Jpop Recommendations - Girls Be Ambitious

The Jpop album Girls Be Ambitious was released March 26, 2008 which featured a variety of popular and talented female artists. I was glad the female voices were typically lower pitched, but wasn't too happy about the rapping.

Artist	Song	Details
Crystal Kay	Tears	Slower paced song with excellent vocals
ARIA	I Love You	Pop, the song's hook is the excellent piano instrumental
MINMI	Aisuru Toiu Koto	Pop/Soca, excellent vocals from my favourite Soca Jpop artist
DOUBLE	SPRING LOVE	Pop
Leah Dizon	Koi Shiyou	Pop, I like this song minus the chorus
Orion	Once More	Pop, I'm a sucker for piano yet again

Of the 26 tracks, only 5 songs matched the Jpop I enjoy. I was slightly disappointed, but then again, the percentage of songs I enjoy in the Oricon SINGLE WEEKLY TOP 30 is usually just as bad.

Highly Recommended Jpop - January to April 2008

2008 has started with an incredible amount of releases from some of my favourite Jpop Artists as well as some who I've recently discovered.

There were a lot of albums containing older songs, such as Ken Hirai's Pop Star or any song from the brilliant's green single collection. However, if you've missed them before, it's a good opportunity to get them now.

Albums/Singles

• ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION - World World World
• Ben Arashino - Chapter One ~Complete Collection~
• CHEMISTRY - Face to Face
• EXILE - Pure / You're my sunshine
• GLORY HILL - DAYBREAK e.p.
• Hikari - Naked
• Ken Hirai - FAKIN' POP
• Koda Kumi - Kingdom
• KOKIA - Tatta Hitotsu no Omoi
• Leah Dizon - Love Paradox
• melody. - Lei Aloha
  
• mihimaru GT - diverge
• Monkey Majik - Together/Akari/Fall Back
• Nami Tamki - Don't Stay
• Namie Amuro - 60s 70s 80s
• Rimi Natsukawa - Ano Hana No Youni
• the brilliant green - complete single collection '97-'08
• Utada Hikaru - HEART STATION
• YUI - I LOVED YESTERDAY
• Yuna Ito - WISH
• ZEEBRA - BUSHIDO
  

I decided to summarize my favourite Jpop songs in a tabular format, so you can quickly scan for songs that interest you.

Artist	Song	Details
ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION	After Dark	Rock, the popular song used in the opening for the anime Bleach
ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION	Korogaru Iwa, Kimi ni Asa ga Furu	Rock
ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION	Travelog	Rock
Beni Arashino	Cherish	Pop, an old favourite of mine
Beni Arashino	FLASH FLASH (feat. KOHEI JAPAN)	Pop, rapping
Beni Arashino	Goal	Pop, an old favourite of mine
CHEMISTRY	Kagayaku yoru	Pop, song supported by Monkey Majik, which means amazing guitar
EXILE	Pure	Pop, on the slower side but excellent male vocals
GLORY HILL	DAYBREAK e.p.	Punk/rock, sounds like ELLEGARDEN (including unintelligible English)
Hikari	Sowelu	Pop
Hikari	Still lovin' you	Pop
Ken Hirai	Pain	Pop
Ken Hirai	Pop Star	Pop, if you haven't heard this song before you should!
Koda Kumi	anytime	Pop
Koda Kumi	Under	Pop
KOKIA	Tatta Hitotsu no Omoi	Pop
Leah Dizon	Love Paradox	Pop, surprisingly good for a Leah Dizon song
melody.	Haruka -Eternal Version-	Slow song
mihimaru GT	diverge	Pop
Monkey Majik	Akari	Pop
Monkey Majik	Fall Back	Pop, the rap sucks but the rest of the song is good
Monkey Majik	One More Chance	Pop, the surprisingly good b-side
Nami Tamaki	visualize	Dance, reminds me of her song "Believe"
Nami Tamaki	Promise	Slow song
Namie Amuro	NEW LOOK	Pop
Namie Amuro	ROCK STEADY	Pop
Namie Amuro	WHAT A FEELING	Pop
Rimi Natsukawa	Ano Hana No Youni	Slow song
the brilliant green	Ai no Heart Ai no Hoshi	Rock
the brilliant green	Rainy Days Never Stays	Rock, one of my favourite tbg songs ever
the brilliant green	I'm So Sorry Baby	Rock
the brilliant green	Stand By Me	Pop, another one of my favourite tbg songs
Utada Hikaru	Beautiful World	Pop
Utada Hikaru	Flavor Of Life -Ballad Version	Slow song, my absolute favourite song from this album
Utada Hikaru	Stay Gold
YUI	My Generation	Pop
YUI	Namidario	Pop
Yuna Ito	Mahaloha	Pop
ZEEBRA	BUSHIDO	Rap, this is what Japanese rapping should be like

