No this is not about the intro by Ayumi Hamasaki, this is about a little break. Now I know that it seems like I’ve been taking breaks like crazy, but this time I need it. I have my AP Exam next Tuesday, and I NEED to study. I also have one research paper due this Friday, but let’s not forget about my final exam on that day too. And I almost forgot to mention that I have my biology research paper due next Monday, and I haven’t started it yet. So for the time being, or until Friday night, there will be no more posts. I hope that you’ll still enjoy all the other reviews I’ve done in the meantime.

Polyrhythm was Perfume’s 10th single. It was released on Septermber 12, 2007 and reached number 7 on the charts with 17,492 copies sold. In all this single has sold over 61,501+ copies. This was also Perfume’s first top 10 charting single. The title track was used as the NHK Kankyou Recycle Campaign song. This single was released in CD and CD+DVD edition. This is also the second single in the GAME Era.

Tracks:
1. Polyrhythm
2. SEVENTH HEAVEN
3. Polyrhythm -extra short edit-
4. Polyrhythm ~Original Instrumental~
5. SEVENTH HEAVEN ~Original Instrumental~

Review:
Polyrhythm, many rhythms? Now just don’t think that the description means this song has many rhythms. I used those words because the that’s what the title would mean, assuming I know my Latin, it’s literally Many Rhythms. Anyway, with that being said, let’s get to the review. Again that heavy techno music opens up along with Perfume’s distorted vocals, followed by some addictive beats. At the 30 sec mark they begin the chorus and it sounds so magnificent. It’s so up-beat and so so infectious, I just loved the vocals and the overall mood. In this song they just sound so happy, and the music makes it even better. That up-beat techno music really makes the song. I loved the verses here, even though at some points it was hard to distinguish between it and the chorus. Another great song for Perfume

SEVENTH HEAVEN, the lonesome B-Side. This song, to date, is only featured on this single and not their newest album. A beautiful piano solo opens up the song, followed by those infamous distorted voices. Shortly the piano is joined by that familiar dance/techno music. Then the piano ceases to play and that techno music takes over, and Perfume can be heard singing just a little. The first verse then begins, it’s very cute sounding and with the beats it sounds so laid-back. And then the chorus comes again. And I really love the vocals, especially during the high notes, I guess it’s that distortion that makes it sound so good. The way they pronounce Seventh Heave sounds so great, the best part of the song. Too bad it wasn’t added to the album.

Polyrhythm -extra short edit-, it’s all in the name. This version is just a shortened version of Polyrhythm. Nothing has changed as far as the vocals go, it’s just the length of the music. I must say that I like this version a little bit better than the original, it’s shorted and more compact than the original. Not a bad mix, or edit I guess.

Overall Review: Polyrhythm was many things. Mostly dance and techno all rolled into one compact single. I loved the vocals and the distortions, although it does make it hard to judge them on vocal talent, but we can assume they’re great singers. The whole feel of the single was fantastic and so outstanding. It’s really an easy listen. Pure dance and club fun, rolled into one (I’m so good a rhyming)!

Final Grade: 95A

Fan Service (sweet) was Perfume’s 4th major single, but for review purposes I will just put 9th single. It was released on February 14, 2007 and it reached number 31 on the charts. I don’t know how much it’s sold in total but it’s safe to say it’s not as high as their newest single. This single was released in CD and DVD editions. Nakata Yasutaka, a producer and half the duo of capsule, created an extra mix which was featured on a 7″ analog. This is also the first single in the GAME Era, all other singles were released in a compilation album, that has now started to re-chart.

Tracks:
1. Chocolate Disco
2. Twinkle Snow Powdery Snow

Review:
Chocolate Disco, techno paradise. Now the group was originally a pop/idol group but after Yasutaka started producing their music them became more techno and electronica oriented. So one of the first things you’ll notice is voice distortions, somewhat heavy at that. Some synth/techno music begins with some followed by the words Chocolate Disco, in some of the cutest voices ever. They sound so happy, and the music is just so up-beat. The beats are very techno and synth oriented, and the music is somewhat dance sounding. The vocals sound really cute, but you can’t really judge their talent since you can’t really hear their real voices. The chorus is very catchy, no matter how short it seems. The verses could be better, but I still love it so much. You can’t help but feel so happy when you listen to this song.

