Previous Post: I didn't realize that her third album was released on October 9, 2007. I was wondering if she was going to record again.
anyways, I looked up the lead single, "Nolita Fairytale" on Youtube and the best quality ws through the Universal Group Youtube account, and embedding the video was disabled. check it out if you want.
I really liked it, so I think I may try to pick up a copy of this album soon. may in Dec, for my christmas present.
Review:So I decided to pick up the album, as Wal-mart had it on sale for $9.88. The album opens with Nolita Fairytale, the lead single. It's a good song, and reintroduces Carlton as a more aggressive and independent person. Check out her music video for the song. I love the drum beat. It's a great return.
Hands on Me starts up and is immediate a little more brooding. The Orchestral backing evident in her previous albums have returned and a sense of comfortability is established. The layering of voices she had in her sophomore album, Harmonium is back and I love it.
Spring Street continues the mood set by Hands on Me. It's a tale of letting go, and moving on.
My Best is a little uplifting and somewhat nurturing. I think it suited the Spring Street well.
Come Undone is about telling someone you love them. It's sweet and short. I really dig how it doesn't try to explain and complicate meanings of feelings. It's straight forward as she sings
"The only one I come undone for is, I know I'm done, now I see the truth."
The One (with Stevie Nicks) - What?! She teamed up with Stevie Nicks?! Yup and their voices blend so well together. It's really a nice on the ears. Oh Stevie Nicks you rock.
Heroes and Thieves - the title track of the album, and of course it's catchy. The title alone is cool and the song is great.
This Time
Fools Like Me
Home is my favorite of the group. I've always thought the word "home" special in some way. When Angela Aki released her HOME single and then the album Home, I knew the word is about having a place that you belong to completely. It can be anywhere as long as you feel the most comfortable there. Nothing in this space makes your feel frustrated or alone. Carlton relates the idea to being in the presence of the one she loves. That's all she needs. I like that after she explains that some people have physical places they call home from a house on a hill or a boat sailing across the ocean, her place is next to this other person. She concludes the song by stating:
"with you all I know is, I'm coming home, coming home."
More than this is the final track and brings the end with a soft piano medley. She's ensuring that what she has to offer is all she has. She can't be more than this nor will she try. And anyone will begin to realize if they love her, they won't need anything more.This is a really beautiful song it's a perfect conclusion to the album.
"Let's make this our story, let's live in the glory, Time, it fade away, precious as a song, cause someday we'll be gone."
Here's a great article on Carlton and this album. It also reveals how she was signed to The Inc. Records...previously known as Murder Inc. Records of Ja Rule, and Ashanti fame. (you read right.)
and I remember hearing about this movie, and I was surprised to find out that they play some track from the soundtrack. I was really intrigued, so I think I'm going to look for it.
The boys are back! It's been a while since 12 memories, but they have returned! Actually, this album was released much earlier in the year, but I just now got it. Man, I miss Travis.
I popped this CD in and I totally was swept back to the days of The Man Who. The vocals were just how I remembered.
The opening track 3 Times and You Lose has a familiar feel and was a great introduction to this new body of work.
Selfish Jean - is the standout track in my opinion. It just a fun kind of song. much like Flowers in the Attic was for The Invisible Band album.
Welcome back TRAVIS! Welcome back into my musical life.
Do you remember the commercial with all the bouncing balls released down the the hill in San Fransisco? I do! The was an amazing feat of design, color.
Here's a screenshot to remind you:
The featured song in the commercial is Heartbeats original written, performed, and recorded by the duo, The Knife. The guy singing this cover is José González.
He does an amazing job with Heartbeats, that I found hid debut album, Vaneer, just to see what else he had to offer. This album is nothing short of amazing. He soft vocals and gentle lyrics and atmospheric guitar blend to make a memorable listening experience. Although the tracks as indviduals were good, the album best works as a whole and I can't imagine them separately. It's like one continuous track, of heavenly goodness.
If you have seen the commercial here it is in all it's glory.
Joni Mitchell has one of those voices that just makes you want to listen more. Honestly, I'm not familiar with her work, but I picked up her Both Sides Now album, because I really love the title track.
