GIRL NEXT DOOR was GIRL NEXT DOOR’s debut album. It was released on December 24, 2008 and reached no. 3 on the Oricon Charts with 171,165 copies sold. The band has released three consecutive singles every month beginning with their debut in September and on the fourth month released their debut album. This album was released in a CD Only and a First Press Limited CD+DVD edition. However there were also another set of covers that come with the album if purchased from two other stores. And apparently for the first time in music history, each song featured was used in as a tie-in, whether it be a CM, drama, or insert song.

Tracks:
1. Winter Game
2. Drive away
3. Power of love
4. Shiawase no Jouken
5. Winter Mirage
6. Jounetsu no Daishou
7. Fine after rain
8. Breath
9. Day’s…
10. ESCAPE (Album Edit)
11. Winter Garden
12. Climber’s high
13. NEXT DOOR
14. Guuzen no Kakuritsu (Album Edit)

Review:
Beginning GND’s debut album is the fun-filled Winter Game. This song is best known as the promotional track of the album and even had a PV to go with it. Anyway this song is somewhat similar to the band’s previous works with the guitar and the keyboard, but the thumping beats make it stand out. And the wind roaring during the chorus was pretty ingenious and outstanding. I also have to praise the band for the climax, which was pretty powerful, fast, but powerful. An energetic and exciting way to kick off the album.

One of the singles released prior to the album was Drive away. It’s pretty similar to the previous song, except the keyboard seems to have a more dominant role than the guitar. The constant chords are pretty energetic and fun for the most part, and even the guitar sounds amazing. The song is pretty catchy overall, and the guitar riffs after each chorus is great. I wish there was a bit more English, but I’ll take what I can get.

Another one of the new songs on the album is called Power of love. Immediately I could hear something in this song that made it stick out from all of their songs. It might be because the music is a little more romantic like, or that it’s a little darker, either way it’s welcomed change; there’s even a little exotic vibe to it. Anyway, Chisa’s vocals are a little different in this song, they’re not so happy like most of the songs, during the chorus they’re even pretty fast. During the chorus things were still a little softer, but once things speed up it got a little more interesting. This song isn’t really all that bad, at least it sticks out.

Shiawase no Jouken is an older song that’s still very reminiscent of the 90’s. It’s a bit different from some of the other songs, but instrumental wise it’s basically the same. There are some minor differences like the melody and the aggressiveness of the song, but for the most part it doesn’t stick out all that much. It’s stereotypical 90’s pop that’s basically found its way to the 21st century, which could be both good and bad depending on how you look at it. I don’t have a problem with this song, I just wonder how long it will be remembered.

The next song Winter Mirage is one of the band’s more unique songs to date. This song doesn’t begin all energetic and thumping, instead it begins with the keyboard and the serene strings that really sets the tone of this song. It’s the closet thing to a ballad that the band will release, and that’s what makes it so incredible. The music for the most part is very calming and not too overwhelming. The chorus is particularly incredible. It’s more laid-back and winter oriented than any other song. The strings make it so classical and the synth makes it so new and spectacular. One of the most spectacular songs to date.

Out of all the singles that GND has released, Jounetsu no Daishou was my favorite. While it does feature those thumping beats, this song is different compared to all of the other songs they’ve released. There’s just something about this song that makes me feel so happy and so calm. The song’s translation is Compensation of Passion, and that really sets the tone. The song is more synth oriented than anything and isn’t so stereotypical like some of the other songs. It’s almost like a ballad too at a few points. And Chisa’s vocals are just magnificent.

The first words that come to mind when I think of Fine after rain is dark. Compared to the other songs, it’s just a bit darker, one heavy on the synth and electronica and techno side of things. But despite that the song is still true to its pop roots. The electronic distortions during the climax threw me off, as did the chorus. It was so different, the melody and rhythm was completely different and on top of that the sound as a whole was so different and yet so amazing.

