Well I hope that you all liked the first part of this article. I had fun writing it and I didn’t have time to finish it so here’s hopefully the last part. This section will cover a little more of BoA and will include Namie Amuro, Koda Kumi, and even Ai Otsuka. So get ready everyone for Part 2.

BoA is back up!

MADE IN TWENTY(20) - BoA

This little number was BoA’s 5th studio album, and yet another no. 1 hit. But what’s a little more interesting was the title. I mean where did the title come from, there’s no title track on the album, so it must be either spur of the moment, or just some title. But I guess this could be spur of the moment, but I think the title’s a little more than that. From the name it’s a little more personal, and there’s a little less restraint. I mean I guess this was to celebrate her 20th birthday, and a way to express her happiness, and how well she has it. This album also features some more R&B oriented tracks, and it’s a little more adult compared to her previous album. I really didn’t like this album that much but I must admit that she did put a little bit of herself into this album so that was nice. Overall though, it’s really to express herself as she has it made in twenty.

Queen of comebacks, Nami is here!

Queen of Hip-Pop - Namie Amuro

This album was considered her “comeback” album as it outsold her previous album, but I really think that PLAY was her comeback, but I won’t get into that. Anyway, this album comes from one on the tracks on the album, the very first one actually. Her previous album was all about her new style and such, this one was more about her defining herself. It’s almost as if she proclaimed herself the queen of her new found style, rather than a novice. I felt that this was a step up from STYLE and it was more edgier and more mature. As for the title track, it was edgy, powerful, and so so addicting. She’s definitely the Queen of Hip-Pop.

STYLE - Namie Amuro

After a three year period without a studio album, and her SUITE CHIC project, she released this album, her first venture into urban music. This album was a real defining album, she shed her pop-idol image and became a sexy, mature, urban adult. No more were her simplistic songs pop, instead she became immersed into the world of R&B and urban music. Despite this album not doing as well, and becoming her lowest selling studio album, it defined Namie as an urban artist, and put her back on track to regaining prominence. As for the title track, really called Namie’s Style, well it was very heavy in urban and hip-hop music. It wasn’t great, but I guess that was Namie for you.

Let’s not forget about the singer/songwriter Ai-Chan!

LOVE PiECE - Ai Otsuka

LOVE PiECE, another one of Ai’s wonderful albums. It was her fourth studio album and another album to include that infamous LOVE in the title. But like her previous albums, there was no title track. But I guess the title is all about PiECE, like from a puzzle. As you can see, the cover is made of six different sections, each a different color piece. There was a photobook with the album that included many photos with six different background and outfits, and each one was used to creat the cover, essentially creating a puzzle with different pieces. And album wise, there were many different genres in this album, each like a puzzule piece adding its own unique touch to the final puzzule, or in this case album.

LOVE COOK - Ai Otsuka

This album’s title was a little more on the personal note, well once you understand how she came up with it. But as always there’s that infamous LOVE part, but this time the second part is COOK. But why is that??? It turns out that her birthday is September 9 (9月9日), and that’s where the whole COOK came from. She revealed on Music Station that her birthday gave the title to the album. Anyway as for the explanation, it turns out that in Japanese 9月9 is read as kukku (クック), which corresponds to COOK. A cute and creative title, Ai-Chan is so cute!

But wait, aren’t we missing someone, like the new diva of AVEX, Kuu-chan.

Kingdom - Koda Kumi

After her best selling studio album and a year of entertaining singles, Kingdom was released. It was thought to sell out like hotcakes after the album was heavily promoted, many advertisements for Kumi, and the fact that there were PVs for every single song. But, due to a little controversy it almost became a flop, selling less than her previous studio album by about half the sales. But there’s no denying that this was a good album, but the real question is where did Kingdom come from. As she hasn’t said anything about it, all you can do is guess. Maybe she thought that she was becoming the next big thing, and that she’d even replace Ayu, making Avex her Kingdom, or even rhythm zone for that matter. And as for the title track, well all we got was a preview, and from that it sounded like a love song with a little jazz. Not much to add I guess, we’ll have to wait and see how the title track plays out in the future.

