I apologize again that this is taking so long, I've been really busy with school lately. In hindsight, I think it would have been better to upload the songs as I went along - I'll definitely remember that if I decide to do another number lottery in the future. Only one more batch remains, I can't promise how long it will take to be posted but I will definitely try my best to get it done as soon as possible. Thanks for being patient! =)
- Haruhi
EDIT: It seems that a few of the links (Shining Butterfly - BRIGHT & Koi Hitoyo - acid black cherry) weren't right, they've now been fixed.
Ayumi:
#1657. Shining Butterfly - BRIGHT
Japanese | Pop
A bubbly pop number by one of my favourite girl groups. Although I wouldn't consider it to be one of their very best songs, it's upbeat and fun.
#157. 式日 - ACIDMAN
Japanese | Alt. Rock
I really like this band, especially their vocalist's crisp, clean voice. A mid-tempo track with lots of bright guitar work.
#2345. Nalcha Byongyongson - Clazziquai
Korean | Pop/Electronica/Jazz
This is from their Color Your Soul album. It's a sweet, light song featuring Alex's cream vocals and Horan's light, airy voice.
#1000. Sands of time - Back-on
Japanese | Rock
I love this song. It's upbeat, and although definitely a rock song it has some electronica/rapcore influences too. These guys definitely deserve more recognition, try them out!
Allie:
#10894. 宝物 (Takaramono/Treasures) (Homemade demo vers.) - ROUND TABLE ft. Nino
Japanese | Pop/Acoustic
This version features only acoustic guitar and sweet, feminine vocals. Although I found the vocals a bit too childish and thin, it's an endearing song.
#1777. Suffocating Under Words of Sorrow - Bullet For My Valentine
English | Metal
Although I don't listen to heavy rock as much now, this song isn't actually too overpowering once you get past the screaming in the first verse and a little bit later on in the song.
#135. Koi Hitoyo - Acid Black Cherry
Japanese | Rock
I love this group, and Koi Hitoyo is a fantastic song. I love the intro, the percussion really pulls you in. It has an air of mystery to it, and I love the way the song builds up.
#2626. Shining - Crystal Kay
Japanese | Pop/R&B
A sweet, poppy song by Crystal Kay. I love the subtle harmonies and the bright atmosphere.
Labels: acid black cherry, ACIDMAN, BACK-ON, BRIGHT, Bullet For My Valentine, Clazziquai, Crystal Kay, number lottery, ROUND TABLE feat. Nino
Rotation 21 is unthemed. The next rotation I do will probably be winter/Christmas themed. A few songs are recent releases, a few are just old favourites. I tried to get a nice mix of genres as well as languages. Songs are organized in alphabetical order by artist name. It was hard for me to pick recommendations, I liked many of the songs in this rotation.
A few requested songs are also included in a separate section at the bottom.
I stand free - ACIDMAN
Japanese | Rock Ballad
Ah, it’s been a while since I heard a good rock ballad. I stand free doesn’t disappoint. Mature, slightly husky vocals, a unique and lovely bass line, and a soaring yet controlled chorus made this song stand out to me.
Ni6etalk (Heart Beat) - Apls
Korean | Electronica
This group has definitely changed a lot. Their previous album showed a fun, upbeat sound while their latest mini-album, which Ni6etalk is from, is much more downtempo. The atmosphere of the song is just amazing - mysterious, pulsing. The vocals are minimal. It might be too experimental for some, but I loved it.
All the Way - Craig David ft. Bonnie Pink
English/Japanese | R&B/Pop
This was definitely not a collab I would have expected, but their light, smooth voices compliment each other well. The lyrics of the song seem to suggest a stronger beat, Get up, now everybody, get up, move your body, cause we’re going all the way the song seems quite relaxed to me. Although I actually didn’t like this song much upon initially hearing it, it’s starting to grow on me.
Passion Fruit - Fuji Fabric
Japanese | Rock/Electronica
An extremely catchy, addictive song from Fuji Fabric - in my opinion, they’re under appreciated. The opening verse is just so fun, popping out throughout the song. It will get stuck in your head. I would call them more rock, but this song definitely has traces of electronica/disco.
愛NEED - Kimaguren (AiNEED)
Japanese | Reggae/Hip Pop/Rock
I absolutely love their unique style of island-influenced rock. A breath of fresh air. Traces of Latin influence linger in the rhythms and beats. It’s lively yet relaxing at the same time, if that makes any sense. Recommended.
Apologize - One Republic
English | Rock
I was reluctant to upload this song since I’m pretty sure most of you have already heard it, but I really couldn’t think of a better song to upload. I’ve been listening to this song a lot lately, I don’t know why. The chorus is just beautiful and will stay in your head. There’s a version of this song that was remixed by Timbaland, I believe this is the original. The lyrics are bittersweet: I’d take another chance, take a fall, take a shot for you/I need you like a heart needs a beat, it’s nothing new
But It’s Better If You Do - Panic! At The Disco
English | Pop/Rock
I’m went through a stage of loving this band, a longer stage of hating them, and now I think they’re all right. But It’s Better If You Do is confident, and pulsing with energy. This track is from their debut album, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out.
