Album Review: Yuna Ito - WISH

Finally, Yuna Ito's new album WISH is out! I had hoped that WISH wouldn't be as disappointing as Yuna Ito's last album HEART. However, WISH is just as boring as HEART. Before the Yuna Ito fan boys and fan girls fill my shoutbox with death threats, it's important to remember that I don't understand Japanese. Yuna Ito has an amazing voice, but her songs aren't exciting when you don't understand Japanese. Having interesting beats and addictive instrumentals is very important in determining my interest in a Jpop song. Unfortunately, WISH doesn't have a whole lot of interesting beats.

I listened to the full album three times at work and barely made it through the third time. There just wasn't anything to keep my interested, except for "Mahaloha". "I'm Here" has a good beginning, but that's about it. However, I've heard these songs from Yuna Ito's singles, so I didn't discover anything new.

I couldn't stand Yuna Ito doing the cover for "My Heart Will Go On". When the movie Titanic was released, I heard this song too many times. Maybe it would be interesting if Yuna Ito sang this in Japanese and remixed the song to a fast-paced pop song.

Track list:
1. Power of Love
2. Alone Again
3. Anata ga Iru Kagiri ~A World To Believe In~
4. Urban Mermaid
5. Heartbeat
6. Colorful
7. Unite As One
8. Mahaloha
9. A Long Walk
10. Moon Rabbit
11. I'm Here
12. Wish
13. Tokyo Days
14. My Heart Will Go On (Bonus Track)

The direct download for Yuna Ito's album wish can be found here, thanks to Jpop n' Kpop.

Song Review: Satori Negishi - Stargazer ~Hoshi no Tobira~

Title: Stargazer ~Hoshi no Tobira~
Artist: Satori Negishi
Single: Gundam Seed C.E.73-Stargazer
Released: September 05, 2006

The only full length "music video" I could find was this Final Fantasy VII fan video. It's annoying that Satori Negishi didn't make a music video for this song.

Review

"Stargazer ~Hoshi no Tobira~" is one of my favourite slow songs in 2006. I'm not sure how popular this song was, but I know it was briefly on the Oricon singles chart.

The first time I heard this song was the ending song for the anime "Mobile Suit Gundam Seed C.E.73." Satori Negishi has an excellent voice as she sings the song with a sad tone. The mood is depressing as hell and that's what I love about this song. The depression continues if you listen to the other songs on this single. The B-sides are just crap in my opinion. I wonder if Satori Negishi is ever going to sing any other songs in the future...

The verdict: Listen to "Stargazer ~Hoshi no Tobira~" if you want an excellent slow song! I highly recommend it.

It's probably hard to find this song now. Since it's an anime and the B-side sucks, you can download the full length song (and the TV size if you'd like) from Gendou. You can visit Gendou here.

Lyrics

Romaji lyrics for "Stargazer ~Hoshi no Tobira~":
Miageru sora
Kanashimi no
Aoki nageki no uta ga tada kikoeru

Yasashii shiroi matataki
Ubaisatta kaze... kanata

Nigenai boku wa kimeta yo
Kimi no nukumori soba ni kanjite

Me wo sorasazu ni
Subete kono mune ni
Sasaru shinjitsu naraba

Aruiteyukou
Yugami fusagareta
Hoshi no tobira no mukou...

Nari yamanai
Akai ame
Omoidasenai tsubusareta ashioto

Kimi no te sotto furetara
Kanjiteru yo sono kodou

Tsunaide mou hanasanai
Terashitsudzukeyou hoshi no hikari de

Nanika ga kawaru
Ryoute hirogetara
Sore ga shinjitsu dakara

Doko e mo yukazu
Boku no soba ni ite
Tobira wo akete ageyou

Me wo sorasazu ni
Subete kono mune ni
Sasaru shinjitsu naraba

Aruiteyukou
Yugami fusagareta
Hoshi no tobira no mukou...

Source: http://filer.case.edu/slc15/kashu/lyrics/stargazerhoshinotobira.html

Metadata

Artist: Satori Negishi
Release year: 2006
Genre: Pop
Song speed: Slow
Dominant voice: Female
Dominant language: Japanese

Song Review: mihimaru GT - Diverge

Title: Diverge
Artist: mihimaru GT
Single: Diverge
Released: January 30, 2008

Review

"Diverge" is the 16th single from the hip-hop duo mihimaru GT. I had always associated mihimaru GT with hip-hop only songs and never expected such a wonderful song. I'm glad I heard this song, since I usually don't listen to music by mihimaru GT.

