Uta no Prince-sama - Maji Love 2000% - Idol Song Otoya Ittoki CD review

Title: Uta no Prince-sama Maji Love 2000% Idol Song Otoya Ittoki
Artists: Ittoki Otoya (Terashima Takuma)
Release date: 15 May 2013
Version: n/a

Packaging: In the same style of the rest of the single series for Maji Love 2000% where everyone is wearing old fashioned clothes with a classy-retro look to the design. Otoya's does well to still capture the personality of the character as well as using the "hidden" image theme each cover has. This one is probably one of the most subdued as it is just the crown on the books he is for whatever reason trying to balance on his head.

Track listing:

1.SMILE MAGIC
An energetic song with a rock flare that is a signature sound for Otoya's solo songs. The start of the song is relatively quiet compared to the rest of the song with just some chimes and Terashima's vocals, but that only lasts a few lines before more instruments for the song kick in. There is a sound effect used throughout the song that came off more distracting at times, though sometimes I find it annoying other times I am fine with it. Either way the song has a nice driving beat and is full of energy.

2. HORIZON
There is an urgency that is built up throughout the song that really drives the song at places.  It is a solid song and a nice change of pace for an Otoya solo without breaking too far away from the sound his songs usually have. I love the short instrumental breaks with the violin solo, it fits so well even though there are quite a bit of electronic effects and sounds that go through the song. I actually like this song more than SMILE MAGIC and it is up there as one of my favorite solo songs for Otoya.

3. SMILE MAGIC (instrumental)
4. HORIZON (instrumental)


Overall: A rather balanced single and a couple of good songs to add to Otoya's collection of solos. Both fit well with the character while at the same time is just different enough to not just simply blend in with the previous songs. His character singles so far have been rather solid from the images used to the songs themselves so he is one of the characters I feel safe with knowing whatever release he gets I know I will enjoy it.