[Album] J-Pop: An Introduction (and discussion)

Kinda wish i had noticed this thread before i visited Japan a couple of weeks ago - DOH!!!!

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Just seen Tomiko Van's new PV (Flower). It's nice: nice song, nice PV. I'm also liking the new singles from YUI, Younha, MAY, misono and, of course, Morning Musume.

Speaking of Morning Musume, it's looking highly probable that I'll be attending Asami Konno's graduation concert on the day I arrive in Japan (23rd July), so woot! (and then some). Not only will I get to see MoMusu in concert, but at a graduation, which whilst sad will be amazing I'm sure. Really hope it happens. Yayness! ^^

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Just a little bit of H!P news that some might find interesting. Mari Yaguchi apparently broke up with Oguri Shun, who some people would know as the cause of Mari's premature graduation from MM.

And interestingly, "Daite Senorita" by Tomohisa Yamashita (one half of the pair that did "Seishun Amigo") is the first #1 single by a solo male artist since 2001. Nonetheless, I will probably not be investing my time in listening to it ^^;

In fact, I haven't had much time to discover new music. I have been playing the new Gospellers single "Hitotsuji no Kiseki" heavily though, but mainly for the other songs on the single CD. The only new single I've listened to recently is "Glass no Pumps" from Maki Goto, which was pretty disappointing to me =/

I grabbed a copy of the Attention Please! OST, mainly just to get Kaela Kimura's cover of "Pretty Woman". I'm a sucker for English songs covered by Japanese artists, haha.

I'm also planning to return to Japan myself, although much later than OP apparently, not hitting the shores until August 12. My goal this time is to find the used CD shops though, can't beat a perfectly good music CD for $4 o_o

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

oh yeah... Morning Musume's "Ambitious Yashinteki de ii ja" PV is really cute!!! I really like the dance and hopefully when the danceshot is out for DL, I'll be dancing it hahaha

Yamashita Tomohisa (aka Yamapi) "Daite Senorita" is Yamapi's FIRST solo single. The PV isn't that too impressive... it's more of a "Im a pretty boy and girls love me" kinda PV. And I don't really understand why there's fighting in this PV.... it's actually kinda strange...

w-inds.!!! Their newest single, TRIAL "is the band's theme song contribution to the Japanese version of the silver screen soccer adventure GOAL" (source: yesasia.com) This PV actually shows scene from the movie GOAL. And I think Tachibana Keita got hotter haha

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by Flara

Yamashita Tomohisa (aka Yamapi) "Daite Senorita" is Yamapi's FIRST solo single. The PV isn't that too impressive... it's more of a "Im a pretty boy and girls love me" kinda PV. And I don't really understand why there's fighting in this PV.... it's actually kinda strange...

w-inds.!!! Their newest single, TRIAL "is the band's theme song contribution to the Japanese version of the silver screen soccer adventure GOAL" (source: yesasia.com) This PV actually shows scene from the movie GOAL. And I think Tachibana Keita got hotter haha

Daite Señorita's the theme song for the drama Kurosagi, which Yamapi's currently in. The PV just emphasizes the song's connection to Kurosagi, that's all.

I didn't like TRIAL. I liked the B-side a lot better.

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Originally Posted by Flara

Yamashita Tomohisa (aka Yamapi) "Daite Senorita" is Yamapi's FIRST solo single. The PV isn't that too impressive... it's more of a "Im a pretty boy and girls love me" kinda PV. And I don't really understand why there's fighting in this PV.... it's actually kinda strange...

I've seen a few episodes from his new drama, "Kurosagi," and the fighting element in the PV didn't seem fitting to me either. Perhaps the lyrics may suggest something more, but I haven't bothered to look them up.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Has anyone seen the covers of Ayumi Hamasaki's newest single BLUE BIRD yet? It's a really really pretty cover! Though the CD+DVD combos come in two sets and I think it's rather retarded.

And I can't wait for Koda Kumi's new 4 A-side single 4 hot wave! I'm sure it's going to be amazing! Though I was already rather disappointed by one of her songs GO WAY ... but nevertheless I think the rest of the songs, Ningyohime, JUICY and with your smile will be great!

FELIPE NO

oooh Koda Kumi...

I was actually kinda disappointed by "Koi no Tsubomi"... I didn't actually like the song much... and the PV i didn't like it either... it's got that... "WIND" type of feel where everything is exaggerated... but Kumi looks hot so that's the only good point about it.

