Reviews written by Rinoa
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Ai no Uta (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version)
Ai no Uta (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(11)Our Price: US$23.25Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:4 people found the following helpful
September 14, 2007 Way too bland...I've been a fan of Kumi for years and I'm quite sad to see the direction she's going to. Echoing several people's feelings, I feel that this new single seems to bring nothing new or appealing to the audience. The title itself is too typical and the ballad reflects the elements of a forgettable release.
It's a shame that Kumi isn't able to come up with a ballad which reflects her own style so well as she used to in the past. And it's even a bigger shame that Kumi is losing all her original style to adapt to the generic J-Pop style. Hopefully the next release will prove me wrong.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Heart & Symphony (Japan Version)
Heart & Symphony (Japan Version)
(5)Our Price: US$34.25Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:2 people found the following helpful
July 4, 2007 Self Titled MasterpieceThis album is one of those which has a very special place in my heart. Hitomi's releases have always been spectacular and quite polished, but this album differs greatly from her previous albums.
As a first, all the songs have a superb quality and several were recorded with a live orchestra. Hitomi's vocal talents were always excellent in themselves and classical music is definitely an excellent match to such vocals. The result was an utterly amazing dramatic album.
On the other hand, the concepts and ideas adopted for each song, made the whole package even more unique.I truly cannot pinpoint a song which stands out as bland or unoriginal. Even the lyrics are poetic, poignant and elegant. Within this album you'll find yourself traveling through space and time. Include the whole fantasy element and you have the perfect atmosphere for this album. Without overdoing it, emotion and intricate compositions are balanced to create a beautiful masterpiece.
This album is definitely something that should be included in the "Must-Buy" list of anyone who appreciates excellent vocals and classical-pop hybrids. This album delivers what is promised and more and deserves the spot of a self titled album.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Neva Eva (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version)
Neva Eva (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(2)Our Price: US$21.25Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
July 4, 2007 Exotic SummersSummer would not be summer without Hitomi's unique singles. Without fail, these last three summers have been an exciting experience, where Hitomi experimented with different genres and taken up concepts from different nations to adopt for her summer singles.
"Neva Eva" is no exception. While steering from her elegant and classy image, Hitomi attempts a comic approach to show her fans the "New Hitomi" who wishes to break from her trademark image and experiment. With a tropical ska genre and her Office Lady persona, you're in for an unusual treat.
I would highly recommend this single for those who enjoy listening to something different from the typical formula of J-Pop releases. The whole concept is well defined and the promotional video is clearly rather amusing, most particularly if you enjoy humorous videos.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
glitter / fated (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version)
glitter / fated (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(11)Our Price: US$23.25Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:6 people found the following helpful
July 4, 2007 Summer FantasyAfter her second best compilation, I have been curiously anticipating Hamasaki's next chapter in her musical career. Ayumi Hamasaki is a gifted artist and these years of experience in the music industry have polished up her skills considerably.
From what I've heard, this single sounds a fairly solid summer release. I know many are going to complain because it contains the typical summer formula but clearly it sells rather well and to be frank, summer wouldn't be summer without the upbeat pop songs. "glitter" does the job quite well and includes a hint of fantasy. On the other hand, "fated" balances the mood of the single, with an emotional rock ballad, reflecting the melancholic side of summer.
I highly suggest any fan to pick up this single and judge for themselves. The whole package is quite promising and points towards a rather polished product. The DVD Version has a clip, which was filmed in Hong Kong and received a lot of media attention. I would definitely called "glitter/fated" one of the most anticipated singles of 2007.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Dragonfly (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version)
Dragonfly (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(2)Our Price: US$21.25Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
May 24, 2007 A daring changeDragonfly was Hitomi's 24th single, where she would initiate the new year with a completely new image and genre. For those fans who are used to her elegant and demure image will surely find the garage rock genre and her seductive and mysterious attitude as an exciting concept.
This single was a fairly interesting release for an experimental single. The idea of experimenting itself was quite enticing, since Hitomi's vocals are too stunning to remain on one genre only and are versatile enough to fit any genre. In any way, Hitomi does a fantastic job once again. Her aggressive vocals were a perfect match for the rock instruments, giving a rather spectacular display of her vocals.