"Diverge" is (nearly) J-Rap free!
If you despise Japanese rap and you've heard some of mihimaru GT's songs, you might have strayed away from them like me. Whenever I hear Japanese rapping, I rarely keep listening. I usually find Japanese rapping to be cheesy and mediocre when compared to North American standards. I'm a fan of angry and poetic rapping, which I believe can only be attained through jail time and a few bullet wounds.

I honestly didn't think "Diverge" would last 20 seconds, since I've heard a few mihimaru GT songs before. However, when the rapping started at 2:46, it was already too late. I had already fallen in love with this song (figuratively speaking).

Now, what makes "Diverge" such a good song? The lead female singer, Hiroko, sings a mellow-sounding song with a classy string orchestra background mixed with the electric guitar. Hiroko's vocals are superb and kept me interested the entire song (she excellently uses deliberately off-key vocals too!). However, there is the problem with the rapping at the 2:46 mark, but I feel the rest of the song is too good for this brief rap to ruin it.

The verdict: "Diverge" is a wonderful song from mihimaru GT. I highly recommend this song.

Lyrics

Romaji lyrics for "Diverge" will be posted when it becomes available.

Metadata

Artist: mihimaru GT
Release year: 2008
Genre: Pop
Song speed: Fast
Dominant voice: Female
Dominant language: Japanese

Song Review: Koda Kumi - Under

Title: Under
Artist: Koda Kumi
Album: Kingdom
Released: January 30, 2008

Review

"Under" is the 7th track in Koda Kumi's January 2008 album "Kingdom." Nothing screams quality like panting and heavy breathing in a song. Mix in some sensual vocals and you got yourself a classy hit. Such techniques are used by highly respectable North American artists like Britney Spears (try "I'm A Slave 4 U"). Amidst the thick sarcasm, there is some truth: the song is a hit. I hate to admit it, but "Under" does sound pretty addictive.

Even if you hate this song, you still have a highly suggestive video. I was pleasantly surprised at how much clothing Koda Kumi wore in this music video. Usually Koda Kumi's clothing starts disappearing as her song speed increases.

You know she's worked up a good reputation when fans expects her to be undressed and act suggestively in her music videos. What would be unexpected would be an innocent Jpop artist like YUI following in Koda Kumi's footsteps. I don't recall seeing YUI's bare shoulders (or shins for that matter) in her music videos. Yes, YUI is the model citizen for high school dress codes.

So what makes this song so addictive? The beats are undeniably addictive as is the chorus. The song does contain synthesized vocals, which I normally despise, but it works quite well in this song. It adds to the urban-style environment that is reminiscent of North American music. Even though her panting is distracting she doesn't keep doing it constantly, so it could be considered artistic. A really desperate justification indeed.

"Under" can get pretty repetitive since it's the same beats over and over again. The lasting appeal wears out surprisingly fast after about 7 or 8 times. I also think this song is too long. The ending is quite lazy when it repeats the same damn tune a million times. Just end it already!

The verdict: "Under" is a guilty pleasure that is good for a few listens

Lyrics

Romaji lyrics for "Under" will be posted when it becomes available.

Metadata

Artist: Koda Kumi
Release year: 2008
Genre: Pop
Song speed: Fast
Dominant voice: Female
Dominant language: Japanese

The Softer Side of Koda Kumi

Koda Kumi is undoubtedly a talented artist who is well known for her urban style music. However, she's always found time to include her softer and gentler songs. I've always been a fan of her slow songs, as I believe that's when her voice sounds the best. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of her faster songs such as "I'll be there," "real emotion," and "Cutie Honey."

I've compiled a list of my favourite slow songs from Koda Kumi. I include the year, title, album/single name, and a music video (whenever the video exists). Enjoy!

2003 Album - grow into one

1000 no Kotoba - Koda Kumi really demonstrates her powerful and gentle voice in "1000 no Kotoba." I'm not sure why there isn't a music video for this absolutely excellent song.

2005 Album - Best ~first things~

Promise - Koda Kumi's voice is as smooth as honey in this song. "Promise" is a really beautiful sounding song.

2006 Single - Yume no Uta / Futari de...

Futari de... - Koda Kumi sings another great sounding gentle song.

2007 Single - Ai no Uta

Ai no Uta - Koda Kumi's super smooth voice is back once again! I really love the chorus in this song.

Last updated: January 13, 2008

Profile: HINOI Team

If you're a EUROBEAT fan and love Jpop, I highly recommend you check out HINOI Team. They are my favourite Japanese dance/parapara group. HINOI Team often do covers for EUROBEAT songs. Some examples include "Night of Fire" and "King Kong."

What I believe makes HINOI Team so appealing is their great voices and energetic songs. I often prefer their EUROBEAT covers over the original.

The leader, Asuka Hinoi, has a great voice as she demonstrates in her early solo career. She sings the highly addictive song "Wanna be your Girlfriend."

