NEWS' White full track listing

Johnny's net has updated with information for NEWS' upcoming album with a complete track listing for both versions.

For the limited edition the track listing is;

1. MR. WHITE

2. KAGUYA

3. NYARO

4. SEVEN COLORS

5. Weather NEWS

6. SuperSONIC

7. Black Jack -Inter-

8. BYAKUYA

9. ONE -for the win-

10. White Love Story

11. 愛言葉 (Ai Kotoba)

On major thing to note is that Ai Kotoba is listed as being written by NEWS. So I am looking forward to seeing what the group has come up with for that.

That said I am disappointed that it looks like one of the tracks, Black Jack -Inter- will most likely not be a full song but a short instrumental track. I am pretty sure the Inter is short for interlude and those do tend to be those kinds of tracks. But even then it will be seven full new songs (since NYARO was never released on a CD before this).

The regular edition has the solo songs for each member so the track listing is the above plus;

12. ロメオ 2015 (Romeo 2015) - Koyama Keiichiro solo

13. Skye Beautiful - Masuda Takahisa solo

14. あなた(Anata) - Tegoshi Yuya solo

15. ESCORT - Kato Shigeaki solo

Shige is credited for writing his song and as I've enjoyed the past solo songs he has written I am looking forward to this one. But overall I enjoy the solos for the group so I look forward to them all.

I am just getting more and more excited for this release and cannot wait for the covers to be revealed next.

49 final impressions

Finally finished watching this drama and will happily move on to the next.

The drama seems to lose its way near the end and take a few odd turns. From breaking the fourth wall to a cameo for Golden Bomber. There is some set up that looked like it was meant to go somewhere but ended up being forgotten at the end and left things overall unsatisfying. Which is a bit frustrating as it also got stronger for a couple of episodes making this quite uneven. Also I despise suicide being used as a plot device, which this series does do, so that left a bitter taste for me.

It was nice to see Dan's father actually become more likable. Though it felt like it was at the expense of Dan as his plot did not go very far and still felt incomplete. But at least both became characters that could be sympathized with, as I felt there was not nearly as much of that in the first half of the series. And I really wanted to see much more of Dan than what we got and would have loved to have gotten to see more of him as he really felt undeveloped compared to his father. In any case Sato Shori at least did a great job playing the two roles as it was never confusing to tell who he was because of the different mannerisms he portrayed with them. It does make me interested in seeing what else he can do as an actor.

And talking about plots that felt underdeveloped the whole Chicken Basket sub-plot with connected plot with Dan's sister's deadbeat boyfriend are among those. But mostly because the conflicts and resolutions in the second half for them felt rather rushed and of course characters were not developed enough to really care much about what happened to them. Honestly these two sub-plots could have made for a drama on their own and it probably would have come off much stronger for it.

The love-triangle or whatever it was also felt lackluster. Takami Sachi (Yamamoto Maika) ended up coming off as rather cruel to how she treated Dan so I find it hard to believe she would be a good pairing for him. And Minaduki Mana (Nishino Nanase) really had little going for her outside of being a love interest. I feel sorry that the actresses were given such poorly written characters to work with.

Yasui Kentaro was the one who stole the series for me. Sure Shori did well with his acting which was impressive but every scene with Yasui in it he was the one I was fixed on. He just had a natural charisma with this character and truly impressed me. I would have loved to have seen the drama from the prospective of his character honestly. Perhaps some of the flaws would have been smoothed out that way.

Jinguji Yuta does not seem to be the acting type. With young and inexperienced actors you can give them some leeway as some of it will fall on the director but seeing how well Shori did, especially compared to how wooden he was in the drama he was in before this, I am willing to believe that Jinguji is just not good at acting. He was awkward in Sprout and in this, and neither in a good way. He may be able to get okay, as he at least has the fact that his character in this series was rather flat and the small story line he was given was fairly lackluster, but again I would have expected just a bit more.

In the end this drama did make me take notice of Shori's improvement as an actor and I have come to see Yasui as a Junior that genuinely interests me. So this was hardly a complete loss. And even then it was not a terrible drama, just not a great one, which still places it above at least a couple of other drama series from the NTV late night line up I have already watched. It just tried to do far too much without doing the right build up for it and should have kept things simpler.

With that though I am more than willing to move on and start up a new drama series.

Little Glee Monster - Hokago High Five iTunes single

Artist: Little Glee Monster
Title: Hokago High Five
Release date:  29 OCT 2014
Type: single
Version: iTunes

Packaging: None. The cover is aACll that the iTunes version has of the booklet.

Tracks:

1. 放課後ハイファイブ (Hokago High Five)
A great song to headline the group's major debut release with the fun of the song and of course plenty of chances for the girls to show off their vocals. There is a great amount of energy with the song and it has an oldies vibe to it. It is also really catchy and just a joy to listen to overall.

2. 空は見ている (Sora wa Miteiru)
This is the song that the girls sing for the video that they made with the cups. I believe this is one of their more shared videos so fans should be familiar with it. And if you wanted the song that was featured in it you now can. This was the song that had me in love with the group so I was beyond ecstatic to find it on this release. The girls' voices are front in center in this one that keeps the instrumental simple so you have no trouble hearing the harmonizing. It is a really nice mid-tempo song that I am still just completely in love with.

3. ダイアモンド (Diamond)
This is probably the most contemporary J-pop sounding song on the single and helps just show the range of the group. They sound great in the song and I love that it has a bit of a "cool" sound to it and the girls' voices do well to match it as most have those deeper voices that make them sound more mature than they are. It has a nice energy to it even though it is not a light and poppy song. Really enjoy this one, but then again I have loved all the original songs this group have been given so far.

4. I Want You Back
The song from the Jackson 5 that at least in the U.S. has a recent surge in popularity once again thanks to being a part of the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack. Of course the film had not been released in Japan by the time this was released so the inclusion of it may have been a coincidence, or the producers of the group have an ear tuned to the U.S. market. In either case it is a nice cover from the group and a good fit for the group considering their ages. It is also one of their English covers that has some pretty good pronunciation so it does not sound very Engrishy.


Overall: A strong major debut from the group that really gives fans a good idea of the group's own style. Their mini-album was mostly just covers so this is a nice switch with only one song being a cover and the rest being original songs. It also helps show that the group can do much more than song covers.

Just really loved this whole single and cannot wait for their next single that will be coming out in March. There is really little else that I can think of to say about this release other than how much I loved it. I just hope more and more people discover this group, especially with the collaborations they are doing, as I hope to be following this group for many years to come.

Kanjani8 - Kanjanism RE album review

Artist: Kanjani8
Title: Kanjanism
Release date:  05 NOV 2014
Type: album
Version: regular edition

Packaging:

As I pre-ordered the album I have the first press bonus items that come with it, a slipcase, a sticker sheet, a map and an application code. The last of course was useless for me as I live in the U.S. so there was no way to use it. The rest though are nice touches for the album. The slip case makes the case seem a bit less plain as there is a group image on the front of the lyric booklet. The sticker sheet is one sticker per member with everyone striking an action pose of some sort. The map is of a Kanjani8 themed island and on the back is a key to explain what the places on the map are.

For the booklet inside each member gets a page for a solo shot and on the pages before the lyrics for the songs included on the second disc there are images from the PVs of the duets and solo song on it.

That said I really have no clue who decided 90s fashion was the way to go for this album as there is no way anyone can make those styles look good.


Tracks:

(Disc 1)

1. EJ☆コースター (EJ☆Coaster)
The album starts with this fun track that has become one of my favorites. It is a great start to the album as it is also one of those songs that you can listen to and immediately think "Kanjani8". I love the use of brass instruments and the touches of jazz here and there in the song. And the chorus is just so catchy.

