Reviews written by Ignored Truth
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Love Forever (Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
Love Forever (Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
(2)Our Price: US$33.75Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:July 21, 2008 An improvementI don't believe JYONGRI will be blazing up the charts anytime soon but this is an improvement from her debut works. She sounds alot more powerful vocally and the music is not entirely mediocre. The lyrics have done some improvement as well. Little JYONGRI is growing, but I don't see her turning into the next-Utada like many had anticipated when she debuted. She's her own artist and has earned herself a nice position in the Japanese music industry but she's far from the top. Hopefully, with more promotion and recognition, she may become a strong chart contender with time. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Vivid -Kissing you, Sparkling, Joyful Smile- (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version)
Vivid -Kissing you, Sparkling, Joyful Smile- (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(5)Our Price: US$23.25Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:4 people found the following helpful
May 21, 2008 Break from mediocrityBoA stands out among all the other dimmed jewels in the industry. This single is only one thing and that's "GREAT". BoA shows off her heavenly voice in energetic songs that promises to get you off your bum this Summer. The videos are unlike any of her previous ones and you'd be a fool to not order CD+DVD. She also shows off something else, combining more English into her songs than ever before. Sorry to say, it's very bad. As FMB said, I'm not looking forward to an English album.
The music videos don't hold as much energy, so it'll have to come from the viewer. Dance around, sing along, and have fun with BoA's "Vivid". It's fitting for the title "Vivid" = bright; lively; opposite of plain.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Moon (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version)
Moon (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(6)Our Price: US$23.25Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:7 people found the following helpful
May 21, 2008 (sigh)...here we go.What is it with the long stream of Summer disasters this season? "Moon Crying" is just another Kumi Koda ballad, but lacks an interesting hook and unique individuality yet is full of irritating notes. "That Ain't Cool"...omg...why are Japanese artists trying to be Americans all the time? Anyway, it promises to be just as shallow and just as unique as any Kumi dance tracks before it. Kumi's engrish doesnt help either and Fergie is owning the song. The music video will be just as ridiculous as the song sounds. "Once Again" is OK, but it's too much like the mid-tempo trax off of "Kingdom"...nothing new. "Lady Go!" is awful and vocally a disgrace. Please rewind and go back to "4 Hot Wave"...so far, that's been Kumi's only averagely good Summer single in comparison to "FREAKY" and this one. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Rocket Sneaker / One x Time (Single+DVD)(Japan Version)
Rocket Sneaker / One x Time (Single+DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(2)Our Price: US$23.25Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:2 people found the following helpful
May 21, 2008 Worst Ai single to dateI do love Ai and I am a fan, but I'm forced to be honest in all reviews whether you like it or not. This is Otsuka Ai's worst single release to date. It's a wannabe "PEACH/HEART" but doesn't have near that lovable effect or lasting memory. "Rocket Sneaker" sounds like a fun song like "Frienger", "SMILY", and "Sakuranbo"...but it isn't. Don't let the title fool you. "One X Time" is alot better than "Rocket Sneaker", but still not exactly great. Pretty mediocre and already-been-there. Ai Chin has failed to leave an impression this time. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
still doll (Japan Version)
still doll (Japan Version)
(7)Our Price: US$13.25Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:8 people found the following helpful
May 21, 2008 Otaku prayer answeredWho ever told this girl she could sing? Kanon combines the ever graceful and beautiful music with her horrendous vocals and notes-gone-wrong to equal a wasted masterpiece. On the bright side, manga/anime/everything-Japan otakus will become obsessed with this girl but not for any good reasons except for the fact she is kind of cute, Japanese, and wears gothic lolita. People who are true fans of music and vocal talent will stear clear of this artist. I can honestly say she should've stuck to cello playing and NEVER opened her mouth. Talented vocalists should sing, untalented vocalists should pick up an instrument and let that be the ONLY music they produce. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Namie Amuro Play Tour 2007 (Japan Version)
