[single] Makes Me Wonder - Maroon 5

Makes Me Wonder-Maroon 5

One of the most highly anticipated albums this year is Maroon 5's album "It Won't Be Soon Before Long" and this is first single off it.

In terms on how well it would do, this song is very well on par with Maroon 5's biggest hits like "This Love" and "She Will Be Loved", and it deserves to be a huge song in 2007. "Makes Me Wonder" is great comeback single, and it is comforting to know that Maroon 5 is constantly updating themselves. This song sounds familiar to songs from their previous album but then again, it also sounds quite different.

Worthy of replaying for months. Yes, months.

Rating: 4.5/5

[single] Survivalism - Nine Inch Nails

Survivalism-Nine Inch Nails

"Survivalism" is loud, jarring and noisy. And that is only the beginning.

This single is Nine Inch Nails first in two years after the impressive sales of their last album "With Teeth". That said, "Survivalism" is a hard rocking, metal sounding, industrial song that is filled with heaps and heaps of decibels and distortion. It sounds very rough on the edges and raw, but it rocks out very well. This one could just be a classic in the making.

Not for the faint hearted though.

Rating: 5/5

[single] Walk This Way - Sugababes VS Girls Aloud

Walk This Way-Sugababes VS Girls Aloud

This is probably one the biggest singles in the UK for 2007 so far. How can you go wrong when you clash the two biggest girl groups in the UK currently?

And thankfully it doesn't go wrong, in fact, it is downright a great song. It's feisty, edgy and almost bitchy. "Walk This Way" is actually a remake of RUN DMC song and what is great about this collaboration is that it is very, very stylish. Of course the style factor comes from the Sugababes, Girls Aloud just sound like slutty tramps trying to out-sing the Sugababes.

A well deserving single with a well deserving groups. Single of the week.

Rating: 5/5

[single] Extraordinary - Mandy Moore

Extraordinary-Mandy Moore

Good news, Mandy Moore has matured over the years with this adult contemporary comeback single. bad news, the vocals aren't really there yet.

This is Mandy's first single in 4 years after the disappointing sales of her previous album "Coverage". "Extraordinary" is a rather OK song, a bit boring to be a first single much less a comeback single. The song is very laid back, mid-tempo slow song that is very suitable for Mandy's light and airy vocals. The funny thing is, you don't recognize her vocals until you spin it a couple of times.

Hoping for a better 2nd single

Rating: 3/5

[single] I Want Candy - Melanie C

I Want Candy-Melanie C

Please listen to this song first before writing off as "That Aaron Carter Song". Yes, Aaron Carter recorded and butchered the song before but that doesn't mean that Melanie C here will do the same.

"I Want Candy" isn't much different from the original, but what sets her version of the song apart from the Aaron Carter version is that she is able to pump in sex, fun and sluttiness into this kinda childish song. Trust me, you will like this version waaaay better than the child pop star one.

Do watch the music video for this, it is so slutty (the leather kind) that you want her to whip you!

Rating: 3.5/5

[single] Our Velocity - Maxïmo Park

Our Velocity-Maxïmo Park

I have heard of this band before, but i never got to sample any of their songs untill i stumbled one of their recent hits on iTunes.

"Our Velocity" is a very good song, and true to its title, it is a fast paced songs that flows pretty welll and before you know it the songs ends. Maxïmo Park, so far, is a great alternative progressive light rock band with catchiness to match up. Fellow Artic Monkeys fans should love this one.

Rating: 3/5

[single] my brand new way/Awaking Emotion 8/5 - 小池徹平, ウエンツ瑛士

my brand new way/Awaking Emotion 8/5- Teppei Koike, Eiji Wentz

Both of them belong to the j-pop group WaT, and for whatever reasons they have, they decided to split up to record their own solo song on this one single (hence the diffrent covers). Frankly, out of all the annoying J-pop boybands out there like KAT-TUN, Tegomass and SMAP, WaT is the one that i like best.

To be honest, i do not think much of "my brand new way", it sounds too cute and too safe for my liking, it feels like the same old WaT when they debuted. Even through the song i can feel him exuding cuteness and giving those baby pouts every now and then. Kinda annoying after a while. But if you like the typical boybands with good looks and generic songs, then this is the song for you.