2. FUN FUN FUN FUN FUN FUN FUN FUN
FUNx8 does not seem to know what it wants to be but I still found myself enjoying this strange combination of a song. From its Red Hot Chili Pepper influenced versus to its almost monotone delivery of its lines of "FUN" it is all over the place. It goes some odd places yet somehow is able to return to form and I find myself interested in it even though it is not the kind of song I thought I would enjoy.

3. 三十路少年 (Misoji Shounen)
This song starts off as another fun high energy pop song then about midway through breaks away to through in talk parts that seem to overtake it. Perhaps this song would be more enjoyable live but as an album track it become weak with all the breaks from those spoken word segments that break the flow of the song. I want to like it, and I know this kind of song should not be so surprising coming from the group but I just cannot get back into after the first long break from the music.

4. キング オブ 男! (King of Otoko!)
This song has grown on me after not feeling too impressed after the initial listen of it. But I have come to appreciate and enjoy it. I think the guitar solo definitely played a good part in winning me over as I love a good guitar solo. But there is something about that just sounds rather epic in scale which I have come to enjoy as well and it is easily my favorite single track on the album.

5. Masterpiece
This is another song I really like off the album. It is electronic pop with a nice driving beat that keeps the song on high energy all throughout. The chorus really stands out though the verses stand on their own right. It also uses voice effects very well to enhance the song and not overpower it.

6. ココロ空モヨウ (Kokoro Sora Moyou)
This song begins a slow down for the album but still has enough energy so not to make the transition feel too abrupt. The chorus is where most of that energy is found but the verses are still well within the mid-tempo range of the song. The song at times does give off the feeling of soaring which of course is perfect considering the title and lyrics of the song.

7. ひびき (Hibiki)
After the previous track this ballad fits well here. That said while it is not bad it is not all that impressive either to me. But that tends to be a lot of K8's ballads. I feel they go safe whenever they do a ballad and thus we get some of their more bland songs being their ballads. At least everyone sounds good in it.

8. ゆ (Yu)
The Shibutani Subaru and Yasuda Shota collaboration song for the album. I have been on the fence about the song from the first listen and nothing has changed since then. It has a lot going for it that makes it the kind of song that I should love but it just does not click with me for some reason. Or at least not consistently as there are times I have no issue listening to it and then others I make sure to skip it or just leave it off the playlist completely. But it is a fun energetic pop song, and again one I feel I should like because that is one of my favorite types of songs yet I keep feeling like this song goes on for too long instead.

9. ER2
I really wanted to love this song as I loved ER, but alas it's not happening. I do like it though and it is a nice song to kick up the energy of the album with again. But it feels like it is a bit lost with its direction as it seems to just keep changing style throughout and does not seem to retain the kind of flow to keep the energy of the song going throughout so instead there are just sparks of it here and there. Even the guitar solo could not completely win me over with this song.

10. おえかき (O e Kaki)
An incredibly short song clocking about a minute and a half that is part sing along with a group of really young children. It sounds like a standard children's song and is such an odd fit for where it falls on the album. But I am not sure if there would have been any place where it would fit as it is such a complete break from everything else on it.

11. ドヤ顔人生 (Doya Kao Jinsei)
The song Nagase Tomoya of TOKIO wrote for the group. Even without knowing this was the track that Nagase wrote I enjoyed this song from the start. It is a slightly jazzy, a bit rockish pop tune that has a really great chorus hook. And something that sounds like a harmonica. Really the only thing to make this song sound any cooler would be some cow bell. But loved this song and the fact that it sounds like a K8 song and not a TOKIO song like it easily could. So much kudos to Nagase for really being able to write a song for the group and one that is such a joy to listen to.

12. 象 (Zou)
Probably one of their more rockish songs on the album and of course I like it. It has a hard edge to it so it is a song that I would have no trouble to count as a rock song. And I love how it goes soft for a while before the chorus, as that works to really highlight the energy of the chorus as well as change things up so it does not get stale sounding.

13. RAGE
With a title like RAGE I was expecting something with something of an edge to it and at least a little bit angry sounding. Instead this is rather poppy and upbeat, especially with the chorus. It makes me want to switch titles with the previous track honestly. But outside of that it is a nice song though I cannot help but feel like there is something lacking with it. I cannot place what exactly or maybe the issue is that compared to some of the other songs on the album it just does not do enough to stand out.

14. オモイダマ (Omoidama)
And of course since we are at the end of the album we get a slower song. At least it is not a ballad so it is not too jarring. In fact with the chorus being a burst of music compared to the more stripped down verses it does feel like it more or less fits well to follow RAGE. Yet that said the song fails to grab my attention much and tends to get skipped.

(Disc 2)

1. アイスクリーム (Icecream) / Yasuda Shota & Nishikido Ryo
Should be no surprise that Yasuda and Ryo wrote this song. It seems like a rather standard pop song but there are sections, like where they speed through their lyrics, that manages to catch my attention. It is not the most standout song but I like it enough to listen to it when it comes up on my playlist.

2. 『愛 Love You』("I Love You") / Murakami Shingo AKA KING
Was not sure what to expect with this song. It is the only solo and probably like others I was surprised to learn it was Hina of all the members that got a solo. That said I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. I usually do not care for rapping with J-idols as most of the time they are just talking in rhythm but Hina actually tries a do a true rap song and does not do too bad. And if he performs this at concerts with as much energy as he does here then I can imagine it easily being a highlight.

3. アダムとイヴ (Adam and Eve) / Yokoyama Yu & Ohkura Tadayoshi
Another rather basic pop song but has a bit of an R&B flavor, or at least the R&B influenced pop music of the late 90s/early 00s of J-pop. It gives it a unique sound on this album and while neither member is known for being the strong singers of the group it fits their voices well, never making eithr of them stretch out of their comfort ranges.

4. 道 (Michi) / Shibutani Subaru & Maruyama Ryuhei
Subaru and Maruyama have lyric credits for this song which is the only ballad on this album I can say I really enjoy. Which is a bit surprising as Maruyama does not always have the most pleasant voice to listen to. But honestly Subaru is doing all the heavy vocal lighting in the song anyway which has a really nice build to its crescendo. And I love the use of a saxophone in this. It really adds a nice flare to a song that overall goes simple for its instruments.


Overall: This album feels like K8 decided to use the new freedom they have gotten from being on their own album to do everything they wanted to do for an album without much thought beyond that. For some songs that seemed to work out well enough for but others fell flat.

And I find myself rather divided on the album as a whole. There are a couple of songs that I flat out adore, some I just like and most of the rest I am indifferent with. So to this day FIGHT remains my favorite album from the group and there has yet to be an album from the group that I love just as much. (Though my favorite K8 song comes from 8UPPERS.)

Yet I feel that this album also shows potential for the group, with what they could possibly be as they continue to grow musically. That is an exciting prospect, but at the same time a bit worrying as they move in a direction that I do not care for. Their next album will have to be the make or break album for me about that, as I really only follow K8 for their music at this point.

Blog Updates 25JAN2015

While I made a video for most of this there are some things that are going to be specific for this blog that I want to address about the schedule changes. Especially as I have started a second channel that I will be posting videos here on.

First up for the changes to the Thennary Nak channel I am dropping the Sequentialdility videos from it. I just do not have the time for them as I have a new job that will have me working more hours and I have not been able to keep them on schedule for a while now. Instead I will do an end of month video to briefly go over all the new comics that have come out.