Naturally, not all their songs sound great, but I have some that I would highly recommend.

2006 Album - SUPER EURO PARTY

An absolutely great album with a wide variety of dance songs. If I had to buy a HINOI Team CD, "SUPER EURO PARTY" would be the one. The album would be better if that male comedian Koriki was excluded from the album. Koriki ruins some of the songs, but he does provide the EUROBEAT atmosphere. Here are my recommendations:

Recommended songs
The following songs are all energetic and addictive. There's no need to repeat the same description for each song. If I had to choose two, they would be "Just for Me" and "Yeah," since both have amazingly addictive choruses.

• Hey Mr. DJ
  
• Night of Fire (with Koriki)
• Play With The Numbers
• Sing Na Na Na
• IKE IKE
• Just For Me
• Yeah!
  

Here are some of their music videos for these songs:

IKE IKE

Night of Fire (with Koriki)

Yeah

2006 Single - Now and Forever

"Now and Forever" is an incredibly catchy song and a perfect single to follow "SUPER EURO PARTY." Currently, "Now and Forever" is my favourite HINOI Team song. Here is the music video:

2007 Single - Dancin' & Dreamin'

Another great single from HINOI Team. I recommend both "I'M GONNA CARRY ON" and "Dancin' & Dreamin'."

Here is the music video for "Dancin' & Dreamin'"

Lyrics

If you'd like romaji lyrics for HINOI Team songs, I recommend you visit http://www.hinoiteam.glt.pl/.

Song Review: YUI - Namidairo

Title: Namidairo
Artist: YUI
Single: Namidairo
Released: February 27, 2008

Review

YUI-syndrome
I hope I'm not the only one who suffers from YUI-syndrome. YUI-syndrome occurs when you are unable to differentiate certain YUI songs because they sound all the same. A deadly disease indeed. I feel that YUI has too many songs where she sings softly in a sad tone to an acoustic guitar. For those of us who don't understand Japanese, it's really depressing to not understand what she's saying. She's got some sad sounding songs, I want to feel her pain too. <3 YUI!!!

Feeling bored? Play the YUI game!
If you have an iPod, one of the "games" (used very loosely of course) is the "guess the song" game. A song is chosen at random with a short preview. Then you must guess the song from a small list. I recommend you try this song with YUI's two albums "Can't Buy Love" and "From Me to You." Remove songs like "LIFE," "CHE.R.RY," "Rolling Star," and "Good-bye days" since they are clearly differentiable. I cannot assign this game an ERSB rating since I don't understand Japanese. YUI could be secretly hiding intense profanity in her sad songs...just cursing this cruel world.

Moving On...
"Namidairo" is the 11th single from YUI. It's the typical heavily acoustic and sad sounding YUI song. Her voice sound relaxing since she doesn't do any "yelling," like the "Good-bye Days" chorus. However, this song is hardly differentiable from many of her older songs, so it doesn't stand out. It's great for relaxing background music, but hardly a top YUI pick for me.

The verdict: There's nothing addictive to "Namidairo," just a typical sad sounding YUI song with acoustics.

Lyrics

Here are the romaji lyrics for "Namidairo" so you can sing along:
Kirawareteiru you na ki ga shiteta kaerimichi
Miageta heya no akari ima donna kimochi de iru no darou?

Kenka ni nareba sugu ayamaru yowakute anata wa zurui hito

Namidairo koe ga kikoenai yoru wa
Komarasete shimau hodo wagamama ni naritai
Daijoubu sou itte mita kedo
Sonna hazu nai desho…

Mizu tamari ni utsuru kanashii kao minareteiru
Muri iwanai tsumori wakatteru kara kurushiku naru no

Yasashiku sareru to naketekuru yappari anata wa zurui hito

Namidairo koe ga kikoenai yoru wa
Komarasete shimau hodo wagamama ni naritai
Daijoubu sou itte mita kedo
Sonna hazu nai desho…

Anata no mae ja uso tsuki yo
Kizuite hoshii to omotteiru no
Sonna ni tsuyoi wake ja nai kara ne atashi

Namida kobosanai kimeteita no ni
Komarasete shimau yo ne? wagamama ni narenai

Daijoubu? Nante mata kiku kedo
Sonna hazu nai desho…

Source: http://yui-lover.com/index.php?showtopic=5802&view=getnewpost
Thanks a lot to the user "uchihamel" for posting the romaji lyrics so quickly.

Metadata

Artist: YUI
Release year: 2008
Genre: Pop
Song speed: Fast
Dominant voice: Female
Dominant language: Japanese

Song Review: the brilliant green - ENEMY

Title: ENEMY
Artist: the brilliant green
Single: ENEMY
Released: December 12, 2007

Review

Question: what is the difference between Tomoko's vocals in "ENEMY" and a dying hospital patient? The dying patient has more energy. Is this a trivial answer? I think not.

