[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] 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]

[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.