An evening with Angela Aki and her Answer album coming soon!
Showing posts with label angela aki. Show all posts
Showing posts with label angela aki. Show all posts
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Angela Aki - TODAY [album]
An Evening with Angela Aki
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?
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?
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Pre-Order: Angela Aki "TODAY"
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!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
たしかに (Tashika Ni) - Angela Aki
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.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Angela Aki - One [mini-album]
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 - 孤独のカケラ (Kodoku no Kakera) [single]
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 - Itoshiki Hito 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.
Angela Aki - サクラ色 [single]
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.
Angela Aki - Home [album]
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
Angela Aki - This Love [single]
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).
Angela Aki - Kiss Me Goodbye [single]
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.
Over all, it's still a great selection of songs.
Angela Aki - 心の戦士 (Kokoro no Senshi) [single]
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.
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.
Angela Aki - HOME [single]
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.
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.
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