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

The Best Jpop Song List

I will be uploading "Discovering Jpop" albums with songs from this list. The albums are located here.

A great thing about Jpop, is there's always something new out there that you haven't heard before. It is incredibly tedious to listen through an artist's discography to find excellent songs. After all, not every song can sound great, but there are always some that stand out.

I encourage you to leave a comment if you'd like to recommend some of your favourite Jpop songs (I recommend you follow a similar format to the list below).

I'll periodically update this list to include songs from the comment list and any new songs. You can suggest a new category if you'd like :D. Don't feel like you're restricted to those categories. Go crazy! Here's a list of of my absolute favourite Jpop songs, sorted alphabetically by category. I've tried to list as many artists as I could per category.

The Best Jpop List

Best Japanese slow songs

• [2000] Ayumi Hamasaki - SEASONS
  
• [2001] Ayumi - Hamasaki - Endless Sorrow
  
• [2006] Angela Aki - Kiss Me Good-Bye
• [2006] Angela Aki - Kokoro no Senshi
• [2006] Angela Aki - This Love
• [2007] JYONGRI - Lullaby For You
  
• [2003] Koda Kumi - 1000 no Kotoba
• [2007] Koda Kumi - Ai no Uta
  
• [2005] Yuna Ito - ENDLESS STORY
• [2006] Mika Nakashima - CRY NO MORE
• [2005] Namie Amuro - ALL FOR YOU
• [2005] Namie Amuro - White Light
• [2005] Rie Fu - I Wanna Go To A Place
• [2006] Satori Negishi - Stargazer ~Hoshi no Tobira~
• [2007] Utada Hikaru - Flavor Of Life
• [2007] YUI - Good-bye days
  

Best Japanese fast songs

• [2006] 20th Century - INNOCENCE
• [2007] AAA - Get Chu!
• [2007] AAA - Sunshine
  
• [2007] Aqua Timez - ALONES
• [2004] Ayumi Hamasaki - Winding Road
• [2007] ERIKA - FREE
• [2007] ERIKA - Destination Nowhere
  
• [2005] Do As Infinity - TAO
• [2004] DOUBLE - Life is Beautiful
• [2005] DOUBLE - You Took My Heart Away
• [2005] Dream - Shine of Voice
• [2005] FLOW - DAYS
• [2005] Hitomi Takahashi - Aozora no Namida
• [2005] Hitomi Takahashi - My Answer
• [2006] K - Brand New Map
• [2005] Ken Hirai - POP STAR
  
• [2003] Koda Kumi - real emotion
• [2007] JYONGRI - Hop, Step, Jump!
• [2007] JYONGRI - Romeo&Juliet
  
• [2005] Matsuura Aya - Ki ga Tsukeba Anata
• [2003] Mikuni Shimokawa - Sore Ga Ai Deshou
• [2007] Morning Musume - YES Nude
  