For those of you unfamiliar with this song. The track "Both Sides Now" was used in the film, Love Actually, in the scene where Emma Thompson's character retreats to her bedroom when she realizes that her husband fancying another woman. It's a really moving scene.
Upon the initial listening, I immediate noted that Joni Mitchell is going to be put on my list of musicians who can sing anything and I'll stop everything to listen. Unbelievable just how power her voice is. It's full of life, and has the experience of life and only a musician can get with years.
Onitsuka Chihiro is back after a long break from the music scene. My sister was introduced to the great artist during her summer trip to Japan. I was told she took a break due to health reasons and she had surgery on her throat. I was worried that the surgery may prevent her from singing, but she has dropped this single and you know what? She still go it. (personal note: I need to review her other albums I have obtained)
1. everyhome - The song is just so beautiful. I was up late one night this summer and I found the PV and thought everything about this song was just incredible. Her voice is still prominent and although it is still noticeable that she had surgery, it's still strong and emotional. The piano accompaniment is the only backing she has and quite frankly, all she needs.
Welcome back Onitsuka Chihiro, we missed you.
2. MAGICAL WORLD - Continuing with the mood of everyhome, this song almost blends in with the ending of the the previous track. when playing in my Itunes, I almost didn't realize that everyhome ended and MAGICAL WORLD began. Again, the piano only services as the sole back up and again i think it's all she needs. I'm really fascinated with the quality of her voice. It's really unique.
3. 秘密 - More upbeat of the three tracks on this single, 秘密 (Secret) is a catchy tune. It's one of those songs that can get you working and concentrating on something. The tempo of the guitar and the drum are consistent and are not overpowering.
Overall, I can safetly say that Onitsuka Chihiro is back and she's still as good as before. I look forward to future releases and now I'm really going to go back and re-listen to her previous work.
After giving a fairly successful demo TODAY in the lithographic process of 2nd etching. Three of the litho students (who had their stones ready) rolled up their image with ink successfully. My day started out rather well. I went to work, and instead of learning more to repair damaged books, I instead cut down labels for the office's Homecoming displays. I learned so much about the history of Bradley University. I began to feel that the day was already rather pleasant and nothing could make it worse. I was in the need for some groceries when I decided to venture to the local Kroger's. I picked up some stuff and headed home. My arms were full of bags when I came to the security door of my building. The "older gentleman" was exiting at the same time and I thanked him again, as he has held the door open for me twice now. He's a nice man, I should make a note to talk with him more. Anyways, I stepped inside through the doorway, and he asked me if I lived in Apt #7. I said I did and he proceeded to tell me a small package with sitting on the floor for me. I glanced down and strained my eyes to make sure the label was clear. Oh I was so giddy, I told him " thank you" and I bent down to pick it up! A package from CD JAPAN! It finally came!!! I thought I would get it on Tuesday, (Ironically, today) but it came a whole day earlier! I like to think it was a great gift for having such a splendid day. Some can say my day became great at that moment, but OH MAN DID IT GET EVEN BETTER! I popped in the DVD first as I wanted to save the songs for when I could really sit and pay attention. The PV's were even more beautiful in CD quality! 孤独のカケラ (special version) was so much better on my television, than on Youtube. There were so many small details that were so magnificent when I could actually see them! Once dinner was made and I sat down and talked with my sister as she had just gotten her copy as well. (we totally listened to it at the same almost precise moment...how weird is that?) I decided to pull out a binder with extra notebook paper. I needed to write down my thoughts of each song. I was going to be so prepared. The CD was placed in the player, and I only hit the "play" button when I was completely ready. Alright, Ms. Angela, let's see what you have brought to the table.
push play.
1. サクラ色- The album opens with a familiar tune. I fell in love with this track the first time I heard it while watching the PV someone shot with their digital camera (back in the beginning of the year). As a song I felt is signified a growth from her HOME album, while still maintaining the same essence. This song complimented the ideas present in her Debut.
