Reviews written by Vhazza
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The Next Generation (Japan Version)
The Next Generation (Japan Version)
(2)Our Price: US$28.75Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:June 21, 2009 Sweetbox is back!The Next Generation is the 7th studio album for the group Sweetbox, but is the debut for the most recent front woman, Jamie Pineda. The songs still maintain the elements that Sweetbox have become known for; sampling classical pieces and giving them a modern twist [We Can Work It Out, Magic, Crash Landed] whoever, the album on the whole has a more RnB feel to it, which may throw some previous fan off
There’s a range of song genres on the album too from ballads [In A Heartbeat, With A Love Like You, When Will It Be Me], upbeat songs [Blue Angel, Everybody Come Out In The Sunshine] as well as some dancy songs [Love Forgets, Crash Landed]. There is also a new version of what’s basically become the group’s signature song, Everything’s Gonna Be Alright, which for this version of the album, has also been given the remix treatment from Yasutaka Nakata.
As previously said, the direction of this album may throw some fans off, but what has to be remember is that with each new singer that has fronted Sweetbox, they have each brought their own unique sound to the group, helping the group to last for the 14 years. Hoopefully the new sound will appeal to old and new fans alike.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Eternity (Japan Version)
Eternity (Japan Version)
(2)Our Price: US$28.25Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:June 5, 2009 Eternally BeautifulEternity is the new project from Jade Valerie and Geo, probably most well known previously as Sweetbox (which both left in 2007). This new project continues what they started with; taking classical songs and giving them a modern twist.
On first hearing the first track [Wonderful World] you may think you’ve picked up the wrong album, that it couldn’t possibly be something by Jade and Geo. But after a few listens, it does start to grow on you. And afterall, this is just the start. From here on in, the songs only get better.
There’s a mix of upbeat tracks [Only Human, You Smile], soulful ballads [Worth It All, Hello Goodbye], dark songs [Damn, How Far] , light Happy songs [Wonderful World, I Will] and a dig at generalised commercialism [Vanity].
The use of the classical pieces has been done tastefully as to incorporate it into the songs to a point where you could swear that the lyrics and additional music were meant for each other.
Overall, the album is well produced and the track order is brilliant mixing the different styles well without making the album sound disjointed or disorganised. A recommended listen to anyone who has been a previous fan of Jade and Geo’s work or for someone looking for something a little bit different from the usual ‘Pop’ soundDid you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
This Is The One (Japan Version)
This Is The One (Japan Version)
(18)Our Price: US$32.99Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:March 16, 2009 Could this be the one?This Is The One is the second English language from her and as the title of the album says, this could be the one that does it for Utada.
The album has been produced by Tricky Stewart and Stargate so already you can have an idea of what it’s going to be. The previews that were heard before the album’s release does not do the album any justice! The opening song [On & On] is upbeat and easily danceable and sets the scene for the rest of the album. There’s an nice sampling of the piece Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence in track 2 [Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence – FYI] something a little unexpected, however, the sampling is done perfectly and doesn’t ruin the original piece as sampling can do. There are a few ballads thrown into the mix [Apple & Cinnamon, This One (Crying Like A Child) & Come Back To Me (The first single from the album)] which breaks up the more upbeat songs. Tracks 7 & 8 [Dirty Desire & Poppin’] provide the kind of song that you would expect from their titles and may their lyrics may take some fans by surprise. To round the album off we have the latino sounding Me Muero which brings the album to a close on a high.
Many people have compared the album to her previous release Exodus, however, the two should be viewed in their own lights. It’s obvious that there has been some learning curves since that release and this album is possibly what fans were hoping for from the start. Overall, it’s a well put together album should hopefully make the american market sit up and take notice of one of Japan’s most successful female artists.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
WORLD TO BELIEVE IN-HIMIKO FANTASIA,A (Japan Version)
WORLD TO BELIEVE IN-HIMIKO FANTASIA,A (Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$15.49Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:November 10, 2008 Simply believeableThis woman knows no bounds. Not only does she sing in French and English, but now French Canadian singer Celine Dion has recorded a full song in Japanese. Not that this should come as a surprise to many as at the start of the year she released this song, A World To Believe In as a duet with Yuna Ito.
