Hey guys!!
Well, I decided to share a new MV of a mash-up that is going to be on my new album.

Yeah, the album will be released VERY SOON, so keep in touch!!

About this mash-up, After Love -First Boyfriend- is one of my favorite songs by C-Kay, so I wanted to do something using the song and for my surprise, the instrumental of “The Fear” blended very well!

I think my new album, is so much better than the other two I’ve released.

Well, enjoy!

Material Used:
Crystal Kay – After Love -First Boyfriend- feat. KANAME
Lily Allen – The Fear

I’m kind of disappointed that Kuri-chan put Boyfriend -part II- on here and not the original, because even though I like this one I’ve always thought the original just sounded better and more heartfelt. This is a good version of the song though, I have to admit. Kuri keeps the slow-pace, but it doesn’t sound like a ballad it just sounds pretty mild. Kuri-chan’s vocal performance was nice as well and to be truthful its almost like you are listening to the original, just sped up a little. The only part of this track I disliked was that weird break in the song that I guess is suppose to be some sort of dance break, it completely pulls you out the calm mood the song puts you in and it always irritates the crap out of me when I hear it. Otherwise this is a solid start to her second best album.

Eternal Memories is a ballad off her first album and its really quite an underrated song from her which is a real shame, because its quite good and one of my absolute favorites from her. Kuri-chan was really young when she recorded this, but she definitely sounded quite mature and I just love the whole vibe and flow of this track. The arrangement is very mellow, not sad, but it does give off an melancholy vibe and makes me think of the ocean on a bleak day. Kuri sounded really nice, just such a nice vocal performance and I like how she starts off slow and eases her way through the song. Kuri doesn’t change her tempo, but the song never gets boring. I actually prefer this over Motherland.

I’m really surprised that Kuri put Komichi no Hana Flower of the Lane on here, but disappointed that she decided not to include TEENAGE UNIVERSE ~Chewing Gum Baby it just doesn’t make sense. The opening where Kuri and some guy is laughing seems to have been extended and not only that, but Kuri sounds rather different which makes me wonder if she re-sung this, because it doesn’t really hold the charm of the original off her first album. I’ve always loved the end when she says man [dang?], i didn’t do my homework yet… I miss those days, lol.

Oh wow, Kuri-chan included one of my absolute favorites and a track from her in which I had already mentioned in my Saddest Songs I Ever Heard… list, Darling P.P.P and this also sounds different to my ears, because it doesn’t seem to quite capture the true sadness of the one off Crystal Lover Light, though it could just be me. This is just such a beautiful and heart-wrenching ballad from her, no matter how many times I listen to this it always undoes me.

I have a rather unhealthy love-hate relationship with Girl’s Night, because this is definitely one of my least favorite tracks by Kuri, but when I get into it like pass the rather lame opening its not a bad song. It moves along that pop and rnb wave-length which isn’t bad and I honestly don’t think this song would have worked any other way, otherwise it would have probably been another Homegirls. I thought Kuri’s vocal performance was decent, it seemed like she was really enjoying herself and I’ve always liked how she chose to take the song out. I still don’t too much dig this track though, but its all right.

This next track is another track by Kuri-chan that I’m on the fence with, but I don’t dislike it I just never listen to it. Ex-Boyfriend feat. VERBAL was the typical Kuri-chan fare when she first came out, I mean she has a slew of songs that deal with this topic and all of them are pretty good, even songs that I don’t so much like such as Bye, My Darling. The beat is pretty catchy and Kuri’s vocal performance is spot on, despite me not really liking her use of those falsetto’s. This is straight.

For some reason I didn’t really like LOST CHILD when I first heard it, it was one of those down-tempo tracks that I thought was really boring, but that could be because I didn’t really listen to it, well, when I first listened to 637 ~always and forever~ I didn’t really listen to it, so that could explain it. This is one of those rare ballads from Kuri-chan that I only listen to once every blue moon and its not really because its a long track, its actually quite soothing on the ears and I don’t really mind listening to it for the over six minute length, its just kind of dull and that could be the pace, because Kuri’s vocal performance was rather nice.

Tsuki no Nai Yoru, Michi no Nai Basho A Moonless Night, A Roadless Place is one of my absolute favorites and I can remember how moved and sincerely touched I had been when I first heard it. It just sounds so inspirational, despite the melancholy air of it and Kuri-chan’s vocal performance was really quite lovely. This is such an underrated track from her and I’m so glad she decided to include this on her second best album.

I’m kicking myself right now, because why do I never listen to A song for you by Kuri-chan? It is just such a beautiful ballad from her and dare I say one of her absolute best and most underrated, its really quite the heart-wrenching little tune and makes me think of a deep sadness, though I don’t know it that was what Kuri was trying to convey, but seriously I felt so melancholy while listening to this, because it just makes you think of an almost warm love that is very comforting. Kuri has such wonderful ballads and I’m definitely going to be playing this tune more often.

Every time I listen to think of you I just find I love it more and more and its definitely one of her best tracks and one that in my opinion should have shot straight to number one and I’m really starting to think has any of Kuri’s song hit number one? Koi ni Ochitara comes to mind, but I think that got as high as two and that’s really it, shame. I read up that Kuri-chan cried while recording this, or singing it or something and I always use to wonder why, because this just doesn’t come across to me as a tearjerker and when I read the lyrics it still didn’t really make me sad, its almost like it makes me thoughtful or something along those lines. Kuri gives a rather passionate and emotional vocal performance, and I just love how there is so much variety to be found in this song it never gets boring, even if it does seem to go on for a long time. I love that bridge and the chorus.

It took a while for hard to say to grow on me, but I’m guessing at some point it did and now I’m wondering if I’m going to turn around in remember I kind a dislike it, because I just don’t find it a very engaging song and I’m starting to think that the only reason why I like it is because of the rather catchy chorus. I don’t really remember the little boy starting the song off, but I probably just never really paid attention to it. Its pop and rnb, but it definitely leans more towards rnb and Kuri’s vocal performance was decent. I don’t think she should have included this on her best album though.

I’m so mad Girl U Love never took off, what a good song. Its purely rnb in nature and catchy to boot. The whole atmosphere of the track is just very laid-back and relaxed, plus the whole mildly sparkly nature is a plus to boot, because it really gives the song a rather charming air. I can say the same for Kuri, because despite the subject matter she really sounds warm and quite nice. I always enjoy listening to this, especially the chorus and that bridge is the love.

I really don’t know why I dislike Kataomoi Unrequited Love, because its not really all that bad, but seriously I really just don’t like this song and I never have, it just doesn’t do anything to hold my interest and even if I do find myself actually paying attention to it, it doesn’t keep it for long and I end up just forgetting about it all together. This is a just a really bland track to me, seriously.

For some reason I LIKE IT seems pretty slow to me, like not as fast as I remember it being, but it doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of the track completely, thank goodness. I always thought that if What Time Is It? had sounded like this, I would have liked it, because that’s not a completely bad song either. I had no clue this was part of the love M-flo series, I always thought it just featured them. I always like when they collab together, unless we’re talking about Love Don’t Cry, because I did not like that. This is a party tune and that’s why I like it.

One of the first songs I ever heard from Kuri was Candy and I was hooked and have been every since. I use to play this a lot, because its just such a fancy and catchy song and its really a shame that it never caught on, its a great dance track. It blends pop and rnb effortlessly and really makes the song come alive, plus Kuri gives such an energetic and fluid vocal performance to make this just the love. The hook and the chorus are the best parts, this song never gets old.

This took forever for some reason but I’ve finally come to the end of the first disk and Can’t Be Stopped is another rather fun and upbeat track from Kuri that never really went anywhere, so maybe these are the best in Kuri-chan’s opinion this time around. I’ve always adored this track, because it gives you such a feel good vibe that is really quite lovely. It makes me think of never giving up, no matter what, on life and on love.

The second disk starts off with her only song aside from perhaps Two As One to strike in the top five on Oricon, Koi ni Ochitara If I Fall In Love. I must say it took awhile for this song to grow on me, because when it first came out I didn’t too much care for it, and didn’t really take notice of it until Call me Miss… was old news and ALL YOURS was out. I remember just watching the video and liking just how natural it was and I also remember thinking how pretty Kuri was in the video as well, because though it doesn’t really show in her covers she’s quite striking. I love the whimsical and rather sparkly arrangement, it gives off such a feel good feeling and Kuri’s vocal performance was the love, because she can really make that voice of hers shine when she so chooses to, nice start.

The ballads start with Motherland and though I like this, its never really been one of her ballads that I listen to, or find that I have to listen to whenever I’m in that sort of a mood. Its like Kiss, its a good ballad with a nice vocal performance, because Kuri certainly does her down-tempo’s justice, but after awhile it just gets tired and a tad long-winded. Still, this is a good track, definitely.