2. Again - I've waited for so long (as many others I'm sure) to have this song in CD quality. Upbeat and peppy - mmm- makes me just want to walk anywhere with my Ipod, the world in front of me. I don't know the destination I'm headed for, but I know I'll find where ever I'm supposed to be, and that everyone I met on this walk I will see again. Don't get me started on the PV...I'll just say I loved it.
3. TODAY - This is NOT a cover of the Smashing Pumpkins = This is an original song! I Love the word "today". There's something very absolute about it. I wasn't sure what to expect, having heard the cover of the Pumpkins so much. I found myself hopping/bouncing around my apartment. (There went the sitting down to write as I listened idea.)
4. 愛のうた - The beginning almost had me singing Sarah McLachlan's Angel, (Angel-a? ahaha, I think it's was witty). I got a very Sarah feel from the song - especially from the sound of the Surfacing album. 2 minutes in, I got a Damien Rice feel from the steady but not over powering drum. The slight Gospel stylings in her voice were like liquid gold...and that French Horn feature ------MELT MY HEART! This woman just knows what I like to listen to and to keep me listening. If she had a choir backing her on this one with some nice harmony (nothing powerful like gospel choirs) this song would have been AMAZING!
5. たしかに - Following such a rhythmic tune, たしかに wakes me up from the dreamy daze and re-energizes my senses! It's summer all over again! I still put this song on when I need to lift my spirits and brighten my day. The song is so alive that I literally feel the weight off my shoulder lift and float away. I feel like I can breathe again. I can achieve anything...because I am completely capable of accomplishments.
6. Silent Girl - Bringing down the pace, this song has a similar air like that of the her other song "大袈裟に「愛してる」". With a gentle melody, I was capable of just relaxing and enjoying the music and what it offered. ANGELA AKI DON'T YOU BE THAT SILENT GIRL!
7.モラルの葬式 - With the opening bars of the music, I was completely drawn in and in love. So many people have hailed this as the "宇宙" of this album, and they are right. The song is nothing short of brilliance! The Narrative within this music, and the lyrics are so powerful I immediately started imagining what kinds of people would be involved with the story the song was presenting. Compositionally, I didn't feel like it was "everywhere". Actually it was always moving to one end, and the different paces were just different movements. The five and half minute song was an entire musical in its own. The song, to put it simply, is ART - in all the meanings of the word.
8. 乙女心 - Sassy! This song has a lot of atitude...and not that annoying I know everything bad attitude. Ow! She's on Fire!
9. One Melody - I believe this is her standard Ballad. If applied to a Broadway setting, this could be the on song where the protagonist sings/proclaims to the audience there is always a connection between anything and something else. I imagine themes of finding a common ground seen in the plays and movies.
10. 友のしるし- I thought this lounge style was great. The song didn't come off as offensive (as some fans of Angela Aki seem put off by the style). The slight jazz twist definitely develops with an interesting progression, that I felt satisfied by the end. This song acted as a nice intermission.
11. 孤独のカケラ- To be honest after listening to the single, I really enjoyed "Solitude" more, but that's my opinion. This song still resonated that same way it did when I first heard it. I recognized the level of emotional commitment needed to write it and perform it.
12. On & On - One of my favorite B-sides!!! It's fun, but also manages to carry a somewhat heavy idea "Dreams Live On". Dreams are not meant to be given up on. They are the goals that make life worth living. If we are willing to work hard, we can make every aspect of our lives meaningful! We will define our existence as worthwhile! As long as we can dream - we claim to be living. That's what I think of when I hear this song.
PAUSE - this journey is about to close....let me just take a break.
13. Surrender - Closure has commenced. As the only English track on the album, this song has big shoes to fill where Your Love Song left off with. Surrender gracefully brings the wonderful voyage of TODAY to a much too soon end. The purpose of the last track is to bring the whole album to a conclusion. As Your Love Song did with the HOME album, Surrender does so proudly and with class.
Thus my evening came to a close as well. My monday, September 24, 2007 was amazing. How was yours?
What can I say? I'm not a fan of J-drama...but I'm a fan of Hikki. Hana-Yori Dango will not be mentioned again in this entry.
Flavor of Life- I like this version the best. It's not too fast, and not too slow. The more I listened to it the more it grew on me. The layering with backup vocals added so much more solidarity to the song. It definitely felt more fuller and became a stronger track.
