Aira Mitsuki – プラスティックドール [PV Review]
In order to promote Aira Mitsuki’s upcoming album, PLASTIC, a PV for プラスティックドール was made. PLASTIC will be released on 07.22.09. The song itself will be reviewed alongside the rest of the album when it is released.
The プラスティックドール PV features an actual storyline, perhaps a first for Aira. The plastic doll is seen running through town and slowly, loses his limbs one by one. As he loses the limb, it magically vanishes and Aira’s limb becomes plastic. The video goes on until the actual plastic doll breaks and Aira becomes a doll completely. The song itself has such a fantasy feel to it and this little storyline really suits the video perfectly. Other scenes include close-up shots and shots of Aira playing the drums. This was a great way to promote PLASTIC and the song definitely does that as well, leaving the listener wanting to hear the rest of the album.
PV Ranking: A
V6 – スピリット [35th Single]
V6’s 35th single, entitled スピリット, was released on 06.17.09. スピリット was used as the Waseda Academy CM song and theme song for Fuji’s TV’s program VivaVivaV6. The single was released in three editions, the regular edition featuring four songs. The 2CD version features a second CD with four songs, two from Coming Century and two from 20th Century.
スピリット is a sweet and cheery pop number sure to put a smile on the listener’s face. They kick things off with the chorus after a very interesting and technological sound, which is kind of misleading. Everyone sounds happy and cute on the chorus, with the instrumentation supporting that atmosphere perfectly. First up is the duo of Masayuki and Go. Their voices compliment one another but are different enough to stand out individually. On Inohara and Ken’s duet, the music becomes slightly more twinkling and sets up the listener for the chorus again. Their vocals sound great and go with the music very well. On the second verse, they split into trios and the attention is still captured. The pure instrumental section has more of a cool feel to it so that section really stands out from the usual sweetness of the verses. It’s cute and sweet, definitely worth a listen.
CHANCE! is the B-side that appears on all editions of the single. The song starts off with a fun and cool instrumental that immediately signals a happy beach atmosphere. And then is exactly what comes with the chorus, filled with great vocals and more fantastic instrumentation. It sounds particularly strong when the guys with the lower vocals have the spotlight. On the verses, the boys sing with a rapidity that will definitely catch the listener’s ear. The pure instrumental section sounds amazing and is one of the highlights of the song just because the listener can get an appreciation of how good the music really is. It’s an amazing song and could have been the A-side.
明日の傘 is a B-side present only on the regular edition of the single. The song opens up with a soft and natural instrumental that feels like it’s going to tell a story. Then comes the first verse and the vocals are very nice, staying smooth and complimenting the emotion of the music very well. The chorus has a magical feeling with everyone’s voices coming together to fuel that magic. It’s a very pretty song and it’s nice to see the group take things slow and still stay strong.
どうかよろしく。is the other B-side only present on the regular edition of the single. The song starts off with a very pretty summery instrumental that will be sure to give the listener that feeling of warmth. Then comes the first verse and they sound so happy and sweet that the listener can’t help but smile along with them. Things continue to shine on the chorus when everyone comes together and that happy warm feeling persists. The song has a slightly jazzy feel to it which also is ear-catching. It’s such a sweet song that is perfect for the summer season and it’s a strong incentive to get the regular edition of this single.
The second CD of the limited edition A version features two songs from 20th Century and two songs from Coming Century. 20th Century, comprised of Masayuki, Hiroshi and Yoshihiko, start things off with スタートライン. Beginning the song is a cool dance instrumental with various sounds to make it more interesting. Then once the song’s true sound comes in, there is a refreshing breeze that blows through to the listener. On the first verse, the vocals are very nice and smooth, complimenting the simple instrumentation. The chorus is nice although it would have been nicer if the music was a little different to make it stand out even more.
Cmong Century, consisting of Go, Ken and Junichi, gets the spotlight with their song, Desert Eagle. The song kicks off with a nice instrumental that doesn’t exactly connect with the listener as well as it should. Then the chorus comes in and the vocals are good and the English is a nice touch although the music still doesn’t demand attention. It was surprising to hear the guys rap and it actually sounds pretty cool, still fitting with the music. It’s an okay song although not as strong as hoped.
20th Century comes back with their second song, red. It’s a nice midtempo instrumental that starts this song off and it gives the image of walking through the neighboorhood. The boys perfectly understand that coolness of the music and its reflected in their vocals, really standing out. The chorus is actually kind of cute just because of the vocals that come together. However it still fits perfectly with the other parts of the song. For nailing the cool vibe on the head, the song is pretty nice.