I will be adding a couple of new series, more Episode Thoughts but branching out for more anime and J-dramas. Then a monthly series to do a round-up of news for the J-idols that I actively follow. So the scheduling for the channel should look like this:

Weekly Schedule for Thennary Nak channel

Sunday: Berryz Kobo PV react (2 videos)
Monday: anime/J-drama episode thoughts (1 video)
Tuesday: Sleepy Hollow episode thoughts/Berryz Kobo PV react (1/2 video(s))
Wednesday: Agent Carter/Agents of SHIELD episode thoughts (1 video)
Thursday: Berryz Kobo PV react (1 video)
Friday: nothing (possibly One Piece episode thoughts in the future)
Saturday: Sailor Moon Crystal episode thoughts (1st&3rd Saturdays of the month)/Thennary Speaks/Monthly Idol News (last Saturday of the month)/Berryz Kobo PV react (2 videos)

Monthly: Monthly Comic Book Roundup (after the last Wednesday of the month)
Other non-scheduled video series: Rant & Rave, unpacking, Introducing, PV react videos

I have up to the start of March scheduled out, though I think there may be a couple things to be added still but I should be doing that soon.


I have a second channel for my Sequentialdility reviews that can be found here. I am still in the process of moving the videos over as that is requiring having to reupload all the videos which of course takes time. I will be putting up new reviews eventually but with no assigned schedule for those.

The only exception is that I have been working on a project since this summer for reviewing older Marvel Comics runs: Fantastic Four, Amazing Spider-Man, X-Men and Avengers specifically. I want to start posting those every Monday to keep with the Marvel Monday title I created for them and since I've decided to go with one video a week for now I have about a year's worth covered. I plan on starting that in the near future, not completely sure when though.

That all said I will be posting all the videos from both channels on this blog. I will just update the Sequentialdility posts with the new channel videos but all new videos for that channel will go up mixed in with the new videos for Thennary Nak. I just do not want to create yet another blog for videos when this one does not get much traffic anyway.

And I think that just about covers all of that. Hopefully this will be the balance that I have been looking for, especially once I am done with the Berryz Kobo PV reacts and I go back to one or two PV reacts for the following groups I will be doing for that.

Thennary Speaks - Channel Updates

I go over the changes that I have to make to keep on schedule but also announce a few new video series I will be adding to the channel.

Country Girls going major!

It was announced today that debut release for Country Girls will no longer be an indie release late this month but now a major debut to come out March 25th. The single will still be a double A-side of the songs Itooshikutte Gomen Ne and Koi Dorobou but they will include Tsugunaga Momoko now as she will be fully committed to the group by the time the single is released.

Girls News article (Japanese only)


I am so beyond excited with this. It definitely explains why things have been so quiet in announcing new news for the indie release and of course they would want to wait to have a concert in Sapporo to announce things with the group's Hokkaido roots.

There have been reports that Shimamura Uta being a big hit with fans at the current Hello! Project concerts and the other members not doing poorly either with attracting fans. I think this warm reception played a big part in changing this release from indies to major and deciding to wait until late March so they could include Momoko in the line up makes sense. She is the one member that has some mainstream popularity with her variety work and should be able to make sure the group gets on the right programs to promote this single so it will do well on the major charts. Not to mention having her be able to promote the group for when she is on something solo much like she does with Berryz Kobo.

And this should hopefully clear things up for those confused in what Momoko's position with the group is. She will be part of the group as well as working on some of the behind the scenes stuff with Satoda Mai, which I guess it is such a unique concept with idols it may have been hard to imagine for some as I noticed quite some confusion over it.

What has me most excited is that with a major release I will not have to worry if I can actually get my hands on a copy of the single, something I may not have been able to do if it were indie. So now I am waiting for the pre-order information to go up on CDJapan to figure out what version, or versions, I will get. It may not do anything for the Oricon chart but I still believe in getting official versions of goods and merchandise as it still will support the group in the end.

Again I am just really happy with this news and I hope the girls are ready to prove themselves ready for being major. With Momoko there to support them they should do fine and I cannot wait to see how they do and continue to grow as a group.

Morning Musume '14 - Tiki Bun RE A single

Artist: Morning Musume '14
Title: Tiki Bun
Release date:  15 OCT 2014
Type: single
Version: regular edition Type A

Packaging: This release keeps it simple. The booklet is just the cover a back cover image of all the girls, basically solo shots photo shopped together to almost look like a group shot. Then it is just the lyrics. Since I got the first press of the single I did get a trading card (mine was Sayashi Riho) and since it was ordered from CDJapan a poster of Michishige Sayumi.

Tracks:

1. TIKI BUN
Like all of MM '14's singles TIKI BUN is an EDM style song and is one of my favorites from the group. The "Tiki bun" lyric is catchy and the song uses the electronic effects with voices well. Just touches of it here and there and letting the voices of the girls shine unhindered throughout. I love the back beat of the song that drives it forward as it goes through several change ups. And in the end it just clicks with me.

2. シャバダバ ドゥ～ (Shaba Daba Doo~)
This track is simply Michishige Sayumi. It is cute and bubbly and a since it was written for Sayumi one that fits her voice well. Usually I do not care for cutesy voices but when they fit a song as well as this then I am able to enjoy them. And it is nice to actually hear Sayumi instead of the heavily filtered version of her voice that we have been getting recently with MM '14 songs. But the song has a nice light jazzy feel and I just cannot picture anyone else singing this other than Sayumi.

3. 見返り美人 (Mikaeri Bijin)
I am just as in love with this song as I am with TIKI BUN. They may be different styles of music but I adore both and of course Mikaeri Bijin has that added sentimental value in being a farewell song to Sayumi from the rest of the girls. It has that wonderful build up to the chorus where they take their time for it and the music right before the chorus is my favorite part of the entire song. Honestly even without the emotional attachment I have for the song I would probably still love it. And since it is sung in unison by the girls there are no fights over who got solo lines or didn't, which is nice.


Overall: I do not think I could be any happier to have this be the first Morning Musume single that I was able to pre-order a physical copy for. I love all three tracks and there is such a sentimental attachment I have to all three I doubt there will be many future single that could come close to challenging its position as my favorite MM single.

This is a great single and a fantastic send off to Sayumi. And with Mikaeri Bijin not being penned by Tsunku I think it works to show that the group does not to rely so heavily on him. Which is for the best considering his recent condition.

All and all I am waiting excitedly for MM '15's first single to see what the future holds for the group after this release.

Johnny's WEST - Zipangu Ooki ni Daisakusen / Yume wo Daikishimete RE single review

regular edition

Artist: Johnny's WEST
Title: Zipangu Ooki ni Daisakusen / Yume wo Daikishimete
Release date:  08 OCT 2014
Type: single
Version: regular edition / limited edition type C

limited edition type C

Packaging: The regular edition is rather basic with its packaging, though at least there is one more group picture used for the booklet, but outside of that it is all rather bare.

The limited edition type C has its booklet as one of its special features for the version. Each members gets a close up version (with what they are wearing on this cover) and a full body shot (with what they are wearing on the regular edition cover.)

Tracks:

1. ジパング・おおきに大作戦 (Zipangu Ooki ni Daisakusen)
This song sounds like the musical successor to the group's debut single A-side Ee Jya nai ka. It even works in festival chants as the fore mentioned song as well as a good deal of the fun. If you liked their debut single then you will most likely like this song as well as both songs are very much in the same vein and style.

2. 夢を抱きしめて (Yume wo Daikishimete)
This song has an ever so slight Latin music sound to it, much like how some of Hey! Say! JUMP's early songs did. It works though with giving the song a unique sound that still fits the group. Of course a part of that is simply because Johnny's WEST has not really settled into one set style so some switching between different ones works for them. It is not a song that interests me much though when I listen to it and just rather feels like it is just there.

