It is I! I have returned!
No, I haven't died. Internet has forsaken me for like, forever. However, Internet has also returned, so now I can make a quick update. I owe you all like 5 rotations by now, but I'm swamped with college work (uni's a bitch), so I can't make it long today. However, I hope to drop a few (small) rotations on you in rapid succession, so keep close watch :D
For today, a few of the latest singles:
- KAT-TUN: One Drop
- KAT-TUN: Rescue
- Gackt: Ghost (my personal favourite of the three)
Unfortunately I can't supply you with a description of the songs, so you'll just have to trust me they're all awesome. As a small bonus, I've also added a few songs by Baby Boo, one of my favourite bands out there. Unfortunately, they're damn hard to find, so I've ripped the songs from Youtube. That means the quality's a little off.. Please listen though :D
KAT-TUN - One drop
1. One Drop
2. D-T-S
3. On my mind
KAT-TUN - Rescue
1. Rescue
2. 7 Days Battle
3. On Your Mind
Gackt - Ghost
1. Ghost
2. Blue Lagoon
Baby Boo
Gift
Ippozutsu no Yuuki
Love Letters
And remember, leave a comment when you download <3
Labels: Baby Boo, cohost: aranka, Gackt, KAT-TUN
So, I just remembered that while postponing my update because of the polls Haruhi put up, I actually completely forgot to update. Thus, I present you with a double update in the same weekend!
Rotation 10 is themed Jpop artists, meaning the songs below are classic examples of Jpop music, as well as artists that are mainly associated with producing Jpop.
As always, please leave a comment when you download!
Otsuka Ai - Sakuranbo
Japanese - pop
This song belongs in my collection of first ever songs. This was my first Otsuka Ai song and I thought it was amazing! Such a happy, crazy, sweet love song! I've listened to this over and over, and it makes me smile every time. It's a true hyper Ai song.
KAT-TUN - No Matter Matter
Japanese - pop
This song always reminds me of the interlude in which they throw souvenirs into the audience during concerts. It's amazingly happy and it's an enourmous showcase for Yuichi's beatbox skills and Koki's rap.
Arashi - Nemuranai Karada
Japanese - pop
I always feel this song was supposed to be somewhere half way between a sensual song and pop xD Or that it's just some slightly failed attempt at producing a steamy hot summernight song. However, as I love Arashi, I love this song, since they're slightly lower voice complement the trumpets really well.
SNoW - On & On
Japanese - pop
I can't promote this singer enough! She's so amazing, it's a shame she's still in college at the moment. Slightly less upbeat than "I'm No", this song has a lot of symbolism, put to a gorgeous arrangement. Highly recommended.
AAA - Q
Japanese - pop
What can I say? This song is full of that typical AAA energy, with lyrics so fast I'm still amazed at how they did it. It's happy, it's fun, it's fast. It's AAA :D
Takacha - Movin'
Japanese - pop
I got this song from my baby sister actually, when she was momentarily infatuated with the anime Bleach. I can't say I've any other music by this group, but this song sounds amazing. I really, really like it. It's a fun antagonist for Orange Range's OP song.
GYM - My Angel
Japanese - pop
Released as an official single for the Women's Volleyball World Grandprix, Golf, Yamashita and Mike come dangerously close to becoming moe~~ I can truly call this song kawaii (and for someone who despises wrong use of that particular adjective, that says something, ne? xD)! So, so sweet!
Kanjani8 - Zukkoke Otokomichi
Japanese - pop
Well, if this isn't the embodiment of Jpop, I don't know what is. Well, perhaps Arashi. At any rate, this is a classic pop song. Happy, upbeat, and truly JE. Recommended ;D
NewS - Sayaendo
Japanese - pop
Another typical popgroup. This song is least upbeat however than their usual, but no less addicting. It sounds like it's been influenced by 1001 Arabian nights, or perhaps Indian music. I really like this change of pace though, it's one of my favourite songs at the moment.
Utada Hikaru - Celebrate
Japanese - pop
And, it a popthemed rotation, the Queen of Pop. At least the Queen I can stand (I really don't like Ayumi ><;)! Celebrate is a happy song, although it has a little more slow tempo. The soft melodic arrangement matches perfect with the soft vocals by Utada. Recommended.
Labels: AAA, Arashi, cohost: aranka, GYM, Kanjani8, KAT-TUN, NewS, Otsuka Ai, SNoW, Takacha, Utada Hikaru
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.
****************
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
Dear all,
Not only is my Christmas rotation late this time around, it's non existing at all. I'm at my parents' house right now (Christmas break ftw =D) and their Internet is even crappier than I thought, because it's giving me a freakishly hard time to upload anything. I hope to have everything sorted when my next turn comes around, at which I will present you with a sort of double rotation ;D.
Please leave a comment if you have any requests for songs/albums that you'd like to see uploaded.
Also, I want to take this oppertunity and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Enjoy the holiday cheer while it lasts (If you're in my situation, it lasts only till New Year's Day.. stupid exams (*¬¬)) =DDD
Also, thanks to all of you who left a comment after downloading my songs, they're really appreciated! Please come again next year!