Flavor of Life (Ballad Version) - This was used as the insert song, and I found it to be rather draggy. I loved the simple composition of the piano, and the strings, but the tune didn't move fast enough. I often find myself skipping this track.
Flavor of Life -Antidote Mix- I do enjoy this R&B feel of this mix, but again I thought it was extremely too slow. If the tempo were upted just a bit I think it would have made suchan impact on the listeners.
Despite two versions, I really like the song, and really the photography that went with single. The images are fun, and are consistent in even in the packaging. Who can ignore the yummy Onigiri seen throught the packaging?
When I heard that Hikki was going to provide the song for the revival of Evangelion Project. I was a little worried. Although her previous songs had a tie in with another project, I always felt that she was writing for that project and not for herself.
Well, when Keep Tryin' was released, I finally felt Hikki was back to herself. She was writing songs for herself.
This single completely took me by surprise. Beautiful World felt familiar the first time I listened to it. It was rather calming and I wanted to listen to it again after it finished. To accurately described the song, I have to say it's has the atmosphere of Passion, the feel of the Deep River era, and the playfulness from her First Love days. I've been listening to this single everyday for the past week.
Kiss & Cry, the other A-side, was released earlier in the summer. I loved it the first time I heard it. Only Hikki can sample herself and still have a completely different song. The sample of Hotel Lobby(one of my favorites from the Exodus album) grabbed my attention like a boxer knocking out his/her opponent. I love the beat, because I was reminded of the days she worked with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
Fly Me to the Moon (In Other Words) - 2007 mix - aside from the added strings..this song isn't different the from the recording from back in 1999 (or around that time). The string definitely gave me an EVANGELION feeling, but it was a nice reminiscing song for me.
Overall, I was really happy with this purchase. I had this single on repeat all day, so I guess it means I'm really enjoying it.
Angela Aki has made an appearance on a talk show to advertise the release of "TODAY."
She's known for making a lot of public appearances to promote her music, so I was really surprised. But this time I was quite excited and yet saddened.
As a great gesture to her fans, she signed little mock-up pianos. They were gifts to the guests who were their for the taping of the episode.
I placed a pre-order for this album early last month! There are no words that can accurate describe how excited I am for the release! Of course I had place my order for the CD+DVD edition, as I now have capabilities to actually play region 2 DVDs!
Definitely, I will set aside an evening to listen, review, and watch PV's once it is out!
Listen to "Again" while we await the arrival of this album!
As the final single before the release of her sophomore album, TODAY, this single was described as the her summer pop song. Angela Aki, herself, said the song was to cheer people on!
I like this sense I got from these descriptions. But hearing the song is completely different than reading about it.
Some have stated they found the song repetitive, and it is, I don't think it's as annoying as say...many of the songs from Desitny's Child. (Bills, Bills, Bills or even Say my Name..anyone)
I found the song to be uplifting. I definitely feel like finishing and accomplishing my goals. I think the purpose of the song has been fulfilled and I enjoyed the single as a whole.
One drawback i have with the single, is the absence of another b-side. A thrid tack would have made the single stronger.
This children's animated show is aired in the US during the Disney's Playhouse segment.
Disney is smart to grab rights to this show for US exhibition. It's got to be the most entertaining, intelligent and heartwarming children's programming I have seen in a long time!
Because this is a music blog, I must mention the Theme tune. I'm so in love this the charming 56 second melody! It makes me smile, and the hear it in the morning is good enough of a reason for me to wake up! Don't believe me that it's charming?
Look at how young she was when she debuted in the J-pop scene.
She had a different voice! She had a different sound! She provided music that was new and defied the standards of the J-pop scene of the day!
Meet UtadaHikaru.
My older sister spent a semester studying abroad at KansaiGaidaiUnviersity and came back to the America bringing gifts of musical discoveries. Her host sister was a street team promoter and gave my sister a copy of this album as well as the Wait & See -risk-, Addicted To You singles. I was hooked when I heard her sing. she's a couple of months older than I am and I think I had received my very first celebrity crush.
