Reviews written by Sora
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It's Party Time (Japan Version)
It's Party Time (Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$13.25Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:July 22, 2007 Great! Sounds Like Old HALCALIA lot of HALCALI fans have not been pleased or impressed with any of their major singles.
This single should change their minds.
It's Party Time! has so much of that whimsical, cute, upbeat sillyness that made HALCALI so loveable in their indy days. The song is incredibly catchy, and has just the right blend of randomness and pop to make it an upbeat, fun and funky track that just screams HALCALI!!!
Clutch is a fairly different type of song. It shows a more mature side of the girls. The laidback melody and somewhat dark arrangement make for a beautiful and peaceful b-side that really shows another aspect of the girls capabilities. It may be different, but it doesn't feel awkward for HALCALI to do such a song.
The only downside to the single is the lack of material. Only one b-side (as good as it is), feels a little bit stingy.
Regardless, this is easily my favourite major label HALCALI single. Definitely worth a listen!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Tips Taps Tip (Japan Version)
Tips Taps Tip (Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$15.25Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:June 11, 2007 Something DifferentThis single marks the major label debut of pop-rappers HALCALI. I've been a fan of them for quite some time, so I was excited to see what a major label would do for them.
While it's not quite what I was hoping for, this single isn't bad at all. The title track is far more poppy than HALCALI's older material (they actually sing!), and it is a touch generic, but it's not without its charms. I've found that this song has really grown on me, and it's just slightly odd enough to be passable as a HALCLI track.
The real goodies lie in the b-sides though.
Track 2 sees another of the girls lyrical attempts that flows wonderfully over the wonderfully catchy beats. Track 3 is another sweet, upbeat rap-pop songs that just suits HALCALI to a T.
While the title track may not be the best HALCALI song, the b-sides more than make up for it.
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Park Ji Yoon Vol. 4
June 11, 2007 What a Let DownI was really intruiged by the singles I heard from this album. Particularly, the lead music video really caught my eye, so I decided to buy this album.
After a decent intro, a track that plays on the classic 'Carmen' in a satisfying way, and the afore mentioned killer lead single, the album completely disolves.
The calliber of the music dissapates almost immediately into watered-down, ridiculously generic, crap-pop. I guess the tracks aren't so bad that theyre offensive or hard to listen to, but I was really expecting so much more!
Even the bonus remix is half-baked. It basically just throws a heavier drumbeat over the second track.
I would reccomend that you check out the singles from this album, but beyond that it's not really worth it.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
U;NEE vol.1 - 1st u;nee code
U;NEE vol.1 - 1st u;nee code
(10)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Related promotions:1 people found the following helpful
June 11, 2007 Not BadWhile I find the majority of the songs on this album to be quite catchy and enjoyble, the album just doesn't flow very well.
It jumps awkwardly between styles of music (from hyper dance-pop to ballad types and back again), which I find to be a bit jarring.
I also find that some of the dancier numbers can be a bit too noisy for my liking.
While I do enjoy this album, I wouldn't say that its amazing, or U;nee's best. Her rapping is pretty damn good though. :D
I'd still say this album is worth checking out, although I would encourage you to listen to her second album more.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
U;NEE Vol. 2 - Call Call Call
U;NEE Vol. 2 - Call Call Call
(3)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Related promotions:1 people found the following helpful
June 11, 2007 Good!I wasn't too impressed with U;nee's first album, but I was very intruiged when I heard her 'CallCallCall' single (the lead single from this album), so I decided to give this album a shot.
I must say, this album is a great improvement on her first attempt, and has a much more consistent sound. Whereas the first album was a little too noisy, and jumped awkwardly from one style to another, this album has a solid vision from start to finish.
That's not to say that all the songs are the same, theyre in fact all quite unique and catchy. U;nee also got a chance to show off her vocals a bit more. She actually sings (quite well) all throughout this album.
