Joy / Happy Ending April 16, 2009
Posted by Die in BONNIE PINK.Tags: Asada Kaori, BONNIE PINK, Kaori Asada
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Joy / Happy Ending was BONNIE PINK’s 30th single. It was released on April 8, 2009 and reached no. 24 on the Oricon Weekly Charts. This is the third and final single in the One Era.
Tracks:
1. Joy
2. Happy Ending
3. You and I
4. Joy (Instrumental)
5. Happy Ending (Instrumental)
Review:
So apparently this is the final single from the One Era, and it appears that her Chain mini album isn’t going to be featured on that album either. Even now I’m not really sure what Bonnie’s main genre is, but it seems like she’s gone back to it with Joy. It’s laid-back and a little folk like, almost similar to Rie fu. The soft percussion, the organ, and acoustic guitar make for one interesting combination that’s nostalgic in a sense. And although the rhythm and melody isn’t all that impressive her song writing skills are. There’s a mention of birthday gifts, Sunday brunch, new years day, just a lot of special occasions that are close to all of our hearts.
So while Joy wasn’t all that impressive and flashy Happy Ending is more stylish and showy. The electric guitar immediately characterizes this song as an exhilerating rock song. It’s nowhere near Kane wo Narashite but it is fairly decent. The music is great, choppy at times but great all around. But as far as rock songs go it is uses a little less rock than I’d like. The slight synth feel was small but big enough for me to appreciate it. Unlike the previous song which wasn’t all that catchy this song is at least memorable. I wouldn’t go as far as to classify it was infectious but it does stick with you. And the ad-libbing towards the end sealed it, along with the occasional strings.
I’ve actually heard some positive feedback from You and I and it’s not hard to hear why. It’s rock yet it’s much faster when it comes to the pace and for once I can honestly say that it’s catchy. A little more mainstream yet still a Bonnie song. There’s a great rhythm that’s easy to get into. Although the vocals weren’t all that stunning they sounded great. The only problem is that it’s too repetitive. Some more variety and it could’ve easily been a A-Side.
Overall Review: Joy / Happy Ending was light simple nostalgia with some edgy rock simplicities. Honestly after Kane wo Narashite I have to admit that I am a bit disappointed by this single. Then again I have to remember that Bonnie isn’t all that mainstream and that’s what her previous single was. Yet while this single is a bit more personal and while it’s not so mainstream it is more homey and nostalgic. Joy brings up some strong feelings of the past that make you envision a simpler time where things were more black and white. Happy Ending is a little less personal but it’s also a little more epic and mainstream. The B-Side really stood out as something that’s more memorable and just an easy listen song. Pity it won’t be on the album. Overall it’s an enjoyable delightful single.
Final Grade
Water Me January 17, 2009
Posted by Die in BONNIE PINK.Tags: Asada Kaori, BONNIE, BONNIE PINK, Kaori Asada, PINK
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Water Me was BONNIE PINK’s 23rd single. It was released on June 6, 2007 and reached no. 7 on the Oricon Charts and has sold 31,269+ copies. The title track was used as the theme song for the drama Watashitachi no Kyoukasho.This is also the final single in the Thinking Out Loud Era.
Tracks:
1. Water Me
2. Gimme A Beat
3. MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR
4. Water Me (instrumental)
5. Gimme A Beat (instrumental)
Review:
I didn’t know what to expect from Water Me, but I was hoping it would be good. This ballad is quite lovely in a melancholy way. The piano was excellent but the cello and electric guitar made this song sound so depressing and so lonesome. The vocals are a wonderful and quite emotional, there’s something that just makes them sound so good. The small synth line and electric guitar during the chorus gave it life, and made it so memorable. One of the interesting things about this song is that even though it’s almost four minutes it feels so much shorter than that, most likely due to the strings and up-tempo music.
Gimme A Beat is just the opposite of the previous song. It’s up-beat and sounds very happy. The rock themed music and the brass really made the song. The vocals were excellent, although there was a point where they were being overwhelmed by the instruments. The synth riff and percussion were pretty catchy and a little fun too. The chorus was surprisingly catchy, and without a doubt the best song.
I’m still wondering why BONNIE wanted to cover MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR. I’m pretty sure that The Beetle’s original version was a lot better, because honestly this cover sounds awful. For one, the vocals were too soft and were being overwhelmed by the instruments. Two, the music sounded so festive and carnival like that it was annoying. And finally, the ending sucked, I mean there was two minutes of just instrumentals, so stupid. She I know she’s done better covers than this, I wish she’d just do a better cover.