The only b-side to be featured on the album was Breath. I’ve always loved this song, mostly because it’s so different from their normal works. It’s one of their oldest songs date wise, but it’s also one of their strongest. It’s pretty epic as far as most of these songs go and the instrumentals are just incredible. They’re a little dark at times, but the overall feel is pretty good. Another thing I loved about this song was the fact that it was a little mid-tempo, and not just up-beat and fast paced. And the fact that it’s like a ballad doesn’t hurt either. This might just be a b-side but it’s one of their best songs overall.

Breaking free from their typical stereotypical pop sound is Day’s… Instead of being so happy-go-lucky pop, it’s more of an acoustic song. But there’s one thing I forgot to mention…it’s an interlude! It might not say an interlude, but considering there are no vocals, and just instrumentals, it’s safe to assume that. It’s nice though, gives the album some variety.

Next is the album edit of ESCAPE. The song itself was pretty unique when compared to their original works, and with the album edit, it’s even more unique. Instead of the original opening with vocals, it skips right to the instrumentals. And honestly as far as I can tell that’s the only difference between the two, that and this version has been shortened. The strings are just as refreshing as ever and the music is as magical as before. A wonderful addition to the album.

Yet another winter themed song appears on the album, this time it’s Winter Garden. I really expected a ballad, but instead, I got a childish song. I’m not trying to be mean, but it’s just so weird. It’s not half as up-beat as their previous works, which can be seen as a good thing because it gives the album a little variety, but in this case it’s not. The beats are somewhat annoying, and the fact that the rhythm and tempo are so slow doesn’t help the song, instead it ruins it. I just have to say that this song is a little too simplistic for me.

Making up for the previous song is Climber’s high. Honestly, the title makes me laugh a little, but when it comes to music, vocals, etc. it’s great. While it does feature that 90’s pop sound, it’s different. The format and arrangement are a little different from all of their previous works, which makes it nice. The chorus isn’t as fast or as catchy as some of the songs, but it’s awesome to say the least. Perhaps it’s not such a bad song, it could use some work, but it’s fine for now.

Leading to the final track is the instrumental NEXT DOOR. Instead of sounding all pop like, it’s very similar to a ballad. It has the strings, the piano, the percussion, and even a cymbal. It’s sounds pristine, and classical, and little eloquent. It’s the perfect instrumental, reminiscent of winter.

Ending the album is the first single that the group released back in September, Guuzen no Kakuritsu. Like ESCAPE, the album edit appears on the album, and it’s pretty much the same for the most part. This song is devoid of the original opening, it goes straight to the aggressive guitar and keyboard, skipping over the innocent opening. But despite all of that, the song is pretty much the same, and just as amazing and fun as ever. It does have the 90s pop, but since it’s their debut song, I can tolerate it. The lyrics are great, a little romantic and optimistic but there’s nothing wrong with that. The melody is extremely infectious and gets in your head so easily, no wonder it did so well as a single.

Overall Review: GIRL NEXT DOOR was debut pop supremacy! Despite being a throwback to all the pop of the 90s, GND can certainly hold its own. I was thrilled to listen to the whole album and I enjoyed most of the songs present. However, there were a few that I felt were a little too different, or too repetitive, that was the only major flaw. But at the same time, I did love how there was a central sound that was very connecting, holding the album together. A few tracks could have been better, but overall it’s an impressive debut.

Final Grade: 96A

Jyonetsu no Daisho / ESCAPE was GIRL NEXT DOOR’s 3rd single. It was released on November 19, 2008 and reached no. 3 on the Oricon Charts with 22,117 copies sold. In all this single has sold over 28,433+ copies. And according to Billboard Japan, this single reached no. 1 on the Hot Airplay charts. The title track was used as the theme song for the drama Giragira. This was also the final single in the GIRL NEXT DOOR Era.