This version of the song was specially recorded for the film ‘Maboroshi no Yamataikoku’ and, although the language may have changed, the song still sounds as beautiful as the original. There is no disjointedness when Celine switches from Japanese to English (if only in the chorus sections) also there is no forced accent that sometimes occurs when singing in a foreign language, just Celine’s unmistakable vocals. Also included on this single is the English album version of A World To Believe In, a live performance of My Love and a brand new song, There Comes A Time.
The single is a beautiful addition to any collection and once again this year, Celine proves that music is has no barriers, not even languageDid you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Sweet Perfect Box (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version)
Sweet Perfect Box (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$124.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:September 24, 2008 Perfect packageWhat more could a fan want but to have all 6 Sweetbox studio albums packaged together into one boxset.
As said, the 6 albums (Sweetbox, Classified, Jade, Adagio, After The Lights & Addicted) come packaged together in a handy box, along side a beautifully illustrated booklet and an additional CD containing all the versions of what is probably the group's biggest single "Everything's Gonna Be Alright". It is seen as a summary of the success that Sweetbox have had in the past before new frontwoman Jamie takes the lead and does what every other frontwoman has done before her; brought something new into the mix.
The boxset itself would be perfect for anyone who wanted to get their hands on the main albums from the group or of course for the collector who just has to have it all. Either way, best get in quick as limited numbers mean that this release could be gone quicker than your favourite chocolates!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Sweet Reggae Mix (Japan Version)
Sweet Reggae Mix (Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$23.99Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:September 23, 2008 Infectiously Sweet!Fans may groan that this is yet another pointless release, but in fact, this remix album is probably one of the better recent releases. As the title suggests, the tracks have a reggae feel to them and you can't help but dance, tap or clap along to the infectious remix rhythms and vocals. Almost all 6 studio albums are represented on the album (although sadly no track representation from the Jade album) with what could be deemed highlight tracks. Unlike some remixes that take away from a song, these only add to it or in some cases, make it sound better than the original. The album might not be everybody but the die hard collector or fan , but it is interesting to hear tracks that you wouldn't think would work with a reggae beat work and if that doesn't merit a listen to it, nothing will. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
The World Sings Kubota (Japan Version)
The World Sings Kubota (Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$34.25Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:August 15, 2008 A fitting tributeYou would think it wise that before buying a tribute album that you would know the work of the artist it is dedicated to. In this case, the album was purchased on the whim of the artists contributing to it before looking into the tribute artist. In a way, there’s been no disadvantage in doing so as all the songs have been translated into English. The songs chosen blend almost perfectly and there’s no disjointed feeling that is sometimes felt when songs are translated from their native language. The songs are performed by some renown artist including Stevie B. (Missing), Jon Secada (Summer Eyes), Peabo Bryson (夜に抱かれて Lost Love) and Swing Out Sister (Be Wannabe) to name but a few. So can we compare this to the original works? Well, yes as many of the artists who have contributed to this have almost stuck with the same or almost similar melody to the original, although bring their own distinct voice and style to it. The only track which seems to deviate from this is LA LA LA LOVE SONG (covered on the album by Jade Valerie) and which just seems to be slightly out of place and out of style of the album.
Overall, the album tracks appear to blend well and is a fitting tribute to the artist that is Toshinobu Kubota. Fans of Kubota’s works may be interested in this to hear what these songs sound like in English whilst fans of the contributing artists may be interested in having this to hear what their favourite artist has been up to.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
SweetBox - After the Lights : Christmas Package (Korean Version)
SweetBox - After the Lights : Christmas Package (Korean Version)
(2)Our Price: US$17.99List: US$25.99Save: US$8.00 (31%)Related promotions:May 18, 2008 Simply SweetLet us look first at what this album is. Its essentially the original Korean release repackaged with a separate cd featuring four Christmas songs previously found on the albums Japanese counterpart. But for an album, which before its Japanese release was being listed as Sweetbox presents a Very Sweet Xmas, the album actually has some dark songs on it. It really is an album of ballads but varying in tempo and themes (and some may well be interpreted as adult themes!) Theres a few upbeat songs, like the infectious Killing Me DJ (of which there is two versions) and Time Of My Life, songs about love and having your heart broken (the title track After The Lights & More Than Love) and some just dark themed songs that, for an album released for Christmas just doesnt seem right (Waterfall and Dont Want To Kill You). There are also two songs on this album with what could only be deemed as religious theme to them which one would think would be appropriate for a Christmas album (God On Video & Crown Of Thorns).