The Piano Knows Something I Don’t Know - Panic At The Disco
English | Pop/Rock
From their latest album, Pretty. Odd., The Piano Knows Something I Don’t Know shows the transformation in their sound, replacing synthesizers and electric guitar with trumpets and classical guitar. Brendon Urie’s vocals have also matured a lot. Laid-back, still sure of itself but no longer brazen, The Piano Knows Something I Don’t Know is a good reflection of their new image.
心里的狮子 - Peter Pan (Xin Li De Shi Zi/Heart Of A Lion)
Mandarin | Pop/Ballad
Although the most common English translation for this song is Heart Of A Lion, it is actually closer to The Lion Within Your Heart, which is backed by the lyrics, which speak of doing something you’ve always wanted to do, but never had the courage to. The song has a certain regretful tone to it, but builds more and more to a soaring and hopeful chorus.
Namida (Sleepless Night MANABOON MIX) - Tanaka Roma
Japanese | R&B/Ballad
My favourite Tanaka Roma song, by far. Although I’m quite fond of most of his songs, this one just stands out to me. I heard this mix before hearing the original. This version of Namida is heartbreakingly genuine and raw with emotion. The accompaniment is kept light, mainly just piano. The title of the remix, Sleepless Night, fits it perfectly. Tanaka’s voice has the perfect balance of vulnerability and power that just doesn’t shine through as much in the original, which has a stronger accompaniment and more of a poppy, R&B influence.
r e q u e s t s
Maiden Voyage - Missing Island
Korean | Easy Listening/Bossa Nova
If you liked the Coffee Prince OST, you’ll probably like this song. It does have a certain adventurous feel that fits its name, but is laid-back and makes for a nice, light listen.
THE BUNGY - NICO Touches the Walls
SIMON SAID - NICO Touches the Walls
Japanese | Rock
THE BUNGY is fresh and has an infectious beat. It has a bit of a Western/country feel to it, yet keeps the distinct vibe of Japanese rock. SIMON SAID has an aggressive sound, contrasting a dark, rumbling bass with melodic guitar riffs.
Koi wo Shiteru - ROUND TABLE feat. Nino
Symphony - ROUND TABLE feat. Nino
Takaramono (Homemade Demo Version) - ROUND TABLE feat. Nino (Treasures)
Japanese | Pop
Koi wo Shiteru is a sweet pop song, but the vocals were a tad too little-girl-ish for my liking. Symphony is laid-back and downtempo. I found it a bit repetitive, but I liked it. Takaramono (Homemade Demo Version) has an unpolished, acoustic feel to it, as the name suggests. I’m a sucker for acoustic songs, so it won’t surprise you to hear that out of these three songs Takaramono was my favourite.
Labels: ACIDMAN, Apls, Bonnie Pink, Craig David, Fuji Fabric, Kimaguren, Missing Island, NICO Touches the Walls, One Republic, Panic At The Disco, Peter Pan, ROUND TABLE feat. Nino, Tanaka Roma
BLACK CHERRY - acid black cherry
A little different from the ballad by the same band that you'll find below, I just had to include this because it also shows Yasu's voice wonderfully, and I simply love this band. A very jazz-influenced song, Yasu's vocals are a wonderful blend of jazz and rock styles. Black Cherry starts out slowly and picks up the tempo, at the same time switching more to rock but there are still trumpets stuck in here and there. Highly recommended.
SHININ' ON Kimi ga Kanashii - acid black cherry
I'm not sure what genre to classify them in, they've got a lot of jazz influences too. Shinin' on Kimi ga Kanashii shows some influences of a jazz ballad and some of the rhythms and chords also echo jazz, leading into a more typical piano accompaniment. Their vocalist is Yasu of Janne da Arc. The mixture of the "traditional" ballad you'd expect and jazz is extremely balanced and smooth, and the vocals are excellent. The song picks up tempo a little in an area and showcases some nice blues scales and I think I hear an upright bass too. <3
FREE STAR - ACIDMAN
Great band that deserves more recognition. Vocals are faint but that's what draws you to them. Try them out.
街の輪郭 - ACIDMAN
Another ACIDMAN song, 街の輪郭 has a really laid back sound and is extremely addictive. Recommended.
Tail Lamp - Aobozu
I love the first verse of this song. It seems kind of generic on the first listen, but I really like this song. They've got a pretty good vocalist, and the song switches tempo and mood occasionally. The guitar and bass blend together well, creating a good if somewhat predictable sound.
DESPARATE - Black:List
One of the heavier bands in this rotation, an awesome headbanging song. I wasn't too sure about it the first time I listened to it, but it's growing on me. Growly vocals but not screaming. Recommended.
Glass no highway - doa
One of my favourite bands. This is the a-side from their most recent single. Their vocalist has a deep voice that captures so much emotion. This song is absolutely beautiful. It manages to be hopeful yet sad at the same time. Harmonizing is also well done. Highly recommended.
