Reviews written by Ana
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True (Japan Version)
August 13, 2009 She stands APART.When I first heard Mika Nakashima on a TV network in November 2001 (which also marked her singing debut with 'Stars'), I was so ecstatic that I told myself: 'She's gonna be a big hit.' I bought this album shortly after it was released. After listening to it, I declared it to be the best album released in 2002.
And with good reason: where artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, Avril Lavigne, Shakira, and the like dominated all music charts, Mika dominated the Oricon 200 Album Chart with a musical style made up of sophisticated adult contemporary and jazz songs with a Latin bent. All that is shown here in a well done concoction of luxurious styles that equate her with ANY easy listening artist. The best examples of this can be found in the songs 'Will' (a VERY romantic and sad single), 'One Survive' (a sophisticated Latin pop song with jazzy beats), 'Crescent Moon' (same), 'Stars' (a sad ballad which came from her TV debut, 'Kizudarake no Love Song'), and the album's closer, 'A Miracle for You.' These songs - and Mika's vocals - show exactly why this album set the standard for what Mika would do later on, but 'Love' and 'Best' (both incredible albums) outsold it.
FINAL VERDICT: Well done debut from the then 19-year-old adult contemporary diva. Mika is the best adult contemporary female artist of all time. The rest, in reality, is history.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
BLACK OUT (Japan Version)
March 31, 2009 Just not feeling her.My first reaction upon hearing the song 'Gimme More' back in 2007 was: 'I don't like it.' Having said that, I still don't think Britney Spears has done much to improve on her weak attempts starting with the hyped-up 'Oops...I Did It Again' back in 2000. 'Baby One More Time' was her only decent album, and yet it didn't even compare to Michael Jackson's 'Thriller.'
Still, Britney got lucky to enjoy a major comeback with this album. But in spite of all the hype surrounding her music, I have the same word to describe her and her music that I use to describe the music of J. Lo, Miley Cyrus, Shakira, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, the Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, Justin Timberlake, and the like: OVERRATED.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
No More Rules. (Blu-Spec CD+DVD)(First Press Limited Edition)(Japan Version)
No More Rules. (Blu-Spec CD+DVD)(First Press Limited Edition)(Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$41.75Related promotions:March 24, 2009 Well-done tribute to the Kanebo KATE franchiseThis is Mika Nakashima's second proper best-of compilation and tenth album overall, and it includes every song she did for the Kanebo KATE franchise with which she's had connection since 2002. The compilation couldn't have been done any better: its 15 songs make up a versatile selection of hits with charm ('Black & Blue'), romance ('Fake'), attitude ('I Don't Know'), and sensuality ('Love Addict'), with a new song thrown in ('Game').
There are no make-you-cry ballads anywhere on this album, but the CD (being her first 'Blu-Spec' CD) is an exceptional release and one of her best albums since her own 'Best' (2005)...not to say I didn't like 'The End,' 'Yes,' or 'Voice.'
This album is a limited edition product, so if you love Mika, you should make every attempt to buy it if you can!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Voice (Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
Voice (Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
(2)Our Price: US$33.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:December 29, 2008 Wonderful...Mika is still up there with the best!True to this album's title, this 2008 release shows Mika Nakashima's 'Voice' handling a gentle but crossing-over set of songs that lean more toward the Kelly Clarkson-style pop/rock sound, while at the same time bringing back echoes of earlier styles on some of the songs. She even throws in a sense of humor on songs like the trio of her first English single, 'I Don't Know,' its B-side, 'Shut Up,' and 'Confusion.'
What's great about this album is that Mika takes electronic sounds and blends them in with her old style on some of the cuts, like 'Focus.' Meanwhile, 'SAKURA ~Hanagasumi~ (Daishi Dance)' makes a happy techno-classical arrangement out of a heart-wrenching ballad. I like the original version of 'SAKURA' better, but the Daishi Dance one is just as good.