3. SUPERSTAR
The first of two bonus tracks for the regular edition. And I love this song with all its pop glory. It has a nice beat and energy that I just love. But before we get to that energy we get a nice build up from the start until we hit the chorus for the first time. It is also not afraid to take musical breaks which helps make the song feel dynamic, and balances out the chorus that is a bit on the repetitive side.

4. for now and forever
Lots of energy for this B-side from the very first note. A pop song with an electronic dance music influence and the "go west" lines are nice and catchy. Easily one of my favorite songs for this single release for those reasons. It also has a nice break part that changes up the sound just enough to keep the song from sounding tired or getting boring. If I could change anything I would turn up the sound of the guys' vocals to hear them better.

3. WESTERN PARADE
The first track for the type C version of the single. It is more of a standard pop song that has a nice build up going for it with the chorus. It uses background vocals quite a bit but to good effect and they really help make the track stand out and do what good background vocals are meant to do, support the main vocals. And I love the part near the end of the song where they work in the name of their group, as they are a Johnny's group so they need at least one song to do so, but the change up is nice and flows well into the final chorus.

4. Can't stop
Again we return to an EDM influenced pop song but with a different sound. Not as catchy as for now and forever it is still a strong song in its own right mainly because of the chorus kicks everything up a notch. They end up being able to work in some rap lines with the change up for this song that work well, especially as a contrast to the verse that follows it. A good solid track that only lacks catchiness.



Overall: The B-sides really shine with this single. I would have been heartbroken if I missed out on the LE type C and the songs on it as I enjoy them both. The group still has yet to find a style that can be considered uniquely their own, yet the songs they are getting are overall rather strong so it is well worth following them in this stage of their careers.

A good single and a great follow up to their debut single and I cannot wait to get their next single.

DIVA - Discovery Type A single

Artist: DIVA
Title: Discovery
Release date:  08 OCT 2014
Type: single
Version: Type A

Packaging: A very bare bones release when it comes to packaging. The cover is the only picture of the girls on it. There really is little else to say about it as there is nothing else of note to mention.

Tracks:

1. Discovery
I really love this song, from the instrumental start to when it launches into the more electronic sounds that run through it. It was a good reminder of why I loved this group so much. Especially with Masuda Yuka back with the group, as her deeper vocals help balance out the lighter voices of the other members. It just has this soaring feeling to it that I love and when it goes through some change ups just past the halfway mark it really shines. Listening to the track you can hear the emphasis on vocals that the group has, much like with the PV you can see the dance emphasis.

2. Believe in myself
The song sounds like it starts off running with vocals from the start. It is a song very much in the same vein as the title track without sounding too similar. The lack of non-electronic music helps with that as well as the use of vocals for oohs and la-s for the quieter moments of the song. It is a nice upbeat song without getting cutesy so it fits with the more mature image of the members of the group. It may not have the punch of the title track but it is a strong song and the perfect song to have as a B-side for this single.

3. Discovery (instrumental)

4. Believe in myself (instrumental)


DVD:

The Type A version came with two PVs on its DVD, the first for the single's title track, Discovery and the second PV is for the song WOW WAR TONIGHT ～時には起こせよムーヴメント～ (WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Toki niwa Okose yo Movement~). It has a basic title menu, but at least it has one and it will load first instead of launching you into the contents of the DVD.

Discovery is the first PV and we get to see DIVA's name all in uppercase for a PV for the first and last time.

Things start and end with the girls going through doors that lead and come from nowhere but somehow are able to transport them to the set that most of the video is shot on.

It is the kind of PV one would expect from a group that is meant to focus on dancing, in that a dance shot is a good portion of it. But honestly anything else would be a complete waste considering six of the ten members of the group are just dancers. So the dance shots give them a bit of a time to shine even though the four singers of the group never stray far from the center positions. And it is with this that we get introduced to the second outfit for the PV.

Most of the solo shots, which all ten members do get though the main four do get much more of them, are with their first outfits. Everyone looks wonderful and the main four get to show off some of the space effects with theirs.

About half way through the PV we get some new scenery, which looks to be 100% CGI with lens flare thrown in. But the main four are the only ones that get to be a part of these shots as they "float" around in space.

Near the end we get some obvious CGI with the group viewing the Earth from where they are. It is a bit surprising that out of all the CGI effects used in the PV this looks the worst as it is a simple green screen. But it does work as an establishing shot to show that the girls are meant to be on the moon which makes the visuals make some sense.

WWT was done before this single was announced and thus the group was missing Masuda Yuka for it. Also why in the title card the 'i' is in lower case. So it is just Sayaka, Ayaka and Sae in this one as the main girls.

Overall it is a basic PV, part dance shot with some other scenes that help liven things up. But the main girls get two outfits for the PV, suits then some 90s inspired outfits that match the group's dancers. The later only used during dance shots though the main girls near the end do switch back and forth between the two outfits for the dance shots.

One of the main pieces of the PV is the three main girls drinking and "talking" (singing the song) at a bar. I rather liked the scenes as it did feel as if the trio were having a conversation with how they acted it out.

Another feature of the PV are shots with the main trio positioned around the area where the dancers are and singing from there. It is an interesting touch and does help keep things feeling fresh and a nice way to tie things together with the PV.

A nice PV focused DVD, though it would have been nice to have making of features but not surprising those were left off.

Overall: I cannot help but wonder that if DIVA debuted later, like after E-Girls began to take off, if the group would have done better. But then again if that happened then the chances that these four would be members would probably be up for debate. In either case I am at least glad the group was given a proper send off with this single and the following album. And it did not look like they had to scrap the bottom of the barrel for a budget with the PVs. Something that was probably avoided with the unit being on the Avex Trax record label.

So I am happy with the release and with the version I was able to pick up. I do eventually want to get the album as well, it is just a bit hard to afford as all those versions come with a DVD so their prices are higher than the usual price I pay for a new album. But one will be mine one day.

Until then I will keep treasuring this single as I will forever mourn the loss of DIVA, who really deserved to have been more active than they were.

Chu-Z - Bombastic Type B/C single

Type B

Artist: Chu-Z
Title: Bombastic
Release date:  01 OCT 2014
Type: single
Version: Type B / Type C

Type C

Packaging: Very basic for both editions with no other pictures for the lyric booklet. But they both came with trading cards, each member of the group had six versions each for this. One trading card per copy of the single and I ended up with two of Maia's. I will say that I really like the cover for Type B. It is rather creative and to me stood out the most from all three covers for this single.

Tracks:

1. ボンバスティック! (Bombastic!)
I confess that it took a while to warm up to this track but I have come to rather enjoy it. One thing I loved from the start about it is that it has an aggressive edge to it, mainly thanks to Kaede's rapping being featured prominently. I would consider this to be a style song as it seems to be here to show off the cool side to the group and it works well. While it may not let the girls really show off their voices they already have songs to let them do that so a song like Bombastic! can work as a balance, especially since part of their appeal is that they are a group that is both cute and cool.

2. Direct to U
A more standard pop song that falls right in with most of the songs Chu-Z has released so far. In fact if this was an unused track from their mini-album I would not be surprised at all. That said it probably benefits by not being on that as it would probably blend in too well with those tracks. There is at least an electronic voice effect used in this in just the right amount to help it stand out. But outside of that it sounds much like most of the other songs Chu-Z has released so far.