Overall Review: Water Me was beautiful melancholy. The title track was so vivid, a little dark dark and just stunning. It’s a beautiful ballad that’s perfect for her discography. The instrumentals were incredible too, the electric guitar was a little unexpected but intense, and the piano and percussion was incredible. The B-Side was great, quite contradictory yet very fun and great. I do wish however that the cover was better, I’m still a little mad about it. However I still feel this was an outstanding way to end the Thinking Out Loud Era.
Final Grade: 94A-
CHAIN December 24, 2008
Posted by Die in BONNIE PINK.Tags: BONNIE, BONNIE PINK, CHAIN, PINK
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CHAIN was BONNIE PINK’s first mini-album. It was released on November 26, 2008 and reached no. 41 on the Oricon Charts and has sold over 5,715+ copies.
Tracks:
1. CHAIN
2. Wonderful Christmas Time
3. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
4. Let It Snow
5. CHAIN ~The Birth Cry~
6. The Christmas Song
Review:
BONNIE has outdone herself yet again, this time with a Christmas themed mini-album. And on this mini-album, there’s only one original song on this, and that one is CHAIN. The song is pretty laid-back and features some smooth jazz elements along with some strings, the piano, brass, and finally some percussion. It’s nostalgic in a way to those old Christmas songs from way back when. Things were really gentle and calm until the chorus where BONNIE displayed her excellent English along with her incredible vocals. Not to mention the fact that the instruments became stronger and seemed to take a greater role than before. All the jazz elements were quite beautiful in a way.
One of the many cover songs on this mini-album is Paul McCartney’s Wonderful Christmas Time. At first I thought I didn’t think I had heard this song, but after listening to it longer I realized I had, and that I loved the original. The original featured a synthesizer but this rendition instead features marching band-like drums and some brass. The piano is used in addition to the xylophone, which gives the song that infamous Christmas twinkle sound, and Christmas bells. The melody is just as jolly and as a memorable as before and BONNIE’s modern spin on it makes it one to remember. I really can’t believe how well she handled this song, she did one heck of a job.
I have to admit that I like I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, but only the more modern versions. The original was sweet I guess, but some of the covers are just horrendous. This up-beat version features the percussion and the ever so happy jingle bells. And although it’s not an amazing cover, it’s certainly nice. And her English is perfect, no “Santa Craus!”
Still somewhat true to the original classic is Let It Snow! Frank Sinatra’s version was pretty jazzed up and this version is no different. It does feature some more brass than the original and is a little faster, but good nonetheless. Although I do wish that BONNIE would have sung the song a bit slower, or that the song would have been a little slower overall. The instruments seemed to play a lot too, especially during bridge, which was pretty long, but I didn’t mind the brass, the base guitar, or the piano.
The second song that’s not a cover is just another version of CHAIN entitled ~The Birth Cry~. This version just adds some jingle bells and an organ, giving it a very midnight mass feel, very religious. While the piano is still present, the jazz instruments have been replaced for the most part. I think I prefer the original, it’s more up-beat and cheerful for sure.
The final track is BONNIE cover of The Christmas Song. The electric guitar is featured, but it just strums for the most part, nothing too loud or overwhelming. It’s very laid-back, smooth, and calm but it’s lacking some needed instruments. I’m not saying it’s bad, but it’s not all that good. It’s too bland for my tastes. And I remember a cover that BoA did of this song, and I honestly have no idea who’s worse. BoA might have had some terrible Engrish, but at least the music was nice; BONNIE has some fantastic English, but the music is lacking.
Overall Review: CHAIN was Christmas perfection with a splash of jazz! Bonnie has definitely diversified her style with this mini-album. Despite the change though I do like it. It’s nice to hear some new Christmas covers, and I’m still waiting for one particular super popular, no. 1 Japanese album bilingual artist to do a few covers, but Bonnie really did well. The new songs were great too, hopefully they’ll make it to her album. The jazz feel was pretty nice too, a nice twist on those classics. I don’t think there was really anything to complain about except how one or two songs could have been tweaked a bit. Anyway this is one hell of a mini-album, Bonnie has outdone herself this time.