I love this CD and often play it to cheer myself up. So many memorable tracks, but B&C -album version- is my favorite!
I'll never forget karaoke a few years later in college where my sisters, our Japanese exchange friend and roommates sang these songs late into the night! So many good memories are associate with this album. I can't hate it.
True it's not her strongest CD, but she was 16, you can't hold that against her.
I think that this is Hikki's strongest album. The entire CD flows from the beginning to the end.
Many of the fan favorites are on this album, and it's no surprise many call this effort their favorite of her releases.
A slew popular singles (Sakura Drops, traveling, Deep River, Final Distance, and Hikari) helped make this album a best seller.
The booklet contained some of the most beautiful photographs of Hikki we've seen yet! Ultra Blue photographs don't hold a candle to the artistic fine art portraits of Deep River. The images are so stoic and strong...they are just breathtakingly beautiful.
Everything that I complain about other artists and albums are not found in this one. Although some tracks are as polished as those released as singles, they hold their own to make this album a worthy listen.
When I first heard Hikki was recording an English album I was extremely thrilled. I was excited because I seriously thought she had a great shot at having a great career in the North American market.
Just like many others, I was surprised when Exodus finally hit stores. The sound that was Exodus was completely unexpected! I didn't at first find a nice niche for me to grab a hold of.
I don't want to say I was disappointed, because I knew this album would be different.
As an experimentation, I found the album interesting. Hikki explored new sounds and new subjects. I was happy with the growth the album showed in her musical career. But would the American public appreciate it as well?
Many people blame the marketing, but I don't think that's the entire problem as to why this album didn't sell in America. The music on this album was not radio friendly. Singers in North America have to have a strong foundation of fans in the states before they can produce an album that's not radio friendly, especially if the artist is trying to break into the pop scene. Hikki's fan base in America isn't as large as we would like to believe. Yes, lack of promotion didn't help, but the music itself needed to be more American friendly. (my opinion)
Do I think that Hikki lost her chance of making big in the North American market? No, not at all. I think that a second go would be a great opportunity to really dive into the American Music scene. She's made a ripple....all she needs to do is make some waves.
Ultra Blue is the fourth Japanese album from this mega star. I think I was among the few who felt Hikki had been struggling with producing songs.
Several of her more recent singles felt completedy different. Whether they were for the better or worse then was not known.
At my first listen, I was kinda left thinking whether or not I enjoyed it. The feel of the album is different. The song selections have some real gems, but the over all collection feels like the Distance album. Some tracks shine brightly, while others seem to fill in space. Some songs just didn't feel right being together....namely the tracks Colors, 誰かの願いが叶うころ (Dare Ka No Negai Ga Kanau Koro), and Be My Last seemed out of place with the new sound set by the newer tracks. The flow of the album was not as cohesive as the flow in her First Love and Deep River albums.
Then I started to listen to it more, and the strangest thing happened. I started really enjoying it. (except for 海路 (kairo) this track just doesn't go anywhere) The tracks I find myself repeating are Keep Tryin', This Is Love, Making Love, Wings, and Eclipse.
Many may disagree with me, but Passion (although a great theme for the Kingdom Hearts II game) is not her best song. I appreciate that she likes to experiment, but I thought that the song was lacking musical structure evident in other songs. (my opinion) The drums were the most consistent aspect of the arrangement and composition. Without that constant drum beat, the song would have fallen apart. I still like it, but it doesn't hold together enough for me to make it a favorite.
Over all, the quality of this CD is on the high end. I just wished that the songs flowed into each other more and didn't feel like they were thrown onto this album. The difference between the older songs and the newer ones is terribly evident in how they sound, but never the less it's still a good CD.
Definitely one of my favorites songs from Hikki. She was my first favorite Japanese singer/songwriter (she's still in the top of my faves though), and I was totalling in love with this song when it was released.
Colors - This song was a long awaited release after a pretty lengthy break from the music scene. I love the atmospheric sound created within the layers of this track. The strong melody and entrancing chorus makes for a highly polished and professional product. I loved the PV as well as I think it's one of the few I believe is almost bordering conceptual video fine art. Truly amazing.