Black Cherry - Koda Kumi

Black Cherry, this album is what you could consider to be her biggest hit, well studio album wise. It was no. 2 on the yearly charts and it came in no. 1 for 4 straight weeks after its release. This is her best selling studio album to date, and the quality shows. But the real question is where on earth did the title come from. Prior to the album there was one final single released and it was Cherry Girl / Unmei and it was used to promote or push the album as the lead single you could say. And there was even a drama for it, I’m guessing to further promote the album the name Black Cherry was chosen, to go with the Cherry Girl. That’s my theory, but you’re free to voice your own. As for the title track, well it wasn’t released until Kingdom. It was very urban and almost R&B like, point is it was good. There was a lot of English envolved but at the end it got scary, but it did reflect the album’s mood if you wil; it was very new, sensational, and urban , almost pop even.

*DONE*

That concludes What’s In An Album Title??? Part 2. I hope you all enjoyed it, I had a fun time writing it. But before I go, there’are a few more things I’d like to say. One thing that I’ve noticed with the album titles and such is that usually with your songwriters/singers like Hikki, Ayu, and Ai, the titles are a little more personal and a little more thought out. Now that’s not always the case but that’s what it looks like. And as for those that just sing, like Kumi, BoA, and Namie, it seems that usually title’s are chosen for promotions or even just spur of the moment, with no real thought out reasons in some cases. But either way the titles usually reflect something about the artists, whether it be how they are, or even how they’re feeling. Thanks again for reading. Maybe I’ll do a part 3 later in the year, who knows I still have a lot more album titles to discuse with you all.

Rocket Sneaker / One×Time was Ai Otsuka’s 17th single. It was released on May 21, 2008 and reached number 4 on the charts with 30,382 copies sold. Rocket Sneaker was used as the ending theme song for the drama Sanma no Manma and One×Time was used as the theme song for the CM “POND’S.” This is also Ai’s second single in the New Era.

Tracks:
1. Rocket Sneaker
2. One×Time
3. Sora to Kujira
4. Rocket Sneaker (Instrumental)
5. One×Time (Instrumental)

Review:
Rocket Sneaker, the laid-back piano track. The sound of Ai’s lovely, sweet vocals followed by the sound of piano keys open up this song. After Ai finishes the piano begins to speed up and play a greater role. Now this song isn’t a ballad, it’s almost nostalgic of rag-time, a little. But the other instrumentals like the drums and guitar give it a more modern feel, as Ai continues to sing. I normally find the verses dull but this time they managed to sound nice, especially with the great vocals. And don’t get me started on the chorus. It was so up-beat, so happy, so perfect. It was the picture of happiness and catchiness. The constant keys of the piano and guitar really made the song. Another great song for Ai’s discography.

One×Time, a little R&B ballad. The sound of a piano followed by a few violins, and snaps can be heard at the beginning of this song. Ai then begins to sing in some deeper vocals. The verses here were a little bland, but I wasn’t expecting anything different. As for the chorus, well it was much better. It was much smoother flowing and more catchy for sure. Those violins playing really made it stand out as far as the music goes. I really loved the last minute and a half of the song, it was so great. It was one of the best bridges by far. The violins and soft background vocals were a real treat. For sure another great hit from Ai.

Sora to Kujira, lit. The Sky and The Whale, the progressive acoustic song. The acoustic guitar playing steadily opens up this song. Ai’s then begins to sing, and here her vocals sound a bit deeper and more calm. It’s a very nice combination on her part. The verses could be a bit better but it’s to be expected. The chorus, well to be honest with you it wasn’t what I was expecting, well the first time. When I heard it the first time it was somewhat dull and not that different from the verses. But after I waited for the second chorus, as the song progressed, it sounded a lot better. More power in vocals and more than that acoustic guitar playing. This song gets better as it progresses so just wait till then.

Overall Review: Rocket Sneaker / One×Time was a pure piano driven tune accompanied by a soft R&B ballad. I really loved the first track as it was so up-beat and laid-back. But my favorite part was that it was a little nostalgic of 1920’s ragtime music. The second track was just as good, not as good as the first but still worth a moment of your time. The harmonious sounds of the violins playing really made it sound so great. But was really blew me away about this single was the fact that it was so much like PEACH / HEART, and I loved that single so much. And the extra track was a great bonus for it, it really couldn’t hurt. I do wish that it did better on the charts, I think AVEX needs to do some better promoting. Overall, a fun summer party time single.

Final Grade: 100A+

Pocket was Ai Otsuka’s 16th single. It was released on November 7, 2007 and reached number 5 on the charts with 39,236 copies sold. In all this single has sold over 61,350+ copies. An interesting fact about this song is that it was originally performed at Ai’s Love is Born 3rd Anniversary Concert. However, Ai didn’t want to released it until it was the right time, as the song is very dear to her. Therefore, it was released as a single, and that’s how we got Pocket.