The main album itself almost has an identical track listing to its Japanese counterpart, except that the Christmassy sounding songs arent on it and instead, original Japanese exclusive tracks Dont Want To Kill You and Crown Of Thorns plus the European version of Killing Me DJ (originally found on the European Best of 1995 2005 album and the Killing Me DJ single) have been added.
The second cd, a collection of the four Christmas songs from the Japanese release has been added in just to balance it out nicely. On this CD were presented with a brand new song, This Christmas which could almost sound like a list of New Years resolutions you know youre going to break, as well the familiar O Come All Ye Faithful although it is only the chorus to this that has been maintained. The verses are newly written. To finish off this little CD are two traditional Christmas songs, Silent Night and Merry X-mas, both of which are just beautiful, especially the last as it has an acoustically feel (it has a reminiscence of the JADE Silver album).
Overall, its nice to see the album in what could be deemed as its entirety. Its hard to decide what in truth is better. If you dont already own the Japanese Greatest Hits or After The Lights, then this is the album for you, as tracks from both are on this collection. Despite the feeling that it doesnt come across as Christmasy, once again, Jade vocals convey the emotion meant for each song in a way that fans have come to expect, so forget the fact it a Christmas package and enjoy what you have come to know and love.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Addicted (Japan Version)
Addicted (Japan Version)
(2)Our Price: US$28.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:May 4, 2008 Addictive!Originally titled "Bold and Delicious" (thought to have been changed to stop confusion with Ayumi Hamasaki's work), "Addicted" has been met with mixed views, with some believing it to be a huge step backwards and comparing it to Jade's first Sweetbox album "Classified" and saying that it isn't as good as good as previous albums like "Jade" and "Adagio"
In truth, "Addicted" should be viewed in it's own light. It is a mix of what fans have heard before (with sampling of classical pieces in the tracks "Here Comes The Sun" and the title track "Addicted") as well as what appears to be a new direction for the group ("Bold and Delicious" and "Ladies Night"). There is a good mix of ballads ("Every Step", "Happy Tears") as well as more upbeat songs ("Graceland", "Bold and Delicious", "Ladies Night") and a gospel sounding track ("Vaya Con Dios") not really heard since the "Adagio" album (Track in question: "Testimony")
Overall, it's good to see Sweetbox heading in a new direction, or at least, testing the water with a new style. They haven't jumped completely in at the deep end and it could be seen as an easing into what is to come. By giving fans what they have been used to and mixing it with a new style, it will hopefully please old fans and possibly attract new fans as well.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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A World to Believe in (Japan Version)
A World to Believe in (Japan Version)
(2)Our Price: US$15.25Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
May 4, 2008 BeautifulBefore I begin, I have to admit that this is my first encounter with Ito Yuna, so really I didnt know what to expect when combined with the voice that is Celine Dion. The result? A beautiful ballad. The mix of English and Japanese languages works perfectly and I can see why this song was chosen as the duet. Unlike many foreign singers who switch languages mid way in a song, Ito Yuna seems to do it effortlessly and it in no way ruins the beauty of the song, nor is it painful to listen to. Its also the exact same for Celine, who also seems to put no effort into jumping between languages. Their voices are beautiful together in both languages and harmonise perfectly. Ive even found listening to Ito Yuna solo version of the song very easy going, and although completely in Japanese, the beauty can still be heard. A recommended listen for fans of either artist. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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THIS IS THE LIFE (Japan Version)
THIS IS THE LIFE (Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$25.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:May 4, 2008 This is an album!Where do you start with this album? Amy Macdonald is another of Scotlands musical exports who writes her own songs and plays her own instrument (that being the guitar). The songs have appealed to a wide age range are very much about topics that most people could probably relate to from being yourself, friendship, the love of music, forbidden romance and the celebrity-obsessed culture that we live in today. Thats not to say that people cant take their own opinion of what her songs are trying to say. Songs of highlight are Barrowland Ballroom (a song about a famous venue in Glasgow and about the experiences that everyone who have played there have had), Mr Rock N Roll (all about being happy to be yourself and not wanting to fit in), This Is The Life (about friendship and the good times you can have with friends), L.A. (another track about being happy with yourself but being prepared to follow your dreams, whatever they may be), Run (a track inspired by The Killers) and Poison Prince (a plea to Pete Docherty about getting off the drugs and writing the fantastic lyrics hes known to write).