Finally, Coming Century closes the single with Are you ready tonight? The song begins with a really cool instrumental that will make the listener want to dance along.It has a trippy effect that definitely stands out. The first verse then follows and the vocals are so cute because they carry a really fun feeling to them and one can tell that the boys are having fun with this one. The English lines like “Do you wanna dance?” really stand out and make the chorus addictive. On the second CD, this is definitely the strongest song so Coming Century should be proud. Ken sounds particularly cute on this song.
In order to promote the single, a PV for スピリット was made. The video is extremely simple, just featuring the boys on a construction site in front of a big metal orb. There is a scene where they climb onto the ball but otherwise, they just sing and look happy. It’s not the best video but seeing them look cute and happy definitely works with the song’s atmosphere.
Single Ranking: A
As V6’s first single of the year, they definitely had to bring something worth the long wait. They were successful with that, offering a total of eight new songs for the audience. The first CD [four on the regular edition] is definitely better featuring a sweet and happy V6. CHANCE! and どうかよろしく。are perfect for summer while Spirit has a cuteness that cannot be ignored. The second CD isn’t as strong although Are you ready tonight? is a very addictive song that Coming Century deliver flawlessly. Hopefully they will be more active for the second half of the year because they have the talent to deliver great songs.
Domoto Tsuyoshi – 空 ~美しい我の空 [7th Single]
Domoto Tsuyoshi’s 7th single, entitled 空 ~美しい我の空, was released on 04.10.09.
空 ~美しい我の空 is a sad and beautiful song. The song starts off with a very pretty instrumental which carries a traditional vibe to it. It gives the feeling of sakura blossoms falling. Tsuyoshi’s vocals are nice and they carry a sweet somberness that fits with the piano perfectly. As the song goes on, the jazziness is more present and catches the listener’s ear. He gives a stronger vocal performance on the chorus, which makes it stand out and the instrumentation continues to stand as a powerful force. It’s such a painfully beautiful song that the listener will just have to feel it tug on the heartstrings.
Single Ranking: A
Koike Teppei – キミだけ [3rd Single]
Koike Teppei’s 3rd single, entitled キミだけ, was released on 06.24.09.
Teppei brings the sweet emotions on キミだけ. The song opens up with part of the chorus and it doesn’t really stand out as much as hoped. The music is actually quite pretty but Teppei’s vocals sound a little off for that kind of sound. Then the music takes on a slightly magical feeling to it that is very enjoyable. It’s just not a very capturing track because of the vocals. Perhaps if someone else was singing then it might have stood out more.
ラフライター kind of follows the same path as the A-side. The music is nice but the vocals could have been stronger and complimented the music better.
In order to promote the single, a PV for キミだけ was made. The video is very simple as he is seen sitting in a dark room as he sings the song. The room is then filled with a magical presence that suits the atmosphere of the song very well. It just works with the song so well so it’s very good in that aspect.
Single Ranking: B -
It may not have been the strongest single but it’s nice to see Teppei back in the game. Both songs have a similar vibe that are nice but perhaps not the best fit for Teppei’s voice. Hopefully he’ll have stronger songs in the future.
2NE1 – I Don’t Care [Digital Single]
2NE1’s digital single, entitled I Don’t Care, was released on 07.01.09.
I Don’t Care is a midtempo reggae number. The song opens up with a peaceful relaxing instrumental with island influences. CL then comes in and says “Hey playboy, it’s about time and your time’s up.” Once she finishes, the group does some vocalizing and sings their name, very reminiscent of the opening of Fire. The vocals on the first verse actually sound pretty good and they fit with the sweetness of the music perfectly. The chorus is okay although it’s nothing that really is amazing. It’s nice when they repeat “care” and it gives that song the extra edge. I was surprised that CL could give a good rap section on the song since I thought one might sound weird with the vibe of the song but she proved me wrong. Overall, it’s not as good as Fire but it shows that the girls are trying different things.
Single Ranking: B +
AZU – I WILL / CLOSE TO YOU [6th Single]
AZU’s 6th single, entitled I WILL / CLOSE TO YOU, was released on 07.01.09.
I WILL is a painfully touching love ballad. The song starts off with a sweet instrumental that sounds like something that would play in a musc box. Then the music becomes more diverse, still keeping that twinkling sorrowful feeling with the chorus. AZU’s vocals sound a little high for the music but nonetheless, they sound nice. She sounds much more comfortable on the verse as her vocals are smooth and move with the music very well. It’s the pure instrumental section that really lets those emotions fly out for everyone to hear. Overall, the song is very enjoyable because AZU brings the emotions of the song to vivid life.