Ah, we finally come to my favorite ballad of Kuri’s Tears. It has beaten out a lot of her other down-tempo’s, the first two that pop into my head is Make Me Whole and of course Darling P.P.P, because it just embodies an absolute longing for someone in which you can’t get over no matter how much time goes by. I don’t think I ever really paid attention to this track on her Crystal Style album, which is weird, because a song like this should have latched right onto my ears and never let go, but it was actually a fanvid that got me loving this an I haven’t turned back since. Kuri put a lot of herself into this track to really drive the message home an I always get emotional every time hear it. This should have been released as a single in my opinion, it plays better than Kiss, I think so.

Its not that I don’t like Kiss, because truth be told its quite an gorgeous ballad from Kuri, but at the end of the day I just have to be honest with myself, it gets really tedious after awhile and once that hits you, you find that you’re almost forcing yourself to get through it. There’s an orchestra version of her Call me Miss… album, but I don’t really see the difference between the two and it kind a makes me think of LOST CHILD, its a pretty arrangement. Kuri gives a rather focused vocal performance, never doing more than what she should and maybe that’s why I find this ballad so dull, despite liking it. Hmm?

Kuri and CHEMISTRY does such great tracks together, seriously. It makes me wonder why she didn’t or doesn’t collaborate with them more, I mean she sure collabs with M-flo a lot, kind of like BoA. Two As One was a song I loved almost immediately, because of Kuri-chan’s vocal performance, I thought it was really sweet and those falsetto’s during the hooks were rather lovely. I also thought that her and CHEMISTRY’s voices meshed together very well. The arrangement is so festive and warm to the point that I always find myself smiling when I listen to this, its makes me wonder if this was a winter single, it sounds so Christmas-y.

Ugh. Why the hell is I Know on here? Seriously, I really can’t stand this track and would have rather preferred her put Nobody or Kitto on here, just why? I don’t even really know why I can’t stand this track, its just something about it that rubs me the wrong way and its almost crazy, because I do like the mild catchiness of it. Its just a song that gets rather boring and lame as you go along and I just find myself throwing my hands up in exasperation.

Kirakuni is a pretty hard song and I’m serious, I just love how Kuri-chan exudes such attitude it this, its makes it worth every listen an it for some reason never gets old. This is another song from her that I wish would have went to number one, because its certainly worthy of it, I mean come on, the lyrics are so catchy and Kuri’s vocals and her performance was full of energy. This track is such a guilty pleasure of mine.

I am not entirely sure why Kuri decided to include Namida ga Afurete mo on her second best album, I mean every reason just leaves my mind, because its just that track that when it plays you like it, but once it ends you forget about it completely. I mean the arrangement is gentle and really gives off a warm and loving feeling, so I had no problem there and the same can be said for Kuri’s vocal performance which was pretty nice and rather sweet, but like I said, this song is just really unmemorable and fades away entirely after awhile.

There is always that one or handful of songs by an artist in which I avoid like the T Virus: CAROLS with Ayu, I use to really dislike Kiseki by Kuu-chan, with Utada it was her Kiss & Cry song, Moon & Sunrise from Boa and Namie’s first album, just to name a few. Kitto Eien ni Surely Forever was just one of those songs, I use to really dislike this track with an almost burning passion and absolutely refused to listen to it, even on the album. Kuri’s weird and oddly pitched vocal performance just put me off of it and not only that but I though this song was beyond bland. However, one day I actually sat down and listened to it and realized that it wasn’t half bad, it was actually a pretty good and rather poignant vocal listen. I like how out of all of her ballads this one was sounds the most different, even Kaerimichi doesn’t come close. This is one of my favorite’s now.

I was smitten with Konna ni Chikaku de… This Close… the first time I heard it, because it just sounded so different from anything that I had heard from her previous. I was literally overwhelmed with the somewhat grand orchestral arrangement that gives the track a winter-y feel and Kuri-chan’s voice was pretty high yes, but a good kind of high that fit perfectly. I definitely loved that note she would hit at the end. I adore this track, seriously.

In truth I was a bit on the fence when it came to Anata no Soba de By Your Side, I wasn’t too much feeling it and I don’t know why, because its definitely one of those songs that would almost instantly catch my attention, a lot like the previous track. I didn’t really like it until I saw the video, because it was a very different and dare I say more sexy and confident Kuri-chan and I was hooked. The arrangement is pretty catchy, I can’t help but to move to the beat whenever I hear it, always a plus. Kuri seems to have latched onto this more higher pitch in vocals, but this is a case in which it works. The chorus is love, definitely glad to see this included on the best.

Fangirl moment. Dream World, I really use to just loathe this song, especially when it first came out, because I thought it was really lame, seriously. I would only half listen to it when I would listen through the album and I couldn’t honestly tell you why I like this track so much now, or when I started just adoring it, but it just sort of grew on me out of the blue and every time I hear it I just can’t help smiling like an idiot. The arrangement has this sort of tribal, Island-y sort of beat going for it that is rather refreshing and natural, but Kuri’s vocal performance sounded distinctly different. This is a good and rather underrated one from her.

Namida no Saki ni Beyond The Tears grew on me a lot quicker than I thought it would. I can remember hearing it for the first time and not really being into it, despite liking how catchy it was, because it didn’t sound like anything I was use to listening to from her and I wasn’t sure I was ready to step out of my comfort zone. The arrangement is not rnb, or even pop and rnb, it more along the lines of synth[tech]/rnb which pretty much worked, because it just sounds so fresh. I also really enjoyed Kuri-chan’s vocal performance, because she really sounded like she was enjoying herself and having a lot of fun.

I’m a huge fan of Kuri’s ballads and I’m at the moment picking my brain apart trying to figure out if there’s one I don’t like and yeah, LOST CHILD, Motherland and Kiss come to mind, but ONE was almost one of them, because when I first heard it I thought it was pretty bland, despite it having a rather pretty flow to it. This track has certainly grown on me, and I find it quite the pleasant listen now, though should it have been released as a single? No, I thought Kaerimichi was a much better ballad.

Ah, speaking of Kaerimichi The Road Home I am really surprised to see that it made the cut, because this is quite possibly my favorite song off of her COLOR CHANGE! album, aside from Namida no Saki ni and Help Me Out. I didn’t get this the first time I listened to it, as it seemed to just pass over me, but I was intrigued and rather impressed by how Kuri chose to take the song out and gave it a second listen. Its definitely in my top ten favorite Kuri ballads, this is quite a beautiful track from her and seems to channel Tsuki no Nai Yoru, Michi no Nai Basho like nothing else.

The last track on the second disc is Girlfriend feat. BoA and of course I was expecting this, but I wasn’t expecting to not really like it. I don’t know, this just seems like any old throwaway track they would put out, just with the two of them singing together. The beat is generic and their vocals are merely average. UNIVERSE owns this in every concievable sense of the word and even though this is a hidden track it shouldn’t have been included, seriously.

Boyfriend -part II-
Eternal Memories
Komichi no Hana
Darling P.P.P
Tsuki no Nai Yoru, Michi no Nai Basho
A song for you
think of you
Girl U Love
I LIKE IT
Candy
Can’t Be Stopped

Koi ni Ochitara
Tears
Two As One
Kirakuni
Kitto Eien ni
Konna ni Chikaku de…
Anata no Soba de
Dream World
Namida no Saki ni
ONE
Kaerimichi

I know there’s a disc III, but that’s four new songs so I don’t think it counts much, but if this is any consolation my favorite new track is Helpless Night. Kuri-chan’s second best album BEST of CRYSTAL KAY is a whole hop, skip and jump better than her first one, I’ll readily admit that, however, there is a slew of other tracks that didn’t make the cut that I found as more worthy of being included. Alas, I am not Kuri and these are not my songs, so I have no say, unless of course she was to do one of those fan favorite albums. This is a nice listen for all fans of Kuri music and a great start for those who’re curious of her and what she has to offer. I’d still recommend giving her albums a listen though, they’re all pretty damn good.

