there's only the acoustic and YUI's vocal. In this version, her vocal is much better than the original one; it's just not ear-pearcing. Nice tradition starter, YUI!
Arrangement: A- | Music: A- | Vocal: B+

Favourite Song: Can't choose!
Conclusion:
Overall, i must say this is a good single. Because i've heard those songs so long time ago, i have to say that i've already bored. Still, i don't recommend this single who doesn't really like child-like high-pitched vocal of YUI.

Overall, I give this single the score [93/A-] for this single

[Single] Tomiko Van - Flower

Flower is Tomiko Van's debut single. The single peaked at #10 in Oricon Weeky Chart by selling 18,802 copies total. It was released at June 7, 2006. The a-side song "Flower" was used as the TBS Drama Oishii PROPOSAL theme song, and a piano version of the song was used for the sound track of the drama. The b-side "Brave" was used as the ending theme song for Playstation 2 game "Sengoku Basara 2".

Flower is quite reminecent to the songs that she sung as Do As Infinity's vocalist. This is an upbeat summer pop-rock song. This song starts in a real promising way, but when it comes to chorus, it's just break everything apart. The arrangement of chorus doesn't lift the pace of the song, even lowering the excellent verse. As a veteran in music industry, i don't have much to say about her unique vocal; it's as good as she usually did. Anyway, i'll only say this is a fairly good song.
Arrangement: B- | Music: B | Vocal: A-

Banchan really saves the best for last, Brave, is an amazing b-side. It still follow the same style with the previous track, but much, much better. It has an amazing arrangement. The piano, percussion, flute, guitar, with additional synthesized strings and pop touch were fused together to make this gem. This song has a breathtaking climax, especially when the bridge comes. For her vocal, it's just in a right song. This song really suit her vocal. Not to mention, she also wrote the lyrics of this song, like she did in under the moon. This is my favorite song in her solo career.
Arrangement: A+ | Music: A+ | Vocal: A

Favourite Song: Brave
Conclusion:
After that disbandment, Banchan comes back with this solid single (i mean the b-side, actually). As for Flower, she should be selective on choosing the song or the arranger. I really hope that she can release singles that has the quality of Brave, because that song kicked off her old works with DAI (not all, just partially). Very good job, Banchan!

Overall, i give the score [92/A-] for this debut single.

Behind the Lunar Eclipse

There are 4 of reasons why i choosed this title:

1. I love astronomy. There's no such that subject in my school, sadly.
2. Involved by the sun and the moon (remember the one and only DAI's double a-side single, yet one of my favorite single)

3. Moon (Tsuki) is one of my favorite song from the artist who have "moon" element in her name, Tsukiko Amano.

4. I was opening Tsukiko Amano's website, and then knew that her new single is going to be released on July 31, 2008. It's called "Zero no Chouritsu". The title track used for the game "Fatal Frame IV: Mask of The Lunar Eclipse" (In Japan, Zero 4: Tsukihami no Kamen"). Since all of her songs that used for Fatal Frame always amaze me, i have very HIGH expectation on this single.

[Single] Eri Nobuchika - Lights

This is Eri Nobuchika's debut single. It was released on December 8, 2004. It peaked on #73 in the Oricon Weekly Chart by selling approximately 7,172 copies. The title track was used as the theme song for the movie "Shinku" and for PSP game "Lumines".

Lights starts off with funeral-sounding piano chords. But when Eri's vocal comes, i started to take attention to this song. With addition of strings and percussion just before the chorus, i took more attention. Then, when the chorus come, i instantly AMAZED by this song and her voice. It's very powerful. Something very rare for ordinary J-Pop artist. Not over, complicated strings bridge which is very beautiful and sweeping instantly made me her fan. Words aren't enough to describe how beautiful this song is. LISTEN TO THIS !!!
Arrangement: A+ | Music: A+ | Vocal: A+

The b-side is a dance song with only one line sung "I hear the music in my soul" in a distorted style. It's so damn catchy. This song may sounds repetitive. Nonetheless, it's normal for a dance song. It makes me want to sing "...I..I.I.I I hear the music in my soul" ^^.
Arrangement: A | Music: A | Vocal: A

The acoustic version of Lights just prove how powerful and beautiful her vocal is. Gladly, there's no more that lifeless piano chord. The piano was replaced by the jazzy ones. But still, i prefer the original version.
Arrangement: A+ | Music: A+ | Vocal: A+

Favorite Song: Lights
Conclusion:
This is the best debut single i ever heard. It's just so sad that Eri didn't get what she deserves. So, this single is near perfect. EXTERMELY RECOMMENDED!

Overall, i give the score [98/A+] for this amazing debut single.