Twinkle Snow Powdery Snow, more up-beatness than before. This song begins with some of that techno music, but this time it sounds a little heavier and a little better. Next the vocals begin and that great work that Yasutaka has done shows. Again the chorus here is really great, it sounds the same sometimes when compared to other songs but it just sounds so great. Again, I really like the vocals, even if you can’t understand them, they still sound great. A great song for sure.

Overall Review: Fan Service (sweet) was techno supremacy. Till this point I had never heard a Japanese techno group this good, well I haven’t listened to many but you get the point. This girls are so new, in terms of artists again they’ve been singing since 2004, really 2002 when they released their first single but 03/04 is when they were noticed. I just find this music so new and a great change from ordinary. I do wish that the verses were longer and that they sounded a little more diverse, but overall they were wonderful. I feel like I’m over using refreshing but this is one of those singles. What a fantastic beginning for GAME.

Final Grade: 97A

I was Kana Nishino’s debut single. It was released on February 20, 2008 and reached number 155 on the charts with 480 copies sold. The title track was the end theme song for HEY! HEY! HEY! from February to March.

Tracks:
1. I
2. In Stereo
3. Just a friend

Review:
I, a fresh debut. I was originally entitled I Don’t Want To Know, well the English version anyway. The original version was given to Kana for her music project, but she rewrote the lyrics and released it as I; the original version, in English, is still avaliable at itunes US. Some synth music opens up the song followed by smooth and calm guitar beats. During all of that Kana begins to sing, and her vocals sound so fresh and so new, well new in the sense that I’ve been listening to Hikki, Ayu, and Kumi to long. Now her vocals could be a bit better but she’s new so you almost expect it, but they’re still good. During the first few verses the drums play, getting stronger until the chorus. The chorus features that English phrase “I don’t want to know” and some Japanese, and naturally they sound so beautiful together. Now I admit that her English could sound better, but she’s not from America so cut her some slack. One of the best parts of this song was the fact that both the chorus and the verses sounded great and equally catchy, a rarity now.

In Stereo, urban/rock j-pop? This song, after one listen, seemed to have a distinct urban hip-hop/rock sounding music, almost like Nami Amuro after 2000, but more like a fusion. Drum beats followed by hip-hop music opens up the song, along with a guitar strumming. Shortly Kana begins singing in some great vocals. Again her English could be better, but her Japanese is great. The chorus here isn’t as catchy as I, but I still love it. With the hip-hop beats, guitar playing, and drums you can’t help but want to sing. It’s still a very catchy chorus, and the verses are great, and the rock atmosphere makes it even better. Not a bad B-Side.

Just a friend, the soothing ballad. The soft sound of the guitar opens up the song, followed by some R&B beats. Kana then begins to sing, her vocals here sound softer than all of the previous songs. Again some of the verses feature English, and when they do they sound good. The chorus sounds really lovely and wonderful. The high notes are great and not to overwhelming either. And I just really love it, mostly because it’s catchy and the English. But, all the emotion in her vocals are probably the best part of the song. Her best ballad as of now.

Overall Review: I was a fresh and outstanding debut. I know that there is a lot of talent that goes unrecognized, but finally one of those talents got noticed. It’s not everyday that you find a great artist like this. I just found the single so miraculous and inspiring. Since she’s with SONY she should be able to promote her next few singles more successfully than this one. But this is one of the best debut singles I’ve heard in a long time.

Final Grade: 94A-

Movin’ on without you was Utada Hikaru’s 2nd single. It was released on February 17, 1999 and reached number 1 on the charts with 880,000 copies. This single was released in a 8cm and 12cm format, each with a different final track. In all this single has sold over 1,226,580+ copies. This was the second single in the First Love Era.

Tracks:
1. Movin’ on without you
2. B&C
3. Movin’ on without you -tribal mix- (12cm)
3. Movin’ on without you (original karaoke) (8cm)

Review:
Movin’ on without you, the R&B tune with a hint of rock. Guitar riffs, and the keyboard, open up the song accompanied with Hikki’s perfect English. Next R&B beats come into play and the verses appear. Hikki’s vocals sound nice, soft, but nice. The chorus is very catchy with R&B beats and music along with the guitar playing. The lyrics sound nice too, even though there’s no English, well not in the chorus anyway. One surprising thing about the song was that there was more English in the verses, which were a lot longer than the choruses, and for some reason I liked the verses more. I still really like this song though, it’s so lovable.