Final Grade: 93B+
Anything For You December 6, 2008
Posted by Die in BONNIE PINK.Tags: BONNIE, BONNIE PINK
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Anything For You was BONNIE PINK’s 22nd single. It was released on March 28, 2007 and reached no. 9 on the charts and has sold over 19,900+ copies. This was the second single in the Thinking Out Loud Era.
Tracks:
1. Anything For You
2. Love Song / m-flo loves BONNIE PINK (UC a.k.a DJ UPPERCUT REMIX)
3. Anything For You (Instrumental)
Review:
Quite different and a little less mainstream from her previous work is Anything For You. It’s pretty synthed up and more acoustic based. There are some great electric guitars, drums, and some great synth elements. The song is somewhat fast, and it has one heck of a melody, very catchy. And the climax was just odd, yet it worked for this song. And some of the instrumentals during the chorus reminded me of some country music. The English in this song was great as usual, as were the vocals. Not nearly as catchy as A Perfect Sky, but it’s still nice.
The b-side is the (UC a.k.a DJ UPPERCUT REMIX) of Love Song, which was a collaboration with m-flo. m-flo is known for their R&B/Hip-Hop oriented music, and this remix is no exception. The beats are pretty laid back, then again the song is pretty slow. The vocals of m-flo really annoyed me, but BONNIE’s were nice. Although despite all of that I still can’t get into this song.
Overall Review: Anything For You was synth pop perfection! This single was somewhat of a throwback from her previous single, but I still like it. I mean the title track has its faults but once you get into it it’s good. Could it have been better? Yes, but it’s still a great song. Although with the guitars I sometimes got lost in the music, such a very interesting genre, almost country like. The b-side was horrific though, I mean BONNIE and Hip-Hop just don’t mix. Not to mention the annoying vocals from m-flo. However, even with that distraction, I still adore this single. Another stylish addition to the Thinking Out Loud Era.
Final Grade: 93B+
A Perfect Sky September 7, 2008
Posted by Die in BONNIE PINK.Tags: BONNIE, BONNIE PINK, PINK
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A Perfect Sky was BONNIE PINK’s 21st single. It was released on June 28, 2006 and reached number 5 on the charts with 38,440 copies sold. In all this single has sold over 133,315+ copies, making it her highest selling single. The title track was used in a Shiseido’ ANESSA range CM song. Originally this single wasn’t going to be released, but after the popularity rose, due to the tie-in, it was quickly commissioned. The first press edition came with a special package featuring ANESSA goods. The women on the limited edition cover is model/actress Ebihara Yuri. This was also the first single in the Thinking Out Loud Era.
Tracks:
1. A Perfect Sky
2. Free
3. interlude -siesta-
4. A Perfect Sky (Instrumental)
Review:
Well let me first say that A Perfect Sky is one of BONNIE’s best songs to date! I was a bit skeptical to hear this song after the horrible remix on her Kane wo Narashite single, but after listening to this version I feel in love with the song. That being said, it’s definitely more mainstream than some of her previous works but I love it all the same. The opening with the acoustic instrumentals with some rock flare were fantastic, but what I loved even more was the fact that the song began with the chorus. And despite it being rather short it was so catchy. It’s amazing what some English can do, that and great lyrics, and lets not forget the synth elements. The ad-libbing at the end was fantastic too, a nice little touch. Although the verses were long BONNIE managed to make them sound short and so sweet. This is undeniably her best song ever!
There’s something very unique about Free. The drum beats give it a traditional feel, but the piano makes it sound jazz almost. Despite all that it makes a very nice combination. That being said I wasn’t all that thrilled with this song. It wasn’t bad or terrible, it was just plain mediocre. It had some high points but not many. My favorite parts were when she sung in English and that was about it. The song did feature a nice chorus though, with great vocals. This song just needs some more work.
Ah, simplicity at its best, that’s what you’d say about interlude -siesta-. The sounds of a waves coming on the shore is the first thing you here. And when you think about it, it’s rather relaxing. And than come the acoustic guitar, very subtle and calm. Not a bad ending to this wonderful single.
Overall Review: A Perfect Sky was THE perfect single. BONNIE might not be all mainstream but she’s certainly a great artist. And this single was mostly mainstream, which I have no problem with. That being said, I love mainstream, and to hear a song like this made me so happy! I loved everything about the song. From the music to the lyrics, it made this song. B-Side could have been better, but that’s all I’ll say. And the interlude was amazing, so wonderful! A phenomenal way to begin the Thinking Out Loud Era.