[Single] Kanon Wakeshima - still doll

This is Kanon Wakeshima's debut single. It was released on May 28, 2008. It peaked at #33 in Oricon Weekly Chart by selling 6,838 copies so far. The A-side was used as an ending theme song to the anime Vampire Knight. Also, this single was produced by Mana, as former guitarist from Visual-Kei band, Malice Mizer.

still doll is one of the scariest song that i've ever heard. Thanks for orgels and Kanon's cello for making this song so scary. While this song has unique and awesome music, however, vocals is the main problem in this song. She has a bad vocal technique which showed clearly at the chorus. However, that isn't a big problem for a dark-atmosphered song like this one did.
Arrangement: B+ | Music: A | Vocals: C

Techno-classical fusion song, Kuroi Torikago, yet again followed that scary atmosphere. This song even scarier than its a-side. Her cello has more spotlight in this song (but i want even MORE >.<). I absolutely love the music. But again... It's her vocal that spoil this song. Since this song is so short, it still bugs me when the song ends.
Arrangement: B+ | Music: A- | Vocals: C-

still doll (Orgel Version) is much like still doll's instrumental. It only uses orgel nonetheless. I'll surely put this song as an BGM when i have to make a short film for my language schooltask. Best of all, Kanon's vocal doesn't exist ^^.
Arrangement: A- | Music: A | Vocals: -

Favorite Song: still doll (Orgel Version)
Conclusion:
I just demand one thing from Kanon Wakeshima. She REALLY has to repair her vocal technique. I am a member of my school's choir. So, vocal has my biggest concern.

Overall, I give the score [79/C+] for this single.

Hectic weeks...

Ugh.. 

New academic year has just started in my senior highschool. Since i joined 3 extracurricular clubs, i had to prepare demos to 'poison' the first graders. So, maybe i'll be posting 2 singles and an album by the end of this week.

Plus, i'll be out to Makassar, South Celebes to attend National Science Olympiad in Astronomy on August 8-14. It doesn't include additional preparation a full week before. I really have to study hard @_@. By the next two weeks, i wont be very active. But I'll try my best to post at least 2 reviews a week.

Sorry for the inconveniencies ^^.

[Compilation Album] Do As Infinity – Do The A-Side

This is the one and only A-side compilation that Do As Infinity has. It was released September 29, 2005, prior to their official disbandment 6 year after their debut. It was released in two editions, a limited 2CD+DVD edition and a regular 2CD edition. The DVD contains all of the PV they have released.


This album started with acoustic sound of Tangerine Dream, Do As Infinity's debut single. The acoustic arrangement of this song is really beautiful. Tomiko Van's voice puts that dreamy emotion successfully. Not to mention, I find the addition electric guitar 'sparks' which played by Ryo Owatari really fits the song. Not too much, Not too little. This song gives dreamy and relaxing effect whenever i listen to this song. Nonetheless, excellent debut a-side.
Arrangement: A | Music: A | Vocal: A

Oasis, DAI's second single, is quite different than their first one. This song is more rock-oriented. The BGM of this song dominated by Ryo's rocking guitar riffs. He really shows his guitar skill in this song, especially at the bridge. He really knows how to use right effect on his electric guitar. I really appreciate that Tomiko sings in higher register in the choruses. But, I'm disturbed by her mediocre vocal showed at the intro. Since that problem solved by Nagao Dai's vocal backing at the choruses, this song has no other problem, even the minor one. I really like the vocal distortions at the bridge. It's just very cool.
Arrangement: A- | Music: A | Vocal: B+

One of the most unique song that released by DAI, Heart, has mysterious ethnic feeling. I really love the arrangement. This song has heavy Latin influences. Not to mention, synthetic sounds were added to create that atmosphere. Tomiko's vocal were also improved; it's better than the previous ones.
Arrangement: A | Music: A | Vocal: A+

My first DAI song ever, Yesterday & Today (I was still 11 at that time so i didn't know how to hunt this song), chilled down my spine when listening to it as an insert song in a famous TV drama 'LOVE 2000'. Thanks for the beautiful orchestral instruments, gentle percussion and acoustics and ahh.... Tomiko's voice. Her voice was very very beautiful. Her voice gives life to this song. I also feel the song transcended slowly yet surely to give a thrilling conclusion.
Arrangement: A | Music: A+ | Vocal: A+

rumble fish marks the NEW WORLD era. This is an odd song. You can see it directly at the title ^^. Despite of its odd title, instruments are also in a weird side. This song starts by only acoustic guitar and Van's voice, similar to Oasis, but in the better side. To tell you, i don't like the chorus of this song. Unlike the verses that used thick layers of instrumentals, the choruses just feel 'empty'. The backing vocal there also annoys me. But, the peaceful bridge is more than enough to save the flow of this song.
Arrangement: B- | Music: A- | Vocal: A