3. おねがいスコール (Onegai School) / Sun-Chu - Type B exclusive track
The first of the two sub-unit songs for this single. Sun-Chu consists of members Kana, Asuka and Miku. They ended up saddled with a very generic idol pop song that never seems to go anywhere. It is not a terrible song, just so forgettable and rather bland. There is an interesting instrumental break about halfway through but unfortunately that seems to be the only time the song tries to be anything other than usual idol pop fare. Which is unfortunate for the members of this sub-unit, especially Kana who is one of the main vocalists of Chu-Z and can definitely tackle something more challenging.

3. iya iya iya / Bling Bling Princess - Type C exclusive track
This is by far my favorite track on the single. I feel a bit bad for that as it is a sub-unit song but there is just so much about it that I adore. It has some wonderful string pieces that give it this mysterious feel when it starts the song off. The instrumentals are light with the strings, what sounds like a piano and drums running with the electronic beats of the song. Yet the voices of the girls are clear, with Luna and Maia being the main singers as Kaede raps. In fact I would say the push for Kaede being a "rapper" for the group probably is what helps get BBP the more dynamic songs. But it is an excellent track that makes me so glad I made sure to get more than one version of this single.


Overall: Really loved this single in the end. The two group songs are overall strong and again I am completely in love with BBP's unit song. And again Onegai School is not a bad song, just one that is really generic and seems beneath what the girls can do. Yet despite that what I loved about this single outweighs any negative and I am quite happy to have gotten my copies.

If this is going to be the level of musical output for Chu-Z then I am going to be quite the happy fan and cannot wait for their future releases.

Sailor Moon Crystal episode 14 Episode Thoughts

This episode gives us the wrap up of the battle versus Queen Metallia. Then we get the start of the next story arc as Chibi Usa makes her debut!

White NEWS

As I had hoped we are indeed getting a new NEWS album this year. The album will be released February 25th and is titled White. It will come in two editions.

The album will have the single tracks, KAGUYA, One -for the win-, and Seven Colors on it then eight new songs.

The limited edition will come with a DVD with a short film of the lead track from the album, Mr. White, as well as a making of feature for it.

White [w/ DVD, Limited Edition] / NEWS

The regular edition will have the solo songs for the members, which are not included in the limited edition.

White [Regular Edition] / NEWS

The bundled set will come with a special bonus for getting the two versions together, which is a clutch bag.

White [Bundled Set of All 2 Editions] w/ Clutch Bag / NEWS

I am so happy to wake up to this news. I was really hoping we would be getting a new album with a concert tour being scheduled for the group this year. Of course the limited editions are currently sold out at CDJapan, but I am sure at some point they will be available for a short time again. That was how I was able to get the bundle for KAGUYA as I did not have the money to get it when it first came up to be pre-ordered. Though that said I'm just going to be getting the regular edition of this as multiple editions of an album is out of my budget.

But still very happy with this news and will be making sure to pre-order when I can. There is no way I will pass up an entire album's worth of new NEWS songs.

Nakayama Yuma - Get Up! RE single review

Artist: Nakayama Yuma
Title: Get Up!
Release date:  10 SEP 2014
Type: single
Version: regular edition

Packaging: Like his previous single the packaging is about as simple as you can get. The lyric booklet does give us a couple more pictures of Yuma but that is about it.

Tracks:

1. Get Up!
A dance pop song that has plenty of energy and a nice catchy hook in the chorus when the title of the song is repeated. There are some nice quieter moments in the song that work to keep the song from getting too repetitive. It did take a couple of listens for the song to grow on me but after that I have loved it since. A much better song from Yuma than High Five was and it alone gave me faith once more in his music.

2. Butterfly
This song starts so unassuming but then the chorus kicks in and everything is just elevated. A pop song that has some wonderful strings and piano worked in with it. In fact it would fit so well in with Missing Piece, which is one of my favorite songs from Yuma. I do not think I will love Butterfly as much but I do like it quite a bit and it is a really strong B-side for the single.

3. Best Friend
A bit of a slower track but not near ballad territory. There is a melancholy sound to the track that makes it stand out from the upbeat-ness of the first two songs. And there is just something about these kinds of songs that seem to fit Yuma and his voice. In fact we get to hear his falsetto with this and it a rather nice sounding one that thankfully is used just the right amount, very little, to truly make it shine. Not sure if I care for the little bits of autotune used in this, though they are definitely used just for effect and nothing more. But another solid track on what is easily one of Yuma's strongest singles yet.

4. I Say Good-Bye
Another slow but not a ballad pop song. And as the title would imply it also has a somber sound to it. Yet it is not the only emotion the song gives as with the chorus the music picks up to give it a hopeful sound. Which makes sense as from the bits I get from the lyrics (the last few lines are mostly English which helps) this is a song about breaking up with a lover on good terms and moving on so that while the romantic relationship is over it does not mean they cannot be friends. It is a song that I find that I am getting to like more and more still. It is a reminder of why I always go for the editions with the songs as the extras above all else because you can find gems like this.


Overall: After being pretty disappointed with High Five this single restored my interest in Yuma's music releases once more by being a solid release overall. I like all the songs and a couple are among my favorite Yuma songs so far. I am not sure if I like this single more than Missing Piece but the two are definitely tied at least.

While I would have been happy with Yuma debuting in a group I cannot say that I am disappointed with his solo career so far. He may not release much but he has some true gems for his songs and I look forward to his new releases, no matter how long I have to wait between them.

Kis-My-Ft2 - Another Future RE single review

Artist: Kis-My-Ft2
Title: Another Future
Release date:  13 AUG 2014
Type: single
Version: 3rd Anniversary edition

Packaging: This release is one of the main reasons that I am including this category in these reviews, as it is far above the usual standard. The case is basically a hard cover book with the lyric booklet attached to one side and a paper pocket with the CD and the card with the individual messages from the members on it attached to the other side. The photo booklet has the standard solo shots that come with Kisumai CD photo booklets but it also has plenty of pictures of the group as duos and trios having fun around the house that this photo shoot was at. It is really those photos that make this shine as it is so nice to see the guys playing around. It also has a couple full group shots, but those are not as fun. This is also basically the regular edition of the release, which is why it is so nice to see the packaging to well done.

Tracks:

1. Another Future
It took a few listens but this song really grew on me. I quite love it now, especially with how it has a mysterious feel to it when it begins. The choruses have the most energy but the rest hardly drag anything down. Even the instrumental break in the middle continues to move everything along well. Which should not be all that surprising seeing that this song falls into the dance pop category so it should be able to at least do that much.

2. Perfect World
This song takes us to more basic pop without being basic itself. I love the strings used in this. They add a nice flair to the song and work surprisingly well with the beats of the chorus. And I love that there are quieter moments in this song so voices can be heard a bit clearer than usual. And the build at the end it a nice break from the usual progression that Kisumai songs follow.

3. 感じるままに輝いて (Kanjiru mama ni Kagayaite)
This moves back to more a dance pop sound. And even though we get strings in this as well I do not think they add too much to the song. But that could be in part because they sound like they are being drowned out by the other instruments and sounds being used in the song. It is in no way a bad song, in fact listening to it I enjoy it, but once I am done and on to the next song I quickly forget it, unlike the other two. Which is a shame as it has a lot of what I enjoy in a song but it just does not do anything that feels all that special with those elements that I do not feel like I have heard before.


Overall: I have not stopped being impressed with the packaging for this CD. It has to be one of my favorites for some time and definitely of all the releases I got in 2014. It is just a lot of nice little touches that makes it seem truly special.

For the songs, well two out three is not bad. Again none are terrible it is just Kanjiru mama ni Kagayaite comes off as a bit forgettable, especially compared to the larger discography of the group. Or even the two songs on this single that both manage to be solid additions to that ever growing discography.