El nuevo disco de remixes de Crystal Kay en DD ^^

Crystal Kay – THE BEST REMIXES of CK
2009年12月16日

Tracklist:
01-恋におちたら Genki Rockets Remix
02-Boyfriend(80kidz Remix)
03-After Love -First Boyfriend- feat. KANAME(CHEMISTRY)-Oddity Remix-
04-TEENAGE UNIVERSE～Chewing Gum BabyREMIX）
05-Girl’s Night Shinichi Osawa Layer 7 Remix
06-think of U(KZ Future Disco Mix)
07-hard to say(TinyVoice, Production Remix)
08-DO U LIKE IT?(by Fantastic Plastic Machine)Extended Mix
09-きっと永遠に STUDIO APARTMENT REMIX
10-こんなに近くで… – KZ Future Disko Remix
11-Shining(Jazztronik Remix)
12-涙のさきに SOIDOG MIX
13-ONE CORNELIUS REMIX

Download:CK.rar(+rr 3%)(165 MB)

PW:kyouju@kmc

OPENINGS

→ Fullmetal Alchemist – Single OP1 – Melissa

Name: Melissa
Artist: Porno Graffitti
CD Release: 2003/09/26
Tracks:

01. Melissa
02. Mienai Yume
03. Tsukigai
Download: Click Here (18.68 MB)

→ Fullmetal Alchemist – Single OP2 – Ready Steady Go

Name: Ready Steady Go
Artist: L’Arc-en-Ciel
CD Release: 2004/02/04
Tracks:

01. READY STEADY GO
02. READY STEADY GO(hydeless version)
03. READY STEADY GO(kenless version)
04. READY STEADY GO(tetsuless version)
05. READY STEADY GO(yukihiroless version)
Download: Click Here (25.79 MB)

→ Fullmetal Alchemist – Single OP3 – Undo

Name: Undo
Artist: Cool Joke
CD Release: 2004/05/12
Tracks:

01. UNDO
02. Bukkowareru Tsuki
03. UNDO ~Original Karaoke~
Download: Click Here (15.37 MB)

→ Fullmetal Alchemist – Single OP4 – Rewrite

Name: Rewrite
Artist: ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
CD Release: 2004/08/08
Tracks:

01. Rewrite
02. Yūgure no Aka
Download: Click Here (10.99 MB)

ENDINGS

→ Fullmetal Alchemist – Single ED1 – Kesenai Tsumi

Name: Kesenai Tsumi (The Unerasable Sin)
Artist: Nana Kitade
CD Release: 2003/10/29
Tracks:

01. Kesenai Tsumi
02. Shuukan
03. Iryuuhin
04. Kesenai Tsumi (Instrumental)
Download: Click Here (16.67 MB)

→ Fullmetal Alchemist – Single ED1.5 – Kesenai Tsumi [Remix]

Name: Kesenai Tsumi (The Unerasable Sin) [Remix]
Artist: Nana Kitade
CD Release: 2003/12/03
Tracks:

01. Kesenai Tsumi (Remix)
02. Shunkan (Remix)
03. Kesenai Tsumi (Instrumental)
Download: Click Here (18.72 MB)

→ Fullmetal Alchemist – Single ED2 – Tobira no Mukou e

Name: Tobira no Mukou e (To the Other Side of the Door)
Artist: YeLLOW Generation
CD Release: 2004/01/28
Tracks:

01. Tobira no Mukou He
02. Kimi ga Ita Kara ~Eternal Way~
03. Tobira no Mukou He (Less Vocal)
04. Kimi ga Ita Kara ~Eternal Way~ (Less Vocal)
Download: Click Here (26.43 MB)

→ Fullmetal Alchemist – Single ED3 – Motherland

Name: Motherland
Artist: Crystal Kay
CD Release: 2004/05/12
Tracks:

01. Motherland
02. AS IT BEGAN
03. Motherland (Instrumental)
Download: Click Here (17.32 MB)

→ Fullmetal Alchemist – Single ED4 – I Will

Name: I Will
Artist: Sowelu
CD Release: 2004/09/01
Tracks:

01. I Will
02. Pearlcolor ni Yurete
03. Candy Rain
04. I Will (less vocal)
Download: Click Here (24.52 MB)

ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACKS

→ Fullmetal Alchemist – Original Soundtrack Vol.1

Name: Original Soundtrack Vol.1
CD Release: 2004/03/24
Tracks:

01. Kiro
02. Touka Koukan
03. Melissa (tv size)
04. Shougou
05. Tenkou Kisei
06. Gairo
07. Omoide
08. Manamusume
09. Mametsubu Renkinjutsushi
10. Youwa
11. Douyou
12. Sen’nyuu
13. Shundou
14. Rouko
15. Shinkou
16. Shukumei
17. Betsuri
18. Hisou
19. Shokuzai
20. Rakuyou
21. Kenja no Ishi
22. Ishbal
23. Tenjou
24. Scar
25. Anun
26. Kinki
27. Amesutorisu
28. Saikai
29. Nukumori
30. Hagane no Kokoro
31. Souto
32. Bratja – Vocal
33. Kesenai Tsumi (tv size)
Download: Click Here (138.37 MB)

→ Fullmetal Alchemist – Original Soundtrack Vol.2

Name: Original Soundtrack Vol.2
CD Release: 2004/12/15
Tracks:

01. Ready Steady Go
02. On’ai
03. Tsumi
04. Kantou
05. Homunculus
06. Kodoku
07. Kuuten
08. Zanshi
09. Ryouryou
10. Shunjou (Lust)
11. Myakudou
12. Shisei
13. Shinsoku
14. Gouyoku (Greed)
15. Meimyaku
16. Romei
17. Hifun
18. Kandatsu
19. Kuukyo
20. Tengai
21. Mukyou
22. Kuon
23. Kenran
24. Fukai Mori
25. Dante
26. Kaichou
27. Keiji
28. Yuukoku
29. Tsuisou
30. Tobira no Mukou he
Download: Click Here (84.97 MB)

→ Fullmetal Alchemist – Original Soundtrack Vol.3

Name: Original Soundtrack Vol.3
CD Release: 2005/05/18
Tracks:

01. Rewrite
02. Kyoudai
03. Kiro
04. Aisetsu
05. Kei
06. Nonki
07. Sakubou
08. Koukai
09. Shingun
10. Gaika
11. Kantou
12. Kibou
13. Motherland
14. Tsuioku
15. UNDO
16. Butou
17. Senkou
18. Kengi
19. Shinryaku
20. Shihai
21. Aishou
22. Wakare no Kyoku (piano ver.)
23. Seiatsu
24. Juu-rin
25. Unmei
26. Wakare no Kyoku
27. I Will
Download: Click Here (97.40 MB)

MOVIE THEME

→ Fullmetal Alchemist Movie – Single OP/ED – “Link” and “Lost Heaven”

Name: “Link” and “Lost Heaven”
Artist: L’Arc~en~Ciel
CD Release: 2005/07/20
Tracks:

01. Link [FULL METAL ALCHEMIST MOVIE OP]
02. Promised Land 2005
03. Link (hydeless version)
04. Promised Land 2005 (TETSU P’UNK vocalless version)
05. Promised land 2005 (TETSU P’UNKless vocal version)
06. BONUS – LOST HEAVEN [FULL METAL ALCHEMIST MOVIE ED]
Download: Click Here (37.81 MB)

01: Namida no Saki ni: Before the Tears - This album starts off on an energetic note and this is an odd style for Kuri-chan because she rarely does pop-rock but she did a pretty good job with this song. The arrangement sounds pretty danceable and loads of fun, I loved the chorus where it just meshes well with her vocals. This song all in all is pretty refreshing, nice, and odd because I never really heard her do songs like theses although I did enjoy this song regardless.

02: ONE - This next song starts off pretty promising and stays that way throughout. I loved Kuri’s vocals and how nice they sounded in the chorus. The arrangement is r&b and it sounds exactly like something off her previous album All Yours, the chorus in my opinion is the major highlight of this song. I loved the la’s at the very ending, they were pretty lovely. This song all in all was pretty awesome.

03: Good Times - I really liked this song but I actually was excepting more of a up-tempo but instead I got more of a mid-tempo r&b and pop vibe. The arrangement is pretty good, I liked the flow of the beat and the snyths were a nice touch along with the other instrumentals. Kuri-chan really brought it all out in her vocal performance because she did such a wonderful job although she kinda strained in the chorus just a bit but I still love this song regardless. This song all in all was pretty nice though.

04: Help Me Out - I have been putting off this song a lot in fear of not liking it, I have a strange habit of that. I actually love this song and the chorus was really good. The arrangement is the same mid-tempo pace as the previous track but with new music which I thought was pretty nice and r&b. I loved the notes she chose to belt out at the end of the chorus so all in all Kuri did a pretty awesome job with her vocal performance. This song all in all is pretty lovely and has a nice, danceable flow.

05: Itoshiihito - This album is stepping it even farther up in the enjoyment level with this next track. I love the content and peaceful mood that the r&b arrangement gives off. Kuri’s vocals were really awesome in this song, I love the way she sings itoshiihito which translates to My Darling in english. I loved how smooth she sounded in the verses and the bridge was just love, this song all in all is pretty lovely.

06: Kaerimichi: The Road Home – Kuri decides to slow this album in such a sluggish tempo but it surprisingly works for me. I loved her vocals in this one, the chorus is the highlight of this song but I also liked the verses and bridge, too. The arrangement is really beautiful and I love the piano along with the other instruments like strings and e.t.c. This entire song all in all is a lovely masterpiece and I just don’t get why this song wasn’t released as a single for this album, it was good enough to be one.

