This year, we’ve seen the largest success rate for K-pop in Japan since the debut of BoA back in 2001, which has caused a renewal of the famed term, “Hallyu/Korean wave”. With BIG BANG, KARA, and Shoujo Jidai/SNSD all shocking fans with their high entries on the Oricon charts, many believed that any one of these groups – or all of them – would be given an invitation to the famous stage at the end of year music special, Kohaku, which occurs on New Year’s Eve.

To some, receiving an invitation to this stage is one of the highlights of a musical career in Japan. Once you receive an invitation, you instantly gain access to a wide variety of audiences, perhaps even gaining a few more fans. Artists such as Angela Aki and Koda Kumi, who have caught their big breaks with one or several hits, have previously gained an invitation to the show are now a staple on the New Year’s special, and both artists are attending once again for 2010.

So why is it that one of the biggest trends in the Japanese music scene this year, and perhaps well into 2011, is absent from the stage?

According to head director of Kohaku, Keisuke Inoue, although it was discussed, an offer simply wasn’t put out.

“It is certain that this year, K-pop has been remarkable on the Japanese music scene. This movement will surely continue into next year, and we will support it and see to it, by all means, that it will reach Kohaku’s stage“.

Last year, one of the major surprises on Kohaku was the performance by Susan Boyle, who was the only foreign act.

Inoue also stated the planning of Kohaku was a careful process, where participants were selected and their music was listened to with a certain frame of mind for the show.

Although the official list’s absence of Korean artists came as a surprise to many, there are speculations that KARA and Shoujo Jidai/SNSD might have debuted too late in the year to make it onto the show, despite their success. To add to that point, many Japanese artists work very hard for several years before getting an offer, so the sudden appearance of these groups might have caused a controversy if they had been offered a place on the show “too easily”.

Are you disappointed with the absence of Korean artists on this year’s Kohaku? Let us know your thoughts!

Source: tokyohive

Posted by @tyasunghae

Oh! b/c of this..
I almost forget about 61th Kohaku performers’ list!
this year Kohaku performer is:

(Figures in parentheses is the number of participating)

Total singer is 44~ 22 for red teams and 22 for White teams

• THE RED TEAM (WOMEN)
  Aiko
  Angela Aki
  Ikimono-gakari
  Ishikawa Sayuri
  Uemura Kana
  AKB48
  Kawanaka Miyuki
  Kumiko
  Koda Kumi
  Godai Natsuko
  Kobayashi Sachiko
  Sakamoto Fuyumi
  Tendou Yoshimi
  DREAMS COME TRUE
  Nakamura Mitsuko
  Nishino Kana
  Hamasaki Ayumi
  Perfume
  Hirara Ayaka
  Mizuki Nana
  Mizumori Kaori
  Wada Akiko

• THE WHITE TEAM (MEN)
  Arashi
  Itsuki Hiroshi
  HY
  EXILE
  NYC
  Kayama Yuuzou
  Kitajima Saburou
  Go Hiromi
  Kobukuro
  SMAP
  TOKIO
  Tokunaga Hideaki
  AAA
  Hikawa Kiyoshi
  FUNKEY MONKEY BABYS
  Fukuyama Masaharu
  Flumpool
  Hosokawa Takashi
  PORNO GRAFITTY
  Mori Shinichi
  Yuusuke
  L’Arc~en~Ciel

this officially from nhk
well..No korean artist in the list like the rumour a few days ago..
The new performer who’ll debute in this year Kohaku is:
in red team >>> Uemura Kana, Kumiko, and Nishino Kana
in white team >>> HY and AAA

4 group of Johnny’s talent in this year Kohaku..
Arashi (as MC too) , SMAP, TOKIO, and NYC Boys…
why NYC??? I dont get it….
and some rumour said Arashi will be perform as closing.
huaaaa… and I hate when this will be rating pressure for the boys.
Good luck Arashi!!

Angela Aki is a very talented Japanese song writer, single. This is one of her famous songs.