Furthermore the composition and arrangement of this song, which was in the hands of a young talent, yamazo. This factor contributed in creating a different style for Hitomi, while retaining the addictive factor, which is frequently present in Hitomi's releases. Finally the b-side "Bye-Bye" is penned by Hitomi herself and is bound to grow onto you quite fast. If you are looking for something different, this is the single for you.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Secret (Album+DVD+ Poster / Jacket A)(Hong Kong Version)
Secret (Album+DVD+ Poster / Jacket A)(Hong Kong Version) DVD Region 3
(5)Our Price: US$27.99Related promotions:5 people found the following helpful
December 8, 2006 Another achievementI must admit that after listening to her singles released in 2006, I was afraid that this album would not be up to the standard of her previous albums - but I was in for a pleasant surprise. 'Secret' is an extremely well constructed album, where the album tracks surpass the single tracks. It is carefully balanced between ballads and rock tracks, which make it a perfect combination. Also the artwork was simply stunning.
In the end I can say without any hesitation, that 'Secret' is one of her best albums to date. Personally I believe this album is a must buy for any Ayu fan and J-Pop fan alike. I really cannot find any flaw within this album since it's a well rounded album which will please any fans of Ayu.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
1 people found the following helpful
December 8, 2005 Delicious!Definately one of my personal favourite singles of Kumiko. The single itself is worth it's price. The track has this upbeat and sweet feel to it. The promotional video itself is adorable and we get to see Kumi being cute and funny. Definately a winner. I suggest you grab a copy before it gets out of print! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Mermaid (Japan Version)
1 people found the following helpful
August 14, 2005 StunningA refreshing new start for Hitomi Shimatani this summer. This single simply blew me away.
Mermaid is a mixture of pop and classical making it sound r&b while giving the song a mystical feel to it. The song delivers a very powerful message with a mournful and gothic feel attached to it. A very unique track.
Kaze ni Furu Sora is a very beautiful ballad stressing her excellent ability in singing ballad.
I think Shimatani has finally found her niche in j-pop which I'm very happy to see. Her voice blends in very well with the style and it's a genre which few singers have experimented with or would dare to.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Garnet Moon/Inori (Japan Version)
Garnet Moon/Inori (Japan Version)
(3)Our Price: US$13.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
August 13, 2005 ExcitingGarnet Moon is her first single in 2005 and I think she started off quite well.
Garnet Moon is a dance track which has a sort of futuristic feel. It could be easily a track played in clubs. Hitomi's voice sounds more mature and deeper. Also it's quite catchy. Garnet Moon is also the opening song for the game "A.C.E: Another Century's Episode" for Playstation 2.
The b side, Inori is a ballad. It is rather serene and soothing with a lot of instrumentals in the background. It gives me the feeling of a relaxing spring afternoon. Her vocals are rather clear in here so the song complements really well with her voice. It's quite a good song even if it's rather long, which is the only bad point I could find in this song. It is the ending song for the game "A.C.E: Another Century's Episode" for Playstation 2.
Overall if you're thinking of buying a single of hers this is quite a good choice. It has both a ballad and a pop song which makes quite a complementary mix for a good price.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
ANGELUS / Z!Z!Z! -Zip!Zap!Zipnagu!- (Japan Version)
ANGELUS / Z!Z!Z! -Zip!Zap!Zipnagu!- (Japan Version)
(3)Our Price: US$13.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
August 13, 2005 Excellent VocalsANGELUS might sound like a typical dance-pop song with odd beats but it's quite addictive and lively after a few listens. With a Spanish spice and being the theme song for Inuyasha, this song has become quite popular in Japan.
Z!Z!Z! -Zip!Zap!Zipangu! is quite an original sounding song. Hitomi's vocals are just perfect in this song. She hits the high notes without any difficulty. The background music is quite unique, it's a mixture of pop and opera style. This track is simply excellent and in my opinion even better than the single's title track itself.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Falco (Japan Version)
1 people found the following helpful
August 13, 2005 Brilliant2005 has been a rather experimental year for Hitomi Shimatani. She has developed a style of her own which few artists in Japan would dare to.
Falco is an upbeat song with the similar 'crossover' feel making it sound as a blend between a dance-pop and a classical song. The track also had an arabic feel to it making it sound rather unique.
Her b-side song is a soothing ballad which fits Hitomi's vocals perfectly making this song sound rather serene and relaxing. It might be nothing groundbreaking or innovative but it's rather enjoyable.
This single is highly recommended for new and old fans alike so I suggest you grab a copy too of this excellent single.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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