Reviews written by Rin
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April 3, 2002 She Shines!
The music itself is unique: A loud burst of energy immediately grabs your attention from the beginning. A slight pause and the song transcens into a slow accoustic mood, with Hikki sounding just as good as ever. There is a strong urgency in her voice and the tune flows into a fast rush in the next minute. The chorus is actually the intro. The flow of music is quite catchy actually and u get the hang of the song after a few listens. I like the bridge part too and the whole song ends well. "Hikari" sounds different from some of Hikki's previous works. Knowing that this single is self-produced by the girl herself, it makes "Hikari" even more significant. Goes out to show how versatile Utada is in her music composition. Hope she churns out more interesting and cool music! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
LISTEN TO MY HEART (Album)(Japan Version)
LISTEN TO MY HEART (Album)(Japan Version)
(29)Our Price: US$34.25Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:April 3, 2002 Bottoms up to Our Angel!After a long wait, her solo album is finally out. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this hot product after hearing so many wonderful and amazing things about this little gal. At a very tender age, BoA has ventured into the entertainment industry and established herself as a potential star. She also treaded on foreign grounds-away from Korea-into the land of the Rising Sun. Her courageous and incredible feat pulled off and she's gaining ground in Japan. "Listen to my Heart" is a great album with a string of classic singles in line with other cool tracks. Her previous singles such as "Amazing Kiss", "Kimochi wa Tsutawaru" are included. Re-makes of her Korean songs are also kept in this pint-sized CD along with some brand new and equally good songs. BoA's clear vocals are prominent in every song. Her Japanese pronounciation is perfect and flawless. It's a great enjoyment lisening to some of the raps found in certain tracks. She hits high notes with skill and does not reveal the fact that she's only sixteen. Especially like her treatment in the R&B flavoured "Nothing's Gonna Change". She really did a good job with it! Not to mention that she composed and participated in the lyric-work. Goes to show how incredibly talented BoA is! Who can ignore her linguistic talents when she continues with an Eng version of "Listen to My Heart". BoA is doing real well with her Japanese career and her first album shows it. Looking forward to her next works! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Winter Bells (Japan Version)
Winter Bells (Japan Version)
(9)Our Price: US$15.25Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:January 25, 2002 Winter bells???....The first impression upon listening to this single was: "Is it X'mas now?" Yup, "Winter Bells" definitely sounds like a festive song, more appropriate for tuning in on a white Christmas day. The opening intro brings forth the jingle bell sounds followed by Kuraki's smooth vocals which she has attained staedily throughout her career. The song is cheerful nonetheless with an upbeat melody embodied with optimistic lyrics. It would be a great single if it was released in December. It would be much meaningful during that period. Why this single is only publicized now is questionable but it is still a beautiful song. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
the meaning of peace (Japan Version)
the meaning of peace (Japan Version)
(10)Our Price: US$12.99Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:January 9, 2002 2 sensations, 1 hot single!Kudos to the duo for coming up with this hot listener: "the meaning of peace". In line with other famed pairs, the collaboration of BoA and new-comer Kouda Kumi has sparked off irresistible flames. Though both share a common trait in their songs, mainly along the R&B stream, BoA and Kouda managed to hit off pretty well in paired singing. Their voices complement real well together and with all those sparks flying around, you get utmost enjoyment in listening to their single. The song itself has a large purpose too, being a charity track and emphasising on an important principle, that of maintaining peace in the present world. Its intentions clear and careful, this single outshines in its lyrics and arrangement. Put 2 sensational voices and all these meaningful ingrediants into 1 and you get one hot single! Highly recommended! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