Definitely would recommend this single for any fan of the group and it is not a difficult find either so no worries on getting a copy if you want to pick this up.

Thennary Speaks - Episode 35: 2015 Anticipation List

I think from now on I will be splitting topics like this up by category as I cannot seem to keep these short.

For anyone interested in a certain topic a basic breakdown is;

MCU

Other TV and movies (Sleepy Hollow, Parks & Recreation, Tomorrowland, Inside Out, The Jungle Book and Star Wars)

U.S. music artists (Kelly Clarkson)

Japanese music artists (B'z and Little Glee Monster)

Johnny's (NEWS, TOKIO, Kis-My-Ft2, Johnny's WEST, Nakayama Yuma, FIVB 2015 debut)

H!P (Morning Musume '15, Country Girls, ANGERME & Berryz Kobo)

Other J-idol (Chu-Z)

U.S. comics (Ms. Marvel and Archie reboot)

Manga/anime (Sailor Moon Crystal, One Piece and watching more in general)

Johnny's WEST - go WEST Yoidon! RE album review

Artist: Johnny's WEST
Title: go WEST Yoidon!
Release date:  06 AUG 2014
Type: album
Version: Regular Edition

Packaging: Standard CD jewel case but it is used to maximize the amount of pictures used as the back cover has a group picture on both sides. The lyric booklet comes with solo shots for each member of the group, and they all look great, as well as a couple of group pictures. So it is far from a barebones release for the regular version though nothing overly stand out about it.

Tracks:

1. ええじゃないか (Ee Jya nai ka)
Already reviewed this track with the single review (as well as the final three tracks on this) so you can read it there. But this is a good way to kick off the album as it is a good track to sum up what kind of group Johnny's WEST is, a lot of fun and plenty energetic. And one would probably not guess that this is one of the four bonus tracks for the regular version of the album.

2. Summer Dreamer
Lots of energy with this song that makes it a good song to follow Ee Jya nai ka. Or in the case of the limited edition lead off the album as it is the first track for that. Light and poppy with song nice energy, or basically what one would expect for a summer pop song. While it is a nice start to the album it is a song that I tend to forget as I move on to listen to the other songs that come off as stronger than this one.

3. 粉もん (Kona Mon)
Kona Mon picks up the energy and goes with a style that has the verses rapped/speak sung before going into a sung chorus. It has a bit of a funky sound to it that fits the sound of the group and the style difference between the verses and chorus. I would not think it would work as well as it does but it is a really fun song to listen to.

4. Wake up!
Probably the song that I like the least but I do like it. It just does not click with me as well as the others so if I had to leave a song off this list it would be this one. The use of a clock alarm is a cute touch and overall it does fall on the cute side of things, but not overtly cutesy.

5. LET'S GO WEST ～KANSAI!!～
This song has been used more or less as the theme song for the Kansai Juniors in general for a while now but I guess that will have to change as it has become a JW song. It is noticeably shorter than the rest of the songs on this album, clocking in just under three minutes, but it is probably better that way. This song has always come off to me as the kind of song meant for live performances, so while it is still a fun listen it would really shine watching an actual performance of it. Which can be seen with all the performances the Kanjuu have done of it.

6. P & P
One of the two new songs that make up the four bonus tracks of the regular edition. It is also one of my favorite songs on the album as it has one of the catchier choruses. Overall it is just a great solid pop song and I love the brass instruments in it.

7. Break Out!
I do not think there is anyway to transition to this song with it feeling a bit jarring. Break Out! is a change in style from everything so far and has a bit of an edgey sound to it, or as edgey as Japanese boy groups get. In fact you could place it with early KAT-TUN and even some early Kanjani8 songs and it would fit well with them. Like other songs on the album the song has a mix of rap and singing but in this there is more mixing with both being present in the verses and the chorus. It also has a haunting music break about half way through that works well with it.

8. Criminal
Criminal complements Break Out! by not being too different in style with it being more of a dance pop song so it also has an edge to its sound. It has a good driving beat that runs through the verses before having things changed up to lead into the chorus. And the chorus brings that beat back to continue to drive the song forward.

9. ちゃうねんっ!! (Chaunen!!)
And then there is a sudden switch back to the earlier pop styles on the album with Chaunen!! The song has a bit of a Latin beat to it, but it fits with the earlier pop songs as it continues the trend of fun pop music that does not take itself too seriously. And it helps a lot that the chorus is really catchy.

10. バンバンッ!! (Bang Bang!!)
As a Junior fan it seems a bit strange for JW to get this song as this has been used as the theme song for the program the members of Kin Kan and Naniwa Oji have. So I associate it more with those Kanjuu than I do the JW members. But whatever the reason behind it JW now has the song, much like how they inherited LGWK, so at least there are a couple Kanjuu songs getting a CD release with this group. But the recorded version gives us the full song, with slow solo intro before it launches into the energetic pop song it is. The verses are done in a rap/speak-sing way for most of it that works well with the song as it keeps up the pace of the song. There is also a nice break where things slow down a bit again before it reverts back to the main tempo of the song. It is a song I enjoy a lot, especially the changes in it as it keeps it from getting boring.

11. Olé Olé Carnival!
And we get the next bonus track on this album and the other one that is a new song. It is another poppy track that continues with the energy that the previous track brought in. And it has a song that it is a bit of a throw back sound to it. It also helps have the album end as it started being another summer themed song. but overall a strong song with a nice build up and the slow down at the start and near the end gives the song some added spice.

12. 浪速一等賞! (Naniwa Ittou Shou!)
What is nice about this song is that it actually works to be a follow up to either Bang Bang!! or Olé Olé Carnival!, which it does depending on which version of this album you got. What is not so nice is that it starts off the rest of the songs that were included on the group's debut single so it is not a new song. It is a fun song and I love it, but I just wish the album would not have used so many songs from the debut single release.

13. その先へ… (Sono Saki e...)
I can understand why this song would be stuck on the album where it is. For the limited edition it would be the final track and ending with a slow song is a common thing. Unfortunately it is the only slow song on the album and the song it follows is very different in style that it does not escape the feeling that it was simply tacked on because it could be.

14. バンザイ夢マンサイ! (Banzai Yume Mansai!)
This is the final bonus track and with it there is little reason to get the debut single of the group unless you are getting one of the limited editions or really want the lyric booklet for it. Also while the previous two tracks do not mesh well enough together to be a goof finish of the album the addition of BYM does not help at all. In fact it just makes it an even greater mess as it dramatically switches tone again.


Overall: This is one of those albums that I enjoy the songs but not as an album. While I do not mind a variety of song styles on an album I believe there should still be some kind of flow to it so nothing sounds jarring. Like having songs that are a mix of two to be a bridge or even having instrumental interludes to do just that. But I do like the songs and enjoy listening to them, just not together so much.

At this moment I would say that JW still needs to figure out what they are going to be when it comes with their music. At this early stage I doubt they are getting much choice in what they sing but I do hope the members are thinking about it so when they do begin to get some input they can create a sound that they can claim. Right now they definitely feel like they are as K8 were when they first debuted and listening to K8's early albums there is a shared issue of musical styles being all over the place.

Yet the songs are fun and I do love them, just not together as an album.

Busaiku - Tei Tei Tei Terette Teretei Tei Tei ~Dare no Ketsu~ LE B single review

Artist: Busaiku
Title: Tei Tei Tei Terette Teretei Tei Tei ~Dare no Ketsu~
Release date:  27 JUL 2014
Type: single
Version: Limited Edition B

Packaging: I will not lie, if I had known this was going to be the cover for this edition (which is the cheapest of the three) I would have gone for one of the more expensive ones. This is just creepy and I do not like to look at it. Thankfully there is a picture of the group in their suits also on the lyric booklet, but outside of that there is nothing of note with the packaging.