Lyric:
敬啟者 : 此刻 讀著這封信的你
現在在哪裡 做些什麼呢?
十五歲的我 有著無法向任何人訴說的煩惱
如果是寫給未來的自己的信的話
想必一定能坦率的說出口吧
此刻 快要認輸 快要掉下淚來
彷彿下一秒就要消失的我
該相信誰的話繼續往前走呢?
只有一顆心
不斷的破碎、崩壞
在痛苦之中 活在當下
活在當下

敬啟者 : 謝謝你的信
我也有話 想告訴十五歲的你
自己究竟是誰 該朝何處前進
只要不斷追問 就能找到答案
波瀾萬丈的青春之海雖然險惡
將夢之舟朝著明日的岸邊前進吧
此刻 不要放棄 不要流淚
彷彿下一秒就要消失之時
只要相信自己的聲音 昂首闊步向前走就好
大人的我 也曾有過受了傷
而難以成眠的夜晚
苦中帶甜 活在當下

人生的一切 都有意義
所以不要害怕 讓你的夢想成長茁壯吧
La…La…La…
Keep on believing
此刻 快要認輸 快要掉下淚來
彷彿下一秒就要消失的我
該相信誰的話繼續往前走呢?
啊 此刻 不要放棄 不要流淚
彷彿下一秒就要消失之時
只要相信自己的聲音 昂首闊步向前走就好
不論何時 面對悲傷
只會逃避的話是行不通的
展露笑容 努力活下去吧
努力活下去吧

敬啟者 : 我祈禱現在讀著這封信的你
能過得幸福

I wonder…what will I be doing after 15 years? will I still be chasing after my dream or I will just be another 9-5 robot……

-La Ti

An amazing singer/songwriter who can lift your spirits up with one note and break your heart with the other.

Her name? Angela Aki.

Singer/songwriter extraordinaire Angela Aki

Angela Aki popped onto the J-pop scene in 2005 with her debut single, “Home”. Born in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan, to a Japanese father and an Italian-American mother, Angela was said to have started playing the piano at age 3. After relocating to Okayama Prefecture, Hawaii and eventually Washington, D.C., Angela worked on her music, making demos and playing live wherever she could. After many years as a struggling artist in the US, it wasn’t until Angela’s trek back to Japan that her independent release, “ONE”, caught the ear of Sony Music. The rest they say is history.

Her 4th single, “This Love”, proved to be her breakthrough hit and since then, she has released hit after hit including “Sakura Iro” (The Color of Cherry Blossoms), “Kodoku no Kakera” (The Edge of Solitude), “Again”, and “Tegami” (Letter). Angela caught my ear with “This Love” and her music has touched my heart as well as the hearts of others all around the world. If I had to put artists together in terms of looks and sounds, she is a combination of Nana Mouskouri, Tori Amos, Carole King, and Janis Ian (known as one of Angela’s mentors) put together. Angie – her nickname – is also perfectly bilingual in English and Japanese.

I FINALLY (yaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy!) saw her live for the first time today. In one word, her performance was…AWESOME…BREATHTAKING…that’s two words. The concert was divided into two parts: (1) Angie and her piano and (2) Angie, her piano, and her 3-piece band. She sang a majority of her hit singles as well as tracks from her latest album, “LIFE”. The concert also included some special segments with Angie singing some popular songs from awhile back, such as snippets of “I Just Called To Say I Love You” and “I Will Always Love You”. Add to that her charming and humorous talk, and the show was simply amazing. Her rapport with the audience was so warm and filled with personality – it made you feel as though you were in the living room listening to her sing. Absolutely down-to-earth – Angie shone through like the sun.

I plan to see her special 5-year anniversary live concert in Nippon Budokan on December 26, 2010. I CAN’T WAIT!

For those who are still new to Angela Aki, the following are some of my favorite tracks from her…

HOME (September 2005 release – Angie’s debut single)

This song truly touches my heart. It’s about where you come from – your furusato (home). It makes me remember my family and friends, and those people who gave me their love, from my hometown of Vancouver.  A great song.

SAKURA IRO (March 2007 release – The Color of Cherry Blossoms)

This is my all-time favorite Angela Aki song. The song is based on events in Angie’s life when she was a struggling artist living in Washington, D.C. The song also details her relationship at the time.

TEGAMI (September 2008 release – Letter)

This song always drives me to tears. A letter from a 15 year old you, addressed to an adult you. And the reply from the adult you to the 15 year old you. No matter how hard life gets, you can’t give up. You need to keep on believing. The lyrics and melody are touching and haunting.