'Orion,' the last single released for the album, and the digital single 'Anata ga Iru Kara' are the two best songs on the album. Although both songs are rock ballads, Mika sings extremely well, as usual.
And the rest of the album has a distinctiveness that sets it apart from other 'mainstream' pop albums and MTV.
All in all, while I do miss the easy-listening style that Mika's earlier releases presented, 'Voice' is still a fascinating listen and possibly the best album released in 2008.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Mika Nakashima Concert Tour 2007 Yes My Joy (Japan Version)
Mika Nakashima Concert Tour 2007 Yes My Joy (Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(2)Our Price: US$55.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:November 3, 2008 Mika, you bring me my joy...This is Mika Nakashima's fourth live DVD, recorded at Tokyo International Forum as the last part of her 'Concert Tour 2007 Yes My Joy' extravaganza in Japan only. The 2007 'YES' album didn't sell very well, but in my opinion it was absolutely fabulous. Having said that, I was also impressed with this DVD.
The songs featured constitute more of a 'BEST LIVE' tour program than 'YES MY JOY,' because a large bulk of the DVD's setlist is made up of tracks from her 'BEST' album and other stuff. No bother. Mika brings her traditional adult contemporary pop style and gospel vibes to the stage with top notch music and a set of ballerinas instead of the characteristics of harder pop like Jennifer Lopez, Miley Cyrus, and Britney Spears. And she pulls through each song without shame, which makes the concert a satisfying viewing experience for viewers.
Overall, this DVD is a must own for Mika's fans, and to you Mika-san I say (quoting from your lyrics): 'Thank you...thank you...you brought me my joy...'Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Mienai Hoshi (Japan Version)
Mienai Hoshi (Japan Version)
(2)Our Price: US$15.25Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:October 24, 2008 Brilliant, but...This is one of Mika's best singles, but for some reason, the chorus sounds a bit like that of 'Will.' I can't attribute that to 'ripping off' Daisuke Kawaguchi, because the two songs don't sound all that similar.
Anyway, this song was featured on the Japanese TV drama 'Haken no Hinkaku,' and with lyrics as compelling as 'I hope this wish reaches the invisible star,' coupled with a moving arrangement and some gospel vocalists in the background, this song stood out as the best song on her well-done 2007 release, 'Yes.' 5 stars.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Mikanakashimakonsa totsua2004rau
Mikanakashimakonsa totsua2004rau DVD Region 2
(4)Our Price: US$55.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:October 9, 2007 Wonderful, but expensive.This is Mika Nakashima's second concert tour and the first time she performed for more than 100,000 people. Aside from 'The First Tour 2003,' the tickets to this one were said to have sold out in 2 minutes (faster than ANY artist, U.S.-based or international?).
Anyway, Mika brought a full orchestra along with her on this DVD. The original program was said to have included more than the 15 songs ultimately incorporated into a lump sum 83-minute concert DVD - one of these was 'A Miracle for You,' whose live version from this concert make it to the 'Film Lotus 4' DVD. No bother.
The mood of this concert is EXTREMELY romantic and enchanting as are the setting and the arrangements, but then so is Mika's performance. With regard to her dancing, she doesn't dance promiscuously, but expect style all its own.
My only complaint about this DVD is the price. $45 for a single DVD? I bought the Korean Version here on YesAsia for about $30! I have no idea why Japan Version products cost so much, but no bother.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Mika Nakashima Let's Music Tour 2005 (Japan Version)
Mika Nakashima Let's Music Tour 2005 (Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(5)Our Price: US$49.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:October 7, 2007 Stylish and romanticI only say Mika Nakashima's 'Let's Music Tour' DVD is 'stylish and romantic' because of its elaborate production and romantic, gorgeous stage setting.
Also, the song selections are excellent choices, indeed, and Mika sings every single one of them on target, so to speak.