CLOSE TO YOU is a pretty midtempo number. It’s nothing that really stands out, especially compared to the leading A-side. Her vocals are nice and the music is sweet but it’s nothing that will really catch the listener’s ear.
In order to promote the single, a PV for I WILL was made. The video suits the sad atmosphere of the song perfectly as AZU cries, reminiscing about the sweet memories she had with her boyfriend. It really captures the sorrow of a past love. It actually kind of looks like a scene from a drama.
Single Ranking: B +
AZU did a very good job with this single. I WILL is a perfect sad love ballad and will touch the listener’s heart. CLOSE TO YOU is a little dull but cute. Hopefully AZU will be more active during the second half of the year.
Gackt – Flower [34th Single]
Gackt’s 34th single, entitled Flower, was released on 07.01.09.
From the title, Flower would seem like a peaceful and sweet track but Gackt throws a curveball and delivers a cool sounding rock track. The song opens up with a nice rock instrumentation which feels like something is crashing. It’s not exactly the most capturing way to begin things and things don’t much change on the first verse. His vocals are nice but nothing that really shine in the listener’s ears. The chorus isn’t very interesting either with only slightly louder vocals separating it from the verses. It’s just not very grabbing and leaves the listener wanting more.
In Flames is this single’s B-side. The song starts off with a mysterious sounding instrumental that intrigues the listener and takes their curiosity. Then the dark and cold instrumentation comes in and that element of mystery persists. Gackt sounds very strong on the first verse and those vocals really smoothly follow the music. For a moment, it feels like the song is about to end with the music winding down and out of nowhere, the music becomes more aggressive as do Gackt’s vocals. It definitely catches the listener off guard and commands attention. The song’s other strength is the absolute beauty of the lyrics, which will definitely touch the listener’s heart. In Flames really should have been the A-side since it’s the stronger of the two tracks.
Single Ranking: B
After Lost Angels, Gackt had to deliver one strong single to finish off the project. Well, he kind of did that. In Flames is one of the most memorable songs of the consecutive single project and would have made a strong A-side. Flower is just not very interesting and doesn’t have that spark that grabs the listener’s attention. Hopefully he’ll be doing an album soon since he’s long overdue.
Arashi – Everything [27th Single]
Arashi’s 27th single, entitled Everything, was released on 07.01.09. Everything and season were both used as promotional songs for KDDI’s au mobile phone service series.
Everything is a happy calming summer number. The song starts off with a sweet summery instrumental that will make the listener smile along with Arashi. Then comes the first verse and the vocals sound great and with that simple instrumental, the image of having fun with one’s friends at the beach comes to the listener’s mind. The chorus kind of has a dance feel to it, which makes it stand out and catches the listener’s ear. The pure instrumental section is very pretty and it makes it easy for the listener to get carried away by the sounds of this group. Of all of the singles that Arashi has released this year, Everything is probably the best. It’s sweet and simple, which makes it a summer anthem for all to enjoy.
The B-side of the single is the naturally poppy track, season. Opening the song up is a pretty instrumental that soon brings a bright and happy sound. They sound so sweet on the first verse and there’s just a feeling of walking through town on a bright day, enjoying the sun. There is something familiar about the chorus and it resonates with the listener. It really sounds great when they sing some of the words with rapidity and it makes this section of the song stand out nicely. The instrumental parts of the song are reminiscent of One Love, which is definitely a good thing.
In order to promote the single, a PV for Everything was made. The video is very simple, just being of two scenes. The first features the five members singing the song in the studio. There is something strangely likeable about this scene even though it’s so simple. Everyone looks nice in such casual clothes and it suits the atmosphere of the song. What was even better were the scenes of them walking around to the beach. The sky looks so beautiful but the problem I had with it is that everyone looked so serious. The song sounds happy and upbeat so I think it would have been better if everyone was having fun and smiling, but maybe that’s just me.
Single Ranking: A +
After releasing so many singles this year, Arashi shows they still have it in them to deliver amazing songs. In fact, this is the best single released from the group this year with both tracks having a sweetness to them that will touch the listener. Everything is such a great summery track that will make the listener smile and season has the same effect. It’s amazing to hear these guys bring such a good single and hopefully an album will be following soon because they are long overdue with the amount of singles released since Dream”A”live.