B&C, the infamous duo. Now don’t start asking questions just yet about the description. No, the song is not a duo itself but it’s the title. The title stands for Bonnie & Clyde, two of the most famous criminals during the Great Depression. Anyway, the song begins with those great, slow R&B beats. During which Hikki ad-libs “Take a chance.” The first few verses begin dull but build up momentum until the sound great. Then the chorus sweeps you away with the R&B style music and superb lyrics, and that little hint of English. Some of the instrumentals sound like drums and other like banging on trash can lids, either way they fit the song well. Hikki’s vocals sound great here, they’re high throughout most of the song, but they’re still good. It’s not a bad B-Side once you listen.

Overall Review: Movin’ on without you was yet again another sensational R&B single. I loved the title track so much, even now, because it’s so addictive and so memorable. The B-Side was even good too, especially the melody and background music. It’s no wonder why this is one of her highest selling singles. If you listen to one 1990’s R&B single, make it Movin’ on without you.

Final Grade: 100A+

AROUND THE WORLD was Ami Suzuki’s 4th studio album. It was released on October 12, 2005 and reached number 5 on the charts and has sold over 62,022+ copies. This is also her first album with Avex as well as her first studio album since 2000. While the sales might seem low considering she was blacklisted and was an indie artist for a while, it’s a comeback. Her 17th single AROUND THE WORLD was also released on the say day. The album was released in four editions, each with a different cover. *I might review the singles but that’s only if I people request it, or if I get bored one say and want to review it.

Tracks:
1. AROUND THE WORLD
2. Hopeful ~OVERHEAD CHAMPION REMIX~
3. Beautiful
4. Sweet Voice
5. Delightful
6. For yourself
7. Negaigoto
8. Risk
9. Eventful
10. with you
11. Times
12. I’m alone

Review:
AROUND THE WORLD, the beginning of the new era. This song is like most tracks on the album, very dance oriented. I’m not sure if Ami’s music was originally so dance oriented but if it wasn’t then this is a great change. The song begins with Ami singing in some Japanese followed by some English, which could be a bit better but she’s Japanese. Anyway after the first part the music becomes more heavily dance oriented with the infectious beats being blasted. Ami’s vocals sound deep at some points and they sound so great. The song moves pretty fast as far as the beats and vocals go. The chorus here sounds so fantastic, it screams dance and maturity, mostly because her voice sounds so mature. I also love how she pronounces the words, or sings them I guess. The techno and synth music really gives the song so much power and makes it so catchy. I also love how they put “AROUND THE WORLD” in the middle of the song, and the part right before it sounds so great. The song ends with the same English that began it all. This song is such a great song, easy listening that’s for sure. If this isn’t the best way to open up the album, I don’t know what is.

Hopeful ~OVERHEAD CHAMPION REMIX~, the fast addictive dance beat. Some people might not know this, but Hopeful was originally intended to the first single for Ami under Avex. But for some reason it was canceled and Delightful was chosen instead. This is the remix version of the original song, which was avaliable from online sites and was played on the radio, sadly I have no idea what the original version sounds like. This song begins at the moment you press play, no delay at all, Ami begins singing in a very strong way. This is actually the chorus, and it sounds so catchy. The first part is very soft music wise, the second part then becomes more dance oriented, even with that little broken toy piano playing. Afterwards there is a little dance music played until the first verse. Again the music is moving very fast, and it sounds so great. With the techno, synth, and mixed music you can help but dance. It’s very very addictive and intoxicating. What a great song!!!

Beautiful, the slower dance tune. This song begins slowly with the piano at first, but later transforms into a powerhouse of dance music. The first verse is good, it’s sung quite fast, and it’s great. But it’s not until the chorus arrives that things get very good. The chorus features heavy dance beats and a good amount of English, it’s catchy, fast, and understandable. The guitar playing at the end is also a nice little feature. The fact that the chorus was extreme dance and the verses were light dance were also a nice little thing. But I just loved the bridge, which was a keyboard solo, that was clearly a great dance instrument. The ended with those same dance beats and a guitar playing until the end, what a superb ending.

