When talking about Morning Musume, I'd say they're one of the best-looking Japanese idol groups out there. Of course, it's not an all-kill (thanks to Aika...yeah), but it's already enough to make you drool at every music video. You may even have problems with choosing a favorite member because each girl has something special. So as not to have any problems, I decided to choose many favorites xD
And then, recently, I realized how my hard-drive was lacking in photo books. Well, it didn't take long until that problem was solved. Take a glimpse of awesomeness in this post dedicated to Tanaka Reina, one of my favorite momusus! Oh, don't forget to feel the mighty of full-screen viewing~
Angry Reina is angry <3333 cute~
You might realize that there are many more photos... But that's something for you to discover! You didn't expect me to put the entire photo book here, did you? ;]
Last week, while searching for some old BoA music videos, I accidentally found a young girl singer named Kang Min Kyung. She was so pretty that I decided to search her songs on YouTube. Later, I found out that she was actually part of a ballad duo called Davichi. Now, how could I not know them for so long? I mean, I had heard their name due to them being under the same agency as T-ara and SeeYa, but... Why did I ignore them? This is THE ballad group. As an example of their superior quality, I'm going to review this album, which is my current favorite: "Davichi in Wonderland"
The album's cover
Starting off with the lead track "8282", the girls give us a fresh experience. The beginning seems like a typical sad song, but then it takes an unexpected turn when a fast chorus comes in. The song then is established as a mix of ballads with pop tunes. A mainstream track indeed.
While "8282" was chosen as the lead track for obvious reason, which were correctly assumed since it turned out to be a hit in South Korea, I reckon the song is just the opening act of a much better album to come. The next song, "사고쳤어요 (Sagochyeosseoyo)", presents a smooth atmosphere. This scenario favors an impressive showcase of the duo's voices. It kinda reminds me of Korean dramas soundtracks. Maybe it was featured in one?
After a more emotive moment, "My Man" (track 03) brings a fun feeling along with a catchy melody. This track even has its own music video, featuring some great engrish sentences... lol
I want to congratulate whoever chose the order of the songs in the album. It balances upbeat and sad songs extremely well. And the next tune isn't an exception to this sentimental roller-coaster. "사랑이 우습니 (Sarangi Ooseumni)" is your usual K-Pop ballad. But that doesn't take the credits of Davichi for making it so great even when it's generic.
The climax of "Davichi in Wonderland", at least in my opinion, happens in the fifth track "오르골 (Orgel)". A beautifully executed, dark melody accompanied by piano, strings and the superb vocals from the girls create a perfect symphony of emotions. Highlight for the vocal solo followed by an instrumental solo just a little after the middle of the song.
Closing the package, "Crazy Woman" features label-mate SeeYa. While the song does have a SeeYa feeling all over it, it doesn't overshadow Davichi's style and continues the album all-kill status. A pretty song.
"Davichi in Wonderland" is just a small, yet brilliant demonstration of the group's incredible talent. Their discography has many more awesome songs and I definitely recommend you to check it out! As always, if you liked the album, please support the artist by purchasing their music!
PS: Well, as you probably noticed, I was really inspired to write this post, which actually made me took a little longer to complete it. In the end, it came out as a nice review... Maybe the "Take Notice" should become more like this. Time is my enemy though xD
I'm feeling sooooo sleepy right now... This blog would be much better if I didn't have to go to school every single day at 6AM lol >.< Ok, I'll stop whining now xD
Music is what makes our lives better, right? And there is no one better than ALI PROJECT to show the real beauty of music and the many variations it may have. Previewing the release of "QUEENDOM", their third best-album under Lantis, the group revealed a trailer from the PV of the new track "Troubadour". Shot in Austria, this medieval-like video brings a dark atmosphere along with spectacular costumes. Like most AliPro songs, "Troubadour" grows more on you each time you listen to it~
Sorry for writing the link like this, but Lantis put the video as Unlisted. Due to that reason, Blogger can't find it in the search ^^"
After finishing promotions for "First Step", CNBLUE is back with a new music video as a way of thanking fans for their support. "Love Girl", which was already included in the first album (track 02), is a fun song with the usual style from the band. The MV features the members in cute situations while playing the song for a beautiful girl~
Today, the new Versailles look for the "Holy Grail" album (the first one with Masashi as bassist) was revealed. Just one photo, but so much noble-awesomeness! Hizaki's new dress is so pretty; Teru's hair is wow *0* and Kamijo in red makes him look even more like a vampire! I can't wait to hear the album~ ^^
From left to right: Masashi, Teru, Kamijo, Hizaki and Yuki
PS: I might update this post if individual photos are released ^^
This week, a debuting boy group, B1A4, draw the attention for their good looks and promising vocals. I thought "Ok, I'll give them a chance to impress me". I was definitely afraid of what would come, especially considering the hordes of crappy rookies showing up lately just to get some cash off the idol-craze. But wow: talk about fresh air in the industry! B1A4 is a gem among many disposable groups.