Tracks:
1. Pocket
2. Ticket
3. LIFE - LOVE CiRCLE
4. Pocket (Instrumental)
5. Ticket (Instrumental)

Review:
Pocket, the winter ballad. A lonely and lovely piano plays at the beginning of this song. It’s playing slowly and it makes it sound very sad. But then Ai begins to sing in some great cute vocals. But her voice adds to the sadness of the song. The acoustic guitar however makes it sound a little better. The chorus doesn’t sound as depressing as the verses, which is very nice, and Ai’s vocals sound a little happier. After the chorus the guitar then begins to play along with the violins. I loved how during the middle of the song it sounded more orchestra backed and more powerful. Even Ai’s vocals were powerful, something that wasn’t happening in the beginning. At least the climax was better during this part as well. What a great ballad from Ai.

Ticket, up-beat soft rock. A piano followed by beats and the violins open up this song, and eventually followed by what appears to be a tambourine. Ai begins to sing then in a very happy voice. The verses were OK, but we all know that the chorus sounded so much better. It was very up-beat, catchy, and Ai’s vocals were great. The constant beats were a nice touch, and the guitars playing every now and then was nice too. But those violins really made the song, gave it a very happy and pleasant feel. After a sad song you need a happy song to make you feel better, a great choice on Ai’s part.

LIFE - LOVE CiRCLE, English rock. Well I know that there are some artists that make English versions of there songs like BoA and melody. and then there are some that write songs in English and sing entirely in English, like Hikki and Leah. Often for those that attempt to sing in English, and can’t do so already, the outcome is disastrous. This song is not the exception sadly. The song begins with a guitar and the drums, giving it a PEACH feel. Ai’s vocals were nice, but those background la la la’s were very annoying. The chorus was nice, once you could understand it. It was a little catchy, but it was just so repetitive. And it sadly got annoying after a while. I hate to say this but Ai needs to stick with Japanese. It’s one thing if you know it by heart like Hikki, Leah, and melody. But when you almost butcher it like BoA and Koda you need to stop. Ai has so much more potential and should be singing in Japanese.

Overall Review: Pocket was a wonder winter single, minus one song. I found this single to be rather relaxing and calming. It was a great single, and I really can’t complain about much except for the one song. A fantastic and heartfelt way to begin the new era.

Final Grade: 96A

LOVE PiECE was Ai Otsuka’s 4th studio album. It was released on September 26, 2007 and reached number 1 on the charts with 208,031 copies sold. In Japan it has sold more than 373,382+ copies, but according to Avex, it has sold over 550,000+ copies. The cover featured six different shots of Ai hence the name LOVE PiECE, in addition to that there was also a photo booklet released featuring her in six different backgrounds. This was also the first album to feature more than three singles. And none of the single’s B-Sides were featured on this album.

Tracks:
1. Mirai Taxi
2. Yumekui
3. Mackerel’s canned food
4. PEACH
5. Kumuriuta
6. Hoshi no Tango
7. Katorisenkou
8. Frienger
9. CHU-LIP
10. HEART
11. Ren’ai Shashin

Review:
Mirai Taxi lit. Future Taxi. Let me start off by saying that this song is the best song on the album, in my opinion. The song opens up with some guitar beats and then a keyboard, either that or synth sounds. Anyway the point is the music sounds great. Ai’s vocals here are prefect and her English is pretty good. The chorus here is so addictive and sounds so darn good. This was the prefect way to open up the album. Overall this is the BEST song on the album, too bad there was no PV for it. This was the first of five new tracks.

Yumekui lit. Dream Eater. This song was released as a single. As mentioned before it is a pop rock song, but mostly pop. Ai’s vocals are sweet and laid back. The chorus here was particularly catchy. This is just what the album needed, a light hearted pop song. Click here for the review of Yumekui.

Mackerel’s canned food the second of five new tracks. This song begins almost like PEACH with a rock feel. But this mostly features the drums beats and a little guitar music. I must say that Ai’s vocals are fantastic here as they sound do happy and so laid back. The chorus is pretty good and uses some English. I want some of that canned food now.

PEACH, the effervescent rock summer track. This song was released alongside HEART as a double A-Side single. With that being said it was also the last single of this era. I think that it was such a great song and it makes for a terrific addition to the album. Click here for the review of PEACH.

