Full Moon (Live) – Namie Amuro
Japanese | Pop
The instruments remind me of the old school horror movies with the strings creating a dark and sinister atmosphere. The overall sound of the song reminds me of what it would sound like if you were visiting a haunted house on Halloween – a little creepy but still a lot of fun.
Still Doll – Kanon Wakeshima
Japanese | Pop
Dolls have always creeped me out and this song is creepy in its own way. I mean, the song has Kanon talking to a doll named Alice. The cello and other stringed instruments give this song a dark kind of feeling, kind of like if you were stuck in an abandoned house at night. And it contrasts nicely with Kanon’s voice.
Sakasama No Chou – Snow
Japanese | Pop
This is the opening to “Hell Girl” (Jigoku Shoujo). If you’re into creepy anime with interesting stories, then this might be something to check out tonight. The song has a nice mid-tempo beat and I like the addition of the record scratches (gives it a more contemporary feel) and how it contrasts with the more acoustic feel of the guitar.
Electric Heart – SHINee
Korean | Pop
We’ve now reached the treat side of the mix. The guitar kind of reminds me of Justin Timberlake’s Seniorita but updated for 2010 and with less of an R&B feel. The song isn’t overly memorable (I like “Your Name” and “Lucifer” better) but still a good song to listen to.
Wizard of Oz – Clazziquai Project
Korean | Pop
Okay. So I was trying to go with a bit of a theme… The electric heart of the Tin Man. Oddly enough, when I think of Halloween, it reminds me of the Wizard of Oz. The idea of being swept away to a weird place with weird people always seemed like something that could happen on Halloween. For some odd reason, this song got stuck in my head – especially the chorus.
Labels: Amuro Namie, Clazziquai, Contributor; Carmi, Kanon Wakeshima, Shinee, SNoW
LolliGurls – Big Bang, 2NE1 and Katy Perry
Korean | Pop
I thought that this would be an appropriate summer mix since it Katy Perry’s instrumental gives Lollipop more of a beat and it makes it seem more lively. There were times when I thought that they sounded a little off key, but I think the person who remixed the song had to change the pitch in some parts to make it go along with the background. Overall, I think this is one of the best mashes I’ve heard in a while.
Hello – Namie Amuro vs A. Skillz & Krafty Kuts
Japanese/English | Pop/Hip Hop
When I first heard this remix I was really into it for a while. The mix is flawless in terms of its transitions and it all seems to flow really well and the two songs don’t compete for “air time” so to speak. Rather, they seem to compliment each other.
Again It’s You – 2pm vs. Super Junior
Korean | Pop
I think this is a decent mix of the two songs since both their tempos are fairly similar. However, I do think the transitions between the two songs can be a bit jarring at times (can’t really comment on if the words would make sense, sorry!) since during the chorus it can get a bit loud and sometimes I feel like the words get almost cut off.
Juju Lets Go – JUJU vs. M-Flo & Yoshika
Japanese| Pop
It isn’t very common to find a slow-ish mash up since most mash ups are geared towards making songs more upbeat. I think this song’s transitions are pretty good and both m-flo and Yoshika’s vocals go really well with the background since their song is more of a slow tempo song.
Mister Abracadabra – Brown Eyed Girls vs. Kara
Korean | Pop
I was debating whether or not to post another remix of Abracadabra but since most of the song (or at least the part that I like more) is Kara’s Mister. I think the two songs blended well but there are times when the overlap can be a bit much on your ears if you’re not used to hearing two different songs put together with one on the left and the other on the right.
Labels: 2PM, Amuro Namie, Big Bang, Brown Eyed Girls, Contributor; Carmi, Juju, KARA, m-flo, Super Junior, Yoshika
Disclaimer: It isn’t that I’m promoting the idea that Korea and Japan are “stealing” songs from North America and making them sound better…I mean, they are making them sound better, but…whatever. Just enjoy the songs…and don’t kill me.
Passion (Remix) – Se7en feat. Jinusean
Korean| Pop
Yes, this was my favorite Se7en song for a short while. For those of you that don’t know, this song is basically a remix of J-Kwon’s “Tipsy”, with the beat sped up and with better vocals. The song’s a great song to dance to and it’s what got me hooked onto Se7en in the first place (I usually find out about different bands/groups/singers through their singles and MVs). The dance moves in the MV are pretty good too.