"Let's Fly" mini-album cover
With their first mini-album "Let's Fly", these boys were able to showcase an unusual style. Away from the electronic, auto-tuned beat, B1A4 chose a more refreshing sound. Like a sweeter C.N Blue, the new group captures the listeners with clear vocals and fun tracks.
"O.K." Music Video - the lead track
Not excessively cute, not wanting to sound like American rappers. B1A4 found their own style, which is extremely important for their future in the K-Pop industry.
In my opinion, all songs in the mini are great even after multiple repeats. That's why I hope they'll continue this way, because it's what makes them different from most -generic- idols.
Well, yeah, Pony Canyon removed the songs posted on Youtube... So here's a dancing waifu for ya~ ^^
Remember: if you liked this album, please help the artists by purchasing their music!
Ok, I think it's already clear enough: I LIVE FOR F(X) *0* I...I don't even have words to describe how much I love their comeback track "Danger". And the album? OMG, it's just perfect. I know, I'm being biased, but IT'S TEH TRUTH. You can be sure to expect a review for "Pinocchio" in "Take Notice" corner~
"Danger" - Vol 01 Pinocchio album's lead track
Just because f(x) is back doesn't mean that Japan stopped their releases though. Kana Nishino, a singer that I admire very much (and whose article wasn't written yet due to the removal of her videos on YT), revealed the promotional video for her new single "Esperanza". A cool tune with a bright, beautiful scenario, this PV is one of her best yet! As usual, watch it as soon as possible since Sony always takes the videos off in less than week.
Last December, Yousei Teikoku released their third best-album under Lantis: gothic lolita agitator. Including singles from "Gekkou no Chigiri" to "rebellion anthem", it's an important production of their newest era, which I consider to have begun with "Baptize", the first single to officially showcase the other band members (bassist and drummer).
"rebellion anthem" (track 10) - the most recent single
Despite the surprising presence of "Gekkou no Chigiri" (I LOVE this song), which had already been included in the last best-album Gothic Lolita Doctrine with "Simulacra", this third release includes two brand new songs plus unreleased theme songs (Asgard and keep existing) from the latest "fortissimo" video game. Just for the record, the new song "gothic lolita agitator" is 9:20 long o.o...
"Gekkou no Chigiri" (track 06) - a perfect, beautiful ballad
"Asgard" (track 01) - unreleased single
As usual, this Yousei Teikoku album is full of amazing rock songs with a few electronic touches. Even the B-sides in here are all great, proving that this band isn't like many others that only care about the A-side and make shitty songs just to fill the rest of the single. "still alive" is the best example of how a coupling song should be!
"still alive" (track 02) - feel this awesome beat! *-*
gothic lolita agitator was worth the long wait. A perfect mix of all typical sounds from the band, it certainly pleases fans while being able to capture new listeners. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is into J-Rock. Yousei Teikoku got it right once again and is yet to disappoint me~
My Favorite Tracks:
Gekkou no Chigiri (月光の契り)
rebellion anthem
still alive
Baptize
PS: thanks to schwarzerism on YouTube for uploading all the album ^^
After a long time since her last single, Nana Mizuki is back with two simultaneous releases: "Scarlet Knight" and "POP MASTER". With a beautiful promotional video and her amazing vocals, I'm sure this will be yet another hit from Nana-chan!
"Scarlet Knight" PV Teaser - sorry, no full version on YouTube (but thanks to kawaiigirljapan for the teaser)
Polemics? Controversies? It's Rania time! LOL. "Dr Feel Good", the debut song of girl group Rania was revealed last week. It's reeeeally provocative, isn't it? But anyway, the song is awesome and these girls CAN sing after all. I just hope this excessive exposure doesn't end up being used against their future career!
This week's K-Artist is the "how NOT to debut" and "how even after a failure there's hope for a bright future" edition with the rookie girl group Girl's Day!
Girl's Day
Created in 2010 under DreamTea Entertainment, these 5 young girls, which had a different line-up in the beginning compared to the actual formation, released their first mini-album "Girl's Day Party1" in July. Much expectation had been created for it due to their previous appearances on commercials and by forums through the internet.
What the group wasn't expecting, however, was the mighty hatred that spread after the title track "Tilt My Head"s music video was revealed. Why, you ask? The song is 95% auto-tuned, featuring only the rap parts as "normal" segments. Actually, I'm going to be sincere here: the song sucks, and the excessive auto-tune just makes it much worse.