"ENEMY" is the 16th single from the brilliant green. The song has a depressing tone that you'll feel deep in your heart. It's not the lyrics that make you depressed, it's the lifelessness of Tomoko's voice, as she sings for roughly 5 minutes. I suppose it takes skills to sound so consistently boring. Her poor vocals waste the excellent instrumentals, which has created a haunting atmosphere. Next time, someone needs to poke Tomoko real hard when she sings to get some tone variation.

The verdict: the enemy in this song is Tomoko's awfully boring voice. What a waste!

Lyrics

Here are the romaji lyrics:
aozameta sora kokuchou no retsu
hiai no te muragaru kage
susurinaku koe
mukuwarenai namida wa munashii

tsuki ni kagayaku tenshi no hashigo
sono saki ni kitai wo shite wa
nageku bakari
itsu made mo sou shite itai no?

nani ga kawaru wake ja nai
kiseki nanka okoranai

the Enemy lives inside myself
yeah I know...
tozasareta sora no shita de
furuete iru
I stand alone

amai dake no jibun ni kidzuiteta

yureru minamo ni koboshita namida
kakusenai fuan no toge
modoru nara ima
te wo nobashi dareka ga naiteta
kanshou ni wa hitaranai
nan no yaku ni mo tatanai

The Enemy lives inside myself
yeah I know...
ima wa mada koerarenai kabe demo
ii
mite mitai no
mukougawa ni hirogaru
aozora wo

ima wa chiisana hoshi dakedo
kagayakeru hi wo egaite
koko ni iru no
I stand alone

mune wo tsuku yokaze ga munashisa ga
oroka da to azakeru nara sore demo ii
mite itai no
sono mukou ni hirogaru
aoi sora

Source: http://www.jpopasia.com/play/4795/the-brilliant-green/enemy.html

Metadata

Artist: the brilliant green
Release year: 2007
Genre: Rock
Song speed: Fast
Dominant voice: Female
Dominant language: Japanese

Song Review: the brilliant green - Ash Like Snow

Title: Ash Like Snow
Artist: the brilliant green
Single: Ash Like Snow
Released: February 6, 2008

Review

"Ash Like Snow" is the 17th single from the brilliant green which will replace the opening theme for the anime Mobile Suit Gundam 00. I'm a fan of "DAYBREAK'S BELL" (the old opening), but the song isn't fitting for a Gundam opening. In other Gundam series, such as Gundam Seed and Gundam Destiny, the openings were dance songs from artists like Tamaki Nami.

When I think about a Gundam opening, I think about the main characters in their overpowered robots blowing up bad guys in their obsolete mobile suits. What sort of music matches these openings? Killer dance tracks. There is no need for depressing songs with the intention of creating sympathy for those poor, poor youngsters piloting those war machines. They are fully aware of what they signed up for. Now let's see some action!

With the title "Ash Like Snow," I wouldn't expect this song to be a dance song and that hypothesis is correct. I would describe this song as a fast paced rock song.

the brilliant green waste no time by starting off with energetic instrumentals via the electric guitar and bass. I anxiously wait for Tomoko's vocals and pray that it won't be disappointing. Luckily, Tomoko vocals aren't monotone. Tomoko is notorious for having some lifeless vocals, so I'm glad she didn't exercise that option for this song. I live for two parts of this song: the beginning and the 1:25 mark. Tomoko and the guitars start off quietly and begin picking up energy until you think something will explode. It's addictive and refreshing, exactly what I was looking for. The chorus is somewhat disappointing since it lacks any addictive elements, I almost forget that it exists in this song. The chorus just blends in with the rest of the verses.

One thing that made me shudder was the use of synthesized vocals. Around the 2:30 mark, Tomoko's voice is synthesized as she enlightens us with her lyrics. It seems unnecessary and really breaks the flow of the song.


One notable part of the music video is the two pandas attempting to snipe Tomoko, but fail miserably. How hard is it to snipe a member of the brilliant green in their music video? They don't dance like BoA or Leah Dizon would. They are stationary objects. Don't be greedy, don't go for the head shot.

The verdict: unfortunately, I'm only hooked on two parts of this song so it's not enough for me to highly recommend this song. The song is good, but not one of my favourites from the brilliant green.

