LOVE COOK was Ai Otsuka’s 3rd album. It was released on December 14, 2005 and reached number 1 and has sold more than 835,333+ copies, making it her highest selling album. Not only that but all of the singles in this era were, and still are, her most successful singles. Now for some interesting stuff, the song Cherish was already released in the soundtrack of NANA, LOVE for NANA ~Only 1 Tribute~. And finally, most of the songs featured on the album were used in CMs, effectively promoting the album. This album included the singles, SMILY / Biidama, Neko Ni Fusen, and finally Planetarium.

Tracks:
1. 5:09 a.m.
2. Haneari Tamago
3. Biidama
4. SMILY
5. U-Boat
6. Neko ni Fusen
7. Cherish
8. Ramen 3-pun Cooking
9. Tokyo Midnight
10. Planetarium
11. Birthday Song
12. LOVE MUSiC

Review:
The album begins with one of the most unique opening tracks I’ve heard to date, this one entitled 5:09 a.m. Now initially I thought it was going to be an opening track, much like Mirror, or even INTRODUCTION. But I was shocked and thrilled to find out it was a full track. Now initially it begins as a soft, and southing track, and for some reason I think of space or stargazing. But that’s besides the point, the music is very lovely, and so gentle, and so are Ai’s vocals. I did like how one by one, more instrumentals would be added, like the drums, followed later by the guitar. And despite the song being so calm, it suddenly turned into a fierce, roaring rock song. That was when it got really exciting, and it was pretty nice. But after that the song began to revert back to its original state, just a little more energetic. This song was quite the opening track, overall very enjoyable.

And after that wonderful opening the ballad Haneari Tamago lit. Winged Egg begins. Now I’ve already reviewed the live version, but since it was so long ago, I’ll review this one too. This song has somewhat of a solemn tone with it. The instrumentals sound very heart wrenching, especially with the violins, which sound so sad. As for the guitar and drums, well they don’t sound all that bad either. The verses could use some work I’ll say that. But the chorus is so beautiful, despite it sounding so sad. It’s very easy to forget what you just did after listening to this lovely little number.

If that song has got you down maybe Biidama lit. Marble will cheer you up. Along with SMILY, it was the first single in the LOVE COOK Era. This song is one of my personal favorites from Ai. It’s laid-back, mid-tempo, and just plain fun! It features Ai’s signature cute and adorable vocals along with some great music. The melody was so catchy, along with the song overall. The verses were so awesome, and the chorus was uber cute!!! That and catchy, but Ai’s vocals really make it.

Oddly enough SMILY follows right after Biidama. This up-beat track is easy to get into. And it doesn’t hurt that it’s soft rock. The percussion was great in this song, and all of the background vocals were a nice addition. The song flowed together very smoothly, which is very good. The verses weren’t really all that exciting, but the chorus was. It had that rock feel to it, along with some nice tambourine instrumentals, that and that it was nice to hear Ai sound so happy when she’s singing. I still think Biidama is better though.

Another new track on this album was U-Boat. I originally remember seeing the PV of this song on the album LOVE PiECE on the CD+DVD edition, which made me wonder why was it there and was it good. It turned out that it’s a rather fast paced, up-beat tune. And it’s very rock oriented, drums and guitars. The verses were very interesting with the background vocals singing “Yeah!!” The song’s chorus was rather catchy though, but not too catchy. To be honest with you, I’m still wondering why a PV was made, but that’s my opinion. The only thing that seemed to make this song worthwhile was Ai’s vocals.

We now come to the track Neko ni Fusen lit. Cat with a Balloon. This is little tune was originally released as her second single in the era. It’s your average laid-back song, with some great vocals. While the song might not scream exciting, it certainly screams awesome and cute vocals! The acoustic instrumentals of this song weren’t bad either. And the mid-tempo atmosphere wasn’t all that bad either. It’s actually a sweet song once you hear it a few times.

It’s time for the song Cherish, which was featured in one of the NANA movies. That being said, I’m sure it’s a lot better than U-Boat. The opening sounds mystical with the calming background vocals, then with the harp and drums. And for once, Ai’s vocals don’t sound all that innocent and cute, they sound more mature. But I can’t help feel that this song is sad, the tone is just to sad and depressing. Even the chorus sounded sad, despite it being so catchy, it was way to depressing. I think it was Ai’s vocals that gave it that feeling. The guitars and drums were a nice addition during the chorus, even though they made it sound so sad. Honestly, despite all of that I really like this song, it’s a nice change from all of Ai’s songs.