Definitely worth a listen, even if you're only passively interested.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Omoide no Sugu Soba de / Mahiru no Hanabi (Japan Version)
Omoide no Sugu Soba de / Mahiru no Hanabi (Japan Version)
(2)Our Price: US$15.49Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:July 3, 2006 Very EnjoyableThis is Atari Kousuke's second single release. The first track is the theme song for the film 'Chakushin ARI Final'.
All three tracks on this single have a somewhat more 'polished-pop' feel than the songs on his previous single, but his voice still sounds just as gorgeous!
At first listen I only liked the songs, but they're really beginning to grow on me, and I'm starting to love them very much.
I'm also really glad that this is a double a-side single, because the second track is just beautiful, and it really allows Kousuke to showcase his voice some more.
Another great single from Atari Kousuke leaves me in wait for his next release!
Tracklist:
1) Omoide no Sugu Soba de
2) Mahiru no Hanabi
3) Hanataba
4) Omoide no Sugu Soba de (instrumental)
5) Mahiru no Hanabi (instrumental)Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Twinkle Star (Japan Version)
Twinkle Star (Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$15.25Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:June 12, 2006 Freakin' Crazy!'Twinkle Star' is nuts.
Completely crazy, insane, off the wall, loopy, and Huge Amounts of Fun!
The girls have returned to their slightly-out-of-wack style from before 'Tip Taps Tip', and their Sony Music debut.
The b-side is just about as crazy as the title track.
Though short, this single is massively energetic and infectiously fun.
The PV for 'Twinkle Star' is a perfect companion for the song. It's just hysterical. :)
Definately, this single is required for your collection!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Ao no Requiem (Japan Version)
Ao no Requiem (Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$13.25Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:June 12, 2006 Decent'Ao no Requiem' is a pretty, rather typical theme-ballad that sounds better than it should more or less becaue of Chitose's vocal performance.
Again and again she has proved that she can make just about anything sound amazing, and this song is no expception.
The b-side, 'Tooku e Ikitai', is a cover of an old song. This version is definately different than the original, but it suits Chitose's voice perfectly. She's sounds just gorgeous on this b-side! (even if the song is rather short)
While both songs are beautiful, and the cover art sure is lovely; with only one b-side, this single doesn't have much to offer to anyone who owns the album.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Hanadairo (ALBUM+DVD)(First Press Limited Edition)(Japan Version)
Hanadairo (ALBUM+DVD)(First Press Limited Edition)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(2)Our Price: US$38.75Related promotions:1 people found the following helpful
June 12, 2006 A New StyleThis album sees Chitose move away from her typical domain of slow, sweeping ballad-types.
With this album, Chitose dabbles in songs that are almost pop/rock. At first, the style seems a strange match for Chitose's voice, but the musical quickly proves itself worthy.
Some of the tracks ('Haru no Katami', 'Kataritsugu Koto', 'Shinda Onna no Ko') are just like the Chitose we've seen on previous albums. And the new tracks settle in well after a few listens.
While the album isn't as fantastic or amazing as her others, it's still very, very good and worth the money.
The PVs on the DVD add to the value of this release (even if there is Nothing else on the DVD, the PVs are gorgeous, and it's great to see them on a large screen).
Tracklist:
1) Hitsuji no Dolly
2) Maebure
3) Ao no Requiem
4) Yomihitoshirazu
5) Hanadairo
6) Haru no Katami
7) Tsuyukusa no Yoru
8) Kyooryuu no Egaki-Gata
9) Reimei
10) Amrita
11) Inori
12) Kataritsugu Koto
13) Shinda Onna no KoDid you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Sorezore ni (Japan Version)
Sorezore ni (Japan Version)
(2)Our Price: US$15.25Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:June 12, 2006 I am in loveI am completely in love with this single.
Atari's voice is beautifully, tender, and strong, and simply enchanting. While the title track is great, the real jewels are in the b-sides which allow him to cover a bit more musical area, and really show off his fantastic range and vocal confidence.
He's like a gentler, male version of Hajime Chitose.