Also on this version is Amys version of Caledonia, or a shorter version of it (originally a hidden track on the UK release) as well as two live tracks (Mr Brightside (Cover of the Killers track) & Mr Rock N Roll) recorded at the world famous King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, and the B-side to Amys very first release, Rock Bottom. All in all, her lyrics seem to emanate a wisdom beyond her youth, and seems to be able to connect with most people, whether they can relate their experiences to what Amys intended or find their own. Its hard to find anyone these days who can pull off what can only be deemed as folk rock well, but Amy is one of these artists. A wonderful album that shouldnt be missed.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Jade Valerie - Out of the Box (Korea Version)
Jade Valerie - Out of the Box (Korea Version)
(1)Our Price: US$15.99List: US$22.99Save: US$7.00 (30%)Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
May 3, 2008 Still sweet despite being soloJades first solo release in Korea takes what could only be deemed as the best tracks from her two Japanese albums (Out Of The Box & Bittersweet Symphony) and brings them together on one album. The tracks almost flow beautifully, that is, the tracks from each album, however at the cross over point, it does seem a little disjointed but it can be allowed to slip unnoticed. Also for this release are the new version of Like A Bird, titled Like A Bird (Geos Mix) (which if you have enjoyed previous Geo mixes of Sweetbox tracks, you are likely to love this as it only adds depth to the lyrics of the original version) and the duet version of You Dont Know Me with Kim Dong Wan. Sadly, having listened to the album, I have to say that the duet is the one thing that pulls the album down. Its production seems hurried, as if its been a last minute thought and would probably sound much better if it had some resemblance to the previous duet with Korean singer Baek Ji Young, that being a mix of Korean and English. If we ignore the last track, then the album is flawless and what the Japanese album, Bittersweet Symphony should have been. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
1 people found the following helpful
May 3, 2008 Bittersweet about sums it upAfter the release of Out Of The Box last year, hopes were high that the full studio album would be impressive. It's still obvious that there is a clinging to the sweetbox past with classicial sampling in two tracks (Unbreakable (moonlight Sonata) & Out In The Sea) but it's a combination that's worked well for Jade. The majority of the album is actually alright, but sadly there are the tracks that do pull the album down, mainly Undone & No You Don't. While Undone has a feel of Out Of The Box, you can help think it was an added extra with hurried production while No You Don't is sung in a style that just doesn't suit Jade's voice. Always Mine on the otherhand just seems to be completely out of place on the album, sounding as if it should have been released in time for Christmas as a single and probably left at that, or at least, added at the end of the album. It's an album of two halves: the first half full of beautiful lyrics, wonderful melodies and the feel of a flowing theme, while the second half seems disjointed. The only rescuing song of the second half is the beautiful ballad that is Piece of Love (which if performed with piano only could be rather haunting).Sadly more was expected of this album than what we got and one can only hope that future releases are better. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Rare Tracks (Japan Version)
February 25, 2008 Gem of an albumWhat's in the title, Rare Tracks? Well, this little gem from the Sweetbox treasure trove is 22 tracks on previously unreleased or demo versions of songs which have appeared on the previous albums, from Classified to Addicted. The main highlights for most fans will probably be the two different versions of Addicted that were used in Japan for the Subaru Legacy commercials as well as World Without Frontiers (altered version of Hate Without Frontiers of which the demo version is also featured on the album). Other highlights include a wedding arrangement of the classic Cinderella and a live piano version of For The Lonely.