EVERY WOMAN’S SONG (September 2010 release – track from the album LIFE)

I LOVE this song. Angie’s collaboration with the legendary, Janis Ian. It’s a BEAUTIFUL song. It makes me remember my grandmother (Bachan as I used to call her) who lived me with in Vancouver from when I was born. She passed away in November 2003 just before her 92nd birthday. Before I left for Japan, she told me that she would wait for me until I came back home, and she did. I flew back from Japan just in time to be at her bedside. I held her hand and talked with her until she left this world. This song is dedicated to all those wonderful women who have touched my life in this journey called life.

Thank you, Angie, for your beautiful talent! May your songs reach an even bigger audience all around the world!

Angela Aki (Wikipedia)
Angela Aki (Blog)
Angela Aki (Sony Records Official Homepage)

What are the roses for?
Petals of red velvet
It isn’t my birthday or Valentines yet
So, what are the roses for?

What are the diamonds for?
Galaxies trapped in stone
The magic of Christmas has come and it’s gone
So what are the diamonds for?

Dancing, avoiding the truth
Romancing comes easy for you
My heart aches for answers
I can’t let this moment pass
So I’ll ask

What are there kisses for?
Softer than autumn’s breath
Your lips taste of secrets, a hint of regret
So what are these kisses for?

Living, avoiding the truth
Or knowing what you can’t undo
My heart has two choices
I can’t let this moment pass
So I’ll ask

What are the roses for?
Presents so passionate
It isn’t my birthday or Valentines yet
So, what are the roses for?
What are the roses for?
What are the roses for?

On October 9th, singer/songwriter Angela Aki kicked off her “MY KEYS PLUS + TOUR 2010 LIFE” nationwide tour at the Saitama Kawaguchi Sougou Bunka Center.

As expected, the venue was filled with fans who eagerly awaited the opening show of the tour.  The concert live had two separate parts: one where Angela Aki sang to her own piano accompaniment, and the other where she sang with a band.  She began with her usual piano playing segment, working her way up to the climax of the show with the use of the band, and thrilling the audience all the while.

The tour has 23 performances, with the final show coming on December 12th at Nagoya’s Century Hall.  Angela Aki has already added more tour stops due to popular demand, so most likely all of the performances will be as packed and excited as the opening stop.

She has also announced that after her tour she will do a couple of shows at the Tokyo Budokan arena and Osaka Castle Hall at the end of December.  They will be special lives to celebrate her fifth anniversary in music, and they will be called, “HOME SWEET HOME “5 YEARS” ~Best Hit & All Request~.”

MY KEYS PLUS＋TOUR 2010 LIFE

October 9th – Saitama – Kawaguchi Cultural Center Lilia Main Hall

October 13th – Kanagawa – Kanagawa Prefecture Hall

October 14th – Hyogo –  Kobe International Hall

October 16th – Fukuoka – Sun Palace

October 17th – Fukuoka – Sun Palace

October 23rd – Niigata – Niigata Prefectural Civic Center Hall

October 24th – Toyama – Toyama Oobaado Hall

October 28th – Sendai – Satsuma Sendai Hall

October 30th – Miyazaki – Shimin Cultural Hall

November 3rd – Okinawa – Okinawa Convention Center

November 7th – Hiroshmia – Hiroshima Cultural Hall

November 8th – Okayama – Okayama Symphony Hall

November 11th – Tokyo – NHK Hall

November 12th – Tokyo – NHK Hall

November 14th – Tochigi – Utsunomiya Cultural Hall

November 20th – Kagawa – Alpha Anabuki Hall

November 23rd – Ehime – Matsuyama Civic Hall

November 24th – Osaka – Grand Cube Osaka Main Hall

December 2nd – Hokkaido – Nitori Cultural Hall

December 4th – Miyagi – Sendai Sun Plaza Hall

December 5th – Miyagi – Sendai Sun Plaza Hall

December 11th  - Aichi – Nagoya Century Hall

December 12th – Aichi – Nagoya Century Hall

-

HOME SWEET HOME “5 YEARS” ～Best Hit ＆ All Request～
December 20th – Osaka – Osaka Castle Hall
OPEN 18:00 / START 19:00
December 26th – Tokyo – Budokan
OPEN 17:00 / START 18:00

