Sorry this rotation got backtracked so much. Hopefully it’s worth the wait, I’ve tried to upload as many runners-up as possible. This theme does not include any pop-rock, alternative rock, soft rock, etc. - but it does include rock ballads. Like with all the top ten/twenty themes, these are only the top songs in my opinion. Unfortunately, ruling out alt rock, soft rock, and “rock-influenced” groups/songs also ruled out many Korean or Chinese/Taiwanese groups. This rotation is extremely Japanese-dominated, but since pop songs were mainly Korean/Chinese and ballads were mostly Korean, I think overall it’s pretty fair. I haven’t been following rock music as much lately, so most of these songs will be a little older.
This rotation took a tiring amount of time to prepare, especially my comments (which get progressively worse), so please take the time to comment/leave a rating. Anyways, on to the music. =)
- Haruhi
#10. DOLLS - Janne da Arc
I really like Janne da Arc. Dolls is a mid-tempo track - the opening verses are a bit of a bore featuring a sweet if somewhat repetitive melody, but the chorus is great. It’s a slightly formulaic track, which kept it from moving up on the chart.
#9. Black Cherry - acid black cherry
I just realized I’d uploaded this before, way back in my tenth rotation, so there’s two links for you. A seamless blend of rock and jazz - Black Cherry starts out slow and ambient with light guitar and percussion, putting Yasu’s unique voice into the spotlight. Wailing electric guitars kick in and the percussion steps it up into a fast-paced fusion track, complete with trumpet riffs. A fantastic song from a great group.
#8. Orange Dream - Antic Cafe
This song was uploaded in rotation 19. Since most of their songs are upbeat and happy (after all, they are an oshare kei group), I was surprised at the richness and maturity of this ballad. I love the piano part - I think it adds a lot of colour to the song. The opening is heartbreakingly sad, but as the song builds it grows more and more hopeful and optimistic. A beautiful rock ballad.
#7. Et cetera - ONE OK ROCK
An angsty rock song, leaning more towards the style of American rock than Japanese. I absolutely love the chorus and the contrast in volume between the chorus and other verses. The arrangement might not be the most original or innovative, but it all fits together perfectly to make a unique and memorable song.
#6. yozora ni saku hana - Clavier
Returning to ballads, yozora ni saku hana opens with a sad piano intro. The whole song just has a certain flavor that’s unique to Japanese music, I can’t explain it - you’ll know it when you hear it. Toshi, their lead singer, has an expressively vulnerable but steady voice that suits the song perfectly. This group is technically oshare kei, but even in their other songs they don’t have a really sugary, sweet sound - their material is just generally brighter than visual kei stuff.
#5. Kimi ni Negai wo - Miyavi
Being the first Japanese artist I listened to, Miyavi had to show up somewhere on this rotation. This was also one of the first songs I heard by him. It’s a fairly bright, midtempo track driven by piano and guitars - and later, strings. Miyavi’s voice is soft and crooning pretty much everywhere but the chorus, but can still be heard over the relatively light accompaniment.
#4. Close - Mot
The sole Korean band to make the list (actually the only non-Japanese band), Close definitely deserves its position. Some people call them alt rock, but whatever. It’s such a unique song, filled with dazed, dreamy synths. Overall the song has a very sad, longing atmosphere, but its emotional value is what makes it good. It can get a little repetitive, which actually kind of adds to the atmosphere of the song - definitely try them out.
#3. Isshunfuran - B'z
A polar opposite of the sad, longing atmosphere in Close, Isshunfuran is upbeat, bright, and irresistably catchy. You can’t help but move along to it - it’s confident and assured. Not convinced? This duo has been around since 1988, and are considered the most popular rock group in Japan. They were also the first artists from Asia to have their handprints and signatures put in in Hollywood’s Rock Walk, placing them right alongside American rock legends like Black Sabbath, AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Les Paul, and Jimi Hendrix.
#2. Libra - MUCC
MUCC is one of my favourite j-rock groups. I still follow their releases despite losing interest in heavier rock (I posted a recent single of theirs not long ago). Libra is definitely my favourite song by them - it’s dark and gritty, but then it leads into the chorus, which is just stunningly beautiful and pure. I absolutely love the PV and lyrics, too.