After a long acoustic parade, we come to an upbeat winter themed track, We are.. Once more again, Nagao Dai showed his arranging skill by writing this fantastic percussion-strings hybrid song. Don't get me wrong, percussion that i mean aren't just drums, but also bells, chimes, glockenspiel, etc. (i don't know how to say that >.<). Everything, plus electric guitar sparks were blended perfectly. The vocal has nothing to worry about. Plus, i was impressed by the drums, so soft and fast. Absolutely one of their best a-side. Arrangement: A+ | Music: A+ | Vocal: A-

Their fast-paced pop rock song, Desire has the heaviest synth arrangement compared with their other a-side. Thick layer of orchestral synth combined with mysterious synth beats here and there just prove it. Nice acoustic arrangement is also added to this song. This song is as complex as we are.. The differences were only at the rocking guitar and addictive bass lines. The drums are so soft. So does Tomiko's vocal, it's very soothing, despite its heavy arrangement. I always thought that if this song uses acoustic instrumentals, the strings especially, this song will beat the goodness of we are..
Arrangement: A | Music: A | Vocal: A

Now, we come to first a-side on DEEP FOREST era, Tooku Made. This song has an awesome mysterious intro which flows seamlessly to the rocking verse. Instrumentally, this song is similar to Desire, although it has difference on the volume level. Compared to Desire, this song has less dynamics. Transition after the choruses didn't flow very well. However, the vocals were flawless as usual.
Arrangement: B+ | Music: A | Vocal: A

Week! brings us back to their classical acoustic sound. This song is surely a good summer-feeling track. Gladly, no more heavy synth! Everything sounds so natural. This song relies on its percussion and acoustic guitars which have a great presence here. Tomiko's voice was also in a relaxing side, it wasn't rough like in their rock-based songs. However, this is a perfect mood lifter.
Arrangement: A- | Music: B+ | Vocal: A

The most popular song that DAI ever released as an ending song in popular anime Inuyasha, Fukai Mori, comes this time. So, it's their second song that i listen. I think you were also knew what this is like. This is also one of my favorite. However, this song incorporates beautiful strings, acoustic guitar and soft percussion plus traditional woodwind instrument to give that deep-forest effect. We may give a standing applause for Nagao Dai for composing this beautiful song. Everything in this song blended perfectly, although Tomiko's vocal didn't blend very well in the verses. It was just a bit too strong in my opinion.
Arrangement: A+ | Music: A+ | Vocal: A-

I wasn't really interested at the first time i hear Boukensha Tachi. Although by this far this is their most aggressive song, i need to hear the bridge part to get the pace of this song. To tell you, the choruses are the main problem of this song. Actually, those choruses have addictive bass lines, but those basses forget their main task as the base of the song. Plus, Tomiko's vocal isn't as good as usual. So, i really recommend to tweak your equalizer when listening to this song.
Arrangement: B- | Music: B | Vocal: B+

Hi no Ataru Sakamichi, one of the single that wasn't included to any of their studio albums, is a synth ballad. Feel something strange? Yes, it's synth that rules in this song. I only feel little presence of real strings that usually used by a normal ballad. This is one of their memorable singles. It's heartwarming yet nostalgic.
Arrangement: A | Music: A- | Vocal: A

Right now, we are under the sun ^^. Unlike their usual dark rock songs, this song feels so bright. You can see it on the title. Tomiko's vocal is excellent this time. Despite of heavy rock instruments played, her voice still stood out. This song gives me energy whenever i listen to it. Not to mention, the phrase “i walk under the sun/ i don't look back again” is very catchy. Still, the bass has exactly the same problem as Boukensha Tachi, but it doesn't really bother me.
Arrangement: B+| Music: A- | Vocal: A+

Feel hot? Don't worry, because we are under the moon right now. This track is a complete opposite to under the sun. This song has dark, sad, yet soothing atmosphere. Again, Tomiko's voice gave a life to this track. Well, after knowing that she wrote the lyrics by herself, I'm not surprised that she could sing this song emotionally. The percussion's part on the bridge is just awesome. I suggest you turn off the lights to get a better sensation.
Arrangement: A | Music: A+ | Vocal: A+

Another Inuyasha ending song, Shinjitsu no Uta, follows the sadness and mysteriousness of the previous track. Instrumentally, this song has similarities to Fukai Mori, not counting the woodwind. However, thanks to the traditional strings instruments for making this song sounds so dramatic. Plus, Tomiko has solved the problem she did in Fukai Mori. So, she sung this song flawlessly. Since this is their best song for me, words aren't enough to describe the beauty of this song. I swear!
Arrangement: A+ | Music: A+ | Vocal: A+

Mahou no Kotoba ~Would you marry me?~ will instantly lift you up from the sadness. This is the most unique a-side they ever released. The excess use of brass section, high-pitched string arrangement, plus the wedding theme just prove that. Tomiko's vocal was also at the fun side, as well as other instruments did. I'll probably sing this song on my wedding. I really love the cute childish voice saying “would you marry me?” at the intro.
Arrangement: A+ | Music: A+ | Vocal: A