Foolish Foolish – Yuya Matsushita
Japanese | Pop
As the song progressed, I really thought Yuya was going to start singing Ne-Yo’s “So Sick” since the two songs are so similar. I can definitely picture Yuya singing Ne-Yo’s song with the only complication being the accent. As for which song is better…I couldn’t really say. I think both are equally good.
Again & Again – 2pm
Korean | Pop
Apparently this song sounds an awful lot like Envy’s “Shawty Dangerous”. I don’t necessarily like one version over the other. Okay, that’s a lie. I like 2pm’s version but that’s probably because I think you can dance to it.
New Look – Namie Amuro
Japanese | Pop
Okay. This isn’t really a sampling issue as it’s really a homage to the original (“Baby Love” by The Supremes). It’s a good song, simple but clean and it conveys the sentiments of the sixties. I like the fact that she didn’t defer too far from the original but was able to revive it and give the song a makeover that’s appropriate for this time.
Why I Like You – Super Junior
Korean | Pop
This sounds…okay, it’s pretty much a remixed version of Ne-Yo’s “Closer”. Unfortunately, in this case, I’m going to have to side with Ne-Yo. I think his version is more upbeat and I like his voice better in comparison to Super Junior’s (sorry!). Still a decent song though.
Labels: 2PM, Amuro Namie, Contributor; Carmi, Jinusean, Se7en, Super Junior, Yuya Matsushita
Doushite (Royal Mirrorball Remix) – Tohoshinki
Japanese| Pop
My favorite techno remix thus far, although the change from a heartfelt slow song to a techno-pop sound kills any emotions you might feel from listening to the original. The song is so upbeat and perky that if you don’t know the meaning behind the words, you’d just think it was a nice, cheery song. Still my favorite remix though.
Wild and Violet Sauce vs. Apologize – Namie Amuro & One Republic / Timbaland
Japanese | Pop
This is an interesting twist to the usual remixes out there – meaning the penchant is to speed songs up rather than slow them down – so this is a nice change of pace. It isn’t one of the best mash ups out there as sometimes the overlaying of both of Namie’s songs can sound a bit off but otherwise pretty decent.
Deal With Juliette – SHINee vs. Corbin Bleu
Korean/English | Pop
Technically this is a mash up instead of a true remix but I still like it. I didn’t really listen to the full SHINee version but the mash up is seamless. The beat stays in tact and it’s a good a pop song overall.
Around the World (DJ Mitsu Mix) – Monkey Majik
English | Pop
This remix has more of a jazz/house-ish sound to it. More of the emphasis is on the synths, base and drums than the original, that and this one is the full-out English one rather than the Japanese/English version. A decent mix but nothing overly special.
Hikari (PlanitB Remix) – Hikaru Utada
Japanese | Pop
I thought I’d end of this mix with more of a techno-ish sound. I actually like this version better than the slower, original one. The drums and faster tempo seem to give the song more life.
Labels: Amuro Namie, Contributor; Carmi, Monkey Majik, Shinee, Tohoshinki, Utada Hikaru
Jingle Bells – SM Town
Korean | Pop
Okay. This is an old song (in the opening they talk about it being the last Christmas before the millennium) but I think one of the better ones. It’s nice, festive, and upbeat with a lot of the older SME people.
Christmas With You – Se7en
Korean | Pop
This is a nice, romantic, slow-ish song. I love Se7en’s voice in this song: it’s sweet and mellow. The background instruments definitely support and don’t overwhelm his voice.
Let It Snow – Bonnie Pink
English | Jazz
Normally I don’t like remakes of classic songs that have been around for a while, but I did like this jazz one. Bonnie’s accent isn’t that pervasive so you shouldn’t notice it too much if you normally are picky about that kind of thing. It’s fairly upbeat as well so it’s not a bore even though the middle is laden with both a jazz and piano solo (both are short though).
Silent Night, Holy Night - DBSK
Korean | Pop
This is one of the few slow-ish “traditional” holiday songs I enjoy. It’s a good acapella song and you can definitely picture (okay, more like wish) that they were the ones caroling at your door.
White Light – Namie Amuro
Japanese | Pop
I actually first heard the “Nobody” rendition of this song as opposed to this version (weird, I know). It’s a sweet, simple song for the holidays that I think could be at the end of an shojo anime for their Christmas special.
Sorry this post is late. I've been sick the past few days (just in time for the holidays...sigh).