#1. over - 12012
I knew this song would be in the top two when I started this rotation. 12012 is one of the first j-rock bands I listened to, and one of the first Japanese bands in general. “Over” is a simple but gorgeous ballad. The haunting melody always gets stuck in my head and I never forget it, even if I haven’t listened to the song in a long time.
Runners-up:
Carnation - Janne da Arc
A simple but beautiful relaxing acoustic ballad. If it was a little more of a rock song, it definitely would have made the list.
ブランコ - kannivalism
I love these guys, but unfortunately I think they’ve disbanded. A fairly slow, relaxing song with refreshing clear vocals and a dreamy arrangement. I prefer their upbeat songs, but couldn’t find any on my computer.
Lost Reason - abingdon boys school
I love this song. It was definitely close to making the list. It transitions from gritty and aggressive to softer, melodic portions. I absolutely love the chorus. A great song.
風の鳥 - Matenrou Opera
I really like this band in general; I wasn’t sure what song to upload by them. In the end, I chose a piano-based ballad, which shows their impressive vocalist. The piano is just gorgeous.
My Heart Draws a Dream - L’arc~en~Ciel
I’m sure most of you know this song, I’ve followed Laruku for a while but have never really picked out any real “favourites” by them. My Heart Draws a Dream would definitely come close - a fresh, mid-tempo track with a great melody. Of course, Hyde’s voice is wonderful.
JEALOUS -Reverse- - Dir en grey
There’s quite a few ballads in this rotation, huh? JEALOUS -Reverse- is another one, also piano-based, but Kyo’s unique voice sets it apart. I’ve kind of grown apart from their harder material where he screams more than he sings, but he has quite a nice voice when he’s actually singing, although he sounds a bit strained at times. It’s sad but hopeful, and very emotional.
Aribai - SID
A light-hearted, jazzy track that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s a breath of fresh air after listening to all these heavier rock songs or emotional ballads.
The Love From A Dead Orchestra - Versailles
This band’s whole image reflects splendor, royalty, etc. Their music, too, is extravagent - deep, thick vocals, a densely packed arrangement, many transitions. I love the slower, melodic verses of the song (eg. the one starting at 1:22), but unfortunately found the song to be on a whole too overdone. The slower portions where the different parts can actually be separated and viewed individually are the best. The transition about halfway through between the piano solo and the next, heavier portion of the song is roughly done - I would have thought it was going into a whole other track. A lot of great ideas and themes that got cramped together into one big song - personally, I think they could have been better and more fully explored, which kept this song from ranking higher.
Snow Flower - Plastic Tree
Ghost - Plastic Tree
Two great songs from another j-rock band that’s been around for a while: since 1993, to be exact. One of the first j-rock bands I really got into and one of few that I still loosely follow.
Night - Kazoku
I absolutely love the intro of this song. The transition into the actual song is brilliant and seamless. Faint jazz influences, a dark-ish, mysterious feel.
너 없인 행복할 수 없잖아 - Mary Story (I Can't Be Happy Without You)
I had to stick another Korean band in here somewhere. These guys are awesome, they were very close to making the list. A pretty light rock song that might even be considered soft-rock or pop-rock or whatever, but I love it. The melody is just extremely memorable to me, and even when I haven’t listened to this song for ages I can still recall it without any difficulty. Try them out if you haven’t, k-rock needs more attention - and these guys definitely deserve it.
Note: I ran out of tag characters, so I took the tag for Kazoku off because the song "Night" is already uploaded in a previous rotation, and they're tagged in that post.
I likely messed up at least one link, so if there's any mistakes with the links or anything else, please let me know!
Labels: 12012, abingdon boys school, acid black cherry, Antic Cafe, B'z, Clavier, Dir en grey, Janne da Arc, kannivalism, L'arc~en~Ciel, Mary Story, Matenrou Opera, miyavi, Mot, MUCC, ONE OK ROCK, Plastic Tree, SID, Versailles
So, a week "late" as Haruhi decided to rotate early. To my regret, this rotation is small (only 6 songs o_O), as I found out I don't have as much songs that have a title with some kind of natural element in it. I actually have a little over 6 songs, but I decided I was not going to put up songs that I've already uploaded. That would kind of defeat the purpose of rotating, ne?