Tohoshinki – Stand By U [28th Single]
Tohoshinki’s 28th single, entitled Stand By U, was released on 07.01.09. The title track was used in the HTB program Ichioshi while Tea For Two was used as the ending theme for Miyaneya.
Stand By U is a sweet love ballad that will touch the listener’s heart. Opening up the song is a beautiful piano instrumental that immediately introduces the emotions of the song for the listener to feel. There are some vocalizations here and there before the first verse begins. The vocals are on the deeper side and they really suit the music perfectly because there is a relaxing feeling to them that stands out nicely. As always, Jaejong shines on the chorus and brings those emotions out even more strongly. It’s a very sweet ballad and it carries that natural flavor that everyone can relate to.
Tea For Two is a gorgeous slow song that gives the image of spending time with the one you love. The song starts off with an intimate and sweet instrumental that will definitely catch the attention of the listener. Those first few words make it seem like the listener is being spoken to. Then comes the first verse and while the vocals are nice, it’s really the music that demands the attention and draws the listener in. There is such a whimsical and calming feeling about the chorus, complimented by Jaejong’s angelic vocals that it can’t help but stand out proudly.
Available only on the CD + DVD version of the single is the second B-side, Sky. Unlike the other two songs, Sky is an upbeat pop number perfect for summer. Fortunately, it’s the weakest song on the single and just doesn’t strike the listener. It just doesn’t have that magic like their other upbeat numbers.
In order to promote the single, a PV for Stand By U was made. The video consists of clips from the drama and although this type of video can really seem disappointing, this one was done very well. The drama perfectly fits the emotions of the song and it compliments the overall atmosphere of the song. There was also a “Tohoshinki version” of the PV done. This version of the video features the different boys in singing in different locations. It’s pretty much like any of their other ballad videos and it would have been nice to see a storyline involving them or something but at least it fits with the softness of the song.
Single Ranking: A
Stand By U and Tea For Two are both excellent ballads. While the A-side is a beautiful love song, Tea For Two is a sweet and natural track that will give the listener some vivid imagery to feel while listening. Although Sky isn’t particularly memorable, the other two songs more than make up for it.
C-ute – 暑中お見舞い申し上げます [9th Single]
C-ute’s 9th single, entitled 暑中お見舞い申し上げます, was released on 07.01.09. 暑中お見舞い申し上げます is a cover song of the Candies’ song of the same name and was used as the Nippon Post image song. Like the last single, Kanna Arihara is not present on the single due to medical reasons.
暑中お見舞い申し上げます is a change from C-ute’s streak of mature songs, going for a cute atmosphere. The song opens up with a happy cheery instrumental that has a truly summer vibe about it. Then comes the first verse and the girls sound really cute here, perfectly fitting with the sweet and upbeat instrumentation. It’s kind of hard to tell when the chorus comes in because there is no real instrumental or vocal change. Nonetheless, once it’s found, it’s nice although it could have been stronger. The part that stands out the most is when they sing the chorus. It’s nice and cute, fitting perfectly with summer, but it’s kind of disappointing after a streak of such amazing A-sides.
Suzuki Airi gets the chance to shine with her solo song, 残暑 お見舞い 申し上げます。. The song opens up with a pretty instrumental that is cute. She sounds great when she begins with those vocals, hitting the higher notes with strength. On the first verse, there is a relaxing feeling that Airi brings to life. Right before the chorus, there is a moment of edgy pure instrumental that really shines. Even though the chorus isn’t breaking any barriers in terms of creativity, it’s enjoyable and keeps the song going quite nicely. This B-side is surprisingly addictive and actually is stronger than the A-side.
In order to promote the single, a PV for 暑中お見舞い申し上げます was made. The video is a perfect fit for summer, featuring the girls enjoying themselves on a beach. They eat watermelon, take pictures with a camera and write notes to remember the amazing summer memories. Also are included are close-up shots and dance shots. All the girls look really cute in their red and white outfits and even though the choreography isn’t anything spectacular, it’s fun and peppy just like the song.
Single Ranking: B +
After a continuous streak of amazing A-sides, it’s a little disappointing to have C-ute deliver this. Nonetheless, it’s a good summer song with the A-side being a nice cover of the Candies’ song and getting the listener ready to have some fun at the beach. Actually, 残暑 お見舞い 申し上げます。arises as the more memorable song on the single with Airi delivering great vocals over a much more engaging instrumental. Hopefully, C-ute will go back to delivering those mature songs again since that’s where they really shine.
