Okay, so this is more of a play on words. All the song titles have the word "one" somewhere…
As One – Big Mama
English| Pop/Rock
The mix of rock-ish elements with the violin and more classical elements make me think of a more indie label sound. It’s got a decent beat and it does want to make you kind of want to get up and move. The English is a little tough to understand at times, but you can make out enough of it to get the meaning of the song. I can picture it as being the opening theme to an anime with more fantasy elements in it.
One Sugar Dream – M-Flo
Japanese | Pop
It’s a nice, mellow mid-tempo song and the girl’s vocals (don’t actually know who’s singing, sorry) mesh in quite well with the background. I really like the acoustic guitar and simple percussion which make up the majority of the accompaniment, with the violins adding accents.
One – Bi / Rain
Korean | Pop
I think it’s a nice mid-tempo song, but not overly memorable (I like a couple of his other songs better). I do like the fact that he doesn’t try to go into the upper register too often (his mid-range stuff sounds better) and the instruments are relatively simple though.
You Are the No. 1 – Bonnie Pink feat. Kreva
Japanese | Pop
I kind of wish there was either more of a contrast between Bonnie Pink’s and Kreva’s voices, or that they meshed more…I think it’s because I don’t think of Bonnie Pink as an R&B singer (in comparison to Daichi Miura). It’s still a decent song to listen to though, even though it’s not high on my list of favorite collaborations.
One Moment – Monkey Majik
English | Pop
I think the best element of the song is the guitar and how, with the piano, gives it a kind of jazzy/bluesy kind of feel. It’s a nice mid-tempo song, the kind you’d listen to if you were reminiscing about past loves while you’re out on the patio staring up at the stars.
Labels: Big Mama, Bonnie Pink, Contributor; Carmi, Kreva, m-flo, Monkey Majik, Rain
Lone Star – Captain Straydum
Japanese| Rock
This is a typical Japanese rock song as far as I can tell but still fun to listen to. It’s got a good beat and I can definitely see the band playing this live to get the crowd hyped up. It made me look forward to the opening sequence of “Ayakashi Ayashi” (definitely happily surprised as I was watching the show and listened to this song instead of the other opening theme, “Ryuusei Miracle” by ikimonogakari).
成功 – Kreva featuring Mummy D
Japanese | Hip-Hop
I found out about this song accidentally as I was mindlessly surfing YouTube and I wondered why Kreva had a video showing clips of “Prison Break”. Turns out, this is was included as part of the promos for its last season over in Japan. It’s got a good beat (not to mention Mummy D), a nice base line, and the chorus’ more orchestral sound conjures up images of the cast running for their lives.
Hit in the USA – Beat Crusaders
English | Rock
Again, another anime opening theme: this time it’s for the show “Beck”. The English is a little off but if you can get past that, it’s a good song. It kind of reminds me of something you might listen to in the morning if you want a rock song to start your day that isn't loud or angsty but fun.
Fly (Small Circle of Friends) – Tsutchie featuring Azumi Riki
Japanese | Hip-Hop
This is my favorite ending theme to the anime “Samurai Champloo”. It’s got a mellow, jazzy vibe to it (love the base and the simple synths) and the raps are quick but still suit the song really well.
Mystic Eyes – Hiroki Wada
Japanese | Pop
Okay. This is more of an indulgence on my part but it’s one of my favorite ending themes ("Escaflowne"). You can definitely hear the nineties sounds coming through, especially in it’s use of “sound effects”, but it's still great to listen to.
Labels: BEAT CRUSADERS, Captain Straydum, Contributor; Carmi, Hiroki Wada, Kreva, Tsutchie