As a little make-up gift though, I've edited my post that contained my third rotation: the first album of Rie Fu. Rather than a link to MU only, I've now also upped each song indivdually to MF, so that those of you who have troubles with MU can still download the entire album here.
Please remember to comment when you download something.
Arashi - Kaze no Mukou e
Japanese - pop
It's a real Arashi pop song; cheerful, upbeat and, well, poppy xD This is one of the songs of which the combination of the vocals of the guys and the instrumentals give me an instant happy <33
Recommended.
Baby Boo - Shimanuzu Tsuki
Japanese - Latinish
I'm bummed out I lost their album due to a computer crash, because I'm a real fan of this band. This song conjures up a gypsy band around a campfire, making music, singing about the moon. I find it actually quite hard to describe, so just listen to it xD Highly recommended.
B'z - OCEAN
Japanese - Ballad
It's a really slow song, with a nostalgic feel to it. I imagine it's about returning to inaka, someone's hometown. Softer parts are alternated with strong parts, enforcing the nostalgic homesickness feeling.
Gackt - Rain
Japanese - ballad
What can I say? It's Gackt, doing a ballad that is alternated with rock (in the chorus I think). Powerful instrumentals complementing Gackt's voice to make for an aching feel and piano to accompany the soft parts. It's love, love, love!
Garnet Crow - Kaze to Rainbow
Japanese - poprock
Sometimes I feel this song is somehow meant as a kind of raindance incantation, other times I just get cheered up by the song. Whether you like pop or VK rock (ok, it's not that VK, but just to make a point xD), I think anyone could like this song.
Tamaki Hiroshi - Kono Kaze ni Notte
Japanese - pop
Somehow I feel this song isn't particularly suited to Tamaki-san's voice, but that could be the influence of Walk the Line that I saw yesterday (watch it! now!). The song is really sweet and uplifting however, with a fairly fast rythm and fun melody. I love the guitar bridge in the middle <3 It is a real "Cheer up!" kind of song.
Labels: Arashi, B'z, Baby Boo, cohost: aranka, Gackt, Garnet Crow, Rie Fu, Tamaki Hiroshi
Large catch up and make up rotation!
Miss You [m-flo loves Melody]
Starstruck - "The Return of the Luvbytes"
Vanessa [m-flo loves Bloodest Saxophone]
Way U Move [m-flo loves Dragon Ash]
Get On! [m-flo loves Crystal Kay] Astrosexy [m-flo loves Chemistry
The Love Bug [m-flo loves BoA]
Life Is Beautifuls [m-flo loves Double & Toku]
Cosmic Night Run [m-flo loves Crazy Ken Band]
Reeewind! [m-flo loves Crystal Kay] Uchu No Ouou
Album two: ZUSHI by Kimaguren Songs by this duo were originally featured by Haruhi, but I found them so good I thought I’d upload the entire album. This duo released their first single, Omoi omoi, in late spring or early summer of 2007. This album ranked number one in the last week of July ’08 in the Oricon Charts. The entire album is sweet, breezy and uplifting.
2．LIFE
9． P.S.
10．Omoi Omoi
12．Dame Otoko
13. LIFE ( Smart Sports ver.) STUDIO APARTMENT Remix
14. LOVE CALL(Kimagure ShortEdit)/RYTHEM with キマグレン
Rotation #7: Starting letter A
Otsuka Ai – Amairo Parasol Japanese – Pop A rather mellow single by this usually hyper artist. It sounds very much like the A side of the single on which it was released – Amaenbo, although this is probably more upbeat. I think it’s a quite good alternative to her usually hyper music.
Arashi – Asu ni Mukatte Hoeru Japanese – Pop A typical Arashi single – upbeat, happy and poppy. It reminds me a little of Kitto Daijoubu, although this song doesn’t feature Sho’s rapping. It’s also a bit electronic, perhaps more so than their other songs. I really like it though. Happy desu~ <3
ALvino – ARCADIA Japanese – Poprock An electronic song, yet with ALvino characteristics. I really like it, mainly because it seems to step outside the regular rock which ALvino produces a lot.
Ayaka – Ai mo Uso mo Shinjitsu Japanese – Poprock Featuring her strong voice, this song sounds a little darker than most of the songs on her second album. I don’t think the song is as powerful as CLAP&LOVE, but it’s still a really good song.