07: Toki no Kakera: Pieces of Time - This album just keeps getting better and better as I go along with the rest of the songs on here. I really loved this song, the arrangement was very grandiose and r&b which I thought was just the love. Kuri’s vocals were really nice in this song, I loved the verses and the chorus was the major highlight of this song that made it truly stand out. This song all in all is pretty lovely and seems to repeat a different encore of the previous track.

08: Time Goes By - I’m not all that sure if I truly like this song all the way but I do like the flow of the arrangement which was r&b. Kuri’s vocals were pretty good but she seems to be straining slightly although I didn’t mind that since I usually like it when she strains them but when people do it, I can just imagine how painful that can be. This song all in all is pretty good though but it might take some more to grow on me.

09: I Can’t Wait - I remember when I was looking for songs from this album and this was the first song I’ve ever heard from this album. I really like this song and the funky upbeat pace of the arrangement, it fits in perfectly with her vocals. Kuri’s vocals by the way were smooth, sexy, and well… pretty nice as usual. The only thing that I don’t favor all that much is the robot’s part in the beginning and at some other random point of this song. This song all in all is pretty damn sexy and funky, it was a good song.

10: Shining - This next track makes this album worth listening to since it’s just so nice, peaceful, and upbeat. Kuri’s vocals were pretty nice and it was like the strain-age of her previous album All Yours never happened. She does kinda go overboard with her ab-libs at the near end but she does manage to keep it under control. The arrangement reminds me a techno remix of a song because of the thumping beat playing pretty heavy throughout the entire song. This song all in all was pretty good and this album is officially becoming another one of my favorites from Kuri.

11: It’s a Crime - No-no! This song isn’t my taste… I don’t like the arrangement, too electronic for my taste although I do enjoy my share of techno, dance, and electronica music but just not all the time. Kuri’s vocals were pretty good but I don’t like how much vocoder is in her voice because she can sing and she doesn’t need it at all in my opinion. This song is a dud, I’ll pass on this track but I think this might sneak up on me someday and grow on me so… who knows?

12: History - I don’t like this song all that much but I know for sure that this might grow on me also. Kuri’s vocals are still pretty nice and the chorus is my favorite part but I hate the high-pitched history… Kuri chose to sang at the end of the chorus, that was straight up odd and just no… in my opinion. The arrangement makes me think of a hidden song off of one of Michael Jackson’s albums from way back, R.I.P. but I’m just not really feeling this song right now.

1. Namida no Saki ni: Before the Tears
2. ONE
3. Good Times
4. Help Me Out
5. Itoshiihito
6. Kaerimichi: The Road Home
7. Toki no Kakera: Pieces of Time
8. Time Goes By
9. I Can’t Wait
10. Shining
11. It’s a Crime
12. History

My opinions & thoughts on this album: This album was pretty nice, I liked a lot of songs on here just as much as BENI’s Bitter & Sweet album. The songs that I enjoyed were the ones that stood out the most out of the rest. Kuri seemed to have made an improvement after her previous album All Yours even though I enjoy that album also. I wonder what she’s going to try out with her next album if she decides to do one because I want to hear more than just singles from her. I really hope that song that she did with BoA is any good so I can have a new song to take my mind off of waiting, Kuri all in all is a pretty good singer and despite not having a strong voice, she still goes down in my book as one of my favorite J-pop/r&b singers of all time.

I decided to do a little ranking list comprised of six of my all time favorite J-singers, all female of course. Those six are: Utada Hikaru, Ayumi Hamasaki, Namie Amuro, Koda Kumi, BoA and Crystal Kay. I chose them for obvious reasons; this has been floating around inside my head for a long time an I thought now was a better time than any to see where I stand with these six artists, because though I like them all immensely, I like them in different ways, sometimes I like one more than another and sometimes one goes down so much in my opinion that I wonder if my interest waning? I also want to see who I like the best and who I think excels in one thing as oppose to someone in another. These rankings are all based on MY opinion, so of course this is not something written in stone, but I just want to dissect the six and see what makes them so appealing to me, and why I like one more than the rest. I’m going to list them all from 6 to 1, with 6 not being the worst, but just not as great at the others in a particular field, and 1 being the best. I want to stress once again that this is all in my personal opinion, please don’t take this list seriously. This will be split into a series of parts that I’ll be posting whenever it suits my fancy, so I hope you enjoy this little mini series:

Girls On Top

BEST SINGER

I decided to do a little ranking list comprised of six of my all time favorite J-singers, all female of course. Those six are: Utada Hikaru, Ayumi Hamasaki, Namie Amuro, Koda Kumi, BoA and Crystal Kay. I chose them for obvious reasons; this has been floating around inside my head for a long time an I thought now was a better time than any to see where I stand with these six artists, because though I like them all immensely, I like them in different ways, sometimes I like one more than another and sometimes one goes down so much in my opinion that I wonder if my interest waning? I also want to see who I like the best and who I think excels in one thing as oppose to someone in another. These rankings are all based on MY opinion, so of course this is not something written in stone, but I just want to dissect the six and see what makes them so appealing to me, and why I like one more than the rest. I’m going to list them all from 6 to 1, with 6 not being the worst, but just not as great at the others in a particular field, and 1 being the best. I want to stress once again that this is all in my personal opinion, please don’t take this list seriously. This will be split into a series of parts that I’ll be posting whenever it suits my fancy, so I hope you enjoy this little mini series:

Girls On Top

I’ll start with DANCING, who out of these six female J-singers do I think pops it the best:

06. Utada Hikaru – Of course Hikki is going to be at the bottom because not only does she not dance, but I don’t really think she can. I don’t know, maybe with a little training and practice she’d be able to do a little something, but as of yet, I haven’t seen it, plus, she doesn’t really strike me as the dancing type, so her never really dancing is not really a problem to me.

05. Ayumi Hamasaki – Oh, Ayu is kind a fail at this. I know she does a little something on her tours, but its mainly her dancers that do all the dancing and she just does a little filling in. I mean the first video I can recall her doing any sort of real dancing in is talkin’ 2 myself, but it was sadly only during the chorus, though when I first saw it I remember being floored, because, well… I’d never seen her really dance before, it was a sight and she wasn’t to bad at it. I think in future up-tempo tracks, or even not, she should do a little more and maybe she’ll rise a rank on the next one.

04. Koda Kumi – I’m sort of off and on when it comes to Kuu, because she can only dance some of the time, mostly on certain video’s like JUICY or TABOO, but the majority of the time, especially during concerts, she’s so fail and you can tell that she doesn’t have any rhythm to the point that I’m embaressed for her, because its like watching a white girl try to be down. The only reason why she’s higher than Ayu is because she does dance, but she’s four, because she really can’t dance, but I’ll give her an A for effort.

03. Crystal Kay – I don’t think Kuri gets the recognition she deserves, because believe it or not she’s a pretty good dancer. I mean I loved the choreography in Kirakuni and Anata no Soba de and her live choreography for Nobody from her Call Me Miss… tour was the love, so I’m at a loss as to why she isn’t as popular as she should be, especially in this department. I’m certain I’m not the only one who thinks this however, so I’ll just leave it at that.

02. Namie Amuro – Namie has been dancing for a long time and it shows, because sometimes she can flow into moves effortlessly and its like nothing to her. I mean her tall and slim body definitely works to her advantage, because she can make even the most tedious and repetitive dance moves and or choreography look neat, seriously. I don’t think Namie goes as all out as she should, or could, but from what I’ve seen she does a pretty damn good job of it.

01. BoA – I personally don’t think any female on that side of the world can touch BoA dance wise and I’m quite sure she can make a few man run for the money if she so chose to. It took a while for BoA’s dancing to grow on me, but honestly I never stop being amazed at how good of a dancer she is and anybody who think she’s not is honestly a hater, because, let’s be serious, BoA has been bringing it hard lately, starting with Eat you up (great choreography) all the way to her latest release BUMP BUMP BUMP, and it always seems to be something fresh, despite not being anything particularly new or different. I have to give it to BoA, if its one thing she excels at more than the others, its dancing, without a doubt.

BEST DANCER

Full name Crystal Kay Williams was born to an African American father who is a musician by trade and a South Korean mother but Crystal doesn’t speak Korean.In fact the young singer speaks Japanese and is very popular in Japan.She is known for teaming up with Boa Kwon,Verbal of M-flow, Japanese duo Chemistry and Kat-Tun.

Crystal Kay debut in Japan in 99 with “Eternal Memories” which only peak to number 47 on J-pop charts.The single didn’t do so good this didn’t discourage the young singer to release C.L.L Crystal Lover Light with title album single.The album and single did some what poorly on peaking to number 60 on pop charts.She release 637:Always and Forever,in 02 Almost Seventeen and her most will know album  4 Real in 03.

That feature hits like “Boyfriend:Part II” ,”What Time Is It” and “Over The Rainbow.“Crystal release 5 more Japanese album not including her 03 English album Natuarl:World Premiere Album.During this time her single “Motherland” debut as the 3rd ending to popular anime Fullmetal Alchemist.