"Awaking Emotion 8/5" is, thankfully, a 180 degrees different from boring "my brand new day". In fact, this one is pretty rockin' and catchy even. You can really hear Wentz's vocals branching out well after being supressed by those uber-ly cute songs from WaT.

I kinda always knew that Wentz has the stronger vocal of the two. And by hearing this song, I really wish that WaT would spilt up so that Wentz can really do what he is good at, rocking out. But what's with the eyeliner in the PV, Wentz? No need to be emo, ok.

Although this is on one single, i decided to split them up. Wentz does not need bad ratings because of Teppei's grossly cutesy song.

Ratings- my brand new way-小池徹平: 2.5/5
Awaking Emotion 8/5-ウエンツ瑛士: 4.5/5

[single] 唇からロマンチカ/That's Right - AAA

Kuchibiru Kara Romantica/That's Right-AAA

AAA have certainly done their homework this time, taking a leaf out Christina's album, AAA decided to throwback to the 40's swing with their latest release.

"唇からロマンチカ" is a very horn/trumpet heavy song that feels very 40's Broadway swing era. Similar to Christina's songs on her latest album but not as genre-heavy. While this is definitely not the kind of music that AAA would do, it brings a nice change of pace with a refreshing song.

"That's Right" is probably what AAA would normally do but it fails to capture what AAA is good for and that is catchiness. Song-wise, it is forgettable and once again, completely over-shadowed by "唇からロマンチカ".

In any case, this single has a spanking cover!

Rating: 3.5/5

[single] Get チュー! / SHEの事実 - AAA

Get Chu!/SHE no Jijitsu-AAA

The great thing about AAA is that they come up with great feel-good, uptempo and sugary (not the overbearing kind) songs. And this is no exception.

"Get チュー!" is a great, great, great fun pop song that is guaranteed repeated spins and will be stuck in your head for days. The vocals aren't that great, but hey, they are a band. What do you expect? I can't emphasize how great of a song "Get チュー!" is, so just hear it already.

The second A-side, "SHEの事実" is OK, a tad bit generic for my taste. The problem with this is song is that, it is completely overshadowed by " Get チュー!". On it's own, it actually sounds good enough. But i am leaning towards " Get チュー!".

Rating: 4/5

[single] Luxury Ride - Foxxi misQ feat. ZEEBRA

Luxury Ride-Foxxi misQ feat. ZEEBRA

Foxxi misQ, or as i like to call them, Koda Kumi x3 are your typical J-urban artist with big boobs, skanky make-up and slutty dance moves. If you like your Koda Kumi, Metis or JAMOSA, you will probably like them.

They infuse urban, hip-hop and slight R'n'B into music, but do you care about their music when they look like they are having an orgasm perpetually on screen? Anyways, "Luxury Ride" is a nice uptempo fun song to listen to. Part girl group sounding and part Namie-esque music makes this song quite appealing to the general public.

And trust me, the PV for this song is considered tame to their other PVs. Or to Koda Kumi.

Rating: 3.5/5

[single] 鼓動 - GLAY

Kodou-GLAY

One thing good about GLAY recently is that their songs doesn't get lousier, but sadly they don't get any better either. As a big fan of GLAY, this isn't their better songs to date, they have much greater songs in the past.

"鼓動" is pretty much the same as their previous singles, a somewhat catchy rock song with ruffled vocals by TERU. An interesting thing about the song is the piano beginning, totally unexpected but good.

Frankly, the single satisfies fans and fans alike but fails to excite.

Rating: 3/5

[single] イカSUMMER - ORANGE RANGE

Ika SUMMER-ORANGE RANGE

As one of the biggest bands in Japan, they sure have fallen from grace, in terms of sales anyways. But who's to blame? Even heavyweights like Ayumi and Utada are going down in sales.

Song wise, it is very messy. It feels like they have put snippets of various songs and mashed them up altogether to make this song, but in no ways is this a bad song. This is probably one of their better upbeat songs to date, but it is their ballad that makes them credible as an artist. That said, "イカSUMMER " is still very good, maintaining the catchiness that ORANGE RANGE brings.