B’z – Ai no Bakudan Japanese – Rock I think this was my very first B’z song. I can’t even count the times I’ve listened to it. It really is rock music like you’d expect from this amazing musical duo. Upbeat rock, definitely comes recommended.Chachamaru – As Japanese – Rock Perhaps not the first thing you’d think about when you think of Chachamaru, the song is slow and a little mysterious. Near what sounds to me like the chorus, the music becomes really strong, while the rest sounds like a relaxing ballad. Recommended.
Gackt – Another world Japanese – Poprock An upbeat, happy song by this amazing artist with his characteristic beginning. To me it’s the ultimate fusion between rock and pop. Listening to this song brings me instant happiness.
Kanjani8 – Ano kotoba ni Japanese – Pop Another typical JE boyband with a typical sweet boyband song. Although in this case I don’t think that’s a bad thing, it works for Kanjani8. It always brings a smile to my face.
KAT-TUN – Andarusia ni Akogarete (Live) Japanese – Pop I think is from their first concert, and I think the fusion between some characteristics from Spanish music works really good with the rest of the song, which is basically the typical KAT-TUN poprock mix. One of my favourite concert only songs.
Kobukuro – Aoku Yasashiku Japanese – Ballad The minimal volume of the accompanying instruments gives this songs almost an a capella feel, showcasing the harmony of the vocals. To me, the harmony between the vocals and the instruments is the main charm of this song.
Miyavi – Ashita, Genki ni Naare Japanse – Pop I LOVE this song! It’s so sweet, especially compared to some of Myv’s earlier songs. “Spring wind, breathin’ in a breeze” evokes that perfect late spring/early summer day, where the whole world just bathes in the sunlight and all is well. Rie Fu – Ame no Hi ga Sukitte Omotte Mitai Japanese – Ballad Singing of a rainy day, little bells invoke that feeling of the first raindrops on forest leaves on in late spring. This song seems influenced by classical music, with a piano and strings as main accompaniment.
SiD – and boyfriend Japanese – punk Happy happy! This one of the more upbeat songs done by SiD, although it’s nowhere near the hyperness of Smile. Staying within that typical SiD style, I think this song can be put up there with some of the upbeat An Café songs, and other sweet punk like LoveScreamParty by SuG.
Southern All Stars – Ai wa hana no you ni (Olé!) Japanese – Pop/Salsa I couldn’t stop smiling the first time I heard this song. Japanese people attempting Spanish, quite successfully actually, is really entertaining. However, I think they’ve succeeded in giving this song that Mediterranean feel. It’s a real summer song~
Rotation #8: Summer themed
Japanese – Ballad
A sweet ballad with a summery feel to it, with a typical Arashi sound. This song does feature Sho’s rapping ;D “Natsu no namae oshiete..”
Japanese – pop
Rather than their usual hiphop, this song is a really poppy song. It gives you a bit that late night at a tropical island feeling, just hanging out near or on the beach, having a good time.
Korean – pop
Starting out a little sad the song gradually changes to a happy song about the summer, or a summer love. I think, I don’t speak Korean xD It’s sweet and summery and it has DBSK. Win, right?
Japanese – hiphop Rap with a summer sauce. Later it’s a sugary sweet voice prolonging the feeling of a summer night with a potential fling. It really feels like that summer loving. Comes highly recommended.
Japanese – punk
After starting off like a ballad, the song soon becomes upbeat with a punk edge. It’s slower and a bit softer than most SiD songs, but I like it. Unlike the other songs in this part of the rotation, it has no particular summery feel, but it’s a good song nonetheless.
Southern All Stars – Oh Summer Queen
Japanese – pop
The B side of the single I am your Singer, a B side I particularly like. This song has more of a party mood, where the boy dares the girl to come closer etc., rather than a summer feeling. I think this is a cool song. “One two three, now baby come on..”
Japanese – ballad
A soft song by a very good singer. It’s a good song to listen to with a glass of wine in your hand, sitting on the porch and reading a book. A soft breeze to boot and the night is perfect. That’s what I’d do anyway x)
Japanese – pop
Poppy, upbeat, happy. One of the oldest songs in my music collection, it makes me a bit nostalgic :’) It’s just a good fun song, for a little instant happiness.