Love and holiday cheers for you all,
Ank
Labels: cohost: aranka, holiday greetings, no rotation
Rotation 4 is up!
Already my fourth rotation, I can hardly believe it (^^) Anyway, this is relaxing #2. It's a collection of songs that I particularly like when I want music during my essay writing or studying. There are 14 songs for your enjoyment!
Please comment or leave a shout when you download a song :D
Gackt - Last Song
Japanese - Ballad
This is one of the slower songs of Gackt, that was not on his Love Letter album. I particularly like the combination of his deep voice combined with the feature role of the piano in this song. If you like Gackt, this might be better to simple relax to rather than doing homework. I find it a little distracting =3
Gackt - Kimi ni Aitakute
Japanese - Ballad
Another song that has Gackt's voice and his piano play the feature role. This one seems a little more romantic, whereas the previous song has a more "lost love mourning" feel to it. Again, this could be distracting, so try to pick a good time for listening ;D
Miyavi - Itoshii Hito
Japanese - Ballad
This is one of Myv's ballad, and one that I really like because of the endearing lyrics. I've always had a thing for guitar ballads and Myv is - as most of us will know - a guitar genius. While the lyrics are sweet and the song really is like a ballad, it has retained that particular Myv feel. Highly recommended.
Miyavi - We love You ~Seki wa kimo wo Aishiteru~
Japanese - Ballad
From Myv's Uta Dokusou album. I actually adore the entire album - guitars all the way baby! - but this has to be one of my favourite songs, because of the lyrics. Also the combination of mostly Myv's voice and his guitar make this a particular good relaxing song.
M-Flo ft. Namie Amuro - Luvotomy
Japanese - Electro poprock
This song is less of a ballad than the previous songs and could actually be considered upbeat. However, I feel that the recurring motifs in the songs are rather soothing, hence it's appearance in this rotation. You probably get by now that I'm a big fan of M-Flo, but I really like the way they have teamed up with Namie Amuro. <3
KAT-TUN - I Like It
Japanese - Ballad
Another of my favourite bands make an appearance. This ballad is from their first album and is a really romantic song, even though the lyrics and title may be somewhat ambiguous (^=^). This song could remind you a little of Arashi, as this is still from their JE's poppy phase.
Arashi - Kotoba Yori Taisetsuna Mono
Japanese - Pop
A song that has a kind of melancholic feel to it, I actually like the version sung by Ueda Tatsuya a little better. I guess the single voice makes it stronger for me. However, the lyrics are great as represented by the title: Something more important than words.
Otsuka Ai - Planetarium
Japanese - Ballad
An insert song for the Hana Yori Dango series (season 1) I cannot help but associate this song with Domyoji and Tsukushi <3 style="font-style: italic;">
Rie Fu - Negaigoto
Japanese - Ballad
This is a typical Rie Fu ballad, although more sad than for example Decay. I really like the PV that goes with this song, which unfortunately is not on Youtube anymore. If I recall correctly, Rie stands still while the world turns around her and she sings about her wish.
Chachamaru - Kagero
Japanese - instrumental
From Chacha's solo album, an instrumental song. It's supposed to be featuring Gackt, but I have yet to discover his voice. It's not my favourite song of the album (which is called Naked actually xD), but it's really soothing.
Fujita Maiko - Anata ga watashi no ...
Japanese - folk
Yes, another song by this amazing singer. As from her previous songs, you can deduce that relaxing music is somewhat of her trademark. This is a song I'd like to fall asleep to, however I have to study (>____<)
Kuraki Mai - Winter Bells
Japanese - pop
Actually, this is a Christmas song, but it's that time of year now, so booyah 8D I think this song is actually rather upbeat, but I love to listen to it, especially when it snows! It makes me feel warm inside and gets me excited for the holidays. Now, if a holiday isn't relaxing, I don't know what is.
SE7EN - Ari no Mama
Japanese - Poprock
Also no ballad, but an extremely likable song. Although that might have to do with the singer. He sounds a bit like K, whom I featured in an earlier rotation, although SE7EN might sing a bit more nasal? I don't know, I'm just impressed by the Japanese of this Korean singer and this very good song.
TegoMass - Miso Soup
Japanese - Ballad
The last song of this rotation was made by a duet from the boyband NEWS. It's a slow song, but with very high cuteness level. It's rather strange that they're singing about food, but hey. When it works, I don't complain! Also, JE's has come up with stranger things (pink pirate suits anyone?)
Well, that's all folks. I hope you enjoy the music. Please leave a comment when downloading or when something is wrong!
Labels: Arashi, Chachamaru, cohost: aranka, Fujita Maiko, Gackt, KAT-TUN, Kuraki Mai, m-flo, miyavi, Otsuka Ai, Rie Fu, Se7en, TegoMass
Hello everyone,
First my apologies of the slight lateness in rotating. I've been killed by the papers I had to write this weekend. Because I am so darn busy, this weekend will feature Rie Fu's first album, as her song Decay from my previous rotation was the top downloaded song.