"Tilt My Head" Music Video
But why am I talking about them if they apparently suck so much? That, my friend, is because Girl's Day was enlightened, revived from the ashes, transformed, completely changed. After the first mini-album's promotions, two members left, being quickly replaced.
And in the same year, a new group was shown to the public. "Nothing Lasts Forever" is the name of this miracle. The auto-tune was thrown away, the cute concept was smashed. The girls came back to showcase their true talents and to prove that they were much better than most of us had thought.
"Nothing Lasts Forever" Music Video
With astounding live performances and believing in their own abilities, Girl's Day established themselves as a more respected rookie girl group. While the first song may have lost many possible supporters, the second digital single's title track brought hordes of fans to the group, which rested assure of their idols' capacities.
In 2011, "Twinkle Twinkle", the third single, was announced. Wondering if the group would continue rising talent-wise, many fans hoped for another successful release. The song was released in March, featuring a funny MV that made use of a cuter concept, although without overdoing it. Catchy vocals, check. Beautiful girls acting acceptably cute, check. Great overall song, check! "Twinkle Twinkle" won more fans over the world, yay~
"Twinkle Twinkle" Music Video
As you probably noticed through this post, I'm a great supporter of this group. It's not only because their recent songs are great, but especially due to how they went from hated auto-tuned silly girls to talented, hard-working and adorable idols. Girl's Day is an example for future rookies and I hope they'll get many awards in the future! Remember: if you liked this post, remember to support the group by purchasing their music.
First of all, sorry for taking so long to post again! I was preparing a post yesterday when there was a power shortage here, which made me lose everything I had written (don't know why it wasn't saved by Blogger). Anyways, I'm back \o/ yay~
Rie Fu
Connected to music and art since her childhood, Rie Fu started to showcase her talents at a really young age. She signed her contract with Sony Japan while still in high school, releasing the first single in 2004. Later that year, however, the singer-songwriter was chosen to sing the first ending to what would become one of the most important animes of all time: "Bleach". "Life Is Like a Boat" was a good way to gain recognition among different kinds of public.
"Life Is Like a Boat" Promotional Video (credits to the uploader)
In the following year, Rie Fu produced her first full-length album as well as two more singles, including "I Wanna Go To A Place...", chosen as "Gundam Seed Destiny"s ending theme. It was a fairly calm period for the singer's fans as Rie was studying at the University of the Arts London. In 2006, she released "Rose Album" and two more singles.
"Until I Say" jacket - a 2006 single
Another important moment in the girl's career came in 2007 with "Tsukiakari", a single used as the second ending theme for the "Darker than Black" anime. Still one of my personal favorites and definitely one her best-selling songs, "Tsukiakari" revealed a smooth, emotional, pure voice from Rie Fu, which captivated many listeners' hearts.
"Tsukiakari" Promotional Video
Graduating from the university, the singer came back to Japan so as to concentrate once again on her music career. "Home" was released in 2008 and featured a beautiful cover of "The Carpenters", which would lead to many other covers of the band and even a tour only made of those songs. It's easy to understand why Rie Fu chose to continue making these covers: they're astoundingly pretty!
"(The Long to Be) Close To You" - Rie's cover of "The Carpenters"
In 2009, the young talent produced her fourth album, "Urban Romantic". I must say this is her best album ever. From the experimental songs to the usual style, every song is delicately composed and polished. "drummy", for example, is something I wouldn't expect from Rie Fu. Still, it became one of my favorite songs from her! Other songs such as "Something In My Head" and "She Can't Say No" also contribute to this album's masterpiece condition, at least in my opinion.
"drummy" - it surpassed my expectations~
Participating in many live tours, Rie Fu spent almost a whole year before releasing something new. The fifth album, and the first totally self-produced, was released in March 2010, featuring many famous artists as collaborations. Giving a break to focus on her own musical studies, the songwriter would take another year in order to release the next single. "For You" hit the stores in February 2011 and marked the most recent return of Rie Fu to the Japanese music scenario.
"at Rie sessions" - the first fully self-produced album
With a beautiful, strong yet calm voice, Rie Fu was able to capture my eye since her first songs. I hope this post helped you discover this awesome Japanese artist. Remember: support the artists you like by purchasing their music! I don't know how much it will take for her to announce new releases, but when it happens I'll be sure to post about it here!
Have you ever wondered how the Kalafina girls prepare their awesome voices? How about their favorite hobbies? Kitty Wakana o.o? All of this and more in the interview below! (credits to Kawaii Girl Japan) ^^
Most people get to know SHINee through the "Lucifer" album these days. In the end, many don't even care about the existence of a first album. My mission today is to show you a little of this great album called "The SHINee World", the group's first full-length album.