And now for the song that makes me a little hungry and makes me think “what an unusual title” it’s none other than Ramen 3-pun Cooking. I’m pretty sure we all know what Ramen is, if not shame on you!!! Anyway the rather unusual beats are nice and all but it sounds so weird. And the whole Ramen at the beginning was so hilarious, especially how Ai sung it. Actually throughout the song I couldn’t help but want to laugh, it sounded so funny. I really don’t think this song is all that great, just funny. But the piano playing was a nice touch though.

I wasn’t too sure just how Tokyo Midnight would sound, but it took me by surprise. From the piano playing in the beginning I was sure it’d be a ballad, but after the drums, brass instrumentals, and up-beat mood replaced it, I began to think of a more pop song. Well pop in only the sense it’s not a ballad, it’s not all that pop either, well not like her newer songs anyway. I couldn’t get enough of the instrumentals as they were rather addictive, mostly due to the piano. And Ai’s vocals were actually very good in this song, especially during the chorus. The only problem was that sometimes the brass instrumentals got a little too loud and annoying a few points. Overall this song was just too mediocre for me.

Mediocrity is good and all but I personally prefer the sounds of the phenomenal ballad Planetarium. It was the final single in the LOVE COOK Era, and in my opinion they saved the best for last. I still hear fans praise this song, and it’s no surprise. While it’s extremely depressing at times and often sounds sad, you still can’t help but love it. Ai’s vocals have hit a new level of maturity in this song, and the instrumentals are simply beautiful; to top it all they make one unique combination, beautiful nonetheless. The melody of this song, and everything else basically was so catchy and so memorable. If you listen to one song on this album, better make it Planetarium.

One of the more unique songs on the album is Birthday Song. I’m not sure what Ai was thinking when she made this song, but this song is just so unique. From the very short lyrics to the children saying “Happy Birthday” at the beginning, this is one memorable song. But maybe not memorable in the sense that it’s good. It sounded way to country for my liking, that and the fact that it sounded so weird.

Closing the album is LOVE MUSiC. It’s not your basic average track for once, and that being said the song is actually good. Although it does take a while for the song to get good, it’s well worth the wait. The music has that solemn tone, much like Planetarium, it tends to have a sad feeling with it. The instrumentals were very rock oriented, and ballad at the same time, well the piano anyway. I liked this song and all, but it sounded so sad, especially with the violins. But it was a beautiful final track on Ai’s LOVE COOK album.

Overall Review: LOVE COOK was a cutesy sensation! And I saw cutesy because most of the songs featured her signature cute and adorable vocals! Now despite all of her awesome, amazing vocals, she does prove that she can handle other songs like Planetarium and Cherish, which feature stronger, more mature vocals. This album is really a big step for Ai. She’s still cute and everything, but she’s began to take on more mature songs that are more emotionally demanding. it’s kind of hard to explain, but this album is good, that’s a fact. I also loved the album scans and booklet, they looked amazing! And I loved how she got the title COOK, for that click here. Anyway I can’t imagine a better album from Ai, although i still love LOVE PiECE just a little more.

Final Grade: 95A

Kurage, Nagare Boshi was Ai Otsuka’s 18th single. It was released on September 10, 2008 and reached number 4 on the charts with 34,118 copies sold. This single marks Ai’s 5th year in the music business and is her 5th anniversary single! And to commemorate her 5th anniversary, it was released on the same date as her first single Momo no Hanabira. In addition to that, this single was released in 4 editions. There was a limited edition CD only version, a limited edition CD+DVD, and the covers were made to mimic the covers of her first single. It was also released in a CD only edition as well as a CD+DVD edition. This was the third single in her new era, named LOVE RAIL, not sure though.