Final Grade: 97A
Blog Stats August 2008 September 1, 2008
Posted by Die in BONNIE PINK, Blog Stats, Utada Hikaru.3 comments
Hey everyone! It’s time for some blog stats, this time for August 2008.
The best day was August 3, 2008 with 228 views.
Most viewed page this month was BONNIE PINK’s Kane wo Narashite with 133 views, big thanks to Intlwota.
The total views for this month was an astounding 5,134 views, that makes it the most viewed month to date, beating June with 5,009 views.
The most viewed post to date is still Hikki’s HEART STATION with 912 views, maybe it’ll reach 1000 by the end of the year, and recently I’ve re-written it.
And thanks so much to my affiliates, who’ve helped this blog become more popular. Not sure what a lot of people think but will all the views I hope that it’s good. Anyway the top referrers have been Beyond the Sea2 with over 1,100+ people referred, including the original Beyond the Sea. Intlwota with 502 people referred, and finally Stereo Love with 181 people referred. Big thanks also go to other affiliates like Amai Wana, One Word Garden, Lost Wing, and everyone else. Thanks again! I’m hoping to get to 50,000+ views by the end of December.
And time for some bad news. School begins tomorrow and when school starts extra activities and hobbies become less of a priority sadly. That means that I won’t be able to post as much during this whole year, usually until June. I guess you’ve noticed that the site has become very active in the past few months, mostly because I’ve had the time off. But now school, so the site won’t be as active as before, but it’ll still be running. So I might not post every day but I’ll post about 2-3 times a week if possible, mostly on the weekends. Hope you guys understand!
Kane wo Narashite August 10, 2008
Posted by Die in BONNIE PINK.Tags: BONNIE PINK
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Kane wo Narashite was BONNIE PINK’s 24th single. It was released on August 6, 2008 and reached number 9 on the charts with 13,447 copies sold. In all this single has sold over 31,066+ copies. The title track was used as Xbox 360 game Tales of Vesperia’s theme song for the Japanese Edition. There was an English version of this song that was released via Itunes on April 16, BONNIE’s birthday. And it was actually that song that got me into BONNIE. This is also the first single in BONNIE PINK’s new Era.
Tracks:
1. Kane wo Narashite
2. Pump It Up!
3. A Perfect Sky (Björn Remix)
4. Kane wo Narashite (Instrumental)
5. Pump It Up! (Instrumental)
Review:
I’m not sure what BONNIE’s normal genre of music is but in the case of Kane wo Narashite lit. Ring A Bell, it’s rock. I guess what I really like about this song is the melody. Well most of it is because I loved the English version. But this song is probably better than the English version. Besides it sounding more natural the lyrics here are a heck of a lot better, and they sound nicer. I really loved BONNIE’s vocals, they were so amazing. Think of the voice of a siren, and then multiply it by 100, it was that good. And the chorus was phenomenal, the instrumentals are off the charts. I really loved all the guitar riffs and drums beats were fantastic. This is one hell of a song.
The next song is a little more dance and synth than anything. Pump It Up! is pretty good though. What first drew me to the song was the synth music that had an almost dance quality to it. The verses were surprisingly good and not boring at all. The chorus was pretty catchy, especially with the English line “Pump It Up!” and the whispered vocals “Let me hear you” were a great bonus the Japanese lyrics were great too. While the music didn’t really get too energetic and wild it was still good, not too over the top. I think I’m beginning to really like BONNIE PINK as an artist.
One of BONNIE’s greatest songs was also featured on this single, it’s A Perfect Sky (Björn Remix). Now I’m not sure how the original sounded but apparently it’s really good as it’s her highest selling single. But from the sounds of this song, it doesn’t sound all that good. The constant thumping wasn’t all that great and the vocals sounded atrocious, well the background vocals. The music was just really bad too, so weird and crazy. I just really hope that the original version wasn’t as bad.
Overall Review: Kane wo Narashite was pure rock sensation! This song was screaming rock for the most part. With a catchy melody and great vocals it made the song a great hit. And even with the B-Side the single was still fantastic. I actually liked who dance and synth oriented it was. But I really didn’t like the remix of A Perfect Sky, it was just to freaky for me. But overall it was a superb single.
Final Grade: 97A