Ah speaking of the 4 singles for Koda Kumi... I can't wait for them either... and hopefully they will be better than "Koi no Tsubomi"

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

The PV for the new m-flo single "Summer Time Love" is making its rounds around the usual sources. This time it's a m-flo loves Emi Hinouchi and Ryohei. Both of them have worked frequently with m-flo in the past so their sounds shouldn't be anything new (although this pairing is new for all I know).

I'm a little disappointed by the single, good song, but not great. Maybe because I felt that Emi Hinouchi and Ryohei could do a little more (maybe similar to "miss you" with Melody. and Ryohei). However, I'm just happy to see Emi Hinouchi get some more video exposure. I think she's one of the best "unknown" singers out there, her album "Dramatiques" is quite the treat.

I'll probably add that album and perhaps the video to the FTP over the weekend. No promises though.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

I'm so glad Emi Hinouchi is still around. I've sent her fanmail emails before saying she needs to do a second album, because really, she does.

And speaking of Koda Kumi, well the Kumi's anyway, I'm really liking misono's singles, the new one and VS. She's also rather cute in her PVs, which are great fun.*thumbs up* for sure.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

I agree that Emi Hinouchi is very good. Dramatiques was pretty cool, and I had some of its songs stuck in my head for literally months. m-flo working with her (and Ryohei! <3) again is something I definitely want to hear.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by ruixiong89

Has anyone seen the covers of Ayumi Hamasaki's newest single BLUE BIRD yet? It's a really really pretty cover! Though the CD+DVD combos come in two sets and I think it's rather retarded.

And I can't wait for Koda Kumi's new 4 A-side single 4 hot wave! I'm sure it's going to be amazing! Though I was already rather disappointed by one of her songs GO WAY ... but nevertheless I think the rest of the songs, Ningyohime, JUICY and with your smile will be great!

The BLUE BIRD covers are pretty stupid. They all look way too similar to each other. Just about all that's different in each one is the amount of zoom on Ayu and where she's looking.

I don't like GO WAY!! very much, but I really liked With your smile. It's kinda weird, 'cause Koi no Tsubomi felt too cutesy for me.

Originally Posted by Rollins

I'm a little disappointed by the single, good song, but not great. Maybe because I felt that Emi Hinouchi and Ryohei could do a little more (maybe similar to "miss you" with Melody. and Ryohei). However, I'm just happy to see Emi Hinouchi get some more video exposure. I think she's one of the best "unknown" singers out there, her album "Dramatiques" is quite the treat.

I was very disappointed by the quality of Summer Time Love. It didn't stick like miss you and it wasn't fun like the Love Bug.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

New ELT album, WOO TO THE FRICKIN' HOO... *disappears off to pre-order*

EDIT: Tell a lie, it's out early August, when I'm in Japan, so I'll buy it out there. ^_____________________^

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by OmagnusPrime

New ELT album, WOO TO THE FRICKIN' HOO... *disappears off to pre-order*

WOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAHHHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
awesome..
*disappears off to continue dreaming about a new The Brilliant Green album*

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Utada Hikaru's latest album, ULTRA BLUE, and Angela Aki's debut album, Home, leaked onto the internet yesterday. I listened to ULTRA BLUE yesterday and was pleasantly surprised to find that the preview clips for the previously unreleased songs were misleading; I found ULTRA BLUE to be a strong album overall and a great "comeback" album, if you will.

Home's quality was bolstered somewhat by the singles. I didn't think Oogesa ni "Aishiteru" was amazing and Love Is Over Now just sounded nice, but the real gem on the album (non-single wise) is MUSIC. I think it would've done well were it released as a single. Your Love Song seems a little iffy because half of the song is her just playing the piano, but I identify strongly with the lyrics.

Uchuu was an oddball in that it seemed to not really have a constant melody, but I like it a lot because it told a story, one that's fairly reminiscent of Train's Drops of Jupiter. The "climax" melody's very memorable and even "foreshadowed" earlier in the song.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by soulsteelgray

I was very disappointed by the quality of Summer Time Love. It didn't stick like miss you and it wasn't fun like the Love Bug.

Now that I've heard it a few times...

I had the same reaction when their "DOPAMINE" single was first released. That wasn't a bad song by any means, but it felt much too long and seemed dull in places despite having two guest vocalists. "Summer Time Love" comes off the same way; it's got a nice chorus, and Emi sounds awesome (Ryohei's not bad either), but... it just doesn't click like it should. Verbal needs one less verse or something.

'Course, "DOPAMINE" got completely reworked for BEAT SPACE NINE, and totally for the better, so maybe we'll see something like that whenever the new album comes around. I expect the song to grow on me more regardless, since this is still m-flo we're talking about.

(Also, a new album with multiple Emi Hinouchi songs would be the sex. I'm just saying.)