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Yes, I ran low on inspiration how to describe songs in this rotation. So shoot me ;D Also, feel free to request any songs and please leave a comment.
Labels: ALvino, Arashi, Ayaka, B'z, Chachamaru, cohost: aranka, D-51, Gackt, Kanjani8, KAT-TUN, Kimaguren, Kobukuro, m-flo, miyavi, Otsuka Ai, Rie Fu, SID, Southern All Stars, Suga Shikao, WaT
皆さん、今日は！ 안녕하세요 여러분! 你好众人!
Hello everyone!
My name is Aranka, but call me Ank. :) From now on, I'll be the co-host of Fashion Scans Rotation. Haruhi and I will alternate weeks in updating our rotation, but as I'll be busy all week and the weekend too I thought you should profit from my rotation double as long!
To kick my career as a rotation hostess, I thought I'd list some of my all time favourites for you.
Please also give a shout out to Haruhi, for doing such a wonderful job on the new layout!
18 songs this time around, enjoy! Comment or rate please, if you decide to download.
A*Ra*Shi - Arashi
Japanese/Pop
This is the debut single of this now almost 10 year old boyband! It's a song that just oozes energy and happiness, giving you the perfect excuse to bob your head in public! This is definitly one of my favourite songs by Arashi, even though it sounds humongously poppy and you can hear all the members have just started their full on musical career.
WISH - Arashi
Japanese/Pop
The theme song to the first season of Hana Yori Dango, this song is lighthearted and sweet. I would almost say it makes you feel fuzzy on the inside, but I think that would be taking it too far. None the less, if you know HYD, you know this song is the embodiment of the plot. Sweet, lighthearted, a little comical and an unrelenting faith in love.
CLAP&LOVE - ayaka
Japanese/Pop&Rock
I don't know why everyone isn't all over this singer, because she has an amazing voice! Her voice is the best compliment to the instrumentals of the song, giving it even more power. The musical harmony of this song is perfect and leaves you feeling empowered, able to conquer the world and able to face your music.
Love me, I love you - B'z
Japanese/Rock
This duo, that has been in business for nearly 21 years, is one of the best bands I know. While staying in the genre of rock, they have a enormous variation in musical style, keeping us all intrigued and waiting for their next release. This is a somewhat slower song, yet it remains upbeat, that's centered around love. Can you hear Tak-san beg?
Kimi ga Oikaketa Yume - Gackt
Japanese/Poprock
Probably the most famous artist in Japan right now, Gackt was my first introduction to Japanese music. I'm always amazed at how he is able to combine two things that seem incompatible - like this song clearly shows. While the lyrics are actually rather sad, the instrumentals sound upbeat and happy af if to say that what's expressed by the lyrics is not the end.
Vanilla (night version) - Gackt
Japanese/Pop+Latin
Now this was my very first Jmusic. Well, not this particular version of Vanilla, but Vanilla nonetheless. This song is actually a slower version of the original, put to a salsa rhythm. Even though Gackt has not a single salsa step in his system, it sounds great, giving the song the sensual feel that matches with its lyrics.
Da Ya Think I'm Sexy - K
English/Pop
The original is by Rod Steward, but I much prefer this version of the song. Perhaps that has to do with my slight preference for Asian men, but I just feel that K sings it way more sexy than Rod. While his English is not exactly perfect, you can easily understand him, while he gives you an idea of his vocal range at the same time.
Bonnie Butterfly - Kinki Kids
Japanese/Pop
I actually heard a snippet of this song from a KAT-TUN concert and fell in love with it instantly. Therefore, I decided to download the original. While I prefer the voices of Akanishi Jin and Kamenashi Kazuya, this song brings me a kind of inner peace and leaves me content and ease. It's a perfect song to relax to.
SIGNAL - KAT-TUN
Japanese/Pop
Now this song has the potential to make it to my all time favourite #1. It's my ringtone and I've learnt it by heart by listening to this over and over and over and over again. The song is cheerful, both instrumental and vocal and I'm just in love love love with the guitar arrangements. Highly, highly recommended.