Kumuriuta lit. Cloudy Song, the third of five new tracks. This song was used to promote the album and had a PV made for it. This song is soft and more of a ballad than anything else. The lyrics are sweet and seem innocent. The chorus was good but the one problem I had with this song is that during it there was no change in tone until the middle of the song, but afterwards it got a lot better. With that being said the song is so good. This song had a PV to go with it and was placed on the album, along with two PV’s, although one of the PV’s was a first press bonus.

Hoshi no Tango lit. Star’s Tango, the fourth new song of the five. This song begins pretty quickly and seems somewhat fast-paced in the music. It seems a little more mystical and magical than the other songs. The song is driven by the piano and an acoustic guitar and they both play in complete harmony. It’s a pretty good song, but the one problem was that it was too short, but still good. Quite the mystical sounding track.

Katorisenkou lit. Anti-Mosquito Incense, kinda a weird title. This is the last of the five new songs on the album. It begins with a mosquito buzzing sound but then turns into a quick rock paced song. Let me tell you that this is the most aggressive song on the entire album, well out of the new songs. It almost sounds mad but it’s not. I can say that it is one of the most unique songs that I’ve heard from Ai. And with that this song ends the new songs on this album, kind of a shame really, oh well.

Frienger the rock oriented song, that also used two names to make the song, Friend & Ranger This song was the first song to be released as a single and thus began the LOVE PiECE Era. Besides it being rock it has a pop feel to it. It’s pretty upbeat and makes for a great song. My favorite part was the chorus as it was so catchy and it sounded great. Here is the review of Frienger.

CHU-LIP, the upbeat brass rock tune. This song features the guitar and sounds pretty good. This song was somewhat edgy but could’ve been better. It was also released as a single and was Ai’s first new single of 2007. To read the full review of CHU-LIP, please click here.

HEART, the second double A-Side. This song was released along side PEACH for her 5th single of this era, and the only double A-Side single on this album. This song is so sweet and sounds so upbeat. It’s more of an innocent pop tune filled with love and happiness. It’s my favorite song of all her singles. The chorus here is really great and so catchy. This song had a PV that was placed on this album, and not on the single. For the full review of HEART, click here.

Ren’ai Sashin lit. Love Photograph. The ballad of the album. It’s such a beautiful ballad that features the piano and violins. The chorus here really shined through as the as the best part of the song, and it sounded so beautiful. It was released as the 3rd single in the LOVE PiECE Era. Quite the powerful song, and quite the amazing song too. It was the last song on the album. This song was such a great way to end the album. Although if the Haru version of this song was added to the album, it might have been even better. Here is the review of the moving ballad Ren’ai Sashin.

Overall Review: LOVE PiECE was such a fantastic album. I think that this is my favorite album from Ai. I loved all of the singles from this era, so that made the album good. And the fact that all the new songs on the album were pretty good also helped. I think that Ai needs to do some more albums like this. The one problem that I did have with it was that this album had no B-Sides from any of the singles that were released in this era. But all the songs were good so that made up for it. Overall this is her best work in years.

Final Grade: 100A+

PEACH / HEART was Ai Otsuka’s 15th single. It was released on July 25, 2007 and reached number 1 on the charts with 68,346 copies. In all this single has sold over 168,904+ copies. It was also the last single in her LOVE PiECE Era. In addition to that it was also the only double A-Sided single in this era. And a PV of HEART would be later released on her newest studio album.

Tracks:
1. PEACH
2. HEART
3. Ren’ai Shashin -Haru-
4. PEACH (Instrumental)
5. HEART (Instrumental)

Review:
PEACH the fun in the sun song. I say fun in the sun because it’s a summer song. PEACH begins with an explosive start. The guitar along with the drums begin to play and then Ai begins to sing. At first I didn’t like this song but after a few listens it grew on me. It’s really upbeat and has such great music. The chorus is so catchy and sounds fantastic with the music. It’s really quite a good song.

HEART the softer of the songs. I initially loved this song from the start. Ai’s voice is so sweet and sounds so innocent. It’s almost a ballad except the music isn’t so ballad like, more like a slow happy song. The chorus here is so catchy and sounds great, even though it’s a bit slow. And the music here sounds so great, kinda childish but none the less great. I like this A-Side better than PEACH.

Ren’ai Shashin -Haru- lit. Love Photograph -Spring- this of course is a remix of the original version. Here Ai’s voice sounds sweeter and softer than in the original version. The song also takes on more of a orchestra feel towards it, with that being said it’s a great remix.