Labels: Amuro Namie, Bonnie Pink, Contributor; Carmi, Dong Bang Shin Ki, Se7en, SM Town
Jikyan Yo Tomare – Azu feat. SEAMO
Japanese | Pop
It’s a sweet song and I prefer this one to their other collaboration. Azu’s voice is nice and mellow and contrasts nicely with SEAMO’s raps. The song isn’t too sweet either, which is a bonus and what you’d expect from Azu.
Do You – Ne-Yo feat. Hikaru Utada
English | R&B
I’m pretty sure that this is the only English song I had really listened to by Hikki. It does sound a lot like what you’d find in North America (okay, the US), which doesn’t really make it all that memorable if you’re comparing it to other western releases. However, it’s still a decent song to listen to since their voices sound well together.
Black Diamond - Double feat. Namie Amuro
Japanese | Pop
I’m more fond of Namie in this song than Double even though it’s her song. It’s got some good beats and it did hold my attention for a while when it first came out. There isn’t anything overly memorable about it though, just a good collaboration.
Look – Mina feat. Ak’Sent
Korean | Pop
The song is catchy and Ak’Sent really suits the song. I was addicted to this song for a while after it first came out, probably because it’s a good song to dance to (I can picture people dancing to this in a club). I personally like the liver version with Jessica Ho better but I can’t find a decent version of it to post.
Mahaloha – Yuna Ito feat. Micro
Japanese | Pop
Both Yuna’s and Micro’s voices are nice and mellow, which works really well with the simple background. The guitar and mid-tempo beats really make me wish I were in Hawaii instead of dealing with the cold winter.
Labels: Amuro Namie, Azu, Contributor; Carmi, Double, Mina, Seamo, Utada Hikaru, Yuna Ito
Queen of Hip-Pop – Namie Amuro
Japanese| Pop
I feel like the live version does this song more justice than the album ever did – and that’s mainly because the base line is amped up a lot more in this one. Plus, the applause at the beginning really helps set the tone for the song. Although, aside from those two things, it isn’t really that different from the original.
Love in the Ice (Korean Version) – DBSK / TVXQ
Korean | Ballad
Jaejoong is a little quiet at the onset, but the vocals quickly pick up after that. This is probably my favorite ballad right now and it was actually the live version that made me take a second listen to this song (totally skipped it when I first heard the album version). At times I think the background kind of overpowers them but their vocals later on make up for it.
Mirotic (Japanese Version) – DBSK / TVXQ
Japanese | Pop
This is a much more orchestral version and it has a long-ish interlude in the middle where normally the rap picks up right after the second chorus (done as a dance interlude if you watch the concert). Still a fun version to listen to. By the way, this isn’t the “under my sky” version.
Nan - Rain
Korean | Pop
I was going for a slower song but I’m partial to Rain so I picked this instead. The accompaniment and backup singers support him so well. I really liked the base in this one.
Do What You Gotta Do – Zeebra feat. Mummy D, AI & Namie Amuro
Japanese | Hip Hop
A fun and energetic song to end this rotation. I think it’s my favorite Suite Chic / Zeebra song (I actually like this version better than the album version). The audience gets really amped up at the end – but watch out for the high-pitched mic squeal at the end.
Labels: Amuro Namie, Contributor; Carmi, Rain, Tohoshinki, Zeebra
Sorry the rotation is so late! This was originally going to be an artist feature for Han Hee Jung or BRIGHT, but I figured that since I’m quite picky about girl groups and female artists in general, I’d theme the whole rotation on female singers. I tried to choose a variety of artists & genres, so hopefully you’ll find something you like. By the way, the group pictured above is Black Pearl.
Please remember to comment or leave a rating, thanks.
잃어버린 날들 - Han Hee Jung (Lost Days)
Korean | Soft rock
This is my favourite Han Hee Jung song, hands down. It’s soothing but melancholy and emotional at the same time, and suits its title perfectly. Han Hee Jung’s smooth voice is steady yet delicate, set against a mid-tempo accompaniment of percussion and strings.
Kotoba ni Dekinakute - BRIGHT (Can’t Put It Into Words)
Japanese | Pop/Ballad
If I had to pick a favourite girl group, it’d probably be these guys. I’ve uploaded a couple songs from them before. Kotoba ni Dekinakute is a poppy R&B ballad that’s compositionally familiar, yet mature and fresh. Their vocals are just fantastic - clear-cut and melodic, not to mention their gorgeous harmonizing that gives even more upbeat songs a unique twist.