• [2007] Nakagawa Shoko - Sorairo Days
• [2006] Namie Amuro - CAN'T SLEEP CAN'T EAT, I'M SICK
• [2003] Namie Amuro - Four Seasons
• [2007] Rie Fu - 5000 Mile
• [2007] Rie Fu - Tsukiakari
  
• [2006] RYTHEM - Dear Friend
• [2005] Sakamoto Maaya - Loop
• [2007] Sowelu - Hikari
  
• [2005] SweetS - on the way
• [2004] Tamaki Nami - Be Positive
• [2007] the brilliant green - Stand by me
• [2004] TiA - Ryuusei
• [2007] Tohoshinki - Together
  
• [2006] Utada Hikaru - Keep Tryin’
• [2005] Younha - Himawari
• [2005] Younha - Houki Boshi
  
• [2006] YUI - LIFE
• [2006] YUI - Merry Go Round
  
• [2005] Yuna Ito - Journey
• [2007] Yuna Ito - Mahaloha
  

Best Japanese rock/heavy metal songs

• [2007] ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION - After Dark
• [2005] Do As Infinity - For the Future
• [2002] Hitomi - I am
• [2006] Hyde - SEASON'S CALL
• [2007] L'Arc～en～Ciel - DAYBEAK'S BELL
  
• [2005] Mika Nakashima - GLAMOROUS SKY
• [2007] Nightmare - Raison d'Etre
  

Best collaborations

• [2005] Chemistry and Crystal Kay - TWO AS ONE
• [2006] EXILE and Koda Kumi - Won't Be Long
• [2004] m-flo, melody., Yamamoto Ryohei - Miss You
• [2004] m-flo and BoA - the Love Bug
• [2007] Monkey Majik and m-flo - picture perfect
  
• [2005] Namie Amuro and Nao'ymt - Ups & Downs
• [2007] The Gospellers and Howie D - It Still Matters
  

Best indie-pop/acoustic songs

• [2005] Monkey Majik - 1996
• [2007] Monkey Majik - Car Crash
• [2006] Monkey Majik - fly
• [2007] Monkey Majik - LONG SHOT PENNY
• [2006] Monkey Majik - turn
• [2000] the brilliant green - rainy days never stays
  

Best Soul/R&B songs

• [2000] Toshi Kubota - Masquerade
• [2000] Toshi Kubota - Nothing But Your Love
  

Best punk songs

• [2004] ELLEGARDEN - Addicted
• [2005] ELLEGARDEN - Bored of Everything
• [2004] ELLEGARDEN - Perfect Days
• [2005] ELLEGARDEN - Star Fish
• [2002] ELLEGARDEN - Under Control
  

Best Parapara or dance songs

• [2006] Hinoi Team - Ike Ike
• [2006] Hinoi Team - Just for Me
• [2006] Hinoi Team - Yeah!
• [2006] Hinoi Team - NOW AND FOREVER
• [2006] KOTOKO - Face of Fact RESOLUTION ver.
• [2004] Tamaki Nami - Realize
• [2004] Tamaki Nami - Believe
  

Best English dominant song (a bit of Japanese is OK)

• [2003] melody. - Do you hear what I hear
• [2007] melody. - Glory of Love
  
• [2007] melody. - ONE DAY
• [2004] melody. - Over the Rainbow
• [2007] Monkey Majik - NO SNOW IN DECEMBER
  
• [2006] Rie Fu - 5 minutes
• [2005] Rie Fu - shine
• [2002] Utada Hikaru - Simple and Clean
• [2006] YOSHIKA - nothing

Best remixes

• [2007] Namie Amuro - Violet Sauce (Spicy)

Change Log:

1. January 11, 2008: Initial list created
2. January 18, 2008: Added Toshi Kubota's songs "Masquerade" and "Nothing But Your Love", various Rie Fu songs (I can't believe I forgot to add them the first time!), and Satori Negishi's "Stargazer ~Hoshi no Tobira~"
3. January 22, 2008: Added "Sunshine" and "Get Chu!" by AAA
   

