LIFE is... (Japan Version)

The J-music R&B wave is carried by riveting artists like Utada Hikaru, Koyanagi Yuki, Tina and Kuraki Mai. As for the king of J-R&B, it without a doubt is Hirai Ken who already enjoys world-wide fame! The multi talent managed to storm the Oricon music charts again and stayed on the top position of the J-pop billboard for seven consecutive weeks with his eighth mini-CD "Lakuen". His ensuing mini-CD release "Why" was equally successful and gained him the title as 'king of extraordinary vocals' which measures up to the fame that the music kings and queens enjoy in Hong Kong. On his new work "Life is", which contains 12 tracks, he either wrote or composed as many as nine titles by himself and thus is the most outstanding singer/song writer/composer of the recent period. "Strawberry Sex" features electrifying dance pop mixed with well organized drum loop programming accompanied by vibrating saxophone rhythms and stands out as grand opener of Hirai's outstanding release! "Ex-girlfriend" another track pushes Hirai's vocal skills to the limits on the latter part of the song and is presented in all its natural beauty. The harmony and the overall song arrangement of "Revolver" are top-notch and Hirai once again utilizes his excellent vocal talents to push the song to higher dimensions! "Come Back" and "Somebody's Girl" keep up the high R&B standard of the star, while "I'm so drunk" deliberately uses video game sound arrangements to reach its intended special effect. The pop ballads "Missing-It will break my heart" and "Ring" present smoother more straightforward tones and are equally ear catching! The latter even managed to leap to the top of Channel V's J- and K-pop chart and it wouldn't be surprising if other artists chose to release cover versions of this hit in the future.

"Life is" provides answers to the questions Hirai was considering on his previous two albums "Changing Same" and "Gaining Through Losing". The gifted talent just turned 31 during the release of this album and his latest work reflects the different understandings during his journey through the new stages of his life. Hirai successfully expresses his thoughts and feelings through different forms of music and interpretations that keep us absorbed and draw us into his musical world!

Recommended tracks:

"Missing-It will break my heart", "Life is", "Strawberry Sex", "Somebody’s Girl", "Ring".

Reviewed by Lewis Tse Translated by Snoopy