This album as a whole is probably more suited to fans who know of the group as many of the tracks featured are demo equivalents of the versions that were eventually released. Overall though, the album makes for interesting listening.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Jade Valerie / Out Of The Box (Japan Version)
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January 29, 2008 Well and truly Out Of The BoxAs the title suggests, this is the debut 'mini'album from Jade Valerie. It's hard to listen to it and forget that this used to be the frontwoman of Sweetbox as it's completely different from what fans probably expected. This album introduces us to almost a new Jade, almost like she's throwing the restraints of her former self and singing how she really wants. Fans might be surprised by the lyrics (Uh La La & Show Me come to mind) but this doesn't remove the beauty of the songs, but she still shows her softer side with the beautiful song that is Goodbye, the album's final track. Also included on this album is a full english version of the song CRUSH, originally a duet with Korean sing Baek Ji Young, which is simply a little fun song that's allowed her to let her hair down so to speak.
Overall, the album showcases what Jade truly is capable of and what is likely to be the norm as she embarks on her solo career. Hopefully previous fans of her will accept her in her solo status as well as finding new ones who previously didn't know who she was. Fantastic precursor to the highly anticipated full solo album.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Sweetbox - Greatest Hits (Korea Version)
Sweetbox - Greatest Hits (Korea Version)
(1)Our Price: US$20.99List: US$29.99Save: US$9.00 (30%)Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:2 people found the following helpful
August 7, 2007 The end of an era?On the 20th July 2007, Sony BMG released a 3 CD Greatest Hits package in Korea. The first two discs contain songs from the other albums released in Korea, from Classified to Addicted, making them a pretty solid collection of songs from the current front woman, Jade (even though Shakaklaka sneaks in at the end of disc two). Disc three is titled New + Remix. As it would suggest, these are tracks which have been released elsewhere (as there are a few tracks from the Raw Treasures album which was a European exclusive for once), live versions or indeed, other remixed versions of classic songs.
Looking at it, it's a nice package, which could be used to introduce the listener to the music of Sweetbox and allow them to sample what has been and gone in the past and what Sweetbox came to be. Sadly, this may be the last Korean release under the Sweetbox name as come September, the new Japanese album, so far title, Out of The Box, will be released on Universal J and with this change in label comes a change in name, from Sweetbox to Jade. One can only hope that with this change in name and in label, that what we have come to know will not simply vanish but will be added toDid you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Best Of 12" Collection 1995-2006 (Japan Version)
Best Of 12" Collection 1995-2006 (Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$29.25Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:2 people found the following helpful
January 24, 2007 Remixed all the wayThis is what the previous Best of release should have been like; having songs that spanned the entire time that Sweetbox have been around. This album contains the remixes of songs from the very first release, Booyah, Here we go (1995) right up to the most recent release Addicted (2006). Some of the versions were previous only available on the 12" Vinyl format singles or on Japanese only album releases.
It's a nice collection of the songs since some of the songs had a number of remixes that could have been used, but in my own opinion, these are the better ones. If you have heard the original unmixed versions, then this is a nice addition to a collection, however it may not be to everyones liking and most likely not recommended as a first outing with the group.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Sweetbox Live (ALBUM+DVD)(Japan Version)
Sweetbox Live (ALBUM+DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(3)Our Price: US$45.25Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
December 24, 2006 First Official Concert ReleaseYAY! The first ever OFFICIAL Sweetbox cd/dvd release. But what is it exactly. Well, it's the concert that Sweetbox performed on Christmas Eve in Seoul 2005 and for thoses of us lucky enough to get the Limited Korean version of Addicted that had the teaser, it was nice to see the rest of the show.
So what of it? Well, in truth, yes it was nice to see the performances but what makes a concert is having the "banter" between songs. As soon as one song has finished, it's quickly onto the next. But with the CD, you get more of the "banter". What's going on there? Shouldn't it have been the other way around with song after song on the cd and the songs + banter on the DVD?
As said before, this is the first time a Sweetbox concert has been officially released (the 2004 show has been seen by a few) and as a first time attempt with this format, it is worth the money.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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