The album features not only an english version of Decay, but also a classic such as Life is like a boat, that was used as an ending theme for the anime series Bleach. Rather than reviewing every song, I think that how much you liked Decay is a good indicator wether or not you´ll like the album. I for one think that the album´s great and that it´s perfect for listening to while writing your papers, doing other homework or just simple relaxing in those later hours of the evening.
Rie Fu - Rie Fu
Japanese & English / Pop & folk
- "笑って、恵みのもとへ" (Waratte, Megumi no Moto he; Lauging, To the Origin Of Grace)
- "Beautiful Words"
- "Somebody's World"
- "2cm"
- "I So Wanted"
- "Decay"
- "Prayers & Melodies"
- "雨の日が好きって思ってみたい" (Ame no Hi ga Sukitte Omotte Mitai; I Want To Think I Like Rainy Days)
- "Voice" (Album Version)
- "ツキノウエ(Jamming Version)" (Tsuki no Ue; Over the Moon)
- "Shine"
- "Life is Like a Boat"
- "~Interlude~"
- "decay" (English Version)
If there is any trouble with MegaUpload please let me know and I will find another storage space.
Also, comment when you download ;D
Labels: cohost: aranka, Rie Fu
Hello everyone!
A new weekend, a new rotation by me. Yay~ This week's rotation's is all about artists that are relatively unknown, but can totally rock your socks. So please give 'em a try.
Leave a comment or a shout when you download :3
Akeboshi - Wind
Japanese / Pop
Many of you probably know this song, as it is one of the many theme songs for the anime Naruto. However, Akeboshi as an artist is still relatively unknown. My personal hook is his unusual voice and for this song his impeccable English.
ALvino - Bitter Smile
Japanese / Poprock
ALvino is becoming more popular nowadays, but they are still a rare find on most rotations. While their style isn't something you'd deduct automatically if you watch at their previous bands, this song is quite catchy and frivolous despite the title.
Anyband - TPL (Talk, Play, Love)
Korean, English / Pop, hiphop
Used for a Samsung commercial, I'm absolutely in love with this song. The PV features a kind of Orson Welles Big Brother society, with Boa, Xiah Junsu (DBSK/TVXQ), Tablo and Jin Bora rebelling against it. Boa and Xiah do most of the vocals, song vs rap, complemented by tremendous guitar and piano play. So maybe they aren't so not-so-famous (>.>) (<.<) (>.>)
ayaka - Power of Music
Japanese / Pop
I featured this artist before, but I like her music so much I'm featuring her again! This too is an empowering song, where her voice is a perfect match to the instrumentals. It's very different and yet quite the same as CLAP&LOVE, so if you like that you'll probably dig this too.
Fujita Maiko - Ima Demo Anata Ga
Japanese / Pop, folk
Now this lady is incredible hard to find among the interwebz. Vocally, she's the Japanese Mariah Carey. Only a thousand times better. This is a very soft song, featuring her exquisite voice. The instrumentals are very soft, leaving the keyrole to her vocals.
Kobukuro - Tsubomi
Japanese / Poprock
I accidentally found this artist in a duet with singer ayaka. Intruiged, I found some of his own work and got hooked. Depeding on the feel of the song, he "changes" his vocals, although his never loses his unique sound. This song is one of his ballads.
Nice Hashimoto - Imashika
Japanese/ Pop, Electronic
Also an artist I hardly see appear on rotations. I particularly like the upbeat, yet loungy feel that his songs have (the ones I have managed to find..). This song features an attempt (?) at rap, although I think it's actually a little to melodious to be actual rap. Still a good song.
Rie Fu - Decay
Japanese / Pop, folk
Mainly known from her featured song 'Life is like a Boat' (a Bleach ED), she's produced four albums, which have been very successful, as far as I can tell. Yet, as with ALvino, she's hardly ever featured on main rotations. This is one of my favourite songs by Rie.
Rimi Natsukawa - Sayounara, Arigatou
Japanese / folk
This is a singer I've heard even less about, except for a few occasional appearances when I first got into Jmusic. Perhaps it's the mellow and folk feel her songs tend to have that's keeping her from breaking with the general (foreign) public? I have no idea, but I do know this is a lovely song, perfect as a background music for e.g. homework.
SNoW - I'm no
English / Pop
This artist is really unknown as far as I'm aware. She's produced only album, but is currently attending college in the USA, so we can't really blame her now, can we? She has a unique sound, both instrumental and vocally. Her English is impeccable and I adore the lyrics. I'm no statue of liberty, no Joan of Arc, no Marilyn Monroe.
Tamaki Hiroshi - Odorou yo
Japanese / Pop
A song by Chiaki-senpai himself! As if it wasn't enough that he's quite the actor and is very easy on the eyes, Tamaki-san also sings! He has a full, darkish voice which I personally really like. It suits the upbeat, yet perhaps nostalgic feel perfectly. *swoons*..
Labels: Akeboshi, ALvino, Anyband, Ayaka, cohost: aranka, Kobukuro, Nice Hashimoto, Rie Fu, Rimi Natsukawa, SNoW, Tamaki Hiroshi
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