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

I'm not gonna lie, it has definitely grown on me a bit more. Just gotta give it time like you say.

By the way, Emi in this video. Insanity. She's too much.

http://www.rolandcarlos.net/vlcsnap-10768763.jpg

If they a couple better views of her in the video, she would give my Otsuka Ai avatar/sig a run for its money.

I wish they had in more shots in that kimono and that *hairstyle* (tooooo much). Just get rid of that creepy white guy o_o

Jam it back in, in the dark.

hey!!! Emi looks sooo pretty!!!

crap... everytime m-flo comes out with something new i never bother to watch the PVs.... except for Miss You and Let Go

but this time is more different cuz like... Summer Time Love isn't as good as well... Miss You, which was soo good and got stuck in my head for literally months cuz it was just THAT good...

but I have to say that Emi sings pretty well, although I never heard of any of her songs before... I might look into her music....... later.


And I've been listening to a lot of w-inds. Their newest album, I believe it is their 5th Album if I think about it... (1st Message, System of Alive, Prime of Life, Ageha, THANKS)

ok yeah, their 5th Album, THANKS... I have to admit that it's not as good as Ageha, but Ageha wasn't as great as Prime of Life. I dunno but lots of fans are saying that w-inds. is maturing that's why their music is getting more different... bleh... THANKS is good, but not great.

who here likes w-inds.?

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Rollins

Just get rid of that creepy white guy o_o

I was a little surprised that they decided to use him as well. I thought the PV fit the song well. It seems like a good one for the summer.

Flara, you should listen to Emi Hinouchi's "Dramatiques" album. I just recently listened to it for the first time and found it enjoyable. Maybe I can upload it for you later this week.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Flara: Pretty much as Rydia said, you really owe it to yourself to listen to Emi's album, it's really good.

I really hope she does (eventually) get around to releasing a second solo album.

And woot, I've got new musics winging their way to me, including Hikki's new album and Angela Aki's debut album.

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Originally Posted by Flara

but I have to say that Emi sings pretty well, although I never heard of any of her songs before... I might look into her music....... later.

I've gone ahead and uploaded Dramatiques (her first album) to my ftp.

http://www.gamingforce.com/forums/my...-test-ftp.html

Despite furthering the crunch on that drive (too many dramas that I don't want to delete =/ ) go ahead and download it if you wish.

---

The songs from the Kururi and Rip Slyme collaboration ("Juice" and "Lovi") have been getting a lot of play (although admittedly, it's sharing time with "Summer Time Love"). Since I had never heard of Kururi before, I feel like I'm listening more to a Rip Slyme song than anything (and I love my Rip Slyme). Nonetheless, my interest in Kururi has been piqued, I'll be looking at them in a bit more in the future.

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Originally Posted by Flara

And I've been listening to a lot of w-inds. Their newest album, I believe it is their 5th Album if I think about it... (1st Message, System of Alive, Prime of Life, Ageha, THANKS)

ok yeah, their 5th Album, THANKS... I have to admit that it's not as good as Ageha, but Ageha wasn't as great as Prime of Life. I dunno but lots of fans are saying that w-inds. is maturing that's why their music is getting more different... bleh... THANKS is good, but not great.

who here likes w-inds.?

I've always been a piss-poor w-inds. fan. I've listened to songs here and there, and I've had ageha sitting on my hard drive for forever, but THANKS was the first album I sat down and listened to all the way through. It actually wasn't all that bad, really.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Hm, it seems that everyone's having the Emi-fever. I guess it wouldn't hurt to try her out. Besides, for someone who's as pretty as her, who wouldn't like her.

FELIPE NO

lol yes vempy, join the Emi-fever that's going around

I find that OP and Rollins both suggest amazing artists... first it was YUI, now Emi... and I love YUI and now I think i'm gonna love Emi too... oh btw Rollins, I posted on your ftp thread that I'm DL-ing Emi's Dramatiques, ok?

@soulsteelgray --- i love w-inds.!!! and I think I got their albums mixed up... grrr they have too many songs lol... THANKS isn't as good cuz right after their single, Kawari Yuku Sora, they stopped their usual dancing which I got really disappointed but I still liked their songs. But some of the songs in Ageha did disappoint me mainly because the other non-single tracks were kinda bad... but I really liked everything else before Ageha

I heard a rumor that THANKS is going to be w-inds. last album... I'm not sure if that rumor's been cleared up yet or not... I've been kinda lagged on w-inds. news lately lol

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Yay, people feeling the Emi love. I think I might send her another email saying "New album please! ^^" (I wonder if she, or some management for her, ever read the other one).

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