Source & Photos : natalie

thanks to tokyohive.com

Your heart is a lab of anxiety
A center of insecurity
You keep me under a microscope
Experimenting and taking notes
Magnifying actions, dissecting reactions
Collecting my feelings in test tubes

I call to say I’m coming home a little late
So you don’t have to stay up and wait
Examinations, accusations full of doubts
You ruin my girl’s night out

Where has my baby gone, I haven’t seen you in so long

Our love used to be so effortless
Elements mixed with trust and a kiss
That chemistry no longer exists
‘Cause jealousy turned you into, jealousy turned you into
A Mad Scientist, Mad Scientist,
A Mad Scientist, Mad Scientist,

Whenever we go to a party
You constantly have your eye on me
Keeping me not far out of reach
How can I have fun on a leash?

I want my baby back, instead of this maniac

Our love used to be so effortless
Elements mixed with trust and a kiss
That chemistry no longer exists
‘Cause jealousy turned you into, jealousy turned you into

Where has my baby gone, I haven’t seen you in so long
I want my baby back, instead of this maniac, maniac

Our love used to be so effortless
Elements mixed with trust and a kiss
That chemistry no longer exists
‘Cause jealousy turned you into, jealousy turned you into
Jealousy turned you into a mad Scientist
A Mad Scientist,
Mad Scientist
Take off your lab coat (lab coat)
Mad Scientist
Get on the love boat (love boat)
Mad Scientist, So mad, Maniac
A Mad Scientist, Mad Scientist

Angela Aki’s new DVD featuring footage from her concert performance at Tokyo International Forum and documentary from her concert tour “ANSWER.”

The first press edition includes a cardboard slipcase, a booklet.

Tracklist:

Disc: 1
1. アンジェラ・アキ Concert Tour 2009 ANSWER ドキュメンタリーDVD (Disc 1, run time approx 129 minutes)

Disc: 2
1. たしかに
2. Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door
3. Final Destination
4. HOME
5. Again
6. 愛の季節
7. レクイエム
8. Rain
9. ダリア
10. サクラ色
11. ファイター
12. ANSWER
13. 手紙~拝啓 十五の君へ~
14. 今すぐKiss Me
15. This Love

(Angela Aki Concert Tour 2009 “Answer” Documentary & Live DVD Regular Edition)

http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=ESBL-2289

http://www.yesasia.com/global/angela-aki-concert-tour-2009-answer-documentary-live-japan-version/1022919503-0-0-0-en/info.html

Source: Sony Music

~Album~

Angela Aki – LIFE

1. Ai no Kisetsu

2. Kagayaku Hito

3. Every Woman’s Song

4. Sign

5. Remember Me

6. Unbreakable

7. What Are The Roses For?

8. Ai to Bansoukou

9. Mad Scientist

10. The Truth Is Like A Lie

11. Bop Bop Bop (Colors of Your Soul)

12. Haha Naru Daichi

13. LIFE

Here’s an album I’ve been waiting for for quite a while. Unfortunately, it was released the day after Birth by Sleep was released here in the US, in other words, I forgot about it and was/is too busy with Kingdom Hearts to review it. But I’ve managed to steal some time away now and will finally begin my review.

Also worth a mention is the fact that this album is half-Japanese and half-English, meaning 6 Japanese songs, 6 English songs, and then the title track, LIFE, which, unfortunately for my desire for perfect symmetry, is not a half-English, half-Japanese song itself.

The album starts off with “Ai no Kisetsu“, the first single Angela released for this album and it was the first single I was able to review from her for the blog. I thought really positive things when it was first released, and not that I don’t like it now, but it has been quite a while since it was, I’m kind of over it. It’s still a good song though.

Score – 7.5

Next is the 2nd and final single she released for this album, “Kagayaku Hito“. This one is at least a bit newer and Angela switched it up by playing acoustic guitar rather than her trademark piano. I thought it was an awesome change but would have liked the guitar to have been a bit more intricate.