I am... (Japan Version)
I am... (Japan Version)
(48)Our Price: US$37.25Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
January 7, 2002 I am...so impressed!After a month's wait since her last single, Ayumi Hamasaki starts the new year with a fantastic product to her name. Her fourth album "I am..." is truly impressive. Most of the songs found in her album are actually composed by her, under the alias "CREA". Besides that, she manages the lyrics of her the tracks, setting her goal towards becoming a full-time composer. Her album includes star-studded chart climbers like "M", "Evolution", "Never Ever", "UNITE" and "Endless Sorrow". In line with these hot singles, the new tracks are also remarkable and well-done in music style, lyrics and vocal performances. Songs such as "I am...", "Naturally", "Daybreak" are commendable efforts on Ayumi's part and they are in fact solid down to the root, establishing themselves with individuality ad creativity. A good point to note in the album is its diversity and variation. The listeners are exposed to a wide range of music genres, form rock to techno, from pop to ballads. The arrangements of all the songs are done beautifully and is a boost to the traks in general. Of course Ayu's new-found vocal style adds maturity to her songs, especially the slower ones. It is a pleasent surprise to discover how much she has improved throughout her career. Indeed, she is not only a talented lyricist and composer, she is also a very successful vocalist now. Hopefully she can break new grounds with her future works and we look forward to hearing great and beautiful sounds from her! No one can also neglect the stylish cover of the album. Ayu is a symbol of peace, with a dove perched on her shoulder and the new charity song "A Song Is Born" in her album. A combination of boundless talents, meaningful and beautiful lyrics, great voice and a big compassionate heart, Ayumi Hamasaki has impressed me with her latest work. Truly impressive!!! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Kimochi wa Tsutawaru (Japan Version)
Kimochi wa Tsutawaru (Japan Version)
(12)Our Price: US$12.99Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:January 5, 2002 Groovy!!!BoA is coming up steady in her career now. "Kimochi wa tsutawaru", BoA's third single, is definitely a manifestation of this gal's funky sense and grooviness. The coupling track "Next Step" is also a good one too. Good vocals, cool tracks, this single is really not to be missed. I think her Japanese is also going strong after every single. This girl is really talented in her languages. Imagine coming up with different versions of the same song in her career. Capable of mastering a foreign language fast and effectively, I think BoA has the potential to enter international grounds. Hopefully she can also establish her name in US too. More people will witness this gem and really get familiar with BoA. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
January 4, 2002 To Annoymous
Sorry for the wrong info...but I know this BoA did not sing "Duvet". The singer for "Duvet" was Jasmine Rogers. But thanx for the correction! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
December 11, 2001 Let's go for a Ride!!!...
Shedding the sorrowful feel in her last single, Utada Hikaru has successfully come up with a hyper-tempo song of gleeful tunes. "Traveling" is so addictive it will send holiday-makers itching for more travels! Her single also chose the right time to be released, this being December and the month for hols. Great music, catchy lyrics and cool sounds, "Traveling" has clinched a favourite spot in my list of U-tracks. This great single is also tops on the chartboard in Japan. Highly recommended, "Traveling" won't let U down. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
November 27, 2001 Let's GO for a ride!!!