Even if you don't like shima-uta, these songs (along with Atari's voice) are so beautiful, you'll put it on again and again.
Tracklist:
1) Sore Zore ni
2) Shiro to Kuro no Aida ni
3) Michi
4) Machi
5) Sore Zore ni (instrumental)Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Golden Tears (Japan Version)
Golden Tears (Japan Version)
(4)Our Price: US$32.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:June 12, 2006 Soo Wonderful!"Golden Tears" is fantastic! I love the fresh new synth-pop feel that Burning Chicken's production brings to the table.
Bonnie covers a lot of new ground, and is indeed So Pop!,but she does a bang-up job of it all. And there are a few songs ('Cotton Candy, Believe, Mirror') that sound just like the Bonnie we all know and love.
The booklet is adorable as well! A whole wack of great pictures of Bonnie for us to enjoy. :)
"Golden Tears" is probably one of Bonnie's best efforts to date, and is definately worth the coin.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
May 14, 2006 Best Bonnie Single Ever
Simply put, this is the best Bonnie Pink single ever.
All three tracks are good enough to be singles!
The title track is bright, upbeat and wonderfully catchy. It just pulls you in, and makes you sing along to it every time.
The second track, Bubble Gum, is equally catchy, but seems a little more tense, and has more 'weight' to it. It's still a fantastic song though.
The final track, That's what it's all about, is a driving English track. The lyrics are excellent, and certainly give you something to contemplate.
Even if you don't like Bonnie Pink, the single is just fantastic, and certainly worth the cost.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
re*PINK - BONNIE PINK REMIXES - (Japan Version)
re*PINK - BONNIE PINK REMIXES - (Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$26.49Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:May 14, 2006 Not so great...Don't get me wrong, I love Bonnie Pink to pieces. But this album.....it's probably the worst remix album I've ever heard.
The remixes are bad, and do nothing to further the songs in anyway.
The only decent mixes are the 'SWEET', and 'Thinking of You' ones. They're alright
The tracks won't make your ears bleed, but this album really isn't worth the purchase unless you're a die hard Bonnie fan.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Sen no yoru to sen no hiru (Japan Version)
Sen no yoru to sen no hiru (Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$14.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:April 4, 2006 Superbly EngagingThe title track of this single is a beautiful, sweeping piece full of emotion. Chitose is spectacular in her delivery; conveying an onslaught of meaning and deeply felt emotions. The piece continues for nearly six minutes but is so engaging I find myself wanting to play it over and over again.
The second track, 'Byakuya', keeps the same kind of feeling as the previous track, but with more of an adult-pop-rock vibe. Production of this track is excellent as it successfully and deliberately warps Chitose's voice for one verse. The hypnotic beat, wonderful melody and instrumentation along with Chitose's superb vocal performance make this one of my favourite Chitose songs.
'True Colours' is a cover of a Phil Collins song. This version has Chitose singing gently atop a simple acoustic guitar arrangement. While it is nothing spectacular, this track gives a real feel for Chitose's ability to change the mood of a song with her voice alone. With its slowed tempo, soothing atmosphere, and considerably dark feel, this track is an excellent finish to a fantastic single.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Haru no Katami (Japan Version)
Haru no Katami (Japan Version)
(2)Our Price: US$15.25Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:April 4, 2006 Not Perfect, but Worth ItThe title track of this single is just gorgeous. A slow, heartfelt piece with a very traditional Japanese flavour. The simple, but strong drum beat, and minimalistic arrangement along with the beautiful melody allows Chitose's vocals to shine. While the song is very beautiful and soothing, it is also rather dark and saddening.
The second track (Ai to Iu na no Okurimono) is an upbeat song with a pop-rock feel. Chitose handles the vocals well, and the song carries well enough. The track, though enjoyable enough, isn't particularly memorable.
The final track is a cover of Fairground Attraction's 'Perfect'. Something went wrong with this track. Chitose's usually powerful and sweeping vocals have been confined to a song that is entirely too small. She actually sounds like a little old lady for much of the track, and the instrumentation sounds hokey. Her pronunciation of the English words is quite good though. The song itself is not a bad one, and Chitose certainly isn't a bad singer, but this is clearly an example of poor choice of song.