Simple and Clean - The English song used as the theme song for the international release of the game Kingdom Hearts. It's funny because I have been listening to Hikki since the First Love album days and as soon as I heard a clip of this song in the Kingdom Hearts commercial on my TV 4 or 5 years ago, I knew it was her. I immediate looked up the game and found out she wrote the song and sang it! I was excited not only because I recognized her voice, but also many of my friends were able to hear it also. Good song. Sharing the musical composition with the Japanese song, Hikari (Japanese theme to Kingdom Hearts) is just great.
Simple and Clean -PLANITb Remix- For all you dance club people. This remixed version of the song is perfect for you crazy ravers. A strong beat is the backbone of the song, and the enhanced speed of the singing helps keep up the energy...excellent for dancing. not a bad remix...this is coming from a guy who doesn't really like dance mixes.
This single probably surprised a lot of people. Hardcore Hikki fans probably threw a fit as it was the follow up to Passion and Keep Tryin'. I could have heard them saying,"what the hell is she thinking? It's a children's song! This isn't at all like Passion! Has she lost her mind?"
I find it humorous to realize that this single out sold both Passion and Keep Tryin'.
Anyways, putting the children's song aspect aside, this song has got to be one of her most catchy tunes yet. After listening to the melody and watching the PV, I often found myself singing the chorus over and over again without getting annoyed. I like this song. It's a perfect song for children and it's good enough for adults to enjoy, if they can let go of their overly inflated adult egos and enjoy a fun tune.
Angela's Japanese Indies Release under the Virgo Music label. This collection of tracks is the reason why Nobuo Uematsu has selected her as the vocalist of "Kiss Me Goodbye."
The CD consists of 6 tracks in which Angela's vocals and piano are the only heard. The words I come up with to describe this mini-album are: pure, true, and honest.
We're All Alone - The first track. Her vocals are what carry this song. The piano serves as background support, keeping beat and tempo, but work well to push her voice and not over power. A nice opening to the CD.
Rain - Also included in her major album release Home, this track is the wonderful. Youtube has a live performance of this song, either as a live performance or playing on my Itunes, the song never fails to catch. I always sing along with it. I prefer this version to the one on the album. It think it is perfect in this form.
A Song For You - originally written and performed by Leon Russell in the 1970's, Angela Aki has covered it and wrote the Japanese lyrics to this classic. This definitely shows she's capable of song writing whether it's in Japanese or English or crossing the language barriers. She's tackled a song that has been covered by many other artists before her...in my opinion, she stands strong among them without fear.
Warning - The most upbeat of this six songs, Angela sings completely in English. Being both Japanese and America she easily flows between languages. Warning is a great song and is my favorite of this CD. A must listen too.
Never is a Promise - Angela Aki is often compared to other piano mistresses such as Sarah Mclachlan, Fiona Apple (maybe even Tori Amos - but I personally don't hear this comparison). Fiona Apple is one of her influences and cover a song is understandable. I actually think that she did a great job with this song. The original is what set the standard, and I feel Angela has performed it in her way and it's just as good as Fiona's. Although, fans of Fiona I know personally have told me Angela has done a great job. I agreed after listening to the original.
愛するもの(Ai Suru Mono) - This song ends this mini-a.bum journey and leaves me wanting to listen more. It's a good thing I had gotten this CD after purchasing her four singles. This track is just beautiful. Many people find it boring, but its the simplicity of the song that I find attractive. It's not trying to be something greater or lesser. It's just a song, and I appreciate that. It was featured in a Sony DVD camcorder commercial and it was very appropriate for the commercials concept. She performed this during her Concert at Budo-kan a capella and it blew me away. It was so mesmerizing.
Angela Aki's first J-drama theme. This is the theme song for the drama, 孤独のかけー愛しき人よ (Kodoko no Kake - ItoshikiHito yo). I believe in an interview or something, it is revealed that Angela Aki has written this song as a response to having read the script of the show.