In February of 09 she team up with friend Bao and Verbal of M-flow and realese a track called “Universe.”In August another called “LoveAfter:First Boyfriend/Girlfirend” by September she relase her latest 3 disc greatest hit album the Best of Crystal Kay. She also team up with Kat-Tun member Jin Akanishi and release “Helpless Night” a song almost sung completely in English.The song reach its highest peak at number 2 on Oricon Weekly Charts.Crystal Kay is still young but hopefully will hear more from this singer soon.

Official Web Site

Unofficial Fan Site

Myspace Page

“AfterLove:First Boyfriend/Girlfriend”

“Universe”

“Over and Over”

Single Review
Crystal Kay – Girl’s Night

Girl’s Night is Crystal Kay’s 6th single. It was released on May 9, 2001, and reached #100 on the oricon charts.

tracklist:
1. Girl’s Night
2. Girl’s Night -Layer 7 Remix-
3. Make Me Whole

To think that Girl’s Night marks the very first time Crystal Kay does R&B, I must say she made me like her more.

I really think shey made a really nice change with Girl’s Night. Leaving the independent sound she had with her CLL era was a very smart move, in my opinion. The new and fresh R&B sound this song carries was really nice, and I think it was something that made Kuri sound more mature.

Although, I DO HATE the very first part with all the talking. I really don’t get the point of having that part because the song could’ve just started right away. But, I guess it won’t really bother me because the arrangement and everything was just great, especially the playful beats.

The background vocals were quite good too because they blended well with Kuri’s main vocals, and they fit in perfectly with the arrangement.

Definitely one of the best early CK songs.

Good Original Version, BAD REMIX. SRSLY. The Layer 7 Remix of Girl’s Night was just plain wierd. The Arrangement was so dull, and I hate the fact that they sped Kuri’s vocals up.

I really think the problem with Crystal Kay during her early days of career was that she has terrific A-sides but typical B-sides, and Make Me Whole proves that.

The piano was nice, but boring, while Kuri makes a good vocal performance. But, overall, the song was just boring. I really do not like it.

Favorite Track:
Girl’s Night

Shuffle rating!
B

Screenshot do vídeo promovendo o MF10 no youtube

Mais uma news que eu deveria ter postado há umas 2 semanas, mas que só agora eu tou fazendo! (sorry, pessoal =p). Trata-se do 3º best album do m-flo, que comemora seus 10 anos de carreira, como eu adiantei aqui, sendo esse best album a “segunda parte” da comemoração.

Como já foi dito aqui, o m-flo lançou um site em comemoração a esses 10 anos, junto com um canal no youtube com TODOS os videoclipes feitos nas duas eras do grupo, quando eles eram um trio e após a saída da LISA, quando VERBAL e TAKU fizeram parcerias com os mais diversos artistas, inclusive Namie Amuro, BoA e Koda Kumi no currículo.

Assim, para promover o álbum, eles fizeram mais uma música com a LISA (nada mais justo né…fez história com o grupo) denominada “SOUND BOY THRILLER feeeeeeeeeeat. LISA”, junto com o PV.

Além disso, o m-flo abriu uma enquete ao público para escolherem quais músicas deveriam fazer parte desse álbum, que foi lançado nas versões 2CD e 2CD+DVD, sendo um CD para cada era (mas claro, houve também a escolha dos membros para o álbum também). Já o DVD contém um mix de várias clipes e performances ao vivo do grupo que, creio eu, sejam dos shows no Yokohama Arena e no Nihon Budokan.

E vale lembrar que no dia 16 de outubro lá no Japão, VERBAL foi junto com a BoA no Music Station para promover o MF10 com a música “the Love Bug”. Acho que vai demorar mais algumas horinhas pra postarem o vídeo no youtube, então talvez depois eu coloque o vídeo aqui.

E o futuro do m-flo?

Agora, muito se especula sobre o futuro do m-flo, já que eles anunciaram no lançamento do best álbum “Award Supernova -Loves Best-” que aquele seria o último álbum relacionado ao “m-flo loves…” (sem considerar o MF10, claro). Assim, há rumores que o grupo poderia acabar ou que a LISA voltasse para o grupo. Só nos resta esperar pra ver.

Segue abaixo as informações dos CDs e, como sempre, alguns vídeos/links:

m-flo – “MF10 -10th Anniversary Best-”

CD1 – TRIPOD DISC

01. SOUND BOY THRILLER feeeeeeeeeeat. LISA
02. Mirrorball Satellite 2012
03. flo jack
04. How You Like Me Now?
05. been so long
06. The Way We Were
07. Yours only,
08. Hands
09. One Sugar Dream
10. prism
11. orbit-3
12. Come Back To Me
13. L.O.T.(Love Or Truth)
14. come again

CD2 – LOVES DISC

01. Lotta Love / ♥MINMI
02. miss you / ♥melody. & Ryohei
03. Luvotomy / ♥安室奈美恵 (Namie Amuro)
04. the Love Bug / ♥BoA
05. Love Song / ♥BONNIE PINK
06. DOPEMAN? / ♥Emyli & Diggy-MO’
07. STARSTRUCK～”The Return of the LuvBytes” / ♥AI & 日之内エミ & Rum(Heartsdales) (AI & Hinouchi Emi & Rum (Heartsdales)
08. Summer Time Love / ♥日之内絵美 & Ryohei (Hinouchi Emi & Ryohei)
09. ONE DAY / ♥加藤ミリヤ (Kato Miliyah)
10. let go / ♥YOSHIKA
11. A.D.D.P. / ♥MONDAY満ちる (MONDAY Michiru)
12. HEY! / ♥Akiko Wada
13. Cosmic Night Run / ♥野宮真貴 & CRAZY KEN BAND (Maki Nomiya & CRAZY KEN BAND)
14. REEEWIND! / ♥Crystal Kay

DVD

01. m-flo Biographical MIX DVD -mixed by ENLIGHTENMENT-

PV

m-flo – “SOUND BOY THRILLER feeeeeeeeeeat. LISA”

Bem, minha opinião quanto ao álbum é que faltou eles colocarem mais músicas nesses dois CDs, como as parcerias com CHEMISTRY, BENNIE K e com a Sowelu. No total, foram apenas 28 músicas, que alcançaram a 5ª posição no ranking semanal da Oricon, com 31512 cópias.

E antes que eu me esqueça de novo, vou colocar pra vocês, novamente, o canal do youtube do m-flo 10yrs e o vídeo do VERBAL comentando sobre esses 10 anos.

Canal no youtube – m-flo 10 yrs

Comentário do VERBAL

Até mais, pessoal.

This is a list of the top twenty saddest songs I ever heard, seriously. This is of course Asian music wise, since American wise it’d be a bit harder.

20. Think of me – Namie Amuro – I know a lot of of people will be like ‘think of me? why that song? her vocals are horrid!’ but please don’t misunderstand this is a beautiful song and Namie sings it in a way in which I can feel it, seriously. I heard this song when I was really young and it brought me to tears, I was literally bawling, its just… I don’t know, when you listen to how tragically depressed her voice sounds throughout and how she sings think of me its like remembering someone you love and just wanting that person to always remember you too, like when you aren’t doing anything I hope you’re thinking of me. Its quite the tearjerker.

19. Only Reminds Me Of You – MYMP – I’ve only recently gotten into this duo and boy can the lead singer sing. I mean I can say Tell Me Where It Hurts, because that’s a pretty sad song as well, but its just something about this song right here that just gets to me like nothing else. I can totally relate to what she is singing; its like remembering someone you love whose gone and everything just reminds you of that person… its just so heartbreaking. Her vocals are so soft and wistful, and this song doesn’t make me cry excatly, but seriously my heart aches when I hear this and I get the feeling that my eyes are welling with tears. It makes me think of unrequited love, and there’s no love sadder than that, in my opinion.

18. Daisuki da yo.; I Love You – Otsuka Ai – Otsuka has a voice that is just very unique, and is more of an aquired taste, but if anyone can do ballads, it is her. This is my favorite and it just rips at my heart, because it is so beautiful. I know others would lose their minds over Planetarium or Kingyo Hanabi (I love those too), but I’d choose Daisuki da yo. over them any day, because for one it boasts one of her most emotional and powerful vocal performances to date and it just exudes that feeling of just loving someone with every fiber of your being; completely, entirely, utterly.

17. PROUD – Tohoshinki – I’m stuck. Tohoshinki has a lot of sad songs, like Begin, Heart Mind and Soul and Love in the Ice, but its something about this that really touches my heart. The first time I heard this was during a live and I mean EVERYONE but JaeJoong were brought to tears and then because they were all crying I started crying. Well, just got teary eyed and maybe a few stray tears slipped free… this is one incredible song an I just love the emotion behind it, its like they know how hard they had to work to get to this point in they did it together and that’s all that matters.