Tracks:

1. てぃーてぃーてぃーてれって てれてぃてぃてぃ ～だれのケツ～ (Tei Tei Tei Terette Teretei Tei Tei ~Dare no Ketsu~)
Like Busaiku's debut single this is comedic in tone as the underdog members of Kis-My-Ft2 try to sell their appeal. It is a bit of a mess of a song as it goes all over the place not completely sticking to a single style the whole way through. Yet as this is a song that is more gag than anything else it works as it is the lyrics that are the most important part of the song. Personally I enjoy this song musically better than their first song but like them both.

2. てぃーてぃーてぃーてれって てれてぃてぃてぃ ～だれのケツ～ (karaoke track)


Overall: If you liked their previous song then there is a good chance you will like this. If not then I would not expect to have this change your mind.

It is a bit hard to tell true vocal skill with this song, outside of Yokoo's weakness at it, because of the comedy angle. But at least you can clearly hear them all and use it to figure out voices for the members.

The Busaiku singles though are mainly to help promote the back four of Kisumai and honestly looking at how their rankings have improved in popularity polls and the fact they had an entire drama for them to star in as well as other various projects that have placed the four in front if not on equal standing to the front three it looks like it did its job well. Not only that but with the long life of Johnny's groups if Kisumai wants to keep relevant in the years to come having more than a "cool" image is going to be very beneficial. So this helps lay the ground work for that as Busaiku get experience in comedy. So even if you dislike these singles there is still a benefit gained from them for the entire group.

Chu-Z - Chu-Z My Music Type C mini-album

Artist: Chu-Z
Title: Chu-Z My Music
Release date:  09 JUL 2014
Type: mini-album
Version: Type C

Packaging: When I was selecting which version of this to get I knew that I would want one of the ones with a bonus track and since I did not know much about the group I just went with the one that I liked the cover of best. I probably would still do so again if I had to as I really have no favorites in this group, I rather just like them all. That said this is a good release to pick up if you are new to the group as the lyric booklet has images of the girls on each page, with names attached and each in their image color, and prominently features the three that are in the sub-unit for the bonus track, which for this is edition is Bling Bling Princess (Kaede, Luna and Maia). I also love both outfits that the girls have to promote this release

Tracks:

1. IROHA MUSIK
I admit it took me some time to warm up to this track. Mostly in part to the fact that it does not really sound like the rest of the songs on the mini-album. But after repeat listens, and the fact that it fits the style of their following single A-side, I have come to enjoy it. It feels like it is trying to pump you up for the album, and I would not be surprised if this is a song used to start off lives with. It has a dance pop style to it and features Kaede and her rapping quite a bit.

2. Summer Dreamer
Things switch over to something more conventional with Summer Dreamer. It does start off with a short rap by Kaede that helps a bit to transition from the previous track but other than that the songs are quite different in style. Summer Dreamer is in the same vein as most of the songs on this, fun catchy pop music. But out of all the tracks of its ilk it does not stand out as much as others but is still a fun listen.

3. Fly High
A good energetic pop song that is plenty catchy. It is with these kinds of songs the group shines as they do them so well. The versus let the individual girls shine with their solo lines before switching to the chorus with group singing. Well outside of some 'oohs' to give those a bit more flavor.

4. Chu me now!!
One of the stronger songs, and it should not be that surprising that it was one of the single tracks from their indie releases. One of the catchier songs and I rather like that they work part of their group name into it. Sure it is cheesy but if you do not like cheesiness on some level then you probably should not be following Japanese idols. And it has some of the better uses of autotune as an effect in this song to give it a stand out moment so it does not sound too repetitive.

5. キラキラ未来☆ (Kirakira Mirai☆)
I love how this song starts, very little instrumental so it can show off the vocals before bringing everything else in. It helps break the usual pattern of the past few songs in the mini-album and is a nice reminder that the group has some strong vocals to it. This song it one of the more fun songs as well as one of the more catchier ones. Definitely one of my favorite tracks though there is one sound effect in it that can annoy me at times.

6. a.no.ne
This song actually has a PV that can be found on Youtube. About halfway through is really where this song takes off and becomes one of the more standout tracks. It is there where we get a change up in tempo that gives it a nice shot of energy to take it to the end of the song. That also really helps make the song stand out as most of the previous tracks are more predictable with their structure.

7. Bow Wow
This song has a bit of a K-pop sound to it, which does not seem surprising as I know at least Luna is a fan of K-pop, I do believe she's even done a cover of a Kara song as a solo before. But with the group wanting to be both cool and cute this song helps balance out some of the cuteness in previous tracks with given them something with a cooler sound. It uses autotune to nice effect and it is definitely used as an effect to compliment the style of the song.

8. GIRLS ON THE RUN
I absolutely love this song. It should be obvious really as I used the title as a part of the title for this blog. This song was the first song I listened to for the group as Chiima shared the short PV for it on her blog and it was instant love. It is a high energy song with a really catchy chorus. And I love it when they change this up for a bit near the middle. And then the slow down to really let the girls' voices shine. Seriously, I just love this song and I am so glad I decided to give that video a play.

9. Choose My Life
A more mid-tempo song that works as a bit of a cool down from the previous track. Not to say that it does not have its own energy, as it does with a beat that drives through it from the start to build up to the chorus. And the chorus is really where the song shines the most. But there are some nice shifts in the song as well that helps elevate it even more. The track also works in a nice pun with "choose" basically being the pronunciation of the group's name.

10. LUCKY☆STAR (Bling Bling Princess)
The bonus track of this version of the release, a song for the sub-unit Bling Bling Princess. BBP is comprised of Luna, Maia and Kaede, so of course the song has a rap part for Kaede. But the song has me from the start where is samples "Wish Upon a Star" in music box form before moving onto the electro pop sound of the song. It is so upbeat and really lets all three members shine. And I really love the change up at the end of the chorus.


Overall: If you are new to the group then this is a great way to get into them. It does not look like it is easy to find their indie releases so having them all on this mini-album is great. Plus there are some new songs so it makes it worth it to get this album for those for fans who have been following the group from their indie days, especially to get GIRLS ON THE RUN.

The group does great with fun, catchy pop songs but IROHA MUSIK and Bow Wow do promise that the group can do more than just that. But there is not a single track I do not like on this. I am so glad they went with this as their first major debut release as it is a nice chunk of songs from the group to get a good sense of their sound, for not just their more standard stuff but also the other styles they incorporate into it. Also it was harder to overplay them as I probably would have a single that would have only had two or three songs.

But a solid release from the group and again a really good place to start if you want to get into the group.

49 mid-season impressions

Needless to say one of the main reasons I have taken so long to review the rest of this series is that it just does not interest me much. But I forced my way through Sprout and 49 is at least much better than that drama was so I feel like I need to finish this.

To be fair there does seem to be some hope for the drama to be more enjoyable for me as we hit the mid-way point. Just the episodes leading up to it have done little to get me to care much for the main cast of characters.

I think my biggest issue is that I really do not care for Kagami Dan's father. He comes off being rather selfish to me, even the things he says he is doing to help his son all seem to be doing what he thinks is best for him without taking his son's feelings into account. It does seem though this is not something being completely ignored in story, but it took it long enough to get to that point that it is going to have to do much more to make me care for him.