Rating: 3.5/5

[single] 花 - 中 孝介

Hana-Atari Kousuke

By looking at his picture, you might mistake him for a Hirai Ken clone but he is anything but. Atari Kousuke dabbles mostly in a genre called 'Shima-uta' (google it), but for those who have no idea what it is, i can say that it sounds un-shockingly similar to Enka. And if you do not know what is the genre Enka, it is known as traditional japanese songs.

Yeah i know, he does not look like it.

Anyways, for those who want to listen, may i warn you that the songs Atari does is not to everyone's cup of tea. You either love it or cannot stand it. I, however, really like it. It is rather refreshing to stumbled upon a rather Enka-ish song and liking it.

Imagine a male Chitose Hajime sans the mongolian get-up. Ooh, he is also great friends with Angela Aki, birds of much talent flock together.

Rating: 4/5

[single] LOVEのテーマ - LOVE

LOVE no Theme-LOVE

By right, this should be an Ai Ostuka song considering that it is her vocals in the song. But anyways, LOVE is actually the bunny that Ai Otsuka created, yes it is the one with the seemingly evil slit-eyed bunny who is able to slide on cables without suffering from rope burns.

And with a cover like that, you would probably expect it to over-the-top sugary song. Well, half correct actually, it is half sugary pop and half electronic with synthesisers. I cannot say that it is a horrible song, it is actually quite a cute song.

But an overdose of it might just make you hate it. Listen with caution, but if you listen to Morning Musume songs everyday, then i say download away!

Rating: 2.5/5

[single] こんなに近くで... - Crystal Kay

Konna ni Chikaku De...-Crystal Kay

As a Crystal Kay fan, i am trying my very best not to be bias with this song and i must say, i absolutely love it!

This song is the ending theme to the anime "Nodame Cantabile" and when i heard the 1min 30 secs version of the song, i went totally head over heels. And that was only the short version.

"こんなに近くで..." is a very lite, urban pop song that is totally fitting for the Crystal Kay's genre. And the song is really, really, really catchy. I like the fact that it has relations to the anime with the violins portion. Did i mention it was very catchy?

Download of the week, bar none.

Ratings: 5/5

[single] きっと永遠に - Crystal Kay

Kitto Eien Ni-Crystal Kay

Crystal Kay is unlike any other J-pop artiste out there, she swings slightly to the R'n'B and soul side. And unlike Beyonce, she does not need to scream her head off like a mad woman.

It is a very rare thing for a song where the verses are actually better than the chorus. But, this is the case for "きっと永遠に", where you will be captured by the song's verses rather than it chorus. Nontheless, this is an exceptionally good song that has a good shelf (read: listening) life.

Point to note, the PV for this song has a very Ayumi-feel to it.

Ratings: 4/5

[single] 儚く強く - ユンナ

Hakanaku Tsuyoku-Younha

"儚く強く" is Younha's latest single release and it is the opening sing for the anime "Kiba". Chart postitions wise, this one faired better debuting in the top 20 at 16.

All in all, this is a very good song. The vocals were remarkably good and spot on, song-wise, it was great, catchy and so hummable. The only flaw to this song is when Younha sang the words 'hakanaku tsuyoku', it sounded very mismatched to the flow of the whole song.

But i am quick to forgive cause every other part sounds spectactular. That's a notch up for Younha.

Ratings: 4/5

[single] 今が大好き - ユンナ

Ima ga Daisuki-Younha

Frankly, it can be so frustrating when you are a relatively new artiste with rather good singles but not doing as well as you are supposed too.

That is the current state of Younha right now, good songs but bad chart postions. And yes, this single did not do too well as compared to her previous one. In fact, this single did worse.

Bad chart positions aside, "今が大好き" is an OK song, it isn't particularly catchy or anything but it is worth a few spins. Although this single was not released during the festive period, "今が大好き" has a sorta Christmassy vibe to it.

A good follow up to "手をつないで".

Ratings: 3/5

[single] 手をつないで - ユンナ

Te wo Tsunaide-Younha

With this single, you can really hear Younha maturing as an artiste. Although this single charted really low in the Oricon charts, it does not mean that this particular single is bad, in fact, Younha gets better with every single release.

Funnily enough, "手をつないで" is a guitar driven song when Younha has established herself to be more of a piano playing type. But i am not worried, this single is particularly good and catchy, the piano can come in another time.