Sweet Voice, the steady ballad. A gorgeous piano solo opens up the song followed by Ami’s calm and beautiful vocals. The first few verses sound nice and lovely, but it’s the chorus that’s the best. The chorus is a fusion of English and Japanese, and with that piano playing it gives the song a real ballad quality, even with the guitar playing. The music sounded all right, but I liked the lyrics a lot more. It justs shocks me that there’s so much English present, but that’s a good thing. It’s not a bad ballad at all. If only her voice showed more emotion and power.

Delightful, the brand new house/trance addiction. This song begins with that infamous house/trance music followed by Ami’s vocals. Her vocals sound pretty good, especially since the music doesn’t overwhelm her vocals. Shortly afterwards the music picks up and becomes fast until she sings the chorus. The chorus is mostly English with some Japanese followed with that la la la la… which gets a little annoying. And to be honest with you the music isn’t that great afterwards, well that bridge anyway. It was a very interesting song, that’s for sure.

For yourself, the first true pop song. Most of the songs on the album have been dance oriented, but here we have a great pop song.Some drums beats begin the song followed by some flutes playing, or some other percussions. The vocals here sound the same as a few of her other songs, but that’s OK, they sound good. The chorus sounds nice, it’s not very catchy, the when she sings she seems to sing out the word, making it longer than it actually is. This song is pop, but it has that distinct island/Caribbean sound to it, mostly because of the music. It’s a sweet song, but that’s it really, just move along.

Negaigoto lit. Wishes, the piano ballad. A piano solo begins this song, followed by Ami’s soft vocals, which are a little hard to hear with the piano playing. The first few verses are so-so. But the chorus sounds so much better. Guitar riffs signal the chorus, followed by Ami’s great vocals and the piano. The chorus itself isn’t really that catchy, but it sounds really good. The violins playing afterwards is a nice touch too. The one problem I had with the song is that for the first few parts it sounded monotone, but towards the middle it got much better. And the guitar solo during with the piano during the bridge was great. This is one of the best ballads on the album.

Risk, the dance tune with rock flare. The song begins with some very dance beats followed by a guitar playing. Ami then begins singing in English, shortly she begins the first verse which is up-tempo and catchy. But the chorus comes and you forget about those few verses. The chorus is a fusion is English and Japanese, mostly English, and it’s pretty catchy. The whole dance theme was a great thing, even with the little guitar playing. I even liked the bridge, which was an electric guitar solo and some of that dance music. I just thought it was weird with all of the English, which isn’t necessarily bad.

Eventful, the dance and techno paradise. Heavy techno beats open up the song along with that dance element. The first verses begins afterwards; it’s actually good especially with all the dance elements and the occasional English. The chorus then starts and from there it’s dance and techno paradise. The beats are so addictive and the chorus is just so catchy. Even with the little use of English, it still sounds great. The song was just great overall, dark with the DEEP SLEEP and DARK NIGHT, but still great.

with you, house trance song no. 2. You might have guessed but this song has that distinct house/trance music quality. Heavy trance music opens up the song, followed by Ami’s distorted vocals, which sound deep. The first few verses are very catchy and includes some keyboards playing and some light dance beats. The chorus moves somewhat fast, but it’s very catchy and dace oriented, and it’s even a little catchy. The whole trance element really makes the song what it is, well that and the distortions. It’s not bad at all.

Times, fast, infectious, and dance. The song begins with some dance music followed by the keyboard and all that synth music. The chorus here sounds so fast and it’s so excellent. I even like all the English that’s present in it, although it could be a bit better. The occasional guitar and keyboards even sound great too. The song moves very fast, and with those synth beats it sounds unstoppable. The bridge, which was an electric guitar solo sounded so riveting. Those fast vocals were great too. There’s also a remix version on her 17th single, not sure how it sounds but it must be good.