Despite the obvious failings of the final track, this single is quite enjoyable and well worth the money.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Sound drop - MTV Unplugged + Acoustic live 2005 (ALBUM+DVD)(Limited Edition)(Japan Version)
Sound drop - MTV Unplugged + Acoustic live 2005 (ALBUM+DVD)(Limited Edition)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(1)Our Price: US$29.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:January 16, 2006 LovelyAcoustic versions of most songs are good, but the acoustic versions of Hitomi Yaida's songs are excellent! The new arrangements give new life to old favourites. Yaiko's vocals are spot on throughout the entire album. The audio and video footage are booth top notch. However, only eight tracks on the cd and four on the DVD make for an experience that is entirely too short. I highly recommend this release, but wish it had a bit more content. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
BABY BLUE! (Japan Version)
BABY BLUE! (Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$13.49Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:December 23, 2005 Fun.There is not too much to say about this single. The cover is quite cute, the title track is very fun and catchy, definately something you will want to sing along to. The accompanying track 'Find a Way' is calmer and more relaxing, but still fun to listen to.
Not the best HALCALI single, but still, good enough.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Kataritsugukoto (SINGLE+DVD)(Limited Edition)(Japan Version)
Kataritsugukoto (SINGLE+DVD)(Limited Edition)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(1)Our Price: US$20.49Related promotions:December 22, 2005 Return to FormMany Chitose fans were displeased with her choice of music for her second album 'Nomad Soul.' They need not worry about this new single. It is everything we all loved about her first album and more. The title track is a beautiful sweeping melody full of Chitose's vocal forte. The second 'Tsuki wo Nusumu' is a gorgeously calming track that could bring anyone to tears. Chitose's emotional vocals are quietly brought back to the table with this lovely track. 'Happiness is a Warm Gun' is an alright track. Her English is understandable, but not the best, and the track itself is a bit short. The only thing that really disappointed me about this release was the DVD. It's only about 2 minutes and 30 seconds of random BLOOD anime clips. I would really have liked to have seen a PV or something, anything really. All in all, it's a good single, but you'd probably be better off buying the CD only version Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Matching March (Japan Version)
Matching March (Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$13.49Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:December 11, 2005 REAlly good single ^_^This is probably my favourite HALCALI single. The title track 'Marching March' is energetic and incredibly fun. The chorus is entirely too catchy for anyone to resist. The girls rap away like pros on this one, and it sounds great. The coupling track 'Highway to the Beach' is much more laidback and relaxed. It's actually a very refreshing track, and one of my favourite's from their entire discography. This single is definately worth a listen for anyone - HALCALI fan or not. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Passion (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version)
Passion (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(16)Our Price: US$17.75Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:4 people found the following helpful
December 8, 2005 AmazingUtada Hikaru has evolved. She has gone from a cute little R&B singer to an artist of epics proportions. While others may say that 'Passion' isn't as catchy as 'Hikari' or 'Simple and Clean' were, there can be no doubt that with this latest single Utada Hikaru has taken a step forward into the unknown. The song is simply gorgeous, a breath of fresh air in the often redundant world of pop music. The melody is strong and vibrant with incredible backing music and vocals. The 'muttering' or 'gibberish' in the song is actually Hikki singing "I need more Passion than you know" in English - but the phrase has been flipped backwards and inserted into the song. It adds an exotic feel and a cleverness to the track so lacking in many others. The PV is a perfect companion to the song - fresh and breathtakingly beautiful with an inspired vision that only Kiriya Kazuaki could imagine. The 'after the battle version' is a different arrangement of the song which, sadly, omits the bridge. It does, however, lend itself to its supposed placement at the end of the Kingdom Hearts II game, after a great battle.
All in all, this song and this single are spectacular. A real treat for fans of Hikki, or just music in general.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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