[single] Precious - 伊藤 由奈

Precious-Yuna Ito

If Yuna Ito's previous single falls short of something, "Precious" definitely made up for it.

"Precious" is the theme song to the movie "Umizaru" which was a blockbuster movie in Japan and by no means should this single disappoint. This single spent the first 3 weeks in the Top 3, which is no mean feat as many new singles are released each week. Furthurmore, this single became 300,000 best seller with no tie-up to any NANA shows. Goes to show that Yuna Ito is no one hit wonder.

"Precious", yes a ballad, delivers smooth but powerful vocals. In fact, this song is by far the only that puts her up with other powerhouse vocals like MISIA. It begins nice and slow, then it slowly builds up to nice grand chorus and bridge.

Clearly one of best songs by Yuna Ito so far, even the live performances of her performing this song are spectactular.

Yes, a kill-yourself-also-must-hear song.

Rating: 5/5

[single] Faith/Pureyes - 伊藤 由奈

Faith/Pureyes-Yuna Ito

After all the hype generated by her after starring in "NANA" as Reira, many people and critics have high expectations for this newcomer. However, this single disappoints in some way. Not because it is a bad song or anything, it just that the single falls short as compared to "ENDLESS STORY" or even "JOURNEY".

"Faith" is a pretty subdued ballad, it is bland at best. But after repeated listens, i am pretty sure you will change your opinion of the song. The song flows very well and Yuna trys not to inject to much powerhouse vocals into it.

"Pureyes", in contrast, is nice up-tempo tune. But together with "Faith" there is still some oomph missing from it to become a great song. The chorus sounds great potentially but the verses sounds drained, like they are going nowhere.

Overall, not that good and not that bad either.

Rating: 3/5

[album] Undiscovered - James Morrison

Undiscovered-James Morrison

I have never been so impressed by a debut album before. Untill James Morrison's album came along.

You might think he is another James Blunt wannabe, but trust me, he is way better than Blunt. The album is chock-full of easy listening tunes and every song is worthy of being a potential hit single, yes, everyone single one of them.

"Wonderful World" is probably the best song off the album. Catchy, positive and oh-so addictive.
I can probably give a low down for every song on the album, but i shan't cause all of them are just so good.

The Sun says "There isn't a bad track on it" and The Times states "Undiscovered may prove to be the least apposite album title for years"

Yes, go get this album. It didn't topped the UK album charts and sold over 500,000 copies in its opening week for nothing.

Key tracks: Wonderful World, Undiscovered, This Boy, Under The Influence

Rating: 5/5

[single] Truth - REIRA starring YUNA ITO

Truth-REIRA starring YUNA ITO

Yes, this song is also the theme song for the movie "NANA 2", but unlike "一色", this song is very much a ballad. And comparisons to "ENDLESS STORY" is also inevitable.

"Truth" is supposed to be a very powerhouse song with powerhouse vocals and although Yuna Ito is able to hit all the high notes, the song somewhat falls short of something. Still, it is a great song and it is a general improvement over its predecessor.

"Take Me Away", the single's B-side, sounds loud and garring, it seems like Yuna Ito is shouting throughout the song. Of course she doesn't need to resort to such mindless shouting, she is born with a heaven's voice.

Rating: 4/5

[single] 一色 - NANA starring MIKA NAKASHIMA

Hitoiro-NANA starring MIKA NAKASHIMA

"一色" is theme song to the sequel of the hugely popular movie "NANA" and i definitely cannot refrain from comparing this with her previous effort "GLAMOUROUS SKY".

In contrast, "一色" sounds slightly toned down, focusing more her vocals. I believe this song is more suitable for the tone of Mika's voice, unlike "GLAMOUROUS SKY" which is too rockish.

That said, fans of "NANA" might be slightly dissapointed in a sense that this song is very different from the other BLACKSTONES songs.

A very worthy listen.

Rating: 4.5/5

[single] Patience - Take That

Patience-Take That

I'm sure a lot of girls were willing to fling their panties to them. Back in the 1990's that is.

After disbanding for 10 years, Take That decided to reform to make a glorious comeback (after figuring out that their solo careers aren't going to take off anytime soon). Funny thing is, the decided to make themselves ugly so that they can prove to the critics that they are a credible band and no longer a BOY band. So now, they look like Kings Of Leon.

Anyhoo, "Patience" delivers as a good comeback single. Catchy but not cheesy, mellow but not tear-inducing. In fact, the song sounds a bit glorious. Well, it should be since this song topped the UK singles chart for about 3 weeks now.

Now let's see how well their 2nd single will do.

Rating: 4/5

[album] The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani

The Sweet Escape-Gwen Stefani

Gwen is back with a brand new sophomore album and leading this album is the first single "Wind It Up" which has a strong "The Sound Of Music" influences.

Ok, I will try not to make any comparisons to her previous album, "Love. Angel. Music. Baby.", which, in my honest words, gave me a headache.

"The Sweet Escape" starts off with the unimpressive "Wind It Up". I'm sorry, but i do not like that song. I think it falls into the sad category of irriating tunes of Fergie and Hollaback Girl days. Thankfully, the 2nd track which is the title track, saves the album from being Love. Angel. Music. Baby. Part 2.

Another song to take note is "Early Winter", why? Because that song is co-written by Tim Rice-Oxley (one-third of KEANE) and i do expect great things form KEANE. And yes, the song delivers, even though it was sung by Gwen.

Overall, i think this is a great album, better than her debut. Initial listening may put you off, but the album will grow on you.

Key Tracks: The Sweet Escape, Early Winter

Rating: 4/5