Real Face - KAT-TUN
Japanese/Poprock
Actually, I lied a little about Vanilla. This song - in PV form - was my absolute very first introduction to Jmusic. Enticed by the voices and faces of this boyband, I started the hunt for Japanese music online, becoming more and more addicted to Japan, its music and its culture. This song is not the album version, which is terrible in my opinion, but the PV version. A rock song that profiles each band member.
Love me after 12AM - M-Flo ft. Alex (Clazziquai)
Japanese+English/Hiphop
I'm a big fan of the M-Flo ft. songs. This one features Alex, from the Korean band Clazziquai. It's a relaxed song, almost bordering on lounge music I think. Alex' voice and his impeccible English match perfectly with the instrumentals of this Japanese hip hop duo. While I haven't quite figured out what's up with the 'after 12Am', I certainly wouldn't mind complying =3
Vanessa - M-Flo ft. Bloodest Saxophone
Japanese+English/Hiphop+swing
I can't stop listening to this song! It's from the ASTROMANTIC album and it combines that '50s swing with 21st century hiphop, leading to a unique and addicting combination. If you've liked the SOIL & PIMP Sessions songs Haruhi has uploaded, you'll probably like this song aswell. It comes highly recommended.
Asterisk (full version) - Orange Range
Japanese/Hiphop
I still have no clue why you'd name a song after a kind of punctuation mark, but hey. These froods are so cool it doesn't matter. I'm always amazed by the speed of the chori. I can't see how they get it all done and NOT drop any syllables. It's the opening song of the first season of Bleach, which I think it suits perfectly.
Venus - Tackey&Tsubasa
Japanese/Pop
While I'm sure we shouldn't read too much into their names, this song is tacky. It's so wrong it has become genius XD Download the song, listen to it, find the video on Youtube or something and emerge yourself in one of the tackiest, yet funniest, song out there.
Sora Fune - TOKIO
Japanese/Rock
Theme song of My Boss My Hero, I never realised that the main star of the series was also the vocalist of this song. Tomoya Nagase has a very powerful and masculine voice, excellent for the music genre TOKIO produces (hard rock). I love the electric guitar that has a center feature in the song, powerful and skillfully played.
Darling - V6
Japanese+English/Pop
Theme song of the dorama Kimi wa Petto (You are my pet), this too is a sweet, soft song. It's a little contradictary with the plotline of the series, but it fits perfectly with Matsumoto Jun's adorkable character Momo. I think the song also has a kind of homey feel to it, which is probably why it was picked to be this series theme song.
Feel your Breeze - V6
Japanese+English/Pop
Theme song of the first Gokusen season, this song is all about empowerment. The instrumentals, the vocals, everything. I think this song could be Yankumi's personal theme song. I love how the refrain is sung mostly a capella by this boyband, without loosing the power of the message that the song tries to convey.
And yes, I do have a little obsession for Jdoramas. Now download D< ;D
Labels: Arashi, Ayaka, B'z, cohost: aranka, Gackt, K, KAT-TUN, m-flo, Orange Range, Tackey, TOKIO, Tsubasa, V6
사랑해도 될까요? - Yurisangja
genre ballad
language korean
An absolutely gorgeous ballad. I realised I knew absolutely nothing about this group, so I googled them. Did you know there was such a thing as kpopwiki? O_o Click here for a very, very brief description of the group. Anyways, this is a very typical Korean ballad but I love it. It gets a bit tedious after a while but I love the melody. It's very relaxing and calm. overall rating: 4.5/5
Isshunfuran - B'z
genre rock
language japanese
I cannot express how much I love the intro and first verse of this song. It's a very upbeat rock song. I love this band, I'd definitely suggest you try them out if you haven't already and this is very likely my favourite song by them. I also love the bass. <3333 Very addictive and catchy. Highly recommended. overall rating: 5/5
Urineun - Lee Seung Yeol
genre ballad
language korean
The beginning of this song is so nice. Another ballad, another artist I'd never heard of before this song. XP It builds in tempo a little, I would call it a mid-tempo ballad. This nice sort of blended bass sound. My favourite parts of this song are the slower parts where the accompaniment kind of dies off, leaving just Lee Seung Yeol's voice. The first time I listened to this I didn't like it as much, but his voice and the song itself is growing on me. overall rating: 4/5
한 남자 - Kim Jong Kook
genre ballad
language korean
Random note: the title of this song, 한 남자, is romanized as "han nam ja" and translates to "one man".
