News: 2007 Oricon Top 100

Besides breaking new year resolutions, one thing to look forward to is the Oricon Top 100 release (the full list can be found here). 2007 was a great year, since there was no shortage of excellent songs from talented artists.

From this list, here are some songs you should check out if you don't want to work your way through all 100 songs. For people that hate male vocals, you may want to look at this list since the Oricon charts reek of male singles. I've listed the songs which were some of my favourites in 2007.

Favourite Female Vocal Songs
#02: Utada Hikaru - Flavor of life
#20: Utada Hikaru - Beautiful World
#36: YUI - CHE.R.RY
#39: Ayumi Hamasaki - glitter/Ayumi Hamasaki - fated
#48: Namie Amuro - Baby Don't Cry
#62: Koda Kumi - Ai no Uta
#67: ERIKA - FREE
#81: Angela Aki - Sakurairo

I am depressed that JYONGRI's "Lullaby for You," ERIKA's "Destination Nowhere," and the brilliant green's "Stand by Me" never made it, as those were excellent songs. I'd say my favourite song from the list would be Koda Kumi's "Ai no Uta," which is a superb slow song with excellent vocals.

Favourite Male Vocal Song
#01: Akikawa Masafumi - Sen no Kaze ni Natte
#33: L'Arc~en~Ciel - DAYBREAK'S BELL
#61: EXILE - I Believe
#65: L'Arc~en~Ciel - Hurry Xmas
#76: EXILE - Michi
#82: Aqua Timez - ALONES
#98: FLOW - Answer

"Sen no Kaze ni Natte" is sung by the Japanese tenor Akikawa Masafumi. It's definitely elegant, classy, and unrivaled on this chart. That song has been on the charts for a very long time since it sold over 1 million copies.

Songs that will break your mind
#40: Aya Hirano, Emiri Katou, Kaori Fukuhara & Aya Endou - Motteke! Sailor Fuku
#43: Oshirikajiri-mushi - Oshirikajiri-mushi

"Motteke! Sailor Fuku" is pretty addictive and unique sounding. I believe Aya Hirano was created to make songs like this. "Oshirikajiri-mushi" is one hell of a disturbing song. It sounds like synthesized Alvin and the Chipmunks voices. How the hell did this song beat Monkey Majik on the Oricon top 100? If you have that special someone you hate, be sure to send this song as a gift of excruciating pain

Every year, the Oricon Top 100's always surprise me, as I realize how different my tastes are from the Japanese singles chart. Perhaps my music taste is still affected by years of emotional damage caused from North American music.

Where might you find these songs? You can check JPSeek or JPOPSUKI.