And she dabbles slightly in English for the chorus and thankfully, it sounded like English

Ratings: 3.5/5

[single] LUCY - ANNA TSUCHIYA inspi' NANA (BLACK STONES)

LUCY-ANNA TSUCHIYA inspi' NANA (BLACK STONES)

If "黒い涙" is supposed deep and depressing, then naturally "LUCY" is an upbeat number and it is. "LUCY" is the third opening song for the anime "NANA' and right on it is on being the opening song.

"LUCY" is a great fun pop/rock song, almost Avril-ish. Initial listens might not grip you, but do give this song a chance by spinning it couple more times. You should be bobbing your head up and down during the third repeat. Kudos to Anna for making this believeable as to what the real Nana would do as a song.

As much as i like the song, the perm has GOT to go, Anna.

Rating: 3.5/5

[single] 黒い涙 - ANNA TSUCHIYA inspi' NANA (BLACK STONES)

Kuroi Namida-ANNA TSUCHIYA inspi' NANA (BLACK STONES)

Judging from all Anna Tsuchiya's singles, this is probably her best work to date. The single sales and the chart positions does not do justice to this particularly amazing single. But what she lacks in sales, she makes it up with this brilliant single.

"黒い涙" starts with a very sexy and whispery vocals before building up to the chorus and reaching a climax. Sure, Anna may not be powerhouse vocals material but if this is the best she can do, i am pleased. Pensieve, rocking and almost heart-aching.

Plus, she looks gorgeous in the PV.

Ratings: 4/5

[single] Hop, Step, Jump! - ジョンリ

Hop, Step, Jump!-Jyongri

You would normally think that after "Possession", her later singles will sort of do badly. Well, i can say it does not happen for her.

"Hop, Step, Jump!" is a great follow up to her debut. Although not as good as her debut, this one proves to be a grower, you will end up listening to this single more than "Possession". It is a very light, R'n'B cum pop number that gurantees catchiness as well.

Well done, Jyongri.

Ratings: 4.5/5

[single] Possession - ジョンリ

Possession-Jyongri

Ok, stop whatever you are doing and go download this song. I decided to preview this fresh newcomer because she was touted to be the next Hikki and i wanted to know if that was true.

Listening to this song made my jaw dropped. It was freaking good for a newcomer, although i dont't know why she is called the next Hikki, her songs aren't even similar. Maybe they were refering to the "First Love" Hikki days, but anything else, it doesn't sound much like Hikki.

Yes, this single is bloody good, very comtemporary and best of all, very catchy.

Just download the single already.

Ratings: 5/5

[single] Funky Town - 安室奈美恵

Funky Town-Namie Amuro

If i were to be brutally honest, this single has more style than substance. I'm not saying that it is a bad song, but it feels like there is a lot of intruments to cover up for weak vocals.

As the title says, "Funky Town" feel very funky with the horns and bass in the background. It may come across as what most US artises are doing nowadays with strong beats with weak vocals. Nevertheless, it is a very fun song to listen to.

Not as good as her previous single "Baby Don't Cry", but this will do enough to tide us over to her new album.

Ratings: 3/5

[single] Baby Don't Cry - 安室奈美恵

Baby Don't Cry-Namie Amuro

For the past few years, Namie's releases tend to be more urban-ish rather than being pop/eurobeat cause she is not at the top of her game anymore. Her urban/pop releases were good, still charting at top 10 positions but never nailing number 1.

Although this single didn't top the charts, it was a very strong single and proved it to be so by staying on the charts longer than her other singles. "Baby Don't Cry" has a nice urban tinged sound to it and it still retains the Amuro-flavour. It starts off with strong beats then lighten off to make way for the vocals, by time the chorus comes, you are already humming to the song.

This song is truly one of the best Amuro songs.

Ratings: 5/5

[single] Sweet Impact - BoA

Sweet Impact-BoA

Frankly, i do not think that BoA's career is going to go anywhere. She has been releasing very generic stuff since post-"OUTGROW". This single does not excite and it does feels very fluffy R'n'B-tinged vibe to it.

Of course, die-hard fans will definitely disagree with me cause they like her for the wrong reasons, blindly forgeting that her singles aren't that spectacular.

Ratings: 2.5/5