Hikki's latest single "Traveling" is a groovy upbeat tempo song that is sure to thrill every J-pop fan out there. It does make one feel like 'traveling' too, especially since the December hols are arriving. As usual, Hikki is responsible for the composition of 'Traveling', once again showing her flair in music. Shedding off the sorrowful feel in her last single "Final Distance", Utada Hikaru comes up with a refreshing and definitely cheerful song with "Traveling" here. Even the cover for this single is so groovy!!! I think she looks really cool! Highly recommended, "Traveling" is a must-buy! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
a piece of life (Japan Version)
a piece of life (Japan Version)
(21)Our Price: US$34.25Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
November 21, 2001 Beautiful music...This album has many beautiful and soothing songs that are really worth the listen. Matsu is involved in some of the composition of the tracks found in "Piece of Life". I really like "Koishibito" and "Ame no Iro". Many of the songs fall under the "ballad" category and they are really sweet-sounding, especially coming from Matsu Takako herself. The songs are good enough to keep the soul in tranquilty but fans of fast and rock music may find the tempo too moderate for the taste. However, the album is not totally off-balanced. There are some quick-tempo songs that off-set the "ballad" effect. People favouring piano pieces may find this album satisfactory. All in all, "Piece of Love" is a relatively pleasing album by Matsu and I hope to see more of her works. (In fact, her new single "Hana no Youni" is out.) Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Itsuka, Sakura No Ame Ni... (Japan Version)
November 15, 2001 Sound of music...from Matsu Takako!She's a renowned actress in Japan, known for top rated Japanese dramas like "Love Generation" and "Hero". She is also active in stage dramas, showcasing her stage appeal to the fullest. Not only that, she has the additional quality of being a talented song-writer and vocalist, penning many love ballads and stirring the hearts of many with her sweet and crystal voice. She's none other than Matsu Takako, a fascinating woman whose talents show no boundaries. After the success of mega seller singles such as "Sakura no Ame Itsuka", Matsu finally has an album to her name. "Itsuka, Sakura no Ame ni" contains truly inspiritional songs that will not wear out after repeated listens. They just sound better each time and act as a parallel to Matsu's image-you won't get tired of looking at her anytime! This album is highly recommended and is definitely a refreshing addition to your CD collection. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
secret base - Kimi ga kureta mono - (Japan Version)
secret base - Kimi ga kureta mono - (Japan Version)
(11)Our Price: US$14.75Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:November 13, 2001 watashitachi no secret base...I don't know much about this group but I was enthralled with the sweet and innocent melody of "Secret Base". It's a really beautiful song! The intro sounds almost like a lullaby, with the tinkle bells and all, then it transcends smoothly into the song and gets you addicted. The chorus is really catchy and you will really find it hard to dispel it from your memory. It is that addictive! The vocal performance is also displayed quite well. In all, "Secret Base" is a really good song with an addictive tune and interesting lyrics. Highly recommended! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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DEEP FOREST (Japan Version)
DEEP FOREST (Japan Version)
(21)Our Price: US$37.25Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:October 15, 2001 Grab this album fast!In just seven months, D.A.I has accomplished the incredible feat of releasing their third album since the second one "New World". In fact, right after the release of "New World", Do As Infinity has been releasing singles at a fast rate, one each month for three months. (Remember the trilogy series: "Tooku made", "Week" and "Fukai Mori".) Actually, they even managed to squeeze a fourth one "Boukenshatachi" before "DEEP FOREST" came into the market. All of these singles are hot sellers and it is pleasing to see them appear in the album. There are also some newly composed tracks that are included, such as the likes of "TADAIMA", "Kouzou Kaikaku" and "Koi Otome". As an overview, "DEEP FOREST" stands out as a really good album filled with variety and style. The lineup of excellent singles and great new songs is simply irresistible: the beautiful and slow-moderate "Fukai Mori", the sweet and melodious "TADAIMA", the joyful and upbeat "Tsubasa no Keikaku", the energetic "Tooku made", the powerful and rock "Boukenshatachi" and the slow and touching ballad "Enrai". The vocalist Van Tomiko has done an incredible job in injecting life and emotion into these tracks. Her vocals are rich and full of emotion and her performance is simply top-notched. Kudos to Van! All in all, "DEEP FOREST" is perfect rating material and highly recommended, so grab this album fast!!! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Can't forget your love / Perfect Crime - Single Edit - (Japan Version)
Can't forget your love / Perfect Crime - Single Edit - (Japan Version)