Tracks:
1. Jyonetsu no Daisho
2. ESCAPE
3. Jyonetsu no Daisho (Shinichi Osawa Remix)
4. Jyonetsu no Daisho (ice cream mix)

Review:
Their last release sounded so similar to their debut single but with Jyonetsu no Daisho lit. Compensation of Passion, GND has taken their music to a whole new level. Although the music is primarily pop, this song is quite different. There’s more of a synth quality to the music and it sounds almost like a ballad with the keyboard playing, except for the guitar. But like all of their music, there are some great beats present mostly some drums I guess. And the climax is a guitar as usual, but that doesn’t really bother me. Instead, the chorus is so different. It sounds almost magical with the beautiful, crisp vocals and a beautiful melody. It’s hard to describe, there’s just something different to it than their other works. Thankfully just like their previous works, it is infectious and memorable, yet this song is a more mature. This is one of their defining songs for sure.

Just like the previous song, ESCAPE is a little different from its predecessors. Besides having some strings and some intense drums, this song is quite unique. It seems to diverge a little from their conventional music just a bit, I mean the main instruments are the same but the feel is completely different. There’s a bit more variety and it doesn’t rely on the guitar to provide for a blaring sound. The opening is basically a ballad, very classical with the strings and the vocals are incredible and strong. There are some strong synth/electronic elements present though. The melody is pretty catchy, and it’s original, it doesn’t sound similar at all to their previous works luckily. It just seemed more beautiful than their other material.

The Shinichi Osawa Remix shakes things up a bit. I think I remember hearing that this remix was produced by Yasutaka Nakata, so it’s obvious that there are a lot of distortions and techno/electronic beats and music. And that’s what it basically is, sadly it really killed the song. The songs been lengthened and the music is pretty slow, it’s a depressing remix sadly.

It’s the infamous ice cream mix next! I’m not sure whether or not it’s just for the first three singles but it’s been on all of them so far. The remixes usually add some distortions and some techno/dance beats, which they have in this song. And it’s been lengthened. The keyboard also plays a bigger role along with the synth elements. Sadly it’s a little annoying.

Overall Review: Jyonetsu no Daisho / ESCAPE was mature divergence! GIRL NEXT DOOR keeps getting better. They’re done it again with this single. Not only is a different and unique from their previous singles, but it’s more mature and profound. They’re beginning to develop more of their own sound and diverge a bit from their pop roots. What a beautiful ending to the GIRL NEXT DOOR Era.

Final Grade: 96A

Drive away／Shiawase no Jouken was GIRL NEXT DOOR’s 2nd single. It was released on October 10, 2008 and reached no. 3 on the charts with 21,081 copies sold. In all this single has sold over 33,474+ copies. This was the second single in the GIRL NEXT DOOR Era. *A special thanks to Best Fiction for the scans!

Tracks:
1. Drive away
2. Shiawase no Jouken
3. Drive away (maximizor mix)
4. Drive away (ice cream mix)

Review:
Still very pop sounding is Drive away. The keyboard and guitar are still the main instruments, along with a few occasional synth elements. It’s actually pretty similar to their last single. It’s still up-beat and pretty good arrangement wise. That being said, it’s sounds a little repetitive and a bit too similar to the first single, but it’s still great. On the bright side, the keyboard seems to play a more dominant role in this song. The music is still blaring and still infectious as ever. The vocals were incredible, Chisa really displays her vocal talents pretty well throughout the song. And just like the previous single, it’s pretty catchy. The rhythm and melody is without a doubt really good. It’s not half bad.

Despite the previous track sounding so familiar to the last single, Shiawase no Jouken sounds refreshing. Instead of sounding to stereotypical pop, this song is a little more rock and electronic oriented. The melody is completely different and new; not that the melody before wasn’t new, it just sounded so similar. But besides having a different melody, the sound as a whole is different. Chisa’s vocals are still the same though, not much variety but they’re still good. The new sound was very unique yet still magnificent.

The maximizor mix of Drive away is completely different from the original. Instead of being pop, this remix is very dance and techno oriented. The distorted vocals in the beginning are evident of that along with the techno beats and the synth elements. This isn’t nearly as good as the original, but it does sound nice. You just have to wait for them sadly.

Now it’s time for the infamous ice cream mix. Like the previous remix of the same name featured on their debut single, the keyboard becomes the main instrument and there’s more of an electronic/techno vibe. There are some great distortions and synth lines that make this song a little better. But now it sounds even more similar to their previous single. If it wasn’t as a long it’d be better.