Yet I will say that Sato Shori is impressing me with his acting in this. I have been watching Hungry! on the side and seeing how wooden he was in that and comparing to how he has been doing in 49 is amazing to see the improvement. Johnny's would do well to keep getting him acting roles, and he has a young looking face so he should be able to pull off being a teenager for quite some time.

Takami Sachi (Yamamoto Maika) is another character that is just not clicking with me at all. She seems to mainly exist to be a tag along for Dan's father and the sudden shift to her liking him enough that she would be willing to sleep with him (which thankfully he has no interest in) just confused me. I feel that there is something missing with her character to put everything into place with her words and actions.

Honestly I never got the hype for Yasui Kentaro before but he is winning me over with this drama. I doubt he will ever be a favorite but I still hope Johnny's does right by him as he looks to be a talent worth promoting. He is currently the main reason I am watching this drama as every scene he is in he is a delight and I wish he was the main character of this drama. I would much rather watch a drama about his character dealing with a defunct basketball club and trying to save it with a member who is possessed by his father's ghost.


Everything else just seems to fall into the "okay" area. Not terrible but not great either. So far the drama has felt uneven but there is some time for it to smooth things out so I do not think I can write it off just yet. I just hope it does have a stronger second half.

Kis-My-Ft2 - Kis-My-Journey RE album review

Artist: Kis-My-Ft2
Title: Kis-My-Journey
Release date:  02 JUL 2014
Type: album
Version: Regular Edition

Packaging: Standard CD jewel case for this. If anything really stands out it is the fact that there are two booklets. One is simply a lyric booklet while the other is a photo booklet. The lyric booklet is as plan as they come as all images are basically saved for the photo booklet. The photo booklet gives us two sets of solo shots of all the group members as well as two group shots. The two sets are different in style, one more like the cover while the other has a blue sky background and is set around the theme of going on a journey/trip. Both look good and actually do well to reflect the album as it alternates between the dance pop the group has been doing and the more standard pop they seem to be moving into.

Tracks:

1. "3rd" Overture
It builds with the usual electronic dance music the group has been releasing until it blends into the first track of the album. So it basically does what it needs to do.

2. Seven Journey
A nice track with a steady driving beat throughout. It does sound rather repetitive though, and even though there is a change up in the music to break that up a bit it feels too little too late. But still a song I have no issue listening to as long as I am in the mood for it. Otherwise I do get bored with it after the first couple of minutes.

3. 3.6.5
More pop than anything else but still with a touch of the dance style to make it a nice follow up to the lead song. And it does avoid the flaw of that track by changing up a bit more so it does not get too repetitive. Though compared to some of the stronger songs on the album this one ends up more on the forgettable side of things but is still a good album song.

4. Striker
So far each Kis-My-Ft2 album has had a harder sounding track and Striker is that track for this album. These also tend to be my favorite album tracks and this also holds true this time as well. A strong driving beat that is never allowed to overstay its welcome as we get a few breaks and tempo changes throughout the song. The use of spoken/rap lines in the song work out great and overall one of the more interesting tracks on the album.

5. ダイスキデス (Daisuke Desu)
This song is less dance pop and more general pop which makes its placement a bit awkward. Switching out 3.6.5 with Striker would have avoided it, but Daisuki Desu does set the tone for the following tracks as the album moves away from the dance pop style in general. It is also one of the stronger songs on the album with some good arrangement as well as some great moments for the lead vocals to really shine.

6. FORM (Kitayama Hiromitsu's solo)
Kitayama leads the solo/sub-unit portion of the album with his solo. A mid-tempo pop song that has some nice energy to it and does well in showcasing Kitayama's voice. It also works well to lead into the next track with the slower tempo. Honestly I prefer Kitayama's more rockish solo songs and find this song a bit on the mediocre sound of things. It is no way bad but it does nothing to really stand out or elevate itself above good.

7. LU4E ～Last Song～ (Fujigaya Taisuke's solo)
Fujigaya's solo is a ballad this time around and it is a rather plain one. It is saved from being dull is that it does make Fujigaya stretch his vocals with its notes. That and the instrumental is dialed back so his voice is never overpowered by them. So for the album it is a nice change of pace and it fits well between the other two solos in terms of sound.

8. Only One... (Tamamori Yuta's solo)
Tamamori's solo is actually my favorite of the three. Perhaps because he is not known for his vocals they knew well enough to give him something a bit upbeat and musically interesting to help cover for that. And I do think he has been working on his vocals as well. That said this song does not complement his voice all that well so they still need to work on finding a style that will for him. Despite all this though the music is never overly repetitive and has a nice flow which makes this track stand out among the solos.

9. FIRE!!! (Kitayama & Fujigaya duet)
This duet makes up for the lackluster solos for the two. It is more of the dance pop sound but it is done well with great beats that pump energy into the song. It has a nice break that lets them show off their vocals and most importantly it is catchy. Easily one of the better songs on the album.

10. 棚からぼたもち(Tana kara Botamochi) 舞祭組(Busaiku)
I did not care for having this song on the album. Yes it is a fun track and I do like it, but it meant that the four that make up Busaiku were not going to get a new song for the album. Their previous album tracks have been some of my favorites which is the main reason for the disappointment. Outside of that it is a terrible song to have follow FIRE!!! The two songs are just so different in style it is quite jarring. But it is obvious who choice the placement of the songs was really going for having all the solo and unit songs be together in the middle of this album. Or I can only assume so as there really is no good place to put this song on it with just how different it is from everything else.

11. ツバサ(Tsubasa)
One of the more standard pop songs on this album. It works well where it is as it leads off the string of pop songs that take us to the end of the album. And coming after Tana kara Botamochi that feels needed. It has a bit of a relaxing feeling to it, but not because it is threatening to put you to sleep. The chorus is where we get some energy before going back to the calmer versus. This also really lets all three lead singers get chances to be heard clearly in those versus. Which makes me wish the other four would have gotten something more than harmonizing in the chorus for it.

12. 光のシグナル (Hikaru no Signal)
I already reviewed this track, which ended up being the only group single track on the album. Mainly because there was a single collection release before this. But it fits well in this album with this final portion being more standard pop just like this song.

13. 僕らの約束 (Bokura no Yakusoku)
A group ballad this time, and it would be a nice end to the album which for the other editions of it this song was. In fact I can easily see this being a final song in a concert set list and would be surprised if it was. It just has that feel of winding down and with the flourishes of strings throughout it has something that makes it feel memorable. Which is what you want for a finale song.

14. アゲてくぜ! (Agete kuze!)
The bonus track only on the regular edition of the album. This is probably the only song on this album that could have been placed next to Tana kara Botamochi and not felt too out of place. It is a fun pop song that leans more on the fun. It has a bouncy kind of feeling and of course some nice energy. Being a bonus track it does feel tacked on at the end, but at least falls into the standard pop sound of the last few tracks of the album.


Overall: Did you like Kisumai's previous albums? Then you are bound to like this album as well. It does not stray far from their past albums, for better or worse. Like their previous albums there will be a few stand out tracks while the rest will most likely be forgotten after a couple of new releases from the group.

It is more standard pop than their previous albums which seems to be the direction the group is going if their post Kis-My-Journey singles are anything to go by. I can envision that in the future it will be a good transition album if the group is truly slowly moving away from dance pop being their standard sound.

If I have one complaint about all the group songs is that it would be nice to hear more of s-My-2, as for the most part only KiFt is heard. Though Tamamori tends to drowned out by the other two if he does not have a solo line. But I still await the day I do not have to wonder if I will ever hear s-My-2 in any Kisumai songs, but with the final 2014 release perhaps that day is finally coming.