When people ask me what my favourite song is, I usually have no idea what to say because I have so many, and my favourites change so fast. If you really pressed me for an answer, I would say it was this song. It's another ballad (seems to be a lot of them this rotation xP) by one of my favourite singers, Kim Jong Kook (he was a member of Turbo, if that rings a bell). He has a very high range but it doesn't seem as high in this song. I have the lyrics for this song, translated, and they are just so beautiful. I'll probably post them up sometime. (If I don't/haven't yet, feel free to e-mail me for them.) The first time I listened to this song I didn't actually think much of it, but after listening to it a few more times and reading the lyrics I just love it. overall rating: 5/5
Drink it Down - L'arc~en~Ciel
genre rock
language japanese
From the Devil May Cry 4 OST. I love love love how this song starts out and how the drums come in. This song is very catchy - I listened to it once and put it on repeat right after. The chorus is gorgeous, as is Hyde's voice. It differs from Laruku's usual style a little, probably because it was for Devil May Cry. Definitely worth a listen. overall rating: 4.5/5
Shiroi Hana - THE LOCAL ART
genre rock/ballad
language japanese
The Local Art needs more love. I happened to download their "KiZUNA" album and just fell in love with this song. Another song I've had on repeat lately. I love the vocals. It's rock, but almost like a rock ballad without losing tempo too much. The chorus is <3333333. It makes me sad but happy at the same time. If that makes any sense. Every time I listen to this song, I notice something else I like about it. Highly recommended. Overall rating: 5/5
Summer Parade - Depapepe
genre guitar instrumental
language none
OMG GUITAR DUO. XP Yeah, I love Depapepe. How can you not? It starts out kind of melancholic, and then is suddenly upbeat and very summer-y. It reminds me of being out on the beach. (And yes, I uploaded a summer song in January.) Please please please listen to this. I have to say I love "Morning Smile" better, if for the only reason that it was the first Depapepe song I heard. Summer Parade comes in close, though. They have the most beautiful little melodies that seem so simple yet sound amazing in the way they're put together. overall rating: 5/5
冬の唄 - xTRiPx
genre visual kei/rock ballad
language japanese
Listen to the very first seconds of this song; they are the reason I love it so much. This is an awesome rock ballad. I have no idea what the vocalist's name is. T_T I tried looking it up but ... -is lazy-. Anyways, I love it when he hits higher notes, and when the accompaniment is stripped away to leave just the vocals. I've always been a fan of xTRiPx's more upbeat songs, but I didn't know their slower tracks were just as good, if not better. overall rating: 4.5/5
Ari no mama - Se7en
genre pop
language japanese
Random Se7en song. XP (Random note: the cover image for this song is <333) A more upbeat track, not really one of my favourites. I've always liked his Korean songs better. I love the chorus, though. And his accent when he sings in Japanese. xD In case you didn't know, Se7en is currently preparing for his US debut, which is supposedly going to come out in a few months. But they said that a few months ago, too. -_- Anyways, I'm really looking forward to his American debut although I don't know what to expect from it. -is going off topic- Yeah, overall rating: 3.5/5 By the way, sorry this is only a 128kbp rip. I thought I had a 320kbp one but I don't know where it is. O_o
Girl Friend - Se7en
genre pop
language korean
Korean Se7en! Again a more upbeat track and again, not my absolute favourite, but I used to listen to it a lot. From the Se7olution album, his fourth Korean album. I find the random snippets in English amusing. overall rating: 4/5
Bo Go Ship Da - Kim Bum Soo
genre ballad
language korean
More ballads! I love Kim Bum Soo's voice, but listening to this song I wasn't that impressed. I do like the verses in it where his voice is stronger, though. overall rating: 3/5
Memory - Kim Bum Soo
genre ballad
language korean
Finishing off this rotation is ... yeah, a ballad. xP More Kim Bum Soo. It gets pretty tedious, but I get bored whenever I listen to more than a few ballads in a row. I actually like Bo Go Ship Da a little better. overall rating: 3/5
Labels: B'z, Depapepe, Kim Bum Soo, Kim Jong Kook, L'arc~en~Ciel, Lee Seung Yeol, Se7en, THE LOCAL ART, xTRiPx, Yurisangja