Overall Review: Drive away / Shiawase no Jouken was ecstatic pop continuance! I personally see this single as a continuance of their debut work, which is both good and bad. It’s good because it’s just as catchy and just as exhilerating, but it’s bad because there’s hardly any variety. However despite sounding so familiar it appears as though as a whole, it’s getting better and more refined. Both tracks could use a little work but overall they’re getting the hang of it. They just need to spice things around a little. Not a bad single though, perfect for GIRL NEXT DOOR.

Final Grade: 94A-

Guuzen no Kakuritsu was GIRL NEXT DOOR’s debut single. it was released on September 3, 2008 and reached number 3 on the charts with 30,025 copies sold. In all this single has sold over 52,323+ copies. This single was released in two editions and first press versions of both editions came with a Special Photobook and a Slip Case. And some background information: GIRL NEXT DOOR is a trio consisting of Chisa (vocals), Suzuki (keyboard, composer, former member of day after tomorrow), and Inoue (guitar). The band is focused mainly on Chisa, and the PV was showed a month and a half before the release of the single.

Tracks:
1. Guuzen no Kakuritsu
2. Breath
3. Red ribbon ~Unmei no Hito~
4. Guuzen no Kakuritsu (Ice Cream Mix)
5. Guuzen no Kakuritsu (Instrumental)
6. Breath (Instrumental)

Review:
Kicking off their debut is Guuzen no Kakuritsu lit. Accidental Probability. From the beginning I thought it would be all happy, sweet, even ballad like with the keyboard, but then out of nowhere it transforms into a fusion of pop rock, the guitar and keyboard. But then Chisa begins to sing and the song develops more of a pop sound. Her vocals are pretty good too, especially during the chorus, and the instrumentals are just awesome. The song from there becomes somewhat up-beat, up-tempo, and pretty catchy. The guitar and keyboard make for one great combination, reminds me of the 90’s pop, or even Ayu’s Boys & Girls. The climax was amazing, those keyboards are so awesome. As for the chorus, it was so catchy. I mean once you listen it’s stuck in your head, plus the vocals are great. And one of the best parts has got to be after the bridge, the distorted vocals were genius.

Perhaps a stronger when it comes to the overall sound is Breath. The strings and the piano at the beginning really set the mood for this song. It’s somewhat of a ballad, but still retains that pop sound. Chisa’s vocals are great, and exhibit some power when necessary. While the verses might need some work, they certainly sound wonderful. And the chorus is just phenomenal. I loved how the vocals were distorted a little just before and how powerful and vocals are. Not to mention the fact that the instrumentals are blaring, but in a good way. Pretty high quality stuff.

Up next is Red ribbon ~Unmei no Hito~ lit. People of Destiny. It’s very different from the previous track. It’s faster, and a little more pop sounding, no hint of a ballad. The keyboard serves as a great instrumental, making the song sound pretty light and happy, but the guitar makes it sound a little aggressive. It’s a great contrast. The verses were surprisingly good and the chorus pretty catchy. It had such a nice ring to it, and sounded great. And I have to admit that Chisa’s vocals were pretty good, they went perfectly with the music and melody.

Time for the Ice Cream Mix of the title track, pretty cute title anyway. That being said, this song is changed around from your pop rock track to more of a synth/techno pop song. It features the keyboard as the stronger instrumental, with the guitar still playing. The song has just been changed to have more of a dance/synth feel, which is pretty nice. A great remix that most fans will enjoy.

Overall Review: Guuzen no Kakuritsu was premier pop supremeness! With all the blaring instrumentals and amazing vocals, it’s easy to get lost in these astounding songs. I loved how they featured the keyboard and the guitar, simple yet very effective sound wise. Not to mention the great vocals on Chisa’s part. All of the songs were pretty catchy too, and the fact that there were three songs total was great, very rare from singles nowadays. And the remix was a great bonus, and the fact that it made is more dance appealing was even better. What a superb debut, expect some high quality material from GIRL NEXT DOOR in the future.

Final Grade: 100A+