Score – 7

The first new track of the album is “Every Woman’s Song”. As the title suggests, it is very “women” centric as far as the lyrics go It’s all good though, they were nice, and if I was a woman I would probably love the song even more, it’s a pretty nice track. It’s on the slower side and the album starts of crawling with these 3 songs.

Score – 7.5

“Sign” is everything I hoped it would be and it picks the albums pace up by a lot. I liked that it started of with electric guitar and piano first, with percussion joining in by the second verse, the pre-chorus builds up and everything suddenly comes together in the chorus which is awesome and catchy. Sign acts as the “Answer” or “Again” of this album

Score – 9

Things slow back down again for “Remember Me” which is a really pretty song, featuring mostly piano and light strings. I thought the song, which nice, was just kind of OK, however Angela’s vocalizing and the high bridge, along with the key change in the final chorus make the ending more memorable.

Score – 8

I really liked “Unbreakable” mostly for its lyrics and overall arrangement.

“Outside my window, one wishing star

make me one unbreakable heart.

Just one unbreakable heart.”

I liked that piano was more of a focus here but I don’t mind the electric guitar and percussion that mostly accompany the chorus.

Score – 8.5

I’m calling it right now, “What Are The Roses For?” is my favorite song off of this album. The song is all piano and a lone violin. Angela’s going through the gifts that she’s receiving; roses, diamonds, kisses, wondering what they are for, since no special occasion is calling for them. I really liked the story being told, and could somewhat tell what it was about right away, one of my favorite line being:

“Your lips taste of secrets, and a hint of regret, so what are these kisses for?”

I really liked the how softly it ended, and without a true resolution lyrically. Angela’s vocalizing as the song just kind of comes to a soft close was truly great.

Score – 10

“Ai to Bansoukou” starts off with the chorus, softly and then all the instruments come in with a grand arrangement. I liked the way the lyrics were sung especially the way Angela holds the few words of the pre-chorus. The songs outro is really nice.

Score – 9.5

One of the most unique songs on the album is the next, “Mad Scientist”. It features really fun piano with electric guitar and percussion coming in after the first verse. The lyrics are akin to the title, the beginning even features sounds effects like something bubbling in a beaker. Honestly, the chorus disappointed me a little bit, I also thought that the song would have been just fine with piano. I loved the playful sounding bridge, and at the very end, the piano ends alongside a fairly unnerving shriek xD

Score – 10

“The Truth Is Like A Lie” is a fairly sad sounding song and mostly piano centric. Unfortunately it didn’t keep my attention as much as past songs of this nature, making it a little forgettable for me. It isn’t bad, but there will be other songs you’ll be listening to on LIFE.

Score – 8

“Bop Bop Bop (Colors of Your Soul)” is a nice and upbeat song that had a fun and catchy chorus, though, like The Truth Is Like A Lie, there are other Angela Aki songs of this nature that are better, it was nice though to hear something like this in English though.

Score – 7.5

“Haha Naru Daichi” is quite unique and acts as the most grand song of the album, featuring a unique instrumental intro. The typical arrangement ensues, but Angela’s vocals save this song, as they are absolutely amazing and powerful, the singing of the chorus, especially the final one are just amazing. I loved the way she ended, repeating “Eien ni”.

Score – 8.5

The album closes with the title track “LIFE” which wasn’t exactly what I expected but that’s alright and it’s on the slower side, but it’s still really good. I loved the really powerful way she sings “LIFE, LIFE” and then “LOVE, LOVE” and the softer way the chorus closes. I think it ends the album off nicely.

Score – 9

LAST NOTE

With Angela Aki, I feel it’s a given that she sounds amazing in the entire album, not a lot of other artists have the vocal prowess that she does and I’m always impressed. At first, I wasn’t as impressed with LIFE as opposed to her other albums, but it didn’t take me too long to realize that there are definitely some truly amazing tracks on here. My favorites being; Sign, What Are The Roses For?, Ai to Bansoukou, and Mad Scientist. I really like that that makes 2 Japanese favorites and 2 English favorites xD As usual, I still want more music from her, but I’m satisfied for now.

OVERALL RATING

LIFE, released on 9.8.10, is Angela Aki’s 4th album.

