Reviews written by Bex
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Trial (Japan Version)
May 26, 2006 so glad this was goodLast time w-inds. put out a single/album I was so disappointed. Come on.. IN THE STARS was not one of the best w-inds. songs. The 'Thanks' album, compared to 'Ageha', 'SoA' and 'PoL' lacks that spark heard on such really great w-inds. songs like 'Love is Message', 'Long Road', 'Shiki'.. etc. After hearing 'TRIAL' I have restored faith that w-inds. have not yet run out of steam. The song is full of w-inds. classical pop energy, and is quite touching at the same time. It's not THE best w-inds. song I know, but I'll say this. Well done w-inds. on a really good release. My love for these boys is replenished! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Call me Miss... (ALBUM+DVD)(Limited Edition)(Japan Version)
Call me Miss... (ALBUM+DVD)(Limited Edition)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(6)Our Price: US$38.75Related promotions:March 22, 2006 lovedOkay, Crystal Kay was one of my biggest introductions to Japanese R&B. Before hearing Crystal Kay infact, I didn't even even concider putting the words 'Japanese' and 'R&B' together. Since that time a few years back, popularity of urban music has been steadily increasing and gaining recognition in Japan. There has been a big expansion of both the number of rappers and R&B singers. There's still the oldies like DOUBLE, AI, m-flo, foh, Zeebra, MISIA to a degree.. but there has been the emergence of a whole new generation in Miliyah Kato, Kaori Natori, Mummy-D.. the trendy 'Korean wave' that has hit Japan has brought with it a strong field of R&B singers such as Bi and Cheon Sang Ji Hi to name a couple.
Crystal Kay has always been a strong player in the game, releasing a consistent string of singles and albums since she debuted at age 13. She's come an awfully long way. She's a veteran in this game, and yet she's only 20.
It's easy to see when comparing 'Call Me Miss...' with her debut how much she has matured not just vocally but stylistically. Like her previous albums, 'Call me Miss' comprises of American influenced R&B. However, what sets it appart from American R&B imo, is that she still uses POP, something that's practially gone into hibernation in the Western music world. Japan's bubblegum 'kawaii' culture means that naturally, pop is still thriving in the East. Every track on 'Call Me Miss...' brings something refreshing. The beats, composition, instruments on this album have a ring of nostalgia to them. It's not original or new, but that's what's good about it. Along with modern R&B inspired beats there's 70's funk, 90's pop.. the ever interesting mix of Japanese with English being sung by someone who CAN actually sing in both languages (none of this Engrish crap for bi-lingual Kuri) and sound very Western, and very soulfully sexy whilst still bringing the Asian vibe.
'Kirakuni', when it was released as a single hit me as a great song straight away. The beats are so original and catchy, and exactly how pop-R&B should sound like. 'Kirakuni, take it easy,' KC drawls cheekily in her smooth voice 'throw you hands up if you feel me'.. The use of vocal editing equiptment is clearly something CK likes, and it works well with her style. Most obviously, 'fly to you' uses it at the start (think Twista 'through the wire') to the lyrics of 'Kiss'. I personally loved this idea of mixing an older song with a new one, and yet the feel of 'fly to you' is completely different to 'kiss'. My favorite song on the album on first listen! 'Two as one' with CHEMISTRY was another great pop-vibed single. Reflective of 'Kirakuni' in style with soft percussion, a cute upbeat boys and girls song.Other songs worth mentioning.. 'Happy Life' has a GREAT vibe. I love this one too - the type of instruments employed all the way through sounds futuristic and psychadelic at the same time, and are juxtaposed with a cute tune which Kuri sings to. 'Hero' and 'Baby Girl' are not standoutish to me, mainly becasue I've heard such similar styles in so many other songs but still very cute and appealing.
'Telepathy' has a great smooth vibe.. 'I Know' sounds SO much like UK R&B to me.. kind of grimy and garage with pop influence in the verses (I'm reminded of Sugababes) and then cuter and playful sounding in the chorus..nice track. the tune to ' Nobody But You' reminds me of Mariah Carey's 'We Belong Together' but the coupling vocal tune is on a whole different level. While the music sounds like it could easily fit a ballad, CK sings more upbeat and agressively, again quite cute and well put together.
As a whole, I love this new album. It may seem tiring to those who are getting sick of R&B, but I feel CK always does something a bit different or special on her albums, setting herself apart from the rest. To me, she's the best and most consistant R&B entertainer (maybe not the best vocally) in Japan's industry. She's outlived my love of DOUBLE, BoA, m-flo, Hikaru, Asuka, Namie..you name 'em.. Years after I discovered her, she's still up there on my list of most played singers.. Get this!
Person below me.. CK is African America/ Korean but she went to American school in Japan. She's fluent in both English and Japanese.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Call me Miss... (ALBUM+DVD)(Limited Edition)(Japan Version)
Call me Miss... (ALBUM+DVD)(Limited Edition)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(6)Our Price: US$38.75Related promotions:February 19, 2006 what?!This is rumoured to be her last album? can someone please clarify? Is CK quiting the music industry or something?! O_O;
I'm really looking forward to this nevertheless..Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Dakishimeru (Japan Version)
Dakishimeru (Japan Version)
(36)Our Price: US$15.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:January 21, 2006 EXCELLENTWHOA! Is all I have to say about this single. I wasnt expecting such a drastic change of style before I heard this song, and I have to say this is a really good track. I dont know what those haters below me are talking about but this is one of the best BoA releases I've heard in ages. Her last few Jpop singles have been just okay in my opinion but I think the producers really hit the mark with this one. Such a new and diverse style which I've never heard BoA use before. Totally love this song. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Super Junior Vol. 1 - Super Junior 05
Super Junior Vol. 1 - Super Junior 05
(44)Our Price: US$12.99List: US$18.99Save: US$6.00 (32%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:January 11, 2006 ONE MORE THINGI'm not sure why someone has tried to compare Super Junior to K-rock band, Buzz - they are two different genre bands lol~ so why would Super Junior try to be like them?