Namie Amuro Play Tour 2007 (Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(8)Our Price: US$55.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:6 people found the following helpful
March 20, 2008 Fails to impressiveNamie Amuro releases another concert DVD, but honestly, there's little difference between this one and her past ones. The stage setup is nice, the outfits are plain or OK, a great tracklist, but there's no spirit in her performance. Namie always looks exhausted in her shows, from beginning to end. The strain on her vocal chords is obvious with her stressed facial expressions, stiff body movements, and large amounts of sweat she sheds. The lights, dancers, and music does the work of carrying the show along. I like Namie's CD voice, but her live voice varies dramatically. She screeches and yells on many of her notes or she'll pull the microphone away a bit on the big notes to let her vocals be drowned out by the music or for the prerecording to take over. Her CD voice has been tampered with apparently by adding smoothing effects to give it that light and beautiful, sweet and soft sound. In reality, her vocals are much deeper and alot more rough. While her emotion is shown at times, it still is to be desired during upbeat performances. It seems she's focusing too much or thinking about other things because there is no joy in her dance movements. To take attention off of her bad deliverance of emotion and vocals, she looks beautiful in cute little skirts. I'll admit this DVD is more expressive than her last 2 tour DVDs, but it's still not quite the quality I'd expect from one of Japan's top artists. No wonder Ayumi Hamasaki easily stole her limelight. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
60s 70s 80s (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version)
60s 70s 80s (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(4)Our Price: US$23.75Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:11 people found the following helpful
March 20, 2008 Pretty decentI know ALOT about Japan...and considering I lived there for 6 years, yeah. Well, I have discovered that alot of Japan celebs put on fronts/a "fake" face. Sometimes, a singer's onstage persona may be completely different than their offstage personality...it's just a put-on image to sell. That's how Namie Amuro is. Backstage, she's a very shy and quiet person...while, in front of the camera during concerts and pvs, she plays this "I'm so cool" role. This single follows in that tradition.
"New Look" is the video I found closest to her sweet little personality, but the song is dreadfully boring. I think it's one of the worst songs by her ever.
"Rock Steady" was a nice attempt at trying to be "lively", but Namie still didn't losen up completely. The song is pretty nice if you can get past the seemingly out-of-tune "lalalalas" just before the chorus.
"What A Feeling" was comical. Is it me or does Namie look bored stiff in her strong dance-themed songs? Her movements were very dull which makes me rather watch the dancers. This really contradicts "I like to dance, yeah, Everybody call me dancing queen". If I'm not mistaken, I usually heard people call BoA Asia's best female dancer - not Namie Amuro. I do think it's the best song from the single though.
Overall it's a pretty decent buy, but I don't admire her supposedly "cool" image. I'd still buy the CD+DVD because Namie is gorgeous and the vids are not nearly as boring as her past works like "Put 'Em Up", "WANT ME, WANT ME", and "Alarm" which no smile was even cracked. Isn't singing and dancing supposed to be fun??? Namie is extremely too mellow. For once, I'd like to see her go crazy and have fun...show her big smile more often.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Zhang Li Yin Vol. 1 - I will
Zhang Li Yin Vol. 1 - I will
(10)Our Price: US$12.99List: US$18.99Save: US$6.00 (32%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:18 people found the following helpful
March 14, 2008 A letdownI figured this album would be great considering everyone's title for Zhang Li Yin as "The Chinese BoA". Let me just say that just because SM Entertainment trained her hard from a young age like they did BoA does not make her "The Chinese BoA". When you give someone a title such as that, you must know people will compare. Zhang's voice is not near as good. One minute, she will be very nasaly...the next, she's deep and soulful...then, falsetto or shouty. Her voice is all over the place and the comment of "one of the most beautiful voices" is clearly overrating. Shame on SM Entertainment, for trying to produce artists like BoA on an assembly line. Teaching amateurs at a young age some interesting vocal disguising techniques and a few poplock moves doesn't make them deserving of such a title.
