Uta no Prince-sama - Maji Love 1000% - Idol Song Ittoki Otoya CD review

Title: Uta no Prince-sama Maji Love 1000% Idol Song Ittoki Otoya
Artists: Ittoki Otoya (Terashima Takuma)
Release date: 27 July, 2011
Version: n/a

Packaging: Things are kept simple with the usual jewel case with a rather plain looking back cover. As each character gets a single dedicated to them this release is tailored for the character Ittoki Otoya with his character color, red, being liberally used wherever it can be. The only artwork included is the cover image which does well in keeping with the theme of the rest while showing Otoya's personality of someone who is generally energetic and happy.

Tracks:

1. BRAND NEW MELODY - This is the solo song the character sings in the episode he is featured in for the first season of the Utapri anime series. And while it was made to fit in the episode it stands on its own just fine. I really enjoy the fact that it uses the guitar so much for it as that is the instrument Otoya is connected with for the series. I am a sucker for songs that start out simply and build so I really love how it just starts off with Otoya singing with the guitar as the only instrument and other instruments are added as the song progresses. Love the section around the two and a half minute mark where it goes off for something a bit different before bringing to back to the main melody. It is a fun rock song which fits the character well and is a good match for his voice tone.

2. OVER THE RAINBOW - This song comes from the Uta no Prince-sama Debut PSP game. It continues the trend of Otoya's character songs having a rock sound to them. This one though starts off running with not as much needing to be built up before hitting the chorus for the first time. It is in the same vein as the other song so if you enjoyed that you are bound to probably enjoy this one. I do feel the chorus of this song has a bit more punch to it. And the instrumental break in it is easily able to carry the energy of the song until it goes back to the segments with vocals again.

3. BRAND NEW MELODY (off vocal)
4. OVER THE RAINBOW (off vocal)


Overall: The highlight of the packaging is basically just the cover artwork. It, like the songs in the single, do well to capture the character well which really is the point of a release like this.

Otoya is the energetic, positive boy next door kind of character and the songs do well to reflect that. Both are upbeat and keeping him in the rock genre helps with giving him songs with a good deal of energy.

The fact that they are both used for Utapri releases makes it a high on the list of must buy's for fans of the series, or at least those who want to be able to listen to the songs free of the media they are used in. Though for BRAND NEW MELODY this is the only way to hear the full song as only a short version of it was used in the anime.