16. Sakurairo Mau Koro; When The Cherry Blossom Colours Dance - Mika Nakashima – Mika has a few tear-jerkers, one that pops into my head vividly is Yuki no Hana, but this one is the one right here, because its not sad persay, but when I think about it, it makes me pretty wistful. Its just such a lovely song from her, and even though her vocals are a bit hoarse its just right, like she wouldn’t have been able to bring the true potential of this track out sounding any other way. Its beautiful and makes me think of youth, like being a child once again, of innocence and the feeling of being free. I miss those days.

15. Hair Like Snow – Jay Chou – Oh, Jay Chou, you use to make such beautiful music, what happened? This is one of the first songs by him I ever heard and I use to listen to it like it was going out of style, its also the only Asian song aside from Faye Wong’s Everything and Crystal Kay’s flower that my mom likes. I mean I can put Silence on here, I can even put Chrysanthemum Terrace on here, but Hair Like Snow just never fails to tug at my heartstrings, its so lovely (is that a shamisen thrumming so beautifully in the background?) I can’t stand it and Jay’s vocal performance is gorgeous. This song is sad to me because its almost like Only Reminds Me Of You, but in a ‘loving someone you’ll never have kind of way,’ not quite unrequited, because you both love each other, but you can’t be together, because its just not meant; that is why this song gets to me. Its like maybe not in this life, but in the next.

14. Enrai; Distant Thunder – Do As Infinity - This is one that really caught me by surprise, because I had never really paid attention to it before. Its just one day I was listening to their DEEP FOREST album and this song came on and just… touched me. I was so taken aback I listened to it again, and again, and again. And each time I listened to it I was just overcome with such a sadness it was nearly breathtaking. I don’t know if its Tomiko’s somber vocal performance or the dreary yet lilting arrangement, but this is just one sad song; though it does give me a sunshine after the rain vibe.

13. Sweet Memories – Seiko Matsuda – I really love this song, I’m so serious, I love it so much. It has such a warmth to it that just touches me like nothing else. Its so innocent and nostalgic and I always love when she sings sweet memories. This is the type of song that makes you want to grab a pillow and cry your eyes out. I never get sad to that point when I listen to it, but I do get a bit wistful. Its like you and the person you love could not be, but you’ll always remember the times the two of you shared and they’ll remain sweet. Very cute. Sweet Memories never gets old, its timeless and achingly sad.

12. Darling P.P.P. – Crystal Kay – Kuri has plenty of tearjerkers, but this one is so sad, sometimes I really can’t stand it. Its off her first album Crystal Lover Light and when I first listened to it, I cried without meaning to, like I didn’t even know I was crying until I felt the tears on my face. This is one of a handful of songs that have touched me so completely and it never fails to break my heart everytime I listen to it. The arrangement is simple, but effective and Kuri-chan’s melancholy vocal performance is full of so much emotion and heartache that its hard not to get teary eyed especially when she sings darling, darling p.p.p… oh my heart.

11. JEWEL - Ayumi Hamasaki - I can think of a slew of sad Ayu songs, like YOU, Dearest, No more words, Moments… it goes on and on, but its just something about JEWEL that just stands out to me. It not even her saddest song EVAR, but it just really depresses me when I listen to it. It just makes me think of a fragile and fleeting love that you just want to protect. It gives off a feeling of not being enough, but still wanting to be that someone special to the one you love, even though its hard. I thought Ayu’s vocal performance was wonderful and this song never fails to touch my heart as well as pull at it.

10. First Love - Utada Hikaru  - This is my favorite J-pop song ever, I kid you not and the one song that catapulted my into the J-scene; its why Hikki will always hold a special place in my heart, because she started everything. This song use to make me so sad, it was to the point that I couldn’t even listen to it, because I would want to break down. Its almost like who can’t relate to this song? Everyone has had that first love, that true love in which you will never forget. No one will ever replace that person and even though you know that person has moved on, it still hurts, because you haven’t, but you hold on to the hope that someday you will.

09. I Just Want You To Be Happy – Bonnie Pink – Oh wow, this is one of my favorites and its just a really sad song to me, because it just gives me that vibe. Its a tragically underrated song from her, but its one of her best and really drives that i care for you message home. Its like loving someone, but loving them from afar, and even though you know you aren’t the one for that person you want to see that person happy and you’ll do whatever it takes, even at the expense of your own. Its really simple, nothing goes on, but Bonnie puts enough emotion behind it to make it felt. This song is love, but it does sort of leave a numbness in its wake.

08. I Wanna Go To A Place… – Rie Fu – This was really hard, because Rie has a lot of songs that make me want to shed tears, Life Is Like A Boat is definitely one of them, but this is the track that sticks more in my heart, because its almost rebellious in a sad sort of way. Its gives me this feeling of death, like the person you were really close to, is no longer earth bound, but you’re wishing for those days. It hits close to home, and I can definitely relate. It has a totally different meaning that is still just as sad to me, and this is one of those songs that makes you turn your head and wipe away tears so that no one will see them. This is beautiful and very wistful. I wanna go to a place where i can say i’m all right and stay there with you…

07. Everything – MISIA – In truth MISIA is not an artist whose songs make me sad, the only song I can think from her that makes me even remotely blue is Its just love and I almost included that one, but this song is just beautiful. It could be MISIA’s superb vocal performance, but everything about this track is just so melancholy to me and makes me think of standing alone in the wake of an unwavering love, that consumes.

06. Eyes On Me – Faye Wong - This is such an nostalgic song and I’ve never even played Final Fantasy 8, seriously. This is a song that doesn’t make me sad at first, but it manages to just creep up on me, snatch my heart and run away with it. I’ve said this a lot during this list-listing, but this song is just beautiful, lovely, gorgeous, I don’t care what anyone says, Faye really did this track justice. Eyes On Me makes me think of the sensation of love, that feeling you get when your eyes meet for the first time and you know that this is the real thing, this is something that’s going to last forever. It seems nice, but the atmosphere of the song is so melancholy and surreal, like its all an dream, because something that wonderful just can’t be real.

05. Nemurenai yoru – Aikawa Nanase – Aikawa is one rock artist that just kills my heart with her down-tempo’s, but none of them manages to wring it quite like this one; its so beautiful its nearly surprising. I think what strikes me the most is the sheer sadness that this songs exudes, but it always manages to retain a beauty that touches my heart. It exudes love, a beautiful love that is very precious, and you’ll always remember that love, because it meant just that much to you. This track aches, and I love it.

04. Jewelry day – ayaka – OMG! Why is this song so heartbreaking! I LOVE it, and no one but ayaka could’ve pulled off a song of this caliber. I’ve said this a zillion times already, but gosh is this one beautiful song, I can’t even put into words what this song does to me, but it just always manages to break off a little piece of my heart everything I listen to it. I just want to die everytime I hear her sing broken, broken my heart… and those notes at the end and the lovely, lovely arrangement taking the song out and making it so epic. It makes me think of a tried love, a love in which you gave your all to, but it just wasn’t enough, you part ways on good terms and though its sad, you’ll never forget that person, because that person showed you love, a love that though over, will never die.

03. infection – Chihiro Onitsuka – Chihiro is the queen of tragic ballads, but none leaves an impression quite like infection. This song is so depressing, it really is, but at the same time its depressing its so very powerful and therein lies the beauty of it. The sheer emotion in Chihiro’s voice is enough to throw you back, because you feel her pain and it holds you prisoner. It aches of hopelessness, abandonment, loneliness, a heartache in which there is no escape from, and because of that the only thing that is left is acceptance. This is Chihiro at her best, and most broken.

02. Mushi; insect – Dir en Grey - …woah! just woah! I’m not an Dir en Grey fan, but even I can appreciate a good vocal performance when I hear one, and this was definitely one of the best live performances I have EVER heard period. What makes this song so sad is how tragic it is. I always have a hard time getting through it, because Kyo gets so emotional and into it, that its almost like you’re feeling the pain he is feeling so completely and it leaves you breathless with sheer awe. I sometimes find myself staring at the screen wide eyed feeling tears prickle at the backs of my eyes and my heart shattering in my chest. This is one powerful performance, and its definitely one that will leave you touched, if not a little bitter.