I’m alone, a mixture of dance and ballad. This song features a mid-tempo dance pace and that sweet ballad voice, along with a few other dance elements. This also the shortest song on the album just under three minutes. It begins with Ami ad-libbing followed by her full vocals. The first two vocals sound so sweet and so innocent. The choruses here sound so short and so soft. I loved the acoustic guitar here, especially how it sounded with all the other instruments. What a great way to end the album.

Overall Review: AROUND THE WORLD was additive dance with a little pop and ballad flare. The central theme was dance, which is rare for many artists that I listen to, so I thought it was a refreshing change. I’m shocked that Ami was able to pull all of it off too, but she did. It might not have been the best album from Ami, but it definitely revived her career to an extent. What a new, sensational refreshing album.

Final Grade: 96A

CROSS SEASON was Tamaki Nami’s 13th single. It was released on March 14, 2007 and reached number 23 on the charts. In all this single has sold over 6,404+ copies. This single is currently Nami’s lowest charting single. Despite having a rather frightening cover, it is said that it was meant to represent the joys and hardships of high school. The first press edition features a special glitter case, and a labeled CD. This was the first single in the Don’t Stay Era.

Tracks:
1. CROSS SEASON
2. i CAN FLY
3. Lost and Found
4. CROSS SEASON (Instrumental)

Review:
CROSS SEASON, the graduation inspired tune. This song is seems a little different from her earlier works. It’s not quite dance but, it’s not quite new. It seems to be a little mature in the format and the music, a rarity for most artists, it’s somewhat an improvement. Anyway, the song begins with a sparkle sound, followed by some lovely piano playing, along with that infamous synth beat. Nami then begins the first verse, which sounds so soft, and slow for Nami, and yet so good. Normally her music is so aggressive and so fast, but here it’s so mid-tempo and laid back, it’s a wonderful change. Her vocals also seem softer and more relaxed than usual. Anyway the first three verses sound so great, especially with the infectious synth beats playing throughout the song. The incredible synth music opens the beautiful chorus, which sounds so majestic. It might be slow but it sounds so addicitive, especially with the guitar playing in the background, the synth beats, and the piano. The piano plays after the chorus for a while along with the synth beats, shortly the next verse begins. The bridge features that same piano playing accompanied with the synth. The final chorus then begins, which is basically a repeat of the original. Afterwards the song then begins to end with that same music. The lyrics mention graduation and other things such as “See you in the cross again” and “I want to keep smiling in your season.” This is an improvement as far as maturity and vocals go.

i CAN FLY, the rock song with bubbly girl vocals? This song is one of the first of Nami’s rock inspired songs. Nami begins by screaming in a cute little voice, which sounds a little annoying. The guitar playing throughout the song sounds nice but it’s so very forgettable. The chorus isn’t that great at all, it just doesn’t go will Nami’s vocals, and the background vocals were annoying. Just don’t listen to it, trust me.

Lost and Found, the better of the rock twins. Here again we have a rock song, one of the few by Nami. A few drums open up the song followed by some electric guitar riffs. The song is fast paced compared to the title track. The vocals sound fantastic by all means. And the chorus was absolutely riveting. It was catchy, fast, so infectious with the guitar riffs, and the vocals were excellent here. Nami proves that she can handle the rock genre with this little number.

Overall Review: CROSS SEASON was graduation in a new way. The title track screamed maturity and a new beginning. I just loved how it felt in all together. The vocals were amazing, the music was perfect, and the lyrics were so nostalgic. The two B-Sides were a little treat too. Who knew that Nami could handle rock tracks as well. I wish it did better on the charts but what can you do. It was the best way possible to begin the Don’t Stay Era.

Final Grade: 97A

Sorry I haven’t been keeping up with the review schedules, it’s just too hectic and it’s a lot easier to write reviews as I see fit. Well I guess when it hits me. So therefore I have a choice, or rather you do. Would you like a future review page, or just continue to post what I will review on posts? The choice is yours to make. Voting ends on the 28th.

Upcoming Review:
Don’t Stay - Tamaki Nami
Ami Suzuki - Around the World
ayaka - I believe
BoA - DO THE MOTION

Those are the only ones that I know I will be able to do for the rest of the month. I have the AP Exam that determines if I get a college credit in less than two weeks so that will keep me busy. And my final exam for my AP class is in a little more than a week. And I have two research papers due, so I will be slow. Just please be patient.