좋은 사람 (캐스커 Remix) - Fanny Fink
While this band's name is a bit odd, I absolutely love this song. The vocalist is female and she has a very soft voice that reminds me a little of Jisun's from Loveholic. Their style also shares some similarities to Loveholic. Highly recommended.
Surely - Iori
This is like, the only song I have from this band, but I'd love to hear more from them. They have an awesome vocalist, though the vocals are a bit unpolished. Try them out.
Sakura Tears - John-Hoon
A Korean artist who mostly sings in Japanese, this is cute song that's fun to listen to. John-Hoon's voice is pretty good. Sakura Tears is also pretty catchy. Worth a listen.
Atomic Smile - JUN (Phantasmagoria)
Oh my god, the intro of this song is just wonderfully executed. Very unexpected and beautiful transitions. It seems like it's going to be really heavy, but then switches to this cute, pop tune that makes me hesitate to call this song "rock". But, the tempo does pick up. The lack of vocals in this song suits it. Highly recommended.
Ritori - kannivalism
A lovely mid-tempo song by kannivalism. They've got a great style and a great vocalist too, definitely try them out.
春 - Kousuke Atari
Kousuke Atari's voice is wonderful. It lacks a very polished feel, but I think that's what makes it so unique. It wavers in strength, occasionally disappearing beneath the accompaniment and at other times towering over it. He does do this weird little vibrato sometimes that I don't really like, it seems more like he can't hold the note in tune than a real vibrato, but other than that, a very nice ballad. I like the bass accompaniment too, though you'll have to listen pretty hard for it.
Fuyu Tokyo - Lareine
Love how this song kicks off, and then launches into this wonderful, bright trumpet-filled sound. There's a piano in place of the usual rhythmic guitar chords, and a guitar playing little riffs that aren't as consistent. Great band too; recommended.
SCREAM - Lareine
More Lareine. =) The beginning of this song is almost disconcerting and I keep waiting for it to build but it never does. There's this sort of foreign feel to it and the vocalist whispering in Japanese. Eventually it does build a bit but overall this song was just ... really weird, but interesting. O_o Doesn't really sound like Lareine at all, yet this song defies the style of any band I know.
夏の終わりがまだここにある - The Local Art
A sweet ballad that's set apart by their vocalist's deep, thick voice. If anyone else had sung this song, it wouldn't have held my attention at all. I love this band, they deserve a lot more attention. I previously uploaded their song Shiroi Hana, look for it in the archives page if you want to hear more from them.
발자국 - Monday Kiz
발자국 is my favourite track from their latest album, Inside Story. Deep, husky vocals that are sweet and melodic at the same time, it's a mid-tempo ballad that has an extremely catchy chorus. Not the kind of ballad that you'd get bored listening to, this is probably one of my favourite Monday Kiz songs.
Together/Akari/Fall Back - Monkey Majik
01. Together
02. Akari
03. Fall Back
04. One More Chance
These guys have such a unique style, I'm not sure what genre to call them. This is their latest single, a triple a-side. The first verse of Together is what makes me love the song so much. This band has great vocalists, and two Canadian members too. There's a fifth track to this single that's a remix of Together, but I didn't upload it. Akari has a sadder sound than Together and a really nice piano accompaniment. Fall Back is more upbeat and features more English lyrics. It reminds me very slightly of "Change" (another one of their songs). One More Chance has a more aggressive sound but at the same time has a much lighter accompaniment. There's also a rap verse, which I hear occasionally in their songs but not often. I've never heard a Monkey Majik song that I didn't like, and I was very pleased by this single. Highly recommended.
기억을 걷는 시간 - Nell
Another song from Separation Anxiety, Nell's latest album, 기억을 걷는 시간 is probably my favourite tied with the title track and Fisheye Lens. If you've never heard anything by this band, try them out. They're one of my favourite bands, their vocalist has a very unique voice and their songs are just beautiful. The amount of detail in the composition and at the same time it's simplicity is amazing. Highly recommended.
In Your Hands - XING
I'm generally not a huge fan of boybands, but XING has always been pretty strong vocally and they've got at least one member who speaks fluent English, so the English versions of their songs/English verses are always good. A predictable but nice ballad from them. I think vocally they're capable of a lot more, but this song makes for a nice, light listen.
Te wo Tsunaide - Younha
Younha! One of my favourite female vocalists. An upbeat track by her that's very catchy yet shows her voice perfectly. The chorus is just beautiful. She's Korean, but most of her releases are Japanese. Highly recommended.
Unite As One - Yuna Ito
A mellow ballad from Yuna Ito's Wish album, the vocals seem very slightly R&B influenced. I thought I'd upload this since there aren't really any female artists up in this rotation, and Yuna Ito's voice builds nicely in this song. It's not my favourite from her, but it's not bad.
Labels: acid black cherry, ACIDMAN, Aobozu, Black:List, doa, Fanny Fink, Iori, John-Hoon, JUN, kannivalism, Kousuke Atari, Lareine, Monday Kiz, Monkey Majik, Nell, THE LOCAL ART, XING, Younha, Yuna Ito