Sorry Zhang, but you're just not worthy to be called "The Chinese BoA". Hopefully, they'll find you are more fitting nickname.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
The Face (ALBUM+2DVDs)(First Press Limited Edition)(Japan Version)
The Face (ALBUM+2DVDs)(First Press Limited Edition)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(9)Our Price: US$49.99Related promotions:2 people found the following helpful
March 14, 2008 The better pickBoA's new album definitely makes the "hot list" when it comes to 2008 albums. Her extremely impressive large vocal range is accompanied with her smooth tone and gorgeous backing music. The tracks in this album all show different styles and how BoA's voice can shine even in difficult situations. I was extremely impressed with "Beautiful Flowers" most of all because of the frequent changing octaves - highs and lows are crazy in this track. I'm least impressed with "Girl In The Mirror" and "Gap ni Yarareta!" however, so this album isn't completely "perfect" like her "Best Of Soul" and "Love And Honesty" albums. I do see it as an improvement from "Outgrow" and "Made In Twenty". BoA is going in a new musical direction and it's very interesting to see her development. The DVDs are good, but the PVs didn't really grab my attention until "be with you." came on. That was the best. Its originality and beauty make you love the song even more. Not to mention, the photobook was refreshing and original too. The beauty of it is just so natural. Anyway, the bonus footage on the 1'st DVD is pleasing and makes this CD+2DVDs worth the money in full. The 2'nd DVD is OK, but I would've perferred a full release of "BoA The Live X'mas" included. To release them seperately isn't really fair. Just Avex's way to rake in more money.
Oh, and an advertisement for BoA's "FACE Tour 2008" came with my CD+2DVD set. It made me only wish I could go. What a tease.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Kingdom (ALBUM+2DVD)(First Press Limited Edition)(Hong Kong Version)
Kingdom (ALBUM+2DVD)(First Press Limited Edition)(Hong Kong Version) DVD Region 3
(7)Our Price: US$25.99Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:6 people found the following helpful
March 14, 2008 um, nooo.Upon hearing tracks and samples from this album, I thought it was pretty good, however, upon seeing the videos...I rethought my judgement. The videos are extremely irritating with the many closeups of Kumi and her fancy jewelry, her body, or her polished face. It seemed, nonetheless, concieted and made me feel uncomfortable at watching. Instead of focusing on the message behind the music, it seemed all Kumi wanted to do was show off her looks while cleverly disguising false emotion with a few wincing facial expressions and pouty lips to force an "awww. poor little Kumi" out of spectators. When I thought Kumi Koda would return to a more natural look she started off with in her debut, I was wrong. At least the "implant" rumour was put to death after the closeups on Kumi's chest in a lowcut dress during the "Himitsu" video. We all realize now it was just smartly done video & photo editting (like they did to Ayumi in her "GUILTY" photobook when they made her chest larger than her head on the last few pages)
The concert was pretty good vocalwise, but once again, featured those constant annoying closeups. Kumi Koda seems like she's in her own little fantasy where the world revolves around her. Finally, it was shattered in an irrate and ridiculous scandal which made Kumi come back to reality and realize she can't just say anything and get away with it. While I also think the scandal is comical and a clear overraction, at least she's learned a valuable lesson.
This is an improvement from "Black Cherry" and "Secret", but it's going to take more than that to earn respect from me and gain the title "artist". First impression of this album might be "it's so great" or "amazing"...but when you actually sit down and watch the DVD 2-3 times...you realize it's not as great as you thought at first. At least I can give Kumi credit on her voice because, for awhile there, it seemed to be going downhill ("Aisho, "Ai no Uta", "Milk Tea", "girls"). She has improved on that factor.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Agent J (Champion Special Edition) (CD+DVD)
Agent J (Champion Special Edition) (CD+DVD) DVD Region All
(4)Our Price: US$23.49Related promotions:3 people found the following helpful
January 23, 2008 Great MVsThe music movie was great, but I perfer the MV version more. Yes, as FMB pointed out, the MVs are different from the actual movie and mostly all of them have singing or dancing scenes that are new and haven't been seen prior to this release. The dance-only videos are great to see and can help you learn the dance if u so wish it. Jolin is a very intelligent artist because she knows what her audience wants and entertains them greatly. The poledancing and aerial silk dancing were just what this album needed for the "WOW" factor just like "Dancing Diva" had the aerobic moves and traditional Chinese ribbon dance. Jolin Tsai isn't just a great singer or dancer, but a great gymnist that she combines with the two forming an unbeatable combo that other Chinese artists cannot compete against. This is why she's one of the most successful artists in the Mandarin market, and with her rapidly growing talent, it's only a matter of time before she takes on other markets. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Anytime (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version)
3 people found the following helpful
January 23, 2008 Well done, KumiThis is my favorite single from Kumi in a long time, i must say. "anytime" is a great track, although I'm not too found of the whispy and slightly nasly high falsetto parts, but she's getting better. Unlike the overdose of sickening supposed "cuteness" that "Kuuchan" releases, this carries a different mood. While maintaining a cute quality, it's deeper than that. The PV for it is delightful even though I wish there were more scenes than right up in Kumi's face. Despite it not having a Wintery feeling, for some reason, it doesn't seem that bad once you watch the video for yourself. "Bounce" will please dance-loving fans because it's good as well. A great b-side for Kumi Koda.