「愛の季節 (Ai no Kisetsu)」 starts the album with a softness to it, gradually building into a simple piano and percussion instrumental as the beginning. Coupled with the instrumental is Angela Aki’s beautiful voice which is just as great in this song as any other. In the chorus, one interesting part is when she sings, “Season, season, of love” in English. It adds a little bit more to the chorus and definitely stands out. The song is simple, but effective as well as beautiful.

Continuing the simpleness is 「輝く人 (Kagayaku Hito)」, an acoustic guitar piece. Her vocals are very nice and powerful in the verses, having a calming, confident tone to them. In the chorus, her vocals simply shine, especially because of the simple acoustic guitar instrumental it enhances the echo of her vocals. The third verse is reminiscent of past Angela Aki songs where she goes into a choir-like verse (think the third verse of Tegami). A beautiful song about wanting to become a shining person, the simpleness but strong vocals really draw the listener in.

「Every Woman’s Song」 is a pure English song and I really like how Angela Aki starts off the song with how “every woman is a story”. It praises women and it’s a song dedicated to women, which is one thing I like about it, though it might be because I’m female myself ^^. The song itself is beautiful and the meaning behind it is wonderful as well.

Next up is 「サイン (Sign)」 a neat mix of electric guitar and a soft piano in the instrumental. Angela Aki’s voice is upbeat as she sings with a uplifting beat to her vocals. The song is bright, upbeat and really fun to listen to.

「Remember Me」 has a bit of a sad undertone to the continuous piano beat as Angela Aki sings in a low, steady voice. Compared to Sign, this song has more of a relaxed, but still strong atmosphere to it, especially during the chorus as she grows in power in her vocals.

Another all English song, 「Unbreakable」 is a meaningful song about being alone in the world. Angela Aki’s voice is full of emotion as she sings this, coupled together with the deep sound of the orchestra and the piano, this song reaches out to everyone. I just truly love the message of this song.

「What are the Roses For?」, another all English song, has a classic instrumental of orchestra and the piano. It’s a bit sweet when she asks, “What are the roses for? It isn’t my birthday or Valentine’s Day; so what are the roses for?” then continues with, “What are the diamonds for?” It’s a bit cute as her “voice” is so oblivious, yet at the same time she knows what he’s doing.

「愛と絆創膏 (Ai to Bansoukou)」 begins really quietly, with only a solo piano, as Angela Aki sings with her echoing vocals before suddenly all the other instruments come in, creating a busy atmosphere, then quieting down once again for the first verse. The busy instrumental kinda reminds me of how heavy, say, Do As Infinity’s rock instrumentals sound. I don’t really like how busy the instrumental is as it tends to hide the vocals, but it’s all up to preference.

「Mad Scientist」, another all English song! It’s very cute and childish like as the piano instrumental is lines and lines of staccato notes as Angela Aki sings with a bit of attitude as she sings quickly, matching the quickness with the staccato of the piano notes. As you listen more, you realize that the “mad scientist” is actually how her boyfriend turns into a maniac because of jealousy (“our love used to be so effortless… where is my baby? … jealously turned you into a mad scientist”)

Next with the list of English songs come 「The Truth is Like a Lie」, a sad love ballad, about how she cannot trust in what her boyfriend says anymore (“How can I really believe this is goodbye? How… when the truth is like a lie?”)

「Bop Bop Bop (The Color of Your Soul)」, another English song, as she sings, “Everybody’s got a life worth living,” and you can tell from the first line that this song is about truly embracing and enjoying your life. The instrumental is fun and bright, coupling nicely with how relaxed and fun Angela Aki sings in this song.

The next track is 「母なる大地 (Haha Naru Daichi)」 which begins with a fantasy-like instrumental, the kind you would hear in fairytale movies, before going into a more modern piano instrumental. Angela Aki’s vocals are low and soft, singing slowly along with the piano instrumental. Her voice is grand and emotional, and later, when the supporting vocals come in, the strength of the song becomes more stronger and solid.

Lastly is 「LIFE」, the namesake of the album. It’s a quiet song with only a piano and Angela Aki’s sole vocals (a few other instruments come in later as well). During the chorus her vocals become more stronger and the way she handles the chorus reminds me a bit of Sakura Iro.

This whole album is really well made, as Angela Aki’s songs almost always are, and I really liked quite a few songs from this album. Particularly, I found the English songs meaningful and deep, but quite a fair amount of the songs are really powerful and strong in its message.