Edit: January 12, 2008


Here is the actual Gundam 00 opening with the brilliant green's "Ash Like Snow" summarized in 1:30. I really like this version because the song's energy has been concentrated in 1:30 instead of stretching it out for 5 minutes. I'm looking forward to the anime length version when the Gundam 00 soundtrack comes out. As I had pointed out previously, the opening is a pity party as I had expected. From the few reviews I've read from anime viewers, they seem to like this Gundam 00 opening more than "DAYBREAK'S BELL," and I completely agree with them.

Lyrics

Here are the romaji lyrics for "Ash Like Snow" so you can sing along:
sora akakusomeru kokutan no yami
nomikomareta hoshikuzutachi
hakanaku furitsumoru hai no yuki

mitsumeta nageki no mado
I never dreamed
kooritsuku
there... I come for you

omoi wa sekibaku no yozora ni
maiagari kudaketa
kono sekai ga katachi o kaeru tabi ni
mamoritai mono o
kowashiteshimatteitan da

kokoro ni hishimeku haitoku no yami
kimi no koe ga masui no you ni
tsumetaku kankaku o ubatteku

mujyun o oikaketemo
owaranai
naze boku wa tatakau no?

tatoeba hikari ga kieusete
kono chikyuu(hoshi) ga ochitemo
wasurenai yo
sono chiisana negai ga
arubeki basho e to michibiku

there I come for you yeah
Ash Like Snow is falling down
from your sky
Ash Like Snow
Ash Like Snow
Ash Like Snow
Let me hear...
why? I have to fight

kono omoi wa sekibaku no yozora ni
maiagari kudaketa
yami o hiraku eikou to hikikae ni
mamorubeki mono o ushinattekita
(It's falling from your sky)
munashisugiru
(Baby I come for you)

kudakechitta kakeru ni kizutsuku tabi
tozasareta boku no kokoro o
tsuyokunaru koto o erande
koko made kitan da

Source: http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?p=1337112
Much thanks to "NominalBeast" for the post!

Metadata

Artist: the brilliant green
Release year: 2008
Genre: Rock
Song speed: Fast
Dominant voice: Female
Dominant language: Japanese

Song Review: Utada Hikaru - Stay Gold

Title: Stay Gold
Artist: Utada Hikaru
Single: Stay Gold
Released: February 20, 2008
Here is the radio ripped version of "Stay Gold"

Review

I guess you can call it desperate, but I really can't wait for the music video or single to come out before I hear my first 2008 Utada Hikaru song. There are some low quality radio rips on youtube for your sampling pleasure. Also, JPOPSUKI has a 128kbps radio rip, which is significantly better in quality.

One great thing about Utada songs, is they sound great even when they are ripped from the radio and played at a 32kbps bit rate. I can guarantee (although not legally binding) that this ripped song will sound better than any Leah Dizon song ripped at 320 kbps. Why? Because Utada's voice is unquestionably powerful and versatile. No sound compression can suppress her vocal capabilities. Have I offended some Leah Dizon fans out there? If you're angry, I recommend you redirect your anger towards a more positive use. Viciously click on the google ads on my sidebar until your rage subsides.

Don't assume I'm biased towards Utada (I'm not an official member of the Utada Hikaru fan club), I do hate some of her songs with a passion.

Good News

1. The piano is undoubtedly the song's hook for me as I believe it is extremely well played. There is a nice piano solo at the beginning, middle, and end to keep you occupied. It's also interesting that the piano follows Utada's pace and pitch. When Utada sings quickly and higher pitched, the piano's pace speeds up and uses higher pitches. When Utada sings slower and lower pitched, the piano's pace slows down and uses lower pitches. I can only describe it as a duet.
   
2. English phrases, such as "My Darling, Stay Gold," "Good Night," and "Good Luck" are perfectly inserted into the song without breaking the flow. The English neither sounds strange or forced. A nice bonus for the people who don't understand Japanese and like to sing along.
3. I think it goes without saying that Utada's voice is incredibly smooth and relaxing. She varies her singing of words to prevent boredom (and I guess to show that she can do it damn well).
   

Bad News

1. Unless you understand Japanese there are times in "Stay Gold" when her singing can get rather boring when you have absolutely no clue what she's saying.
2. The piano really steals the show here. I don't think this song would be interesting if it weren't for the piano. Utada's vocals alone isn't enough to get the job done here.
3. The chorus isn't spectacular, the vocals sound pretty generic after some repetition. If you listen to this song a few times, you might start noticing this too.
   

The verdict: a great way to start 2008. "Stay Gold" is definitely an outstanding song from Utada Hikaru. I highly recommend this song.

Lyrics

Here are the romaji lyrics for "Stay Gold," so feel free to sing along:

Daisuki dakara zutto
Nannimo shinpai iranaiwa
My Darling, Stay Gold
Mujakini waratte kudasaina
Itsumademo...