Again, DAI will rock you when Honjitsu wa Seiten Nari starts. This song is also unique. DAI's songs were dominated by pop-rock songs. As for this one, it's pure rock instrumentally, even vocally. We knew that Tomiko's voice rocks. Here, you'll hear that she rocks than she has ever done. This is an infectious rock song. Recommended for someone who loves rock.
Arrangement: A | Music: A+ | Vocal: A+

DAI never failed to give me creative songs, as this song, Hiiragi did. This is a string ballad. Although this song reminds me to Yesterday & Today, it was different. While Yesterday & Today relied on the acoustic guitar, Hiiragi relied on the strings and some mysterious beats. Yet again, Tomiko's vocal was flawless. It sounded very pure. If you love Yesterday & Today, you'll find this song as a great treat. Not to mention, you should notice Ryo's acoustic guitar play.
Arrangement: A+ | Music: A | Vocal: A+

Yet another unique song, Rakuen, as an insert song in Inuyasha movie, shows up this time. This song has peaceful verses with the play of cello & contrabass in the BGM, and seamlessly flows to a rocking chorus. The bridge here is their best one. This is also my favorite.
Arrangement: A+ | Music: A+ | Vocal: A+

For the future is just a stereotypical DAI pop-rock song. I didn't find something special here. The instruments were very ordinary. Instead of excellent vocal performance, this song doesn't stand out toward another a-side. One of the weakest track in album.
Arrangement: B- | Music: B- | Vocal: A-

Finally, we come to the last a-side in DAI's career as a band, TAO. As for the genre is DAI's typical pop-rock, the piano in this song wasn't that typical. The piano arrangement here was in complicated side. The same thing also went to Tomiko's vocal. Verses were in the low pitch (lowest within this compilation), yet the choruses were in the high pitch. This song also has excellent bridge. This is an elegant a-side prior to their disbandment. You can see the lyrics for that.
Arrangement: A+ | Music: A+ | Vocal: A+

Favorite song: Shinjitsu no Uta, Rakuen, and TAO
Conclusion:
This compilation is a great treat for me, as one of their fan. Everything here exceeded my expectation for them. This is a best way to mark a disbandment. By this compilation, their versatility and creativity as a band really proved. Not to mention, the price of this compilation almost the same as an ordinary album. This compilation is a must for any J-Pop/J-Rock lover. Also, Hi no Ataru Sakamichi and under the moon are both excellent bonus since they didn't appear in any of their studio album.

Overall, I give the score [97/A+] for this compilation.
PS. It's not easy to get that score!

[Single] YUI – feel my soul

This is YUI's debut major label single. It was released in February 23, 2005. It peaked #8 on the Oricon Chart and sold 107,930 copies. The a-side was used as insert song to a TV Drama 'Fukigen na Gene'.

feel my soul is a mellow acoustic song. Percussion, acoustic and strings are just fused very well. Indeed, YUI showed her strength as a songwriter. I can't help myself to love the lyrics of this song. It has deep meanings, yet the words are easy to understand. YUI probably has clear pronunciation, since i have no major difficulties while trying to sing this song except for the fast yet high-registered chorus. Not to mention, it contains English phrases, but it's just ruining what the Japanese lyrics has done. I have nothing to worry about the verse. YUI's soft vocal just fits it perfectly. But for chorus the weakness of YUI's vocal really showed up. Vocals on chorus sounds like little child's cringing voice. Gladly, it's saved by the backing vocal. Still, it's a good song. To tell you, it's YUI who brought me into these madness ^^.
Arrangement: A | Music: A- | Vocal: C+

The free spirited Free Bird is the first b-side in this single. It has funky electric guitar chords plus that percussion and acoustic guitar and heavy bass. I absolutely have no problem with the music. Now, we come to the vocals. Since YUI's vocal worse than the track before, the male background vocalist instantly overpowered her. Her vocal control was so bad. The nice ending isn't enough to save this song. This is YUI's worst b-side in my opinion.
Arrangement: B | Music: A | Vocal: C-

I was really happy to hear Why me. It's so sad and sincere. In this song, YUI's vocal really shines. It's way better than the other song in this single. Unlike Free Bird, the male vocalist done his job well to support YUI. Again, the lyrics are so deep. She also used simple English phrases. It wasn't placed out of place like feel my soul did. However, this is the best song in this single, yet one of her best b-side.
Arrangement: A | Music: A+ | Vocal: A-

Overall, I give the score [84/B] for this single.

First Blog...

Hello!

This is my first blog ever. This blog will mainly focus on reviewing Japanese albums & singles. Pardon for my bad grammar.

Yoroshiku Onegai Shimasu

Tyo