Angela Aki is invited today at Yahoo! Music Live ! special show promoting her new album “LIFE”.

It will be broadcast for everyone starting 22:00 (Japan Time) and can be watched here: http://event.music.yahoo.co.jp/angela_aki/

Be patient, few hours to go !

Source: Yahoo!

For the release of Angela Aki 4th Album, SonyMusic Japan has opened a the sitejack for a limited time. You could watch Angela Aki – LIFE TV Spot and “Every Woman’s Song” PV.

Check it out: http://www.sonymusic.co.jp/

First Press Edition comes with a special music video compilation on a bonus DVD, featuring 11 hit Angela Aki singles.

(Angela Aki – LIFE Album Limited Edition)

http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=ESCL-3518

http://www.yesasia.com/global/life-album-dvd-first-press-limited-edition-japan-version/1022897537-0-0-0-en/info.html

(Angela Aki – LIFE Album Regular Edition)

http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=ESCL-3518

http://www.yesasia.com/global/life-normal-edition-japan-version/1022897539-0-0-0-en/info.html

Tracklist:

01 Ai no Kisetsu | 愛の季節
02 Kagayaku Hito | 輝く人
03 Every Woman’s Song
04 Sign | サイン
05 Remenber Me
06 Unbreakable
07 What Are The Roses For?
08 Ai to Bansōkō | 愛と絆創膏
09 Mad Scientist
10 The Truth Is Like A Lie
11 Bop Bop Bop (Color Of Your Soul)
12 Haha naru Daichi | 母なる大地
13 LIFE

Source: SonyMusic

LIFE
~ アンジェラ・アキ
Genre: JPop
CD (2010/9/8)
曲目リスト
1. 愛の季節
2. 輝く人
3. Every Woman’s Song
4. サイン
5. Remember Me
6. Unbreakable
7. What Are The Roses For?
8. 愛と絆創膏
9. Mad Scientist
10. The Truth Is Like A Lie
11. Bop Bop Bop(Colors Of Your Soul)
12. 母なる大地
13. LIFE
試聴用サンプル 01 | 試聴用サンプル 02

Track Listing

1. Ai no Kisetsu
2. Kagayaku Hito
3. Every Woman’s Song
4. Sign
5. Remember Me
6. Unbreakable
7. What Are The Roses For?
8. Ai to Bansoukou
9. Mad Scientist
10. The Truth Is Like A Lie
11. Bop Bop Bop (Colors Of Your Soul)
12. Haha Naru Daichi
13. LIFE

1. Ai no Kisetsu

I’m not all the surprised that Angela would begin her album with her two A-sides that were released in the era.  I still don’t think it surpasses anything I’ve heard previous from her and it still comes off as a little plain kicking off the album, but I still love how she sings the song with such emotion. 

2. Kagayaku Hito

As the second A-side, I was happy she changed up her sound a bit.  Ditching the piano, Angela goes and sings Kagayaku Hito with an acoustic guitar backing her up instead.  I mean it’s a bit shortlived when piano does come in, but it’s not at the forefront which is good.  Of course I’ll still loving Angela here and it’s just sweet to listen to.

3. Every Woman’s Song

At least the rest of the album is chockful of new songs.  Starting with Every Woman’s Song, part of the few full-on English songs, I was kind of like bored with the whole woman empowerment deal we got from this.  It could also be because I can’t connect to that kind of setting.  It’s definitely a song for women, not guys XD.  I guess the female-based choir near the end was nice, but c’mon oi ve!

4. Sign

At least we get out of the more cheesy sound and into something that I think she should do more of and that’s upbeat pop songs and not the piano variety either.  Sign a good amount of electric guitar mixed with the traditional piano.  It’s a bit like “The Chase” from her last single and I actually enjoyed that song a bit so hearing another is great to hear.  I’m happy that there’s at least one of these kind of tracks on here.

5. Remember Me

Going back to some ballads, Remember Me unfortunately just doesn’t work for me.  I mean it does kind of grow into something more mid-tempo, but I just feel like I’ve heard this song somewhere before and first thing that comes up is “Ai no Kisetsu”.  Still just a bit too plain for me.