Song Review: Monkey Majik - fly

Title: fly
Artist: Monkey Majik
Album: thank you
Released: May 24, 2006

Review

What happens when you mix Monkey Majik, indie-pop, good English lyrics, and a touch of Japanese? You get my favourite track on the album "Thank You" called "fly." I'm especially a fan of the English verses before the first chorus. The lyrics are somewhat poetic and mimic indie-pop style lyrics. You might fool listeners into believing this song is a North American indie-pop song using the first quarter of the song. Of course, the song does have its flaws. I'm not a fan of the Japanese lyrics in this song. I wish the entire song was English since I enjoy the English parts the most.

The verdict: "fly" is an enjoyable authentic sounding indie-pop song from Monkey Majik. I highly recommend this song.

Lyrics

Here are the romaji lyrics for you to sing along with:
Leaving on that 7:30 train.
I don't know how far I'll go.
Round in circles just as long as I would tell you.
I am alone but we could be.

Tell me something I haven't heard before
except for when you shut me down.
Remember when we stayed up all night drinking whiskey.
I know that you've been waiting.
I'll see you on the other side.

Oh! We're better off alone.
I told you once before.
so don't knock on my door.
you'll see it if you will.
but I don't wanna know.
I'm feeling so resentful

Cuz' I wanna fly, Fly me up so high
Take me to the skies, I won't get by
itsu made mo kimi no koe ga boku no kokoro de hibiku
If you can't believe me, take me home

kimi no chiisana te wo semete ato sukoshi
tsuyoku nigiri-shimete-ita nara
yukkuri ashita wo matterareta no ni

namida no wake shitte-ita kedo
ima de wa mou oso-sugiru kara
sore wa sugi-yuku keshiki no you ni

Cuz' I wanna fly, Fly me up so high
Take me to the skies, I won't get by
itsu made mo kimi no koe wa boku no michi ni aru sa
If you can't believe me take me home

Everybody's talking always up and groovin'
come on up and join up with me yeah!
Always on and dancin' always on the move and.
come on everybody won't you come with me?

Cuz' I wanna fly, Fly me up so high
Take me to the skies, I won't get by
Everybody needs to go beyond the seas
If you can't believe me, take me home
If you can't believe me, take me home

Cuz' I wanna fly. I wanna fly.
Take me high.
Cuz' I wanna fly. I wanna fly.
Take me high!

Cuz' I wanna fly, fly me up so high
Take me to the skies, I won't get by
itsu made mo kimi no koe wa boku no michi ni aru sa
If you can't believe me take me home

Source: http://lyricwiki.org/MONKEY_MAJIK:fly

Metadata

Artist: Monkey Majik
Release year: 2006
Genre: Pop
Song speed: Fast
Dominant voice: English and Japanese
Dominant language: Japanese

Song Review: Monkey Majik - turn

Title: turn
Artist: Monkey Majik
Album: thank you
Released: May 24, 2006

Review

"turn" is an excellent indie-pop song from Monkey Majik with an addictive chorus and superb guitar playing. The chorus is a mixture of both Japanese and English with the catchy verse, "Oh.. It's still turnin' around" supported by percussion, bass, and guitar. The guitar melody is interesting and keeps me occupied, especially when the lyrics are in Japanese.

The verdict: "turn" is an excellent song and properly represents Monkey Majik's indie-pop style. I highly recommend this song.