좋은날 - Brown Eyed Girls
Korean | Pop
A relaxing, sweet pop song by the Brown Eyed Girls. I’m not a huge fan of them, but I do like a couple of their songs. Accompanied by acoustic guitars and light percussion, the only thing I didn’t really like about this song was the rap verses. It’s not a song that I’d put on repeat, but it’s worth a listen.
Crazy Love Song - SeeYa
Korean | Ballad
I’m really not a fan of their new album but I loved their older material. They’re often referred to as the “female SG Wannabe”, which can definitely be felt in this song. It clearly follows the paths of SG Wannabe’s distinct, signature ballads. Personally, I find that they followed SG Wannabe’s style a little too closely, and would have liked to see them have a more unique style. Powerful and dramatic, these girls definitely have the vocal strength to back this song up.
everyhome - Chihiro Onitsuka
Japanese | Folk Pop/Ballad
I love Chihiro Onitsuka’s older material, but her newer songs have really disappointed me. everyhome was actually released a while ago as a single, but was also included on her newer album “LAS VEGAS”. Her voice is absolutely beautiful - powerful and emotional, set against a strong piano accompaniment. The amount of emotion Onitsuka puts into every word and every note is really what makes her so unique.
결국... 너잖아 - Black Pearl
Korean | Ballad
I was really impressed with this group, and was disappointed to find that after a couple singles they’ve kind of dropped out of the scene other than a few appearances in OSTs and such, mostly in collaboration with other artists - namely SeeYa and Davichi, but IMO they outshine those groups vocally. A very classic Korean ballad that is a tad too predictable for my taste, but their strong, rich voices really bring the song together.
Te wo Tsunaide - Younha
Japanese | Pop-Rock
I’m a huge fan of Younha, even though I didn’t really like her newest Korean album (Peace Love & Ice Cream). This is probably my favourite song by her - it’s an optimistic, midtempo pop-rock track with a soaring chorus, completed by Younha’s powerful yet feminine voice. I absolutely love the part at 2:10 when the accompaniment suddenly cuts off, leaving only her voice for the rest of the line - it has an incredibly powerful impact.
Love Today - Taru
Korean | Pop/Electronica
A sugary track complete with warm, childish vocals and a heavily synthesized accompaniment. It’s a cute song with a sweet, poppy atmosphere that’s not too overpowering.
Mia - IU
Korean | Ballad
I was skeptical upon seeing that the singer is only 15 years old, expecting something poppy and sugary, but Mia was certainly a pleasant surprise - it’s a rich, emotional ballad. While utilizing strings in its accompaniment, the percussion and arrangement is fairly modernized. IU’s voice is powerful and surprisingly mature. I’m looking forward to hearing her future releases and seeing how her voice develops even furthur.
Jewelry day - ayaka
Japanese | Ballad
A pretty acoustic guitar ballad by another of my favourite female singers, ayaka. It’s melancholic but relaxing and soothing at the same time. ayaka’s voice is melodic and crisp. A refreshingly straightforward song.
Summer Song - YUI
Japanese | Pop/Rock
Despite loving acoustic guitars, I never really got into YUI’s music. Summer Song is a pleasing, mid-tempo track - IMO, it doesn’t have a lot of replay value, but it’s a nice song.
Unprecedented - Zhang Yun Jing
Mandarin | Pop-Rock
An upbeat track. Yun Jing’s voice is almost boyish, and suits the playful atmosphere of the song well. I think she was the winner of either Super Idol or One Million Star (singing competitions).
Can’t Sleep, Can’t Eat, I’m Sick - Amuro Namie
Japanese | Pop
Synthy trumpet riffs, a slick R&B atmosphere - really, it’s nothing but a cheap club number. Bubbly, fun, confident, and light-hearted.
Freaky - Koda Kumi
Japanese | Pop
A grungy, aggressive song - it’s uptempo and in-your-face. Koda Kumi’s powerful, slightly abrasive voice compliments the song well.
Labels: Amuro Namie, Ayaka, Black Pearl, BRIGHT, Brown Eyed Girls, Chihiro Onitsuka, Han Hee Jung, IU, Koda Kumi, SeeYa, Taru, Younha, YUI, Zhang Yun Jing