6. Unbreakable

Dang, I was expecting this to be a harder hitting song like “Sign” was.  Unbreakable (another English song) is at least so much better in the lyrical sense.  In a way, if she went Country music on us, I wouldn’t mind and this song is the nearest thing to that genre.  It’s a good and sappy song so that’s good.

7. What Are The Roses For?

Two English songs?  While “Unbreakable” was more of a inner strength kind of song, What Are The Roses For? sounds like it’d be one of those kiddie songs because it’s repeats the idea like ~what are these diamonds for~ and etc.  It’s a simple song and since it’s piano and cello together it kind of stands out on the album. 

8. Ai to Bansoukou

After some soft songs, we return to some louder songs starting with Ai to Bansoukou.  However, I think this song for me is more of the kind where the chorus really owns the verses because if it wasn’t for the chorus, the song could be thrown away easily.  Well, then again the chorus is just golden.  Still the arrangement just fills out the speakers in a good way.  I think the after-chorus is the best part since her voice comes out so much better.

9. Mad Scientist

I know Angela hides an experiment or two on her albums and Mad Scientist would be that song.  This song really has this feel that makes me wonder if she knows of Regina Spektor because that’s what it reminds me of.  We also hear Angela sing kind of differently than her full voice, but more of a lighter and fun-sounding kind.  A line that makes me agree with it fully is the whole ~jealousy turned you into a mad scientist~.  Still what’s with the random ending…it was like, just out of nowhere with the screaming…Bizarre, almost silly, but together.  It’s my favorite of the new songs.

10. The Truth Is Like A Lie

I guess we didn’t get enough of the sadder side of Angela Aki’s music and with the help that it’s in English it paints a whole other picture.  I must commend Angela’s vocals to this song because she sounded just write with the melancholic arrangement and with the even harder lyrics.  Definitely a song for the newly broken-hearted.

11. Bop Bop Bop (Colors Of Your Soul)

I don’t know why but I’d place Bop Bop Bop in the experimentation sound that Angela does.  Out of the songs, I’d call it an actual pop song since that’s what it is.  Sadly, it feels rather short and sometimes those ~bop, bop, bop~ parts just kind of rub me the wrong way, but it pulls us out of the whole emo side of the album.

12. Haha Naru Daichi

Since we don’t have a “Requiem” on the album, the longest song on this album is near 7 minutes.  Haha Naru Daichi has the most amount of originality this album has come by.  I mean the opening is just fantastically done and just pretty.  I wish they kept it, but we all know, this is Angela Aki and she likes her piano.  It fits nicely with the strings that are playing and since the song title is “Mother Earth”, this song fit the mood nicely.  A bit long and boring in places but still not bad.

13. LIFE

Ending the album with it’s idealistic title track, LIFE is once again what Angela Aki does and that’s piano ballads with a positive message.  Throw in strings and you basically get the same thing as she’s done in the past multiple times.  Sorry just doesn’t cut it for me and doesn’t leave much of a mark on me.

Tracks Recommended

• Mad Scientist
• Unbreakable
• The Truth Is Like A Lie
• Sign
• Kagayaku Hito

Song of Avoidance

• Bop Bop Bop (Colors Of Your Soul)

In a way, LIFE does give us something different (or tried to) but for me, I don’t think I enjoy this as much as I did with “ANSWER”.  I think the problem was that there just wasn’t enough experimentation going on, but with the songs that she did she pulled it off and add in the amount of English songs and I was happy with that, but this felt more like a sleeper album.  It’s gonna need some time to catch on!

TITULO: LIFE
ARTISTA: Angela Aki (Kiyomi Aki)
GÉNERO: J-POP, ÁLBUM
DISCOGÁFICA: Sony MUSIC Japan
AÑO: 2010

LISTA DE CANCIONES:
01. Ai no Kisetsu
02. Kagayaku Hito
03. Every Woman’s Song
04. Sign
05. Remember Me
06. Unbreakable
07. What Are The Roses For?
08. Ai to Bansoukou
09. Mad Scientist
10. The Truth Is Like A Lie
11. Bop Bop Bop (Color Of Your Soul)
12. Haha Naru Daichi
13. LIFE

(Contraseña: Sin contraseña)