(9)Our Price: US$15.25Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:September 29, 2001 Truly inspiring!Kuraki Mai impressed me with her latest work: "Can't Forget Your Love". The music may be common but Mai's voice is truly inspiring! "Can't forget your love" somehow reminds me of "Rose~Melody in the sky~". In both songs, Mai diplays a very soulful and emotional feel in her singing. She captures the spirit of these songs with such technique that they really sound awesome! She seems to have come to another level of maturity in her voice and I appreciate the change a lot! I think she's capable of producing more delightful and beautiful sounds in her works to come. "Can't forget your love" may very well be the turning point in Mai's career, as far as I am concerned. She's handling the role of an R&B artiste wonderfully and may excel in the near future. For now, please enjoy her newfound vocal skill in her latest single! This is highly recommended to everyone who enjoys good music! Of course the other songs in the single are also very good too. Perfect Crime is my fave song in her second album and I am glad they have included varied versions of it in her single. Especially like the remixes in this single. Good work, Mai! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
1 people found the following helpful
September 24, 2001 Definitely Utada!Utada has got to be the gem of J-pop industry with such a powerful and remarkable first album to her name. "First Love" created such a pandemonium during its release that its supply could not match the overwhelming demand. That was the historical period of the 'arashi' caused by Utada Hikaru. The fact is, Utada was only at a tender age of sixteen but she was involved in the composition and writing of practically all of her songs. Her talent sees no boundaries and her immense enthusiasm in music is evident from the great music pieces she has produced over these years. Works like "Automatic", "Movin' on without You", "Time will Tell" and many other great singles all managed to clinch a place in the Oricon Chart Board. "First Love" also became the theme for the popular Japanese drama starring Matsushima Nanako and Takizawa Hideaki. Utada has become a sensation overnight! In addition, she is also branded names like "R&B darling", "J-pop Princess" which provide justification for her immense popularity. The album "First Love" is a star-studded track(s)-listed album with many memorable songs that will thrill anyone. "First Love" is definitely a masterpiece and definitely Utada!!! Highly recommended to everyone who has yet purchase this album. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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August 28, 2001 'Perfect Crime' , crime of the heart!
This second album from Kuraki Mai took my breathe away!!! 'Perfect Crime' is full to the brim with excellent music pieces and they are overflowing my disc-player akin to a stream of crystal-clear water! Kuraki Mai sounds fantastic in every song. There's a strong sense of maturity in her voice compared to that in 'Delicious Way'. I especially like her powerful burst of emotional expression in the ballad song 'THE ROSE ~melody in the sky~'. Though it's a very short track, the piano performance coupled with K.Mai's sweet and careful singing is enough to send the soul into tranquility. This song is really very beautiful! There are also other excellent songs such as previous hit singles like the rhythmic rock-'Stand Up', the love-forlon healer track-'Tsumetai Umi', the beautiful and haunting-'Reach for the Sky' and the catchy infectious-'Always'. 'Perfect Crime' has also become one of my fave hits too! This track really rocks your body! Though it's not like a dance hit or what, but the heavy instrumentation does send several vibrations through your body, making you jerk in response to the rhythm. The lyrics for 'Perfect Crime' is also very interesting and meaningful. K.Mai pens all of her songs as usual and there's an increaing use of literal tools such as metaphorical terms in her lyrics. K.Mai's latest album excels the first in terms of quality and also quantity. 'Delicious Way' was really good but 'Prefect Crime' is better! 'Perfect Crime' has stolen my heart with this album! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
My Place (Japan Version)
August 27, 2001 Good work, (but plenty of room for improvement)!Eriko seems to be coming of late. Her singles and even her debut album 'My Place' are released many paces slower than Hiro and Takako. She has been one of the lead singers during SPEED days and the relatively slow progress in her solo career may seem to be an underestimation of her true potential. 'My Place' is long-awaited. It contains some of Eriko's commendable works such as 'Red Beat of my Life', 'In the name of love' and 'Identity'. There's an increasingly inclination towards rock influence in Eriko's music. Plenty of the tracks in 'My Place' are very upbeat and funky. Eriko's steady and loud vocals seem to complement with the heavy instrumentation of these songs. The overall effect is really good. However, there doesn't seem to be significant improvement in Eriko's vocal range after many listens. It seems that she sounds almost the same as when she's part of SPEED. It's just a continuation of her music style from SPEED into her solo career. In addition, due to the fact that the producer for 'My Place'-Hiromasa, is the same guy in charge of SPEED works, 'My Place' appears to be under the influence of SPEED. The same old formula, the same old style. However, Eriko is making an effort to be different through her efforts at penning lyrics. The first song 'Dawn' is actually written by her. This is a beautiful touch to her overall performance in 'My Place'. In general, 'My Place' is good with a lineup of quality music but there's really plenty of room for improvement. Eriko needs to be rid of the conventions that Hiromasa sets for her. Only then can her true potential be sparked off immensely. 'Identity' is a classic example of how she excels under the hands of a different writer. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Brilliant (Hong Kong Ver.)