孤独のカケラ (Kodoku no Kakera) - The song opens with a simple piano intro and develops into another complex arrangement built with layers of information. The medley here is rather solemn and a bit sad, but the beauty I've become accustomed to still remains strong. Angela Aki doesn't make music just to please others. She writes for herself and every song she sing is a part of her being. Whether it's conveying a strong emotion or having fun ( as in her covers of the Blue Hearts' "Train Train" or Queen's "We will Rock Your/We are the Champions") she always preforms from the heart.
孤独のカケラ (Kodoku no Kakera) - piano version - A much shorter version, with just vocals and the piano. Again she proves that only a piano accompaniment is all that is needed when she sings....although an entire orchestral back up doesn't hurt either....this piano version is Beautiful.
Solitude - This track is a solo piano piece. In truth, this version of track one is a reinterpretation and really showcases Angela's piano playing. There's a reason why she says the piano is an extension of her body when she performs. This track definitely makes that seem plausible. It's the most emotional track on the single and by far is my favorite of the three featured here.
I think for the first time I've come across a single that opens and closes with tracks that seem to speak to one another.
サクラ色 (Sakurairo) - The song opens with a nice piano medley that sets up the full arrangement of the piece. I immediate found myself drawn into the intricate layering of strings, drum, and piano. It's almost like the entire song was performed by a choir, just replace human voices with voices of musical instruments. The song is passionate, yet gentle and builds up the tension just to let you gracefully rest at the end. *constant repeat on my Itunes*
On & On - this is a nice intermission. It's catches the ear and doesn't let go. highly addictive.
Power of MUSIC - I was hesitant at first. Why would my favorite song on the HOME album need a dance beat. Although, I still don't think it needed a dance beat, it's not a bad arrangement. New lyrics help in the listening process as well.
HOME (piano version) - the perfect ending, and best compliment to Sakurairo. the bit of the chorus in Sakurairo ties nicely to this version and made this single perfect. I prefer this to the studio version. Angela Aki's voice with just a piano is golden.
My younger sister went to Japan and spent the summer of 2006 staying with a friend of ours. As a great sister she is, she traveled to three cities in Japan in search of a copy of this album the week of release. She not only found a copy, she also grabbed me a copy of the first press release which included a DVD. The DVD contains all of the music videos released to this point in her career. I appreciate this gift a lot!
What can I say about this album, that doesn't need the words: amazing, spectacular, stunning, beautiful.
As the first major album release, I was completely blown away by the amount of evidence Angela Aki provides to her musical talent.
The composition of the songs through layering and the push and pull of melody and harmony grabbed me and hasn't' let go. Her voice is powerful, but not overbearing. I like that she doesn't present herself or her music as some pop idol.
The album is just "honest". There are no lies attached to marketing or the music. The honesty behind is makes me consider it as worthwhile. Worthwhile music is always a welcome change.
People complain about her covers, but I like that she has a signature look to her covers. I immediately know it's her work and I appreciate the subtle changes that are present. She doesn't need flashy photoshop imagery to sell her music. Her music sells itself.
Favorite tracks: (must listen to - in my opinion)
track 04: Music track 07: 宇宙 (Uchuu) track 08: Rain -album version: new arrangement; originally on Indie release, ONE. track 12: HOME track 13: Your Love Song
Info: Third ending theme to the anime, Blood+. Although the anime isn't good, and the ending sequence visuals were crap, this song still remains strong.
This Love - I have spoken with my sister about this song, and we both agree that it is track we consider the "Awe-inspiring" song. It's so emotional, and professional, we just can't help but be awe-struck when we hear it. Powerful vocals are backed by equally powerful music.
自由の足跡 (Jiyuu no Ashiato) - a nice follow up track. Holds it's own against "This Love" but it doesn't have the same "umph". still a rather impressive song in on it's own.
Kiss From a Rose - I was having a hard time deciding if this track was just as good as "This Love." I think it falls shy of "This Love" only because it is not entirely original.Nevertheless, it does sound amazing. Definitely worthy of being on this single. Seal would be proud (I assume of course).
Nobuo Uematsu picked her as the vocalist of this song for a reason.
