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
