[news] NEW 伊藤由奈 SINGLE 『Mahaloha』

NEW Yuna Ito SINGLE 『Mahaloha』

NEW SINGLE
『Mahaloha』
伊藤由奈
Release Date: 27 June 2007

Tracklist:
1. Mahaloha (Yuna Ito with Micro of Def Tech)
2. Shining On
3. stuck on you ~Reggae Disco Rockers Kiss & Tell Remix~
4. Mahaloha -Instrumental-

Mahaloha is a term coined between Micro and Yuna Ito, which is a blend of two Hawaiian words "Mahalo" and "Aloha". This A-side song, meaning Thanks and Love, is sung to an upbeat Hawaiian summer tune.

[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] 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

[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] ENDLESS STORY - REIRA starring YUNA ITO

ENDLESS STORY-REIRA starring YUNA ITO

Please do not confuse her with the other Reira from OLIVIA. Ok, in actual fact, they are both playing the same person. Yuna Ito here, is starring as Reira for the movie version of "NANA", OLIVIA, however is only channelling Reira to sing the theme songs for the anime only.

Now we got that sorted out, Yuna Ito is a breath of fresh air. Powerful vocals and a clear voice, furthurmore, she is pretty. "ENDLESS STORY" is a great ballad, perfect for Ito's voice and the good thing is, the ballad isn't cheesy at all. I must admit that "ENDLESS STORY" does not sound like what TRAPNEST would do untill i heard the ending of the song where the guitars kick in.

The B-side for this single is also worth mentioning, "Journey" is a very upbeat, light and poppy song. Very catchy as well.

A must listen!

Rating: 4/5