Overall Grade: PEACH / HEART was a fantastic single. I especially loved HEART, what a great chorus that sounds to great. I also liked the Haru version of Ren’ai Shashin. This single was the prefect way to end her LOVE PiECE Era.

Final Grade: 97A

CHU-LIP was Ai Otsuka’s 14th single. It was released on February 21, 2007 and reached number 3 on the charts with 55,362 copies, in all it has sold over 120,799+ copies. This was the 4th single in her LOVE PiECE Era, and also the first time that she had more than 3 singles for an album. Like the previous singles the B-Side of this single was not included on her newest studio album.

Tracks:
1. CHU-LIP
2. Kimi ni Kaeru.
3. CHU-LIP (Instrumental)
4. Kimi ni Kaeru. (Instrumental)

Review:
CHU-LIP the upbeat brass rock tune. This song mostly features the guitar and occasionally the trumpet it seems. Ai’s voice is pretty good here. The chorus is somewhat catchy but the music sounds so great that you can’t help but like it. I also like how the CHU-LIP part is in English, but then again I like most songs that use English. What a great A-Side.

Kimi ni Kaeru lit. I’ll Return To You. This is a sweeter song and is what I’d call a ballad. It’s also longer than its predecessor. Ai’s voice sounds so beautiful and calm in this song. You can feel the difference in these two songs. I think this would’ve been a better A-Side but that’s me. The chorus is pretty good but the music is the best with that catchy tune.

Overall Review: CHU-LIP was an okay single. I personally liked the B-Side better but that’s me. I guess I’m tired of rock-ish songs. But that ballad was phenomenal so that made it better. Still a great single with the two songs.

Final Grade: 93B+

Ren’ai Shashin was Ai Otsuka’s 13th single. It was released on October 25, 2006 and reached number 2 on the charts with 77,570 copies. In all it would go on to sell over 150,000+ copies because of that it because the number 75 single of the year. This was her 3rd single in the LOVE PiECE Era.

Tracks:
1. Ren’ai Shashin
2. Hanikami Jane
3. Haneari Tamago (Live Version)
4. Ren’ai Shashin (Instrumental)
5. Hanikami Jane (Instrumental)

Review:
Ren’ai Shashin lit. Love Photograph. Well the first thing I can tell you is that this song is a ballad backed by the piano and an orchestra of violins. Ai’s vocals are soft and are sweet sounding. The chorus of this song is so beautiful and sounds amazing. It’s one of her best ballads to date.

Hanikami Jane lit. Shy Jane. It begins with the drums sounding off and then turns into an upbeat pop song. Ai’s vocals are great here and her English seems almost perfect if it already isn’t. The entire music sounds upbeat and happy. The chorus here is the best part of the song and sounds fantastic.

Haneari Tamago (Live Version) lit. Egg with Wings. This song was sung live in a concert celebrating Ai’s three years in the music business. It was originally found on her LOVE COOK album. This song is a ballad and features the piano. While the chorus isn’t that catchy it makes up for it in its beauty. Ai’s vocals also seem to get more powerful throughout the song.

Overall Review: Ren’ai Shashin was a good single. I say good because it was good, not to great but good, and good is still good. I could’ve been better but you can’t do anything about that. But I still liked the single, it just wasn’t the best it could’ve been.

Final Grade: 90B

Yumekui was Ai Otsuka’s 12th single. It was released on August 2, 2006 and reached number 5 on the charts with 63,428 copies sold. In all it would go on to sell over 146,665+ copies making it the number 66 single of the year. It was also the second single her Ai’s LOVE PiECE Era.

Tracks:
1. Yumekui
2. tears
3. Yumekui (Instrumental)
4. tears (Instrumental)

Review:
Yumekui lit. Dream Eater. This song begins with Ai singing in that sweet voice of hers. The song itself is laid back and features some guitar beats. I guess you could call it a pop/rock song, more pop though. The verses are sweet and simple. While the chorus is really good and sounds so fantastic and catchy. A sweet A-Side.

tears the B-Side. It’s only found on this single as it was not placed on her album. This song is the complete opposite of Yumekui. It is a ballad that features the piano. The song is quite moving and Ai’s voice sounds better than ever. The orchestra playing adds to all the greatness. I never knew that Ai could sing like this, it’s quite a change.

Overall Review: Yumekui was a great single. It featured a laid back pop/rock song and a beautiful ballad. Although the two contradict each other its still good. I do understand though why tears wasn’t added to the album. But overall Yumekui was a fantastic single.

Final Grade: 94A-