[single] サクラ色 - アンジェラ・アキ

Sakurairo-Angela Aki

This is Angela's first single after the release of her debut japanese album "HOME". All of her singles, including her album have been spectacular and naturally you would expect "サクラ色" to be on a same level as that.

Good news, it is even better than her previous stuff. "サクラ色" is the song is worth replaying a million times and it is also one of those songs that you can hardly get tired of. I recommend you to watch the PV also to get the full impact of Angela's prowress. One interesting thing about "サクラ色" is that there is a repeated lyric from her debut song, "Home". It was mentioned that she wants to show how her music career came in one full circle.

She is not lazy, ok.

The B-side to this single is just as good, especially "On & On", fantastic lyrics aside, this song shows a balance to "サクラ色" as "On & On" sounds a little more uptempo.

One of those die-die-must-hear singles.

Ratings: 5/5

[single] I'm Here - 伊藤 由奈

I'm Here-Yuna Ito

Cheesy, techno-ish and cheapo cover aside, Yuna Ito's latest single, "I'm Here" should be a great song.

Sadly, the song suffer for being too generic. Sure, it sounds great vocally, but it just sounds like any typical song written by a common songwriter with done-to-death melodies. But props to Yuna for doing a very uptempo song with great vocals (as ususal).

Your dancing still needs more practice.

Ratings: 3/5

[single] 1001 Nights - BENNIE K

1001 Nights-BENNIE K

Although I love BEENIE K very much, i try to less bias as possible.

"1001 Nights" starts off really good with an interesting guitar riff, certainly a promising start. Then it switches abruptly to a sort of Arabian theme, still interesting but weird. And when the vocals start, all is well. Yuki eases out the rough edges of the song to bring it up a level, showcasing typical BENNIE K style.

Apologies for the bad analogies but this song is like a mountain-top song. Do not ask me why, it just feels like it. Although it is not a ballad, "1001 Nights" sounds abit pensieve.

It could have gotten 4.5 for ratings but Cico's rapping was totally redundant in this song, this should be a Yuki song through and out.

Ratings: 4/5

[single] キャンディ・ライン - 高橋 瞳

Candy Line-Hitomi Takahashi

As far as i am concerned, not many people follow up with her career as they find the rest of her songs not as good as her debut. Which is pretty sad, cause i think she is doing justice to her talents. She is severly underrated, judging from most of her releases. She has more hits than misses.

In case you did not know, she is the girl who sang for the anime, Gundam Seed.

"キャンディ・ライン" is somewhat different from her previous effort "コ・モ・レ・ビ" which was slightly slower in nature. "キャンディ・ライン" is an upbeat, cheerful pop number that is very refreshing and different from her usual style of slightly darker rock. She evens looks happy and having fun in the PV, and she also tends to look creepy and old in certain angles.

And she had to have one verse in English, and worse thing it sounded like Engrish.

Rating: 3.5

[single] Flavor Of Life - 宇多田ヒカル

Flavor Of Life-Utada Hikaru

"Flavor Of Life" is Hikki's comeback to chart dominance. Not only did this song chart at No.1, it charted at the top position for a massive 3 weeks in a row, fending off strong competitors like Koda Kumi.

Also, this single outsold her previous 3 singles in a matter of 3 days. Amazing.

That said, this single does not break new grounds although it satisfy fans. It is Hikki doing what she is previously known for. The regular version song has more intruments and sounds like Hikki during her "Deep River" days. More bass, and more volume in the song and the arrangement flows better.

The ballad version shows off more of Hikki's voice, less intruments and slightly more raw compared to the original version. And somehow, Hikki's voice sounds more deeper here.

The only problem I have with this single is the PV, she just looks too dowdy.

Rating: 3.5/5

[single] WINDING ROAD - 絢香×コブクロ

WINDING ROAD-ayaka × Kobukuro

If you can only download one song this week, download this. It is that good.

The songs starts off, take a breath, a-capella. You can practically hear the echoes vibrating in the song, and their voices really soar on this one. Great karaoke, if you ask me.

As the song progresses, it just flows very nicely and best off all, their voices compliment each other. As you all know, 絢香's voice is not like Morning Musume, all whiny and high-pitched. She tends to to have a slightly huskier, warm-toned voice.

And what a nice way to end the song, in a-capella again.

Rating: 5/5

[single] CHE.R.RY - YUI

CHE.R.RY-YUI

Frankly i do not understand the fullstops in the title but anyways, YUI definitely struck gold with this single.

"CHE.R.RY" is an uptempo, light pop-rock song with a really catchy chorus. Sure, this may not be the best vocal YUI has done, but she makes it up with such a good radio-friendly songs. The downside? The slightly bizarre lyrics.

Post "FROM ME TO YOU" singles have been great and these singles have been snatching the top three spots. Not bad for a relatively newcomer.

We can probably expect a No.1 debut for her upcoming new album.

Rating: 3.5/5

[single] BUT/愛証 - 倖田來未

BUT/Aisho-Koda Kumi

This is Koda Kumi's latest single which was co-released with her third best album, "BEST ~Bounce & Lovers~". She is going to tire herself out with all the constant double A-side releases and her best albums.

That said, this single is ok, certainly not her best and not her worst. "BUT" is a furious dance number that will probably get you moving in no time. But (pun intended), the title to this song is a little dubious considering that she splatters the lyrics of the song absent-mindedly with the word "But".

"愛証" is one of her usual ballads, but sadly, it is one of her weaker ballads. It doesn't really build up dramatic factor like her previous ballad song "運命" or as powerful like "you".

Rating: 3/5