Anata no hitomi no oku ni hisomu shounenn
Watashi no honnou kusugutte yamanai
Aah douka sonomama
Good Luck

Kanashii koto ha kitto
Konosakinimo ippai aruwa
My Darling, Stay Gold
Kizutsuku koto mo daijidakara

Daisuki dakara zutto
Nannimo shinpai iranaiwa
My Darling, Stay Gold
Mujakini waratte kudasaina
Itsumademo...

Shuushoku mo kimatte
Asondebakari irarenaine
Otona no joushiki ya chie mi ni tsukeru no mo ii
Aah Kyou ha konomama
Good Night

Kawariyuku no ga
Hito no kokoro no tsune dato iimasuga
Ne daarin Your Soul
Yasashiku kagayaki tsuzukeruwa

Daisuki dakara zutto
Nannimo shinpai iranaiwa
My Darling, Stay Gold
Mujakini waratte kudasaina
Itsumademo...

Daisuki dakara zutto
Nannimo shinpai iranaiwa
My Darling, Stay Gold
Mujakini waratte iraretara
Itsunohimo...

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HebpA4wkC8o

Metadata

Artist: Utada Hikaru
Release year: 2008
Genre: Pop
Song speed: Fast
Dominant voice: Female
Dominant language: Japanese

Song Review: Namie Amuro - Violet Sauce (Spicy)

Title: Violet Sauce (Spicy)
Artist: Namie Amuro
Album: PLAY
Released: June 27, 2007

Review

The song begins with Namie saying, "You know what? Who is hot?" Unless your ears are trained to understand poorly pronounced English, you won't find out what her answer is. The closest real English word that I hear is "Galatians," which is a book in the Bible. I suppose books in the Bible can be hot, but what Namie is actually trying to say is "collaboration" (thanks to the romaji lyrics). Although you may have missed that word, there's always more time to play "guess the English word" when listening to Jpop.

I hadn't even listened to Violet Sauce from Namie's other single White Light / Violet Sauce much because it didn't sound very interesting at the time. Luckily, Namie really improves this song by adding the electric guitar. The song's hook is definitely Namie's incredibly hot sounding voice (or as some others have said, sensual) and addictive beats.

I'm quite surprised that the English Namie uses in this song sounds decent (excluding the beginning). I guess she's been practicing. It's interesting that the lyrics are pretty dirty, but it's diluted using euphemisms. Either that, or I'm pretty perverted and I've clearly analyzed the lyrics incorrectly.

Of course, regardless of hotness, the song can get somewhat repetitive after listening to it a few times. After a while, the chorus becomes mind numbing and you'll look for safety in the verses.

The verdict: a hot and addictive remix from the queen of hip hop. I highly recommend it.

Lyrics

Here are the romaji lyrics for you to sing along with:
You know what?
Who is hot?
Collaboration
(C'mon Ah Ah Yeah)

Dip in the sauce (hey, hey)
Dip in the sauce (hey, hey)
Dip in the sauce (hey, hey)
Dip it in the violet sauce

tanjun na Rule demo kuse n' naru
sonna asobi shinai?
(You wanna know how to play)
mazu 2(ni)mai no Cards
"Joker" ga "Ace of heart"
ima kara nageru Coin no aizu de Start

*1 Show me your everything
I'll give you what you need
I know the way to please you, you, you
ato sukoshi kurai
kiken de Hot na Spice
ajiwatte mitai nara

*2 Dip it in the sauce
himitsu no recipe
Dip it in the sauce
Taste it and feel it
Dip it in the sauce
sugu ni itamitsuki
Dip it in the violet sauce
Dip it in the sauce
himitsu no recipe
Dip it in the sauce
Taste it and feel it
Dip it in the sauce
hora konna fuu ni
Dip it in the violet sauce

nani ga shitai no ka wakannai nara
koko de Join da game
(Everyone ain't need a ticket)
atatakakute Sweet na Trap
hamaritai nara
Burn it up, Turn it up kossori mimimoto de

*1, *2 repeat

yureru Candle lights
mawaru Hard knock life
marude kawaribae no nai hibi nara
Oh baby Don't worry
You ready? Come wit' me

*2 repeat 2x

(Enjoy my PLAY LAND)
koko kara sono Mind Control
doko ni mo nai himitsu no Toys
hoshii n' nara Knock My Door
saa Hear me say Oh Oh Oh Oh
zensai kara Cool na Course
jikkuri ajiwaeba dou?
shiage wa kono Violet Sauce
saa Hear me say Oh Oh Oh Oh

Violet Sauce
Violet Sauce...