Well, anyway, if you have an eye and ear for good music and concerts, or if you're a Mika fan, just buy this. Later!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Yes (Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
Yes (Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$34.25Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:September 21, 2007 That's got it.This 2007 release from my favorite female artist, Mika Nakashima, takes a slight step ahead from her earlier works...that is, she weaves blues and gospel into the mix. A lot of fans showed complete lack of interest in songs like the heavily gospel-flavored 'All Hands Together' (track 5), but that song to me isn't as bad as many Mika fans with whom I spoke had the nerve to say. While Mika's performance on that one song, as usual, is lighter and simpler than what we might expect from gospel or other soulful music, she definitely cuts through it like a knife through a piece of chicken. If she'd recorded it with say Justin Timberlake I would have thrown up.
Anyway, 'Yes' is produced in the gospel-blues style in addition to her usual soft pop/adult contemporary/easy listening, whatever you wanna call it style. The arrangements for all the songs here offer a soothing, melodic mood that contrasts with like 99% of all the mainstream music I hear on Top 40 radio here in America, and Mika's performance is gorgeous, as always.
I felt that the songs 'I Love You' (track 1), 'Sunao na Mama' (track 3 - a delightfully jazzy ballad that doesn't sound as 'hip-hoppy' as many sources have claimed), 'My Sugar Cat' (track 10 - a soothing reggae ballad), and 'Yogoreta Hana' (track 11 - a rock waltz ballad) had excellent melodies, but the best song on this album, in my opinion, was 'Mienai Hoshi' (track 2), because it has a fantastic melody and arrangement. Only problem is the chord progression IS similar to that of 'Will' (referring to what Kevin Ma said in his Editorial Review of this album).
'True,' 'Love,' 'Music,' and 'Best' are still the best albums Mika has done, but for me this one and 'The End' are a close second. My advice: Just buy this CD if you love her.
I love you, Mika.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
1 people found the following helpful
December 15, 2005 Romance. Passion. Mika.Sorry...I ripped off that tag line from opera singer Andrea Bocelli's 'Sentimento' release from 2002, whose sticker read 'Romance. Passion. Bocelli.' Since he and Nakashima in my opinion share a pretty obvious genesis of 'intense romanticism' as much as Nat 'King' Cole, Celine Dion, and way too many other artists to mention do, their successful formulas of making such incredible music must be testament not only to the use of REAL instruments most of the time, but also taking advantage of modern technology to attract the public.
Anyway, enough of that stuff. This album has a wonderful, mostly jazz-influenced set of 'happier' tunes in contrast to her albums 'True,' 'Resistance,' 'Music,' and now 'Best' (as of this writing). The use of strings, horns, and sensuous rhythms add both a sensual and romantic touch to every song, and Mika's voice is smooth and gentle on every single one of them.
In other words, if you liked 'True' I don't think you'll be disappointed in 'Love.'Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
BEST (Japan Version)
BEST (Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(1)Our Price: US$49.20Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
December 11, 2005 This retrospective is unbelievable.I have already reviewed the CD of this product. As much as the 'Best' CD is a well done assemblage of 14 selections highlighting the first four years of Nakashima Mika's successful music career, so its respective DVD is an even more extensive overview of her career on the music video screen to date, because it includes every single clip she did up to the release of this DVD. There are also new video clips of 'Amazing Grace,' 'Oborozukiyo~Inori,' 'Glamorous Sky,' and 'Blood,' a live version.
For all your information, I have seen some of the videos included, and each one has a specific theme attached to it. All of Mika's videos are very well done and are so unlike anything you may see on American MTV. All this makes 'Best' probably her best album/DVD.