I refuse to use that horrible green "version A" cover -.-'
Actually, if you aren't familiar with this album, maybe it's just due to its name. You see, "The SHINee World" is actually the album where "Love Like Oxygen" comes from. Also, it was later repackaged as "A.Mi.Go", which I reckon is pretty well-known too (I love it by the way :P).
Anyway, the title track of the first released version is already a fantastic start. With a strong beat, it includes a surprise feature: parts of the promoted tracks lyrics like "Noona Neomu Yeppeo" and "Love Like Oxygen" can be heard on it. Cool, right?
"The SHINee World (doo-bop)" - track 01
Most of the album's new songs are ballads or cuter songs, much different than what we can find in "Lucifer". It seems that their R&B-focused period didn't last long. Shame on you, S.M.!(says the guy who bought Hello after falling in love with it lol) Well, we can't really blame them, can we? After all, they're just following the musical trends. At least they came up with their own fashion trend. Wait, was that something good?
*remembers the colorful pants*
...Damn D:
"Y Si Fuera Ella" (track 09) - such a different, yet beautiful K-Pop song~
And let's not forget the amazing promoted tracks. "Noona Neomu Yeppeo (Replay)" and "Love Like Oxygen" (plus "A.Mi.Go" from the repackaged version) are catchy, superb songs. Add the lord-of-epicness dancing to that and you'll have a typical, yet always magnificent music video. I don't even have words to express how much I love these songs~ *0*
"Love Like Oxygen" Music Video (dance version) - "The SHINee World"s main track
I could spend another week talking about how awesome they are and continue using adjectives like "superb", "incredible", "fascinating", "zomfg", "epic", "omgperfectomg", "amazing", BUT it's better to finish this post before I lose control over its size. ^-^
Remember: if you liked the album, please support the group by purchasing their music! (I already bought "Hello". Which one should be next?...mmmm *takes all* :D)
Nothing can express how much I'm hypnotized by Hyuna's beauty in the new 4minute music video. The group has just released their first official full-album "4Minutes Left", right after the mini-album "Heart to Heart". Returning with the usual attitude, 4minute will surely captivate your heart just like they Hyuna did with me! *0*
Changing from sexy-shadow-electronic-power to fluffy-adorable-pastel-cuteness, S/mileage revealed today the short version from the promotional video of "Koi ni Booing Boo", their new single. Awwww, I just love these girls... And I shall never forget to say that I contributed to their debut! lol :3
I've always thought about how meaningful gifs can be. Be it in a chat or just for yourself, these images can make you go "ROFLMAO" or just "*0*". For those reasons I'll dedicate the post to this wonderful extension! Have fun~ ^^
"Yay, it's the Gif Galore!"
"Hmph, I knew I would show up here..."
"You'll save me because I'm so cute~"
"Yes, I am"
"LOL, this is so funneh"
"I'll wait for you next week~ ♥"
WUUUUT? IT'S OVER?!!!
For now, yes... But this is only because I don't want to make everyone's internet crash xD
I shall not make an April Fools' Day joke here, don't worry! Actually, I'm not making one only because I'm so tired of being tricked today...lol ~Anyway, today I want to show you a very special group with gloriously beautiful music: love solfege. In this post, however, I'll focus only on their "Futari no Watashi" album, leaving the full explanation for their future J-Artist post.
"Futari no Watashi" jacket - a beautiful artwork for a flawless album
Since it's the first time this group is discussed in this blog, I think it's fair to quickly introduce them. love solfege is a fairly unknown Japanese group, focused mostly on indie, circle releases. But the quality of the melodies and vocalists is just supernatural. I found them due to my eternal love to ALI PROJECT, which led me in a search for more classically and goth influenced Japanese groups.
"Futari no Watashi" is a 2007 album, and one of the very few released with a mainstream label. Not that the indie ones are worse, which is inconceivable, but "Futari no Watashi" simply gathers more of my favorite songs.
Including songs in Japanese, English, Italian and Russian (did I miss any?), Love Solfege is also composed of many different vocalists, changing from on to another according to the music genre. It's really hard (almost impossible) to find translated lyrics, but I reckon the song is enough to deliver the intended message.
"echoes 〜鏡のオルゴール〜" (track 10)
This album is, like many others from them, a masterpiece. These songs have an ability to take you into another world, full of lolitas and mysterious, noble scenarios. Don't lose the chance to know this spectacular, awesome, beautiful, perfect, underrated and incredibly talented group! *0*