01. Aojiroi Tsuki; Pallid Moon – fra-foa – This is quite possibly the saddest, most emotionally moving song I have ever heard, and I’m dead serious. I found this track by chance and it left such an impression on me that I’m sure I will feel always. This song knows no love, only heartbreak and the loss of someone precious, someone whom you’ll never see again. This song was written for her older brother who died when she was young and you can just feel her pain, especially when she gets to those screaming high-notes, it just breaks your heart. This song is very personal to me because I have a older brother who I love dearly, and words could not describe the heartache I would feel if something ever happened to him. If I were to follow the lines of the moons memory, if I could return to that day, I would put a necklace made of three leaf clovers around your neck…

00. I Love You – Yutaka Ozaki – This is a song that has been covered plenty of times, my favorite being the Utada cover, but I liked Mika’s cover of it as well. I think this is a song that surely survives the test of time by the sheer purety of it, because when I think of love, I think of this. I mean Sukiyaki was sad too, but this is just heartache incarnate, but a beautiful heartache none the less, because it speaks of love, a pure love, a true love, a love that is going to go on regardless of the obstacles. If I ever fall in love, I want it to be a love like this, definitely.

04. Evergreen – HYDE – I love HYDE, he has a great voice and he’s gorgeous despite being in his forties! This is a song I heard a long time ago and though I favor the English Ver. the original is just as beautiful and heart-wrenching, because for some reason it makes me think of giving up, and a remembrance of a time when you weren’t so weak, it really does. The lyrics are really touching and I just adore this song to death; it just washes over you in waves of melancholy, HYDE’s soothing vocals lulling you to you sleep, with tears on your lashes.

03. Teddy Bear – Ayumi Hamasaki - This song is a bit underated to me, sadly so, I mean people seem to forget that this is one of her best and most emotionally moving ballads, because other more in your face ballads from her seem to overshadow it, but this song stands out because its so genuinely poignant and is the best ballad live from her I have seen, second only to Memorial Address. I just love the simple and weeping little piano arrangement and Ayu’s squeaky yet heartfelt and somewhat emotional vocal performance. It’s a song that speaks of losing someone very dear to you, who left behind only their heart. Its quite beautiful.

02. Tsuki no Uta; Poem of the Moon – GACKT – This is another song I managed to hear by chance and it wormed its way into my aching heart, because its so emotional and sad. Its like I can’t even place it, because its so abstract, but beautiful. The arrangement is gorgeous and gives off this feeling of being unreachable like the moon; pale, weak, fragile and very lonely. Gackt’s vocal performance was just perfect, he really sung this; its my favorite, gets to me everytime.

01. Dareka no Negai ga Kanau Koro; When Someone’s Wish Comes True – Utada Hikaru – I know, FINAL DISTANCE is sad too, but no Utada song to date has managed to squeeze my heart quite like this one has. Its so heart-wrenchingly depressing, and just leaves you feeling ponderous and cold once it ends. I always feel heavy when I listen to this, its like carrying a burden I can’t bare. I’ve never cried listening to this, because it saddens me yes, but never to the point of tears, because I was always left feeling empty. The first time I ever cried listening to this was during her Utada United Tour, it quite literally broke my heart and I broke down and cried like a baby, because it touched me so completely. This is a beautiful song, one of her absolute best, without a doubt.

00. Forever Love – X JAPAN – This was hard, because Tears, Endless Rain and Longing are so sad I can’t stand it, but this is the one, this is the one that just does me in. It was the first ballad by them I heard and it just tears me apart, because its so sad, oh my goodness, if there was ever a song that would bring you to hysterical tears its this song right here. Why is it so tragic? why is it so beautiful? I can’t stand it. Its like the end of all things, like everything is falling apart around you; what is left behind is only love and dreams, the only two things that seem to go on an on. Yoshika played the hell out of that piano and Toshi depsite not having the best voice really sung this, he really did, he can belt and I loved every minute of it. I also hate that they sung this at hide’s funeral so that makes it all the more sadder. Their ballads are the best.

M-flo recently released 10th Anniversary Best Album on October 7. Verbal appeared on Tokyo FM to celebrate ten years in the music industry, causing many fans to rush and see the musician in person.

During the interview, Verbal spoke of how he was featured in Crystal Kay’s Best of Crystal Kay and how she was featured in his best album, prompting them to celebrate the anniversary of each other. Verbal also told the back story of how M-flo love series came about and Crystal Kay’s involvement in one of the hit singles. Popular female singers such as Emyli and Yoshika were also mentioned.

source: Barks website

[2009.08.12]
After Love -First Boyfriend- feat. KANAME (CHEMISTRY) / Girlfriend feat. BoA

tracklist:

01- After Love -First Boyfriend- feat. KANAME (CHEMISTRY)
02- Girlfriend feat. BoA
03- Deaeta Kiseki
04- After Love -First Boyfriend- feat. KANAME (CHEMISTRY) (Instrumental)
05- Girlfriend feat. BoA (Instrumental)

[2009.09.02]
BEST of CRYSTAL KAY

CD1
CD2
CD3

tracklist:

CD1
01- Boyfriend -part II-
02- Eternal Memories
03- Komichi no Hana
04- Darlin P.P.P.
05- Girl’s Night
06- Ex-Boyfriend feat. VERBAL (m-flo)
07- LOST CHILD
08- Tsuki no Nai Yoru, Michi no Ani Basho
09- A song for you
10- think of U
11- hard to say
12- Girl U Love
13- Kataomoi
14- I LIKE IT
15- Candy
16- Can’t be Stopped

CD2
01- Koi ni Ochitara
02- Motherland
03- Tears
04- Kiss
05- Two As One (Crystal Kay x CHEMISTRY)
06- I Know
07- Kirakuni
08- Namida ga Afuretemo
09- Kitto Eien ni
10- Konna ni Chikaku de…
11- Anata no Soba de
12- Dream World
13- Namida no Saki ni
14- ONE
15- Kaerimichi
16- Girlfriend feat. BoA

CD3
01- Over and Over
02- Step by Step
03- Private Dancers feat. Mummy-D & KREVA
04- Helpless Night

What does Jin Akanishi and Yuusuke Kamiji have in common? The fact that they are the center of gossip of fans and anti’s alike and also cause a lot of commotion on the internet.

This time it isn’t Jin, it’s actor and singer Yuusuke Kamiji.

Pictures of Kamiji kissing Crystal Kay’s mother have surfaced. Yes you read that correctly Crystal Kay’s mother, shunkay.

They’re not sure, but people are saying that the girl in the right photo, with a towel over her eyes is Crystal Kay.

The person who uploaded these private photos is said to be part of “Akanishi’s troops.”

Akanishi didn’t just get his fame from being in top idol group KAT-TUN, he’s also known for other things, like loving half Japanese women who are famous. There were rumors of him dating BENI, even photo’s of the two together were posted.

A media spokesperson commented, “These photos came from someone’s Facebook. We’re able to see a lot of these [private] photos because they usually come from some foreigner [on Facebook]. Even if the artist and company are not aware of it, many people can see these.“

It seems as though that Kamiji and Crystal Kay are really close friends. In July, Crystal received a message from Kamiji regarding her ‘5LDK’ that was seen on TV. At the time it’s as though as if both of them knew each other through a mutual friend of family member.

Because of these photos, will this hurt the reputation of Shuuchishin?

note: Shuuchishin is the idol group that Kamiji belongs to.

source: tanteifile and Suitest Taboo Chronicles

Oh Yusuke…

First of all, why are people making such a big deal out of the photos. He’s only kissing her on the cheek! If people can’t tell that’s Crystal kay in the other pic, that’s pretty sad. How many blasians are there with a beauty mark on their sholder in Japan?On another note, is Crystal kay friends with every celebrity?! Haha, work those connections!

What does Jin Akanishi and Yuusuke Kamiji have in common? The fact that they are the center of gossip of fans and anti’s alike and also cause a lot of commotion on the internet.

This time it isn’t Jin, it’s actor and singer Yuusuke Kamiji.

Pictures of Kamiji kissing Crystal Kay’s mother have surfaced. Yes you read that correctly Crystal Kay’s mother, shunkay.

They’re not sure, but people are saying that the girl in the right photo, with a towel over her eyes is Crystal Kay.

The person who uploaded these private photos is said to be part of “Akanishi’s troops.”

Akanishi didn’t just get his fame from being in top idol group KAT-TUN, he’s also known for other things, like loving half Japanese women who are famous. There were rumors of him dating BENI, even photo’s of the two together were posted.

A media spokesperson commented, “These photos came from someone’s Facebook. We’re able to see a lot of these [private] photos because they usually come from some foreigner [on Facebook]. Even if the artist and company are not aware of it, many people can see these.“

It seems as though that Kamiji and Crystal Kay are really close friends. In July, Crystal received a message from Kamiji regarding her ‘5LDK’ that was seen on TV. At the time it’s as though as if both of them knew each other through a mutual friend of family member.

Because of these photos, will this hurt the reputation of Shuuchishin?

note: Shuuchishin is the idol group that Kamiji belongs to.

source: tanteifile

CDJapan are offering more than 2,000 overstocked items on sale! Save up to 90% OFF!