August 27, 2001 Simply 'BRILLIANT'!Hiro is the second SPEED member in line to release her official solo album after Uehara Takako. Being one of the lead singers in SPPED, Hiro's first album naturally received immediate attention by music critics and SPEED fans that are following closely behind her solo releases. Hiro had 3 singles up to date before 'Brilliant' and there had to be plenty of good music to fill up this massive 16-track album. Hiro has shown a tremendous improvement in her vocals and expression. Her voice sounds surprisingly mature and skilled in all of the songs in this album. Some commendable performances are tracks like "Sweet Love", "Treasure" and "Brilliant". Her clean and mature vocals, together with skilled emotional expression sort of locked Hiro's current style in place and there's anticipation of good music from this aspiring singer in the future. Overall, 'Brilliant' is an impressive quality album that is highly recommended to J-pop fans out there. Hiro is definitely an up-and-rising star who is capable of producing beautiful sounds through her newfound music style. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
August 23, 2001 A Best: The Best of Ayumi Hamasaki
The first best compilation album from J-pop diva Ayumi Hamasaki contains a diverse selection of Ayu hits spanning the artiste's career till now. Maxed at a startling number of 16 tracks and occupying a length of 76 min, "A Best" is the next 'best' album that all J-pop fans should include in their collection list. Ayumi has put in lots of effort in ensuring the quality and quantity of her compilation album. She has gone through the trouble of re-recording the first three songs on the album. "A Song for XX", "Trust" and "Depend on You" are classic songs from her first album. However, the new vocal recordings inject a whole new appeal to these 'oldies'. The vocal performance for these songs is very rich and beautiful, bringing out all the beauty of Ayu's recent vocal talent and style. The three songs are also re-arranged to a more up-to-date style and they really sound excellent! The other songs in "A Best" are some of the other known works from Ayu's previous hit singles such as "End roll", "TO BE", "Boys and Girls" and the list just goes on...!!! There is plenty of good music in this album to thrill all Ayu-fans out there. Even for fans who alrealdy own most of her songs, the purchase of "A Best" is highly encouraged coz it not only includes three re-performed excellent tracks, but also manages to put so many mega seller songs into one album. With such a perfect selection of Ayu hits, complete in one CD, there is no reason to ignore the immense talent of Ayumi Hamasaki that is so prevalent in this album. "A Best" is the best of Ayumi Hamsaki and is highly recommended! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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August 21, 2001 Rising Star-BoA
The first time I came across the name "BoA" was actually through an anime-"Serial Experiments Lain". This philosophical "Cyberpunk" thriller captured my attention immediately through its haunting and extremely beautiful opening theme "Duvet". The composer of this song is named BoA-Best of the Angels. Before I knew it, I was listening to her latest Japanese single "ID; Peace B". This girl intrigues me. Not only does she possess immense musical capabilities(i.e. composing songs), she has a remarkable voice that shines in the entire single. The astonishing fact would be not only is she not-Japanese, but she's only fourteen. I've seen young aspiring and talented stars like Utada Hikaru and Kuraki Mai who release albums at a tender age of sixteen, but BoA is incredible. Her maturity in "ID; Peace B" is shown through her vocal performance. The funky rock song coupled with BoA's R&B vocals sound remarkable. She really did a good job with the pronounciation despite the fact that she's Korean. I really like BoA's music style-very clean and impressive. I hope to hear more from this Korean angel! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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