For those who said this group can't sing are tone deaf, but then lets just assume that some people get kind of over dramatic when they feel the need to be haters, so much that it clouds their real judgement. This band CAN sing, and this IS a good album kthxbye.
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Super Junior Vol. 1 - Super Junior 05
Super Junior Vol. 1 - Super Junior 05
(44)Our Price: US$12.99List: US$18.99Save: US$6.00 (32%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:January 11, 2006 well let's see...Oh My Gawd, I just found out that 'Knock Out' is a cover of an ENGERY song from their album Energy 4Ever hahaha..
Anyway, as a fan of TVXQ I was curious to see what Super Junior got goin' on. After listening to this album I can honestly say that I really enjoyed it.
There's absolutely nothing original about it, but then what pop music is original these days lol. It will definately satisfy fans of Kpop groups such as Shinhwa and TVXQ at least.
My favorite track is 'You Are The One', I love the instrumental sound that immediately follows the line 'you are the one'. soooo cute lol.
Other favorites are 'Knock Out' 'OVER' and 'Miracle' but I think it's a pretty objective album and there are many other good tracks.
I don't think these are just another pretty boyband from SM TOWN. They went through an intense three year training course (and at times felt like 'giving up') before their debut, and I think it shows through their great vocals and onstage chemistry. A good album, which does not deserve a bad review!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Twenty Thirty Forty
January 2, 2006 enjoyable..I rented this movie on a wim and have to say it wasn't too bad.To an extent '20 30 40' delivers - it has the capability of appealing to a wide audience; we witness the trials and tribulations of three women aged 20, 30 and 40 dealing with love and sexuality. It even overlaps onto homosexual themes with the relationships of the 20 year old girl with her friend whom she begins to form a close bond with along the road to stardom, quite risque for it's market. The style of the film is bright and colourful and full of possitive messages about female friendships but also the harsh reality of real life as we witness male/female relationships falling appart and dreams not realised.
It was great for me to learn that the director of this film was a woman, Angelica Lee (who also plays Lily) concidering the lack of female directors in Hollywood let alone Chinese film institutions. The feminine touch comes across wonderfully, beautifully and sometimes sadly too.
I didn't have any preconcieved expectations about the movie before hand, perhaps if I did I might have been a little disappointed.
The story is unfortunately a little slow and one might need patience to enjoy it. It also has what some may concider an unsatisfactory ending as the women don't live 'happily ever after' as Hollywood might have it. Yet this element of realism is something rather inspired as many people have clearly come to appreciate concidering the films popularity/award nominations.
In summary a good watch. touching and lovely as wel as containing elements of originality!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Rock the Party (Japan Version)
Rock the Party (Japan Version)
(2)Our Price: US$13.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:January 2, 2006 DOUBLE doesn't disappoint!After DOUBLE's last album I was getting worried she was going to continue neglecting more contemporary R&B - which she does best in my own opinion - but I was so happy with this single! this song is very reminicent of the songs on the 'Wonderful' album but the two songs are very Latino inspired too. I guess DOUBLE is taking this from Jennifer Lopez and Christina Aguilera etc..there is even a bit where DOUBLE talks in Spanish at the start of 'THE LOVE ON FIRE', kind of similar to Christina on her song 'Infatuation' for those who've heard it.
The Latina genre has become a popular component to American R&B, and who better than DOUBLE to introduce it Japan side!
VERY good R&B music. I hope the album that follows will live up to this great first single!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Dong Bang Shin Ki Summer Single - HI YA YA Summer Days
Dong Bang Shin Ki Summer Single - HI YA YA Summer Days
(27)Our Price: US$9.99List: US$13.99Save: US$4.00 (29%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
July 14, 2005 They can do better but it's not bad..First off, I know what the title of the record is, but this is NOT AN ALBUM - meaning it's not a full length recording of songs. I don't know why they titled it this way because it's a single by all characteristics.
The title song, 'HI YA YA' is nothing new, the boys have made better releases but it's by no means a failure. It is a good happy uplifting song. A bit cheesy but for a Summer song that's a positive thing.
DBSK fans will appreciate this song of course. Over-all, it doesn't deserve a bad review. Their singing is fine - the harmonisations are great as always.
Just a note to say, I think DBSK are really trying to make an effort for their Korean fans to show that they are not abandoning them for fame across in Japan. The idea of them SIGNING many copies of this single to be sold online proves the lengths they are going to to keep fans happy.
I think their hard work over the poast year has been really respectable, and I hope they continue to do well.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Take Care Of My Cat (Hong Kong Version)
August 26, 2004 Realistic and movingI watched this on tv the other night and was impressed by the realism portrayed in the story. It reminds me of female friendship films like 'Steel Magnolias' and like them it deals with a lot of painful real life issues. Growing up namely ~ I could relate to the characters of the girls and the situations they found themselves in. The ending seemed poignant and sad in a way, but also happy.
In all it was a good watch. A bit slow at times, but overall I enjoyed the story.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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