Love Again (ALBUM+DVD) (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version) DVD Region 2

Love Again carries five love songs with lyrics written by Nishino, starting with the title track EYES ON YOU (Track 1). The pop ballad boldly annnounces the desire for more love, even if love may be a fleeting flower: "I can't settle for just 'I love you,' such ambigious words... I need so much more love from you." EYES ON YOU also announces Nishino's return with a refreshing vocal performance that comfortably jumps from lower octaves to clear high notes, and from the bright smooth melody of the refrain to the sped-up R&B groove of the climax.

15 (Track 2) and Into me (Track 3) deliver an exuberant double dose of young love. 15 goes back to the rebellious, free-spirited days of age 15 when the classroom felt like a jail and teenage love felt like forever. Fittingly, the catchy song throws back to the early oughties with an Avril Lavigne-ish punk pop sound, complete with talky singing and lo-fi effects. Nishino's lyrics scream teen angst as she asks "Am I stupid? Leave me alone. Am I selfish? Why don't you understand." But it's the outro, sung with the same energy, that gives the song new meaning, wrapping it all up with a moment of reflection: "Hey, 20 years have passed since then. I'm looking at the starry night in the world I dreamed of."

The lo-fi love continues with Into me, which fuses a city pop melody with cute lyrics and an appealingly laid-back vibe. The whimsical, Gen Z-coded song is fanciful, straightforward and unbothered while laying out the case for love. Into me may be my favorite of the album.

While the first three songs of Love Again capture Nishino's trendy pop style, the last two songs are dedicated to her more singy R&B side. Funny (Track 4) bares out one's feelings in a groovy 90s-style R&B number that depends greatly on vocal performance. While Nishino's singing is not as powerful or technical as the power vocalists out there, her vocal phrasing carries the song, sharing an emotional story like a conversation.

Nishino's storytelling talents are on display as well in Mata Kimi ni Koi wo Suru (Track 5). The gentle, low-key song tenderly croons out the roller coaster of a one-sided love when just a message inspires a torrent of feelings.

Nishino Kana does what she does best in Love Again, and that's capture feelings and stories of love with relatable lyrics and trendy music. Her later songs before hiatus gravitated greatly towards pop and ballads. This comeback EP not only retains her signature but also offers a refreshing reset with songs like 15, Into me and Funny. Welcome back, Kanayan.