Tracks:
1. Kurage, Nagare Boshi
2. H20
3. Ame no Tsubu, Waltz ~LOVE MUSiC~
4. Kurage, Nagare Boshi (Instrumental)
5. H20 (Instrumental)

Review:
Ai has done it again with this anniversary song entitled Kurage, Nagare Boshi lit. Jellyfish, Shooting Star. It’s another one of Ai’s profound and beautiful ballads, think along the lines of Planetarium, Ren’ai Shashin, or even Pocket; and to top it all off, the title sounds so cute! That being said, it does seem like another signature track from Ai, very distinctive. The first sounds are of the piano and the quiet yet beautiful violins. That there really made me love it, if the opening is good, 9/10 times the song will be good. And I wasn’t wrong either. Ai’s vocals were pure perfection. She hit those high notes so well as well as sung in her signature soft voice. And when the chorus came, I flipped. With the harp playing a little before it, it just made is sound so beautiful. Than the guitar began to play, and thankfully it wasn’t all too powerful, but it fit in just right; and the tambourine followed by the panting was simply amazing. And although the chorus wasn’t all that powerful and strong the first round, it gets so much better, especially when Ai begins to sing even stronger. Overall as a song, this has got to be one of my favorites, well ballads at least.

Not sure what’s with the title H20, maybe water was too simple. Anyway this song is completely different from the previous track. Instead of being a ballad it’s very rock. And to be honest with you, it’s not that good. Don’t get me wrong, I love the guitar as much as the next person, but it was just so repetitive with this song. But one goof thing was that even though it got off to a bad start, it actually ended on a good note, towards the halfway point it started to get better, but I still don’t like this song all that much.

Just as things look grim, we come to such a great song, this one is entitled Ame no Tsubu, Waltz ~LOVE MUSiC lit. Raindrops. It’s a wonderful, lighthearted tune that’s very sweet, at the beginning anyway. Ai’s vocals once again her so awesome. Very soft at points and strong at others. Although it takes a while for the song to get good, it’s worth the wait, especially when the guitars play for a while followed by the strings and the piano. And even though it doesn’t get to the best point until the last part, it’s worth waiting for it. It’s when Ai’s vocals are best and when the instrumentals are in full force. Overall it was a great song, with come classical elements.

Overall Review: Kurage, Nagare Boshi was a shining anniversary single. Ai really couldn’t have asked for a better 5th Anniversary single. I mean this single is one of her most memorable singles to date, and it has has of the best covers ever! It took me about five minutes before I decided which cover I wanted to use. And I chose the CD+DVD edition because of the simplicity and the coloring. That being said, I also loved the CD only cover, such a great use of colors! Anyway, I loved the title track since it was such a wonderful ballad, similar to Kingyo Hanabi or Planetarium. H20 could have been better, but it wasn’t that bad. And I loved the final B-Side, so fitting for this single. And I loved how it was so classical! If this single ended her new era, it would be the best way!

Final Grade: 100A+

Planetarium was Ai Otsuka’s 10th single. It was released on September 21, 2005 and reached no. 1 on the Oricon charts with copies 60,000 sold. In all this single has sold over 316,425+ copies, making it her second highest selling single, as well as her second no. 1 single. The title track was used as an insert song for the popular drama Hana Yori Dango. This single is also the final single in the LOVE COOK Era.

Tracks:
1. Planetarium
2. drop.
3. Planetarium (Instrumental)
4. drop. (Instrumental)

Review:
Well let me tell you about the amazingly beautiful Planetarium. Not only is this one of my favorite songs from Ai to date, but it’s also one of her most beautiful. Despite the song sounding very sad, it’s still amazing. And the vocals are incredible, I loved the panting background vocals, very nice. Although the piano is the main instrumental in the beginning it does get better. The chorus is what really drew in my attention. The instrumentals were the piano, the guitar which sounded amazing, and finally a flute or reed which was just so awing. And to top it off it sounded so solemn, and a little fun, must be the flute. But the final chorus was much better, had a happier feel to it. I can understand why everyone loves this song.

drop. is basically the complete opposite of Planetarium. It’s not half as sad sounding nor is it ballad like. It’s more rock than anything I guess, but it’s not all that catchy honestly. Don’t get me wrong, the song had some great vocals and all, but it just wasn’t all that great. The music was just too all the same. There was no variety in this song. It’s just another typical B-Side.

Overall Review: Planetarium was a spectacular single! I can honestly say that this is one of Ai’s best singles from this era, well it’s also one of her best singles in terms of ballads too. Point is, the title track was flawless and was just plain awing. I wasn’t all to happy about the B-Side but it was tolerable. Overall the single was just so beautiful, Ai’s ballads are just so impressive. A brilliant and shining way to end the LOVE COOK Era.