I am wondering how well this'll do on the charts, considering Kumi is promoting it while wearing very small amounts of makeup in a few performances and her "fake", "plastic doll" looking image is what made her popular. Taking off all the hardcore airbrush makeup might make her take a plunge in her career or it may offer a new side to Kumi that Japan might like. I do enjoy this new natural style, however. Sure, she's not extremely beautiful on the outside like people made her out to be but she has her own cute charm and looks simply pretty. Hmmm...I think it's a bit too late to go for the "natural" look though considering the mounds of plastic surgery she has underwent that Avex Trax tries to cleverly hide. Oh well, no turning back now. Not much makeup is the next best thing she could've done.
It's interesting, seeing Kumi adopt a new image these days. I might actually really LIKE her new album. We'll see.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Guilty (ALBUM+DVD)(Japan Version)
Guilty (ALBUM+DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(8)Our Price: US$43.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:5 people found the following helpful
January 23, 2008 Impressive and beautifulI'm always hearing people say they want Ayu to do something different...but if she does something so-called "different", it wouldn't be Ayu, now would it? That's the reason for VARIETY, so when u feel like hearing something different, you listen to another artist and stop criticizing Ayu for being herself & doing her own thing. Ayumi Hamasaki does what she wants and writes the words that she's feeling at that point in her life. Every Ayu work is different and every one is special in its own way. "GUILTY" is no exception. This album is filled with wonderful rock songs that alot of fans have wanted for awhile now...but how come when they get what they want, it's still not good enough? "(don't) Leave Me Alone" and "Marionette" are probably two of her best songs she has ever done for an album yet not the best PVs. "Together When..." is one of Ayu's most unique and special ballads in a long while. "MY ALL" didn't give me the feeling I heard it before at all so I think it's wrong to speak for everyone else in your review and say it does. "Untitled ~for her~" is extremely sweet and it's cruel to insult because Ayu did write it for her friend who passed away recently; have a heart when it comes to this song. "GUILTY" is pretty good, but I'm not too found of the repetive chorus.
Indeed there are too many preludes for my liking, but oh well. I did long for more new tracks, but that's what's so great about Ayu; she leaves u wanting more. If she gave you everything you wanted in one album, then what's the point of buying any other albums?Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Poinsettia -Amairo Winter Memories- (Japan Version)
Poinsettia -Amairo Winter Memories- (Japan Version)
(3)Our Price: US$24.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:2 people found the following helpful
November 9, 2007 What a sweet Christmas!This mini-album is a MUST HAVE for the holidays! So many wonderful holiday songs compiled on 1 CD is a real treat and Hitomi's voice is simply angelic. I guarantee you'll appreciate this and play it over and over and over again...I know I do every year. True classics such as this never die out or get boring. 20$ is a small sacrifice for something as special as this. From upbeat joyful songs to more soft emotional ballads, this CD really can't be missed. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Pocket (Japan Version)
5 people found the following helpful
November 9, 2007 Heartwarmingly beautifulThis is the most wonderful single release of the season to me. Otsuka Ai's voice has never sounded so tender and beautiful as it does in this Winter ballad. This single gives you that Christmas feeling and will definitely have you humming the melody throughout the holidays. The PV is also endearing, so make sure to grab the CD+DVD. I've only ordered the CD version, but after seeing the video, I'm going back to order CD+DVD too. This single cannot be missed!! It's sweet and precious...a perfect gift for anyone! The B-sides are good also, but "Pocket" is, of course, the best track. There's nothing more heartwarming to listen to this Christmas. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Ayumi Hamasaki Concert Tour 2000 A Vol.1 (Limited Edition) (Japan Version)
Ayumi Hamasaki Concert Tour 2000 A Vol.1 (Limited Edition) (Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(3)Our Price: US$32.49Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:5 people found the following helpful
October 30, 2007 Bad vocals, but sweetTruth be told, Ayu did not sing good live back in 2000. Her voice has gotten heaps better now, but in this concert...it's vocally a mess. She could barely reach any of the notes and when she did, it came out as screeches. I love Ayumi, but even I will admit this is a terrible first impression of her. However, like myself, diehard fans will order this anyway. This does show off her cuteness and sweet, heart touching personality though so I still love it no matter what because I'm so baist. lol. But truth be told, it's not good singing. The visual effects are stunning though. I still recommend all fans buy it, just don't expect Ayumi's usual stunning vocals. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Junin Toiro (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version)
Junin Toiro (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(2)Our Price: US$23.25Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:4 people found the following helpful
October 26, 2007 Mixed feelingsOkay! Good things: great and interesting PV, lyrically strong, and misono's got a good voice. Bad things: Not a catchy song and often confusing melody. I would recommend this single though because it's got a good meaning and misono is sugary sweet! She's extremely beautiful so I would buy CD+DVD - the PV is the shining point about this release because of its different scenes and smily mimo although the acting is horrible...she can't stop smiling! lol. Definitely one of her best videos though, but one of her worst songs. It's half and half yet still worthy enough to purchase!! 6 out of 10 stars.