My advice: it's worth saving up money to get this DVD if you love Mika and especially if you are region-free. And don't forget to save money for her albums 'Best,' 'Love,' 'Music,' and 'True,' as well as the single for 'Stars,' which includes the Original Version of that song.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Best (Japan Version)
December 10, 2005 Re-write of reviewOkay, forget everything I originally said. This album debuted at #1 on the Japan album charts on 12.7.2005, according to several sources. With all the content on this compilation I am so excited about getting it anyway. This has to be the 'Best' album she released to date because the next 13 songs after 'Amazing Grace' are already hits and classics. Anyway, I need say no more. Go out and buy it if you love Mika. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Hi no Tori (Overseas Version)
Hi no Tori (Overseas Version)
(3)Our Price: US$9.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:December 9, 2005 Okay, so how do you analyze this?Someone said 'Missing' (available on this CD) appears nowhere else. Wrong. That cover of Toshiba Kubota's song is present as track 3 on 'Soul Tree...' Anyway, on to the song. The ballad does have a romantic, luxurious, and soul stirring feel to it, making it probably the most interesting song released in 2004...and the best on 'Music.' Later. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Hitori (Hong Kong Version)
Hitori (Hong Kong Version)
(2)Our Price: US$9.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
December 9, 2005 This song is a classic.After actually buying this single and listening to the different versions of it (I already have the 'Album Version' on 'Music'), I was convinced that this is probably the second best song on 'Music,' next to 'Hi no Tori' (not to say 'Seven,' et al weren't wonderful, not at all). This song is one of the most seriously heartbreaking yet powerful unrequited love songs of all time, what with its ultra-sorrowful yet brilliant tone and Mika's incredibly moving performance. She almost sounds like she's crying on the last chorus, but no bother. Possibly the best song of 2005. Buy it if you love her. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
December 8, 2005 Another classic album from Nakashima Mika.
Never, in the four years leading up to this review, have I found Nakashima Mika's albums revolting. With all the less than wonderful music that I've heard here in America I for one can certainly appreciate someone like Mika who actually has the kind of vocal talent you don't hear very often. This album in particular, like everything else she's done, is one of those things that makes you think... 'It's impossible to resist such a pleasant sound.'
The best songs on the disc are practically all the six single tracks (especially 'Hi no Tori' is a lovely and smooth Adult Contemporary ballad) but all the other songs make for a truly exceptional (Adult Contemporary?) pop album, indeed...and possibly the best album released in 2005, at a tie with Mika's own 'Best.'
My advice: if you love listening to good music, pick up something like this anyway. And if you do, don't forget to buy her other albums as well. Later.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Best (Japan Version)
1 people found the following helpful
September 22, 2005 What's on this upcoming disc is great, but...Although I must give this upcoming issue 4 stars because it contains VERY important highlights of her singing career (and to think she is my favorite female singer!), and although I'd be more than happy to pick this up, I'm pretty disappointed that some equally beautiful gems like 'Hi no Tori' and 'Helpless Rain' don't make it to the album. It does include her recording for the movie 'Nana,' namely 'Glamorous Sky,' as the last track. Maybe SOMEDAY her record label will issue an ultimate best-of set with ALL of her single tracks. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
April 19, 2004 I'm no fan of 'modern' urban music...however, WOW!
Granted I have no big taste in the type of urban music heard on radio nowadays, but this CD is a total 360 for me! The songs are more pop- and female vocal-orientated than its 'R&B' style may suggest.
The single tracks 'So Crazy,' 'Easy Come Easy Go,' and of course 'A Love Before Time' (the last being the best on this CD!) are already luxurious classics in my book.
And her cover of Son By Four's 'A Puro Dolor,' done Sarah Brightman-style (in same arrangements as was the original version), is a winner as well.
I hope you like this CD if you love pop, urban music, or female vocalists. Later.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
January 27, 2003 I loved it (no kidding)
Say what you must, TomokoChan, but I loved this recording. I personally think Mika Nakashima has a voice of rare emotion and beauty, something another of my favorite female singers, the UK's Sarah Brightman, doesn't possess. I actually have the Japanese pressing of this album. The entire album is worth a listen except for maybe track 1, which doesn't hinder its magic and romantic charm. In other words, if you like "classic voices" such as US' Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, the previously mentioned UK singer, Italy's Andrea Bocelli, and singers like that, then I hope Mika Nakashima will hurl you to the floor. She brought me to my knees and tears to my eyes when I discovered her video for 'Stars' in November 2001, and no, I'm not Asian of any kind... Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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