Final Grade: 97A

Neko ni Fusen was Ai Otsuka’s 9th single. It was released on July 13, 2005 and reached number 3 on the charts with 61,268 copies sold. In all this single has sold over 111,324+ copies. This was the second single in the LOVE COOK Era.

Tracks:
1. Neko ni Fusen
2. Natsu Sora
3. Neko ni Fusen (Instrumental)
4. Natsu Sora (Instrumental)

Review:
I wasn’t sure what to expect with a title like Neko ni Fusen lit. Cat with a balloon, but I was hoping it would be good. And to be honest with you, I have no clue if I’m listening to correct song while reviewing this song xD. I have both the song from the single, and the album and the lengths are completely different, that’s what’s throwing me off. Despite that though, they sound the same, except for a few differences like length. Alright, with the first sound being a cat’s meow, it really speaks to the whole Cat in the title. Anyway it sounds nice, the song is very laid-back but acoustic guitar driven, a nice touch. The vocals were particularly good in this song, and they sounded so adorable; as for the background vocals, well even they sounded nice. The addition guitars during the chorus sounded wonderful as well as the chorus itself, catchy for the most part. This song is great and all, but I still like Biidama more.

One of the firs things that caught my attention with Natsu Sora lit. Summer Sky was the tradition Japanese instrument in the beginning. The song wasn’t all that fun and energetic in the beginning but once it began to pick up pace it became much better. Ai’s vocals were amazing again, especially during the high notes. I honestly wasn’t much of a fan of the chorus. Don’t get me wrong is sounded lovely and such, but it was way to slow and laid-back for me. I just need a little more energy from a song. But I did like the song overall, it’s just not my favorite.

Overall Review: Neko ni Fusen was a delightful little single. Now I do think that the single needs some work with the whole picture and all, but overall I can’t complain. Vocals were fantastic and the single had a general theme. Not to sure about the cover, looks creepy but at least it’s not the worse thing ever. A nice and fun single for the LOVE COOK Era.

Final Grade: 93B+

SMILY / Biidama was Ai Otsuka’s 8th single. It was released on May 11, 2005 and reached no. 1 on the Oricon charts with 110,512 copies sold. In all this single has sold over 310,323+ copies, making it her third highest selling single. SMILY was used in a CM for Lion’s Ban Powder Spray, while Biidama was used in a CM for Shokubutsu Monogatari Herb Blend shampoo. This was also the first single in the LOVE COOK Era.

Tracks:
1. SMILY
2. Biidama
3. SMILY (Instrumental)
4. Biidama (Instrumental)

Review:
Well let me say that it’s been months since I’ve reviewed anything Ai related. And I thought to myself “what better way to review Ai then to begin with SMILY / Biidama.” So that’s why I begin with SMILY! It’s a very like-able up-beat track. Ai’s vocals are so amazingly cute. I wasn’t sure what to think of the rock style opening but it sounded so nice. I loved all the percussion in the song, gave it a very upbeat feel. And I loved how it moved so smoothly. What I loved even more though was the chorus. It was so cute, and it sounded so awesome, and the ad-libbing was fantastic!

Now as much as I love SMILY, I love Biidama even more! This song is far superior to the previous track, I feel. The beats are more musical, and the music just sounds more relaxing and calming. The song is also a little more laid-back than SMILY, but it’s still mid-tempo. The instrumentals were amazing too, still a little rock but they still had that pop feeling. Again Ai’s vocals were amazing, and so adorable. The verses weren’t all that bad either, they were enjoyable. And the chorus was amazing! It was so catchy, her vocals made it all so good, that and the melody; and let’s not forget those instrumentals.

Overall Review: SMILY / Biidama was adorable rock happiness!!! I can’t stress enough how amazing Ai’s cutesy vocals are. And I loved how the single had a general rock feel, still pop, but the instrumentals featured some great light rock elements. And I loved the covers, but the Biidama side rocked! A smashing and awesome way to begin the LOVE COOK Era.

Final Grade: 100A+

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. In all this song has sold over  44,428+ copies, making it her lowest selling single, right behind Kurage, Nagareboshi. 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 up-beat 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. 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 no. 5 on the Oricon 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