Lyrics

Here are the romaji lyrics for you to see along with:
Wakin’ up asa me ga samete futto kanojo ga satte ikuyou na
tojiru to mieteiru monoga hirakuto mienakunaru genjitsu
nani mo sondeinaiyo, tada hito koto dake wonderfull wonderfull
Is all I need to hear me ni mienakute

Sometimes I feel like cavin' in nani ka ni semararete iruyouna
I wonder why? Ima made konna ni chisai jibun ni kizukenaide
subete o moto ni modosou toshite donna ni kako o sosuttemitemo
I'm right in yumede mite yume

Oh.. It's still turnin' around
It's so nandomo meguri meguru
Alright now
It's still turnin' around
demo ashita wa kittokurukara
Alright now

What if I'm the only one? hikari ga tashika ni ashimoto o tomoshiteite
sukushi zutsu sukushi zutsu dakedo shinjiteru boku no mukau beki basho ga
Is this really now the only way through? sokoni wa itsudemo kimi ga ite
kataku omoi kono tobira nokku suru yo

boku kara hanashi o suru yo kimi ga iwareru sono mae ni
furi kaeru to yoku mieru kara I can see all three sides from here.
mirai wa dareni mo mienai kedo kimi to futari nara yakusoku dekiru
I'm right in shizuka ni naraku

Oh.. It's still turnin' around
It's so nandomo meguri meguru
Alright now
It's still turnin' around
demo ashita wa kittokurukara
Alright now

Sometimes when everything's dark i take a lil' time and make sure it's all real
Sometimes when I'm alone I think about what the hell went wrong.
I look right out the door and see that all of this is turning.

Oh.. It's still turnin' around
It's so nandomo meguri meguru
Alright now
It's still turnin' around
demo ashita wa kittokurukara
Alright now

Sometimes I feel like cavin' in nani ka ni semararete iruyouna
I wonder why? Ima made konna ni chisai jibun ni kizukenaide
mirai wa dareni mo mienai kedo kimi to futari nara yakusoku dekiru
I'm right
Alright now

Source: http://www.lyricstime.com/monkey-majik-turn-lyrics.html

Metadata

Artist: Monkey Majik
Release year: 2006
Genre: Pop
Song speed: Fast
Dominant voice: English and Japanese
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: Monkey Majik - Falling

Title: Falling
Artist: Monkey Majik
Single: Around the World
Released: February 22, 2006

Review

The song begins with a superb guitar intro that captures the essence of indie-pop. After some dissatisfaction with "Around the World," I'm glad the second track matches the unique style of Monkey Majik that I love. Without a doubt, the excellent guitar throughout the song is what makes this song addictive.

There is a hint of sadness in the vocals as the English lyrics are perfectly sung to a relaxing tune. Don't start analyzing the lyrics too much. It's hardly poetic like John Mayer lyrics, but at least you understand it and can sing a long. I suppose the lyrics are meant to be depressing, but I'm too busy listening to the guitar in the background.

There is a noticeable skip at the 0:22 mark, which I can only assume is there for artistic purposes (or everyone ripped this song poorly).

The verdict: indie-pop at its best. Another killer hit from Monkey Majik that is sure to please. I highly recommend this song.

Lyrics

Here are the English lyrics for you to sing along with:
The mission's only half way done
It's taken on a life of its own
I wasn't sure how they'd make it back home
I crawl when you need me to run
I know you think that I can't cope all alone,
but in time I can count on you there.

A little bit of time is all I want
A little bit of luck to turn me on
A little bit of something else all want these days

I'm falling off ways
Ain't gaining headway
Been left here on my own
A little bit of time is all I want
A little bit of luck to turn me on
A little bit of something else all want these days

It's knowin' that I had to change
(I'm) lookin' back on all the days,
(But) couldn't find anytime, that's the way that it is
It's hard to say the words I feel
(I) need to understand I'm still,
on my own, even when you are here my by side

A little bit of time is all I want
A little bit of luck to turn me on
A little bit of something else all want these days

I'm falling off ways
Ain't gaining headway
Been left here on my own
A little bit of time is all I want
A little bit of luck to turn me on
A little bit of something else all want these days

Source: http://www.seeklyrics.com/lyrics/Monkey-Majik/Falling.html

Metadata

Artist: Monkey Majik
Release year: 2006
Genre: Pop
Song speed: Slow
Dominant voice: Male
Dominant language: English

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