Source: http://www.corichan.com/lyrics/albums/namie-play.html#10

Metadata

Artist: Namie Amuro
Release year: 2007
Genre: Pop
Song speed: Fast
Dominant voice: Female
Dominant language: Japanese

Song Review: the brilliant green - Stand by Me

Title: Stand by Me
Artist: the brilliant green
Single: Stand by Me
Released: August 22, 2007

Review

Kawase Tomoko begins by taking a deep breath to start the brilliant green's 10th anniversary comeback single "Stand by Me." I brace myself for disappointment or joy. Luckily, it's the latter.
Tomoko wastes no time by starting us off with an intro where her voice sounds an awfully lot like YUI. I fear monotone vocals for the first 30 seconds of this song but am relieved when her voice picks up energy for the chorus. Without a doubt, the chorus is the hook in this song. Whenever Tomoko sings "stand by me, akirame to negai no tobira no mae," the song's mood becomes so happy that I literally sing a long with it. The electric guitar and percussion complements Tomoko's voice perfectly in this incredibly addictive chorus.

The song's instrumentals are decent, nothing spectacular, but it gets the job done. Matsui provides a brief guitar solo as a nice break near the 2:44 mark.

Thankfully, Tomoko's English pronunciation for phrases like "yeah baby," "you're always on my mind," and "stand by me" don't sound terrible. I cringe at some of Tomoko's bad English in some of her previous songs, but I'm glad it doesn't kill this song. However, I was disappointed at Tomoko's typical neutral tone for most of the song. This song could have used more energy, but luckily the chorus saved it from destruction.

The verdict: "Stand by Me" has plenty of lasting appeal with it's incredibly energetic chorus. I highly recommend this song.

Lyrics

Here are the romaji lyrics for you to sing along with:
nagai ichinichi ga owari
kiete yuku kako e no tobira
kizutsuitemo ii sore yori
chigau jibun wo mite mitai

can I try? "Why should I?" togireta koe
kioku no hako ni nemuru 憶(omo)i
You're always on my mind so...

Stand by me
sabitsuita sekai ni
nani ga aru no? Show me stars again itsuka
demo mienai kirameki ga aru koto
kidzukasete kureta kara

kokoro wo nozoketa nara
imasugu ni raku ni naru kana...
dare no mono ni mo naranaide
katte na negai dakeredo

dakedo itsuka kowashite shimau
garasu no hako ni
furetara kitto modorenai so...

Stand by me
akirame to negai no tobira no mae
ugokenai zutto
kanau no nara tomodachi de ii kara
tokubetsu ni naritakatta

dareka no tame ni nakeru nante
wakaranakatta
omou dake de itoshikute
setsunaku naru no
Stand by me
Stand by me yeah baby

so Stand by me
(so Stand by me oh...)
yeah baby Stand by me
(you're always on my mind)
mada mienai kirameki ga aru nara
arukidaseru kitto
mitsuketai no anata to so...
Stand by me

Source: http://www.jpopasia.com/play/3626/the-brilliant-green/stand-by-me.html

Metadata

Artist: the brilliant green
Release year: 2007
Genre: Pop
Song speed: Fast
Dominant voice: Female
Dominant language: Japanese

BoA - Lose Your Mind

Post Edit: January 8, 2008 to follow new blog standards

Title: Lose Your Mind
Artist: BoA
Single: Lose Your Mind
Released: December 12, 2007

Review

It's been a really long time since I listened to BoA. Luckily, my faith in her singing has been slightly revived as I listened to her new catchy song Lose Your Mind. However, I made a terrible mistake by watching the music video before listening to the song by itself. For her past few releases, I've been listening to the songs only, so I didn't find much that I enjoyed.

Some Praise...

1. BoA's English is good. If she continuously said "lose your mind" in terrible English, it would be torturous enough to break prisoners. I'll criticize the way she says "girls," since you have to admit that sounds a tad strange.
   
2. The vocals are decent and the song's hook is definitely the chorus. The chorus is addictive and energetic.
3. The electric guitar solo is a good break from BoA's voice.
4. BoA looks cute in her music video. She has a few styles, which will keep you occupied as you guess what she'll wear next. You might want to listen to the song first before you decide its quality, or you'll fall into the same deadly trap as me.
   

Things to get depressed over

1. With the exception of the guitar solo, the guitar playing is awfully repetitive. Is it really necessary to get someone from DOPING PANDA for this? While it does complement BoA's singing and create a nice atmosphere, a little variation would be nice.
2. If you remove the chorus, you'll notice that this song has almost no content. I love the chorus, it's well made, but I'm sure you can come up with something else for the other verses.
   

The verdict: I would definitely recommend this song if you are looking for good BoA songs, but BoA's voice still bothers me too much.

