This is the first time I'll be recommending a single instead of an album. Before you say it's unfair because a single is too small for a weekly post, there's a special reason for my decision. I haven't made a post about KOKIA yet, but she's one of the most talented and beautifully unusual singers I've ever heard. And this single, in my opinion, has the best song of her entire (and long) musical career.
Released in the first day of 2006, "Ai no Melody / Chouwa Oto (With Reflection)", as the title suggests, is a double side-A single. Featuring both the opening and ending themes of "Origin: Spirits of the Past", the CD is full of KOKIA's unique style. From codified lyrics to unexpected harmonization, the tunes bind you to their mystic feel.
Starting off with "Ai no Melody", it's a melody where the singer remains in a safe zone through most of the song. By the middle of it, nothing really special shows up despite being a beautiful listening. That's when KOKIA begins to mix multiple layers of her voice in order to create an exotic (and certainly impressive) mood, which would be in its full power only in the next song. In a way, "Ai no Melody" doesn't stand out from her typical songs. But it's still worth trying out as a preparation for the coming brilliancy.
"Ai no Melody" Promotional Video
Following the opening, we now enter the ending theme's area. "Chouwa no Oto (With Reflection)" is actually a rearrangement and re-recording of "Chouwa no Oto", a 2002 song. I don't even know how to precisely explain this song to you, because there's so much happening at the same time. Actually, it begins with a calm piano introduction. Then, KOKIA enters very emotionally, already establishing the song's mood.
We go through a roller-coaster of information, from Japanese lyrics, going through codified numbers (which actually make sense, just check it on Google xD), to what I would call "the full version" of what the singer did in "Ai no Melody": layers and layers of her own vocals dominating the scene, creating a diversified harmony and magical, almost ethereal feel to the music. Nothing in this world is similar to this. KOKIA set the bar really high for anyone who tries to go exotic after "Chouwa Oto (With Reflection)".
"Chouwa Oto (With Reflection)"
Bonus live and epic version of the song, proving that she isn't kidding about being awesome:
many thanks to the uploader ^^
Well, I know that this isn't the kind of music that everyone would like. Still, I hope that you liked it! KOKIA is definitely an inspiration not only for me, but also for many others. Remember: if you liked this single, please support the artist by purchasing their music! Her discography is huge and incredible, so don't miss the chance to know more about KOKIA~ ^^