Kiss Me Goodbye - The theme song to the popular Final Fantasy XII video game, it is of no surprise that it's a ballad. I think it's ranks up there with 素敵だね (Suteki Da Ne -FFX) as my recommended Final Fantasy song. the vocal prowess and power really adds to the layered orchestral composition of the song. As the game continues to take hours from my life, the track continues to be in rotation on my Itunes. This track was released as the single and has Japanese lyrics written by Angela Aki herself.
Santa Fe` - The star track on this single, and I agree with someone, that it would have made an incredibly killer single by itself.
A Whiter Shade of Pale- Be still my heart. Honestly, I often get lost in this women's voice to really pay attention to this track. All I remember is that I like it and often listen to it.
Kiss Me Goodbye [featured in Final Fantasy XII] - This track includes English lyrics, a composition that is thinner than the Japanese version. It's not as strong a song to be a single, but the quality of this version was perfect for the ending FMV of Final Fantasy XII.
I think this is probably the weakest single, but that doesn't mean it's sub-par. As a whole, I think that it still ranks among the top of my list.
心の戦士 (Kokoro no Senshi) - features the same strong vocals and passionate music, but something about it lacks the "umph" I've heard in her other releases. I can't seem to explain it, but I can feel it. Technically, this track lives up to the reputation set forth from her "HOME" single.
空はいつも泣いている (Sora wa Itsumo Naiteiru) - although this song would hold up as being a single by itself, it is a welcome b-side. It's upbeat, although I think the lyrics don't really sketch an overly positive image. (It's been a while since I heard it). It serves as a nice break from the very dramatic "Kokoro no Senshi".
TODAY - The biggest shocker, I was not prepared for - in a good way. I like this version. I didn't recognize it at first, but once I did, i relived the days when I was really into the Smashing Pumpkins. A good cover of the original.
Eyes on Me - As a fan favorite from Final Fantasy VIII, I never really like the original. Angela Aki makes the song tolerable, but doesn't make the song great. There's no hope for saving this song from the depths of mediocrity.
As the first Major single release from Angela Aki, I must say I fell in love with this lady's music.
HOME - The idea of the word "home" pervades the lyrics and music of this track. You don't have to understand the language to understand this song. it's powerful in that it has the ability to trigger the listeners memory and engage thoughts. This the perfect single to open a career with.
Kiseki - This track doesn't make as much of an impact as the lead track, but as a b-side, I find it rather fitting. It is upbeat and keeps my attention for the duration of its playtime.
Will You Dance? - This is just a great title. I love this b-side and I think it works well as the closing for this single. If you had the chance to dance with Angela Aki would you? I think I would.
I always find myself reading other people's blogs when looking up music of my favorites artists.
I guess I just wanted a place to post my own opinions. whether or not other people read my thoughts is not a goal for this blog. It's just a place for me to keep my thoughts.
The following reviews are on the discography of Angela Aki, my favorite singer/songwriter. Several of the reviews are taken from the CDJapan as I have written them there, but I have edited them for this blog.
I'm a student.
I just finished my BFA degree back in May 2007, and now currently am staying in Peoria, IL. I am totally beginning graduate study at Bradley Univesity.
I'm a printmaker who works with all forms of printmaking, but I especially like mezzotint and combining it with etching. I also enjoy drawing on lithography stones.
When it comes to printmaking, I can go into "geek" mode.
Tilly and the Wall ~Bottom of Barrels~
Jill-DECOY Association
As the final single before the release of her sophomore album, TODAY, this single was described as the her summer pop song. Angela Aki, herself, said the song was to cheer people on! 
This children's animated show is aired in the US during the Disney's Playhouse segment.
Ultra Blue is the fourth Japanese album from this mega star. I think I was among the few who felt Hikki had been struggling with producing songs.
I think for the first time I've come across a single that opens and closes with tracks that seem to speak to one another.
My younger sister went to Japan and spent the summer of 2006 staying with a friend of ours. As a great sister she is, she traveled to three cities in Japan in search of a copy of this album the week of release. She not only found a copy, she also grabbed me a copy of the first press release which included a DVD. The DVD contains all of the music videos released to this point in her career. I appreciate this gift a lot!
Info: Third ending theme to the anime, Blood+.
Nobuo Uematsu picked her as the vocalist of this song for a reason.