Lyrics

mitame no watashi wo suki datte hontou hoshii mono wa shiranai no
Should do, Be do you wanna betters and cosmetic
Material ja mou mitasarenai

LOSE YOU MIND futton jau gurai
MAKE ME WILD shigeki teki na WILDLY
BABY LOSE YOUR MIND "BOYS KNOW WHAT GIRLS WANT"
motto kimi wo muchuu ni sasetai LOSE YOUR MIND

doushitemo rikai fukanou 24/7 aitai no ni
Should do, Be do your like, music magic and dramatic
kokoro ni iku mono dake ga suki

LOSE YOU MIND amae chau gurai
MAKE ME WILD odorase teyo WILDLY
BABY LOSE YOUR MIND "BOYS KNOW WHAT GIRLS WANT"
nankai datte repeat shiteta LOSE YOU MIND


LOSE YOU MIND futton jau gurai
MAKE ME WILD shigeki teki na WILDLY
BABY LOSE YOUR MIND "BOYS KNOW WHAT GIRLS WANT"
motto kimi wo muchuu ni sasetai LOSE YOUR MIND

LOSE YOU MIND amae chau gurai
MAKE ME WILD odorase teyo WILDLY
BABY LOSE YOUR MIND "BOYS KNOW WHAT GIRLS WANT"
nankai datte repeat shiteta LOSE YOU MIND

Source: http://www.jpopasia.com/play/4797/boa/lose-your-mind-featyutaka-furukawa-from-doping-panda.html

Metadata

Artist: BoA
Release year: 2007
Genre: Pop
Song speed: Fast
Dominant voice: Female
Dominant language: Japanese

Yuna Ito x Celine Dion - A World To Believe In

Post Edit: January 10, 2008 to follow new blog standards

Title: A World To Believe In
Artist: Yuna Ito
Single: A World To Believe In
Released: January 16, 2008

Review

"A World To Believe In" is an excellent North-America-meets-Japan duet with the Canadian powerhouse Celine Dion and Yuna Ito. "A World To Believe In" is the 10th single from Yuna Ito and it shows off her excellent slow song skills. Yuna Ito is an excellent choice for singing Celine Dion songs because of her flawless English, smooth sounding voice, and her proven ability to switch between English and Japanese without breaking the flow. Overall a great song and a great tribute to Celine Dion, but I still prefer some of Yuna Ito's other slower songs, such as "Endless Story."

The verdict: a great slow song from Yuna Ito and Celine Dion. I recommend it if you like slow songs.

Lyrics

I've seen the tears and the heartache
And I've felt the pain
I've seen the hatred
And so many lives lost in vain

And yet through this darkness
There's always a light that shines through
And takes me back home
Takes me back home

Takai kabe no mukou
Nani ga attemo
Nigetakunai
Arukitsuzukeyou
Wasurenaide

You gave me a world to believe in
You gave me a love to believe in
Ai no tame ni
Tsuyokunareru
Anata ga iru kagiri

Namida de afureru kokoro
Yorisou yohou ni daite kureta
Kizukeba hitori de wa nakatta
Kaze no hi mo
Ame no hi mo

And I see for one fleeting moment
A paradise under the sun
I drift away
And I make my way back to you
Wasurenaide

You gave me a world to believe in
You gave me a love to believe in
Nando datte
Yarinaoseru
Ashita ga aru kagiri

Hito wa kizutsuku tabi ni
Hontou ni taisetsu na
Kotae ni chikazukeru kara

You gave me a world to believe in
You gave me a love to believe in
Ai no tame ni
Tsuyokunareru
Anata ga iru kagiri

You gave me a world to believe in
You gave me a love to believe in
Nando datte
Yarinaoseru
Ashita ga aru kagiri

Anata to iru kagiri
Anata to iru kagiri

Source: http://www.jpopasia.com/lyrics/7125//yuna-ito/anata-ga-iru-kagiri---a-world-to-believe-in.html

Metadata

Artist: Yuna Ito
Release year: 2007
Genre: Pop
Song speed: Fast
Dominant voice: Female
Dominant language: English and Japanese

Aya Hirano - MonStAR

Title: MonStAR
Artist: Aya Hirano
Single/Album: MonStAR single
Year: 2007
Genre: Pop
Speed: Fast Song
Languages used: Japanese

Review:
I am somewhat disappointed at this song since I didn't find this song to be as catchy as some of Aya Hirano's previous songs. There are parts of this song where her voice sounds terrible and the English chorus brings chills down my spine. The video shows Aya Hirano as a gang girl with a 1 million bounty. However, the "vault" holding all her bling seems rather empty, unless you count glitter curtains or items that you find in a garage sale to be valuable (I suppose sentimental value is priceless though...).

Aya Hirano's MonStAr Japanese lyrics can be found here.