Offer period: October 1, 2009 12:00 – October 29, 2009 23:59 (Japan Standard Time)

http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/offers/sale/cd_index.html

CDS Selection:

Angela Aki -ANSWER: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=ESCL-3168

VAMPS – Love Addict: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=XNVP-1

VAMPS – Evanescent: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=XNVP-5

VAMPS – I Gotta Kick Start Now: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=XNVP-7

OLIVIA – Sailing Free: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=CTCR-40288

capsule – Flash Best: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=YCCC-10014

Otsuka Ai – Bye Bye: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=AVCD-31592

Otsuka Ai – Kurage, Nagareboshi: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=AVCD-31499

Aqua Timez – Velonica: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=ESCL-3147

and more!

Los chicos de m-flo quieren tomarse muy en serio su décimo aniversario así que menos de 1 mes después del álbum tributo del que ya hablé, van a lanzar al mercado un recopilatorio de toda su carrera en el que han dejado a los fans elegir sus canciones favoritas; estará disponible a partir del 7 de Octubre.

m-flo – MF10 -10th Anniversary Best -

cd only

cd +dvd

CD 1
01.SOUND BOY THRILLER feeeeeeeeeeat. LISA
02.Mirrorball Satellite 2012
03.flo jack
04.How You Like Me Now?
05.been so long
06.The Way We Were
07.Yours only,
08.Hands
09.One Sugar Dream
10.prism
11.orbit-3
12.Come Back To Me
13.L.O.T.(Love Or Truth)
14.come again

CD 2
01.Lotta Love/♥MINMI
02.miss you/♥melody.& Ryohei
03.Luvotomy/♥安室奈美恵
04.the Love Bug/♥BoA
05.Love Song/♥BONNIE PINK
06.DOPEMAN?/♥Emyli & Diggy-MO’
07.STARSTRUCK
～”The Return of the LuvBytes”/♥AI & 日之内エミ & Rum(Heartsdales)
08.Summer Time Love/♥日之内エミ & Ryohei
09.ONE DAY/♥加藤ミリヤ
10.let go/♥YOSHIKA
11.A.D.D.P./♥MONDAY満ちる
12.HEY!/♥Akiko Wada
13.Cosmic Night Run/♥野宮真貴 & CRAZY KEN BAND
14.REEEWIND!/♥Crystal Kay

DVD
[10 YEARS IN A FLASH～m-flo 10th YEAR SPECIAL mix DVD～mixed by ENLIGHTENMENT]
including…
The Way We Were/The Rhyme Brokers/been so long/flo jack/Mirrorball Satellite 2012/L. O. T. (Love Or Truth)/chronopsychology/Hands/Come Back To Me/Quantum Leap/prism/come again/How You Like Me Now？/Dispatch/orbit-3/REEEWIND!/gET oN！-ugly duckling remix-/the Love Bug/WAY U MOVE/TRIPOD BABY/DOPEMAN?/Loop In My Heart/Summer Time Love/Love Song/let go/Luvotomy/Lotta Love/miss you

Como podemos ver el recopilatorio está dividido principalmente en 2 CD’s; uno perteneciente a su etapa Tripod con LISA y otro a la etapa Loves con el resto de fauna del jpop. Del primer disco no tengo muchas quejas pero del disco Loves hubiese preferido otras canciones antes que muchas de las que han incluido, aunque habrá que conformarse.

Una de los mayores incentivos del álbum es una nueva canción que han grabado con LISA llamada SOUND BOY THRILLER feeeeeeeeeeat. LISA, con 10 e’s xD Para la que también han grabado pv que os dejo a continuación.

m-flo – SOUND BOY THRILLER feeeeeeeeeeat. LISA

La verdad que no puedo decir que la canción y el pv me gusten mucho, pero este recopilatorio merece la pena a todas luces aunque sea por echar un vistazo a la historia de uno de los grupos de j-urban más importantes de la historia de Japón.

The first time I heard her sing/one of her songs was when it was used for the FullMetal Alchemist Soundtrack and as…one of the credit/beginning songs[?] – ‘Motherland’ and I really liked it almost instantly. To be honest, I was surprised when I read about her roots, but I think that makes her more awesome : )  One song that was on high rotation on my ipod was her song ‘Boyfriend-Part II’, I listened to it when I woke up,  in the car etc etc. I also really liked Nodame Cantabile, maybe because I was a serious Classical music student myself, Her song for the anime adaption of ‘Nodame Cantabile’- Konna ni Chikaku de’ I could not get enough of for a loooong time as well ^^

Official MV for [Konna ni Chikaku de]

Official MV for [Motherland]

Official MV for [Boyfriend-Part II]

If you hop onto youtube, you can check out a lot of her other songs and MV, such as [Shining], [One- which was a Pokémon single], [Koi ni Ochitara] ^^

x J.

[I liked both the anime and live-drama, even if there were a few differences XD]

Single Weekly

*1　32,468　Koda Kumi
*2　23,747　℃-ute
*3　17,201　柴咲コウ
*4　13,940　氷川きよし
*5　11,105　B’z
*6　10,308　Cocco
*7　*9,571　アンジェラ・アキ
*8　*9,243　DREAMS COME TRUE feat. FUZZY CONTROL
*9　*8,671　堂本剛
10　*6,809　ポルノグラフィティ
11　4,130　冨田ラボ
12　3,976　ゆず
13　3,925　SMAP
14　3,684　白蘭／入江正一
15　3,526　超新星
16　3,464　川中美幸
17　3,377　三山ひろし
18　3,274　ユニ／γ
19　3,092　JIMANG
20　2,975　supercell

Album Weekly

*1　81,663　AI
*2　80,331　つるの剛士
*3　44,795　Superfly
*4　41,284　倉木麻衣
*5　40,385　嵐
*6　23,757　Ne-Yo
*7　21,422　斉藤和義
*8　19,248　m-flo TRIBUTE ～maison de m-flo～
*9　18,495　BENI
10　17,372　LGYankees
11　16,249　ミューズ
12　13,673　Crystal Kay
13　10,585　KREVA
14　*9,883　スターダスト・レビュー
15　*9,505　聖飢魔II
16　*9,414　ホイットニー・ヒューストン
17　*9,151　MIKA
18　*7,470　コブクロ
19　*7,381　10-FEET
20　*7,289　青山テルマ

source: Oricon

Wow, this has to be one of Koda’s weakest selling singles. Actually, her single sales have been declining for years, but hopefully she’ll rebound with a great album! Single sales as a whole have been pretty week these past couple of weeks, but with Jaechun’s single and Mika’s single coming out next week, they will definitely chart at the top. Arashi, Superfly, Beni (who jumped 2 spots–she will definitely reach the 100k mark in coming weeks) are still holding strong in the top ten! Crystal Kay is holding steady at #12, having sold over 130, ooo copies to date in less than a month!

He aqui dos canciones:

Koda Kumi: Moon Crying

Crystal Kay: Namida ga afurete mo

En el siguiente video vereis las similitudes de ambas canciones…primero cantara un trozo koda kumi y luego otro trozo Crystal Kay.

The single starts off with its first a-side After Love -First Boyfriend-. This track is weird to me if only because its so fleeting. I like this track, even if it really isn’t all that stand-out. Kuri has downplayed the pop and somewhat returned to her rnb roots, which is a relief, because even though Color Change! was all right, I honestly didn’t want her to make a habit of it. KANAME one of the guys from the duo CHEMISTRY was a nice fit, he blended in well with Kuri, so much so that you won’t even notice he’s singing with her on the chorus unless you listen really hard. Kuri and Chemistry always make good songs together. This was a nice, though quiet a-side.

The second a-side is the less interesting Girlfriend in which Kuri and BoA collaborate once again in the span of the same year. I guess Kuri-chan wanted to return the favor, but the BoA feat. Crystal Kay UNIVERSE did a lot more to keep my attention despite the descrepancies in the vocal department (BoA). I’m not saying this is a bad a-side, its all right and the chorus is pretty engaging, but its also painfully average, bland and does nothing to set itself apart from all the other pop in rnb tracks. Its clear here which is the more superior a-side.

The last track on the single Deaeta Kiseki A Miracle Met is definitely the track that shines the most, without a doubt. This was first introduced as an digital single and when I listened to it I remember thinking that I hope she puts it on her next studio album. Kuri seems to go back a bit with this, it really reminded me of some of her old stuff ala almost seventeen. It was nice, if not a little sad; the calm, slightly sparkly beat along with Kuri-chan’s rather genuine vocal performance oozes of a love lost, but not forgotten closing this single out on a good note.

Deaeta Kiseki

Pop singer BENI, who has attended  Sophia ( a prestigious private university) , was quoted as exclaiming, “Today I was able to graduate!”

She continued explaining that she was supposed to graduate last year with fellow alumni Crystal Kay, another famous singer. Unfortunately, schoolwork and her promotions as a singer were too much for her, causing her to fall behind. Deciding to work harder and find a balance for both school and activities as a singer, BENI was able to finally graduate.

source: J-cast

photo credit: wangchao

Congratulations BENI!