If you're looking for one of her better works, go for Zatsetsu Chiten or Pochi!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Urban Mermaid (SINGLE+DVD)(First Press Limited Edition)(Japan Version)
Urban Mermaid (SINGLE+DVD)(First Press Limited Edition)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(1)Our Price: US$20.25Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:3 people found the following helpful
October 25, 2007 niceThis single is "nice"...that's the only word for it really. It does have a sweet message, but the melody sounds a bit mediocre. It is pretty though, but I just hoped for another dance song like "I'm Here"! The title is very misleading because it sounds like it'd be a Dance/Soul song...yet its not even close to that. To release another mid-tempo single right after she released the mid-tempo Summer song, 'Mahaloha', was a bad move because releases will get boring. It was time to kick it up a notch, but Yuna didn't. She already has TONS of mid-tempo and ballad songs already so this would've been a chance to truly impress. However, this is the Yuna all fans know and love, so fans should definitely buy it anyway especially because of the perfs on the DVD! I just really hope her next album won't be like "HEART" and will explore new sounds and upbeat dance songs instead of slow song after slow song after slow song. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Last Angel feat. Dong Bang Shin Ki (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version)
Last Angel feat. Dong Bang Shin Ki (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(7)Our Price: US$22.75Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:13 people found the following helpful
October 24, 2007 Extremely impressiveAfter Black Cherry, Kumi had just been going down..but she now sees the light in "Last Angel". This single really amazed me as Kumi returned to the older erokawaii image I missed so much and reminded me of her earlier works like "Hot Stuff" and "Trust You". The song is highly addictive, but the real shining point is the PV, which is refreshing and fun while maintaining a cool, sexy yet non-skanky Urban feel - make sure to grab the CD+DVD version!!! The only downfall to this single, I believe, is the boyband she is collaborating with. Their vocals were pretty bad and did not blend well with Kumi at all. I also didn't like them in the PV as they looked VERY out of place and slightly uncomfortable. It is, however, overlookable and is still worth many listens & PV views.
I believe this is Kumi's best single since the "Secret" era. Maybe Miss Koda isn't completely out of ideas. Be looking forward to her next album!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
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:11 people found the following helpful
October 17, 2007 overratedI am sad to see this album outsell even the amazing, edgy & meaningful rock single by Ayumi Hamasaki, talkin to myself! It's clear to see Japan is a bit baist with Kumi. This song is nothing more than typical and plain. I have no idea why it sales so much. If you compare this to earlier works such as "hands", "Gentle Words", or "WALK"...it falls short greatly. This ballad and video isn't even worth listening/watching a second time. I was a long-time fan of Kumi once, but she is slumping greatly when it comes to music. I have realized...Kumi is an image, nothing more. She is not artistic or musically beautiful or astounding. She is nothing more than something mass produced on an assembly line designed to make money with sex appeal and shallow songs. Her voice has also been declining in quality.
This is to add to my earlier remarks and I don't go back on anything I stated about this single. You can buy this if you desire, but I wouldn't waste my time nor money.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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