[single] 哀歌(エレジー) - 平井堅

Aika (ELERGY)-Ken Hirai

There are four tracks on his birthday release with 哀歌(エレジー) as the A side song, and Kiss as the B side single. The other two is the POP STAR winter lover edition and 哀歌(エレジー) less vocal version.

I really think the A side song is great; I guess one of his better songs he has produced. It is sung in the lower tone of his voice (of which his higher tone voice I don’t dig), great piano and strings arrangement, beautiful piano opening... Listening to his other songs, I agree with others who say that he is a great singer vocally. This song is no different.

Same with the B side single, Kiss. Vocally it’s great. It’s a jazz song with guitars as the main music accompaniment. These two songs are a total non-disappointment.

The last song (with lyrics) is POP STAR but this time it’s more of an R&B styled arrangement (and of course without the hip shaking). I prefer the pop version, actually. The slower and soulful version is kind of boring because it’s less upbeat.

Rating: 3.5/5