Stuck In My Head

I can’t get two songs out of my head lately.  Eien by BoA and Come Back to Me by Utada.  If these two songs are any indication I am going to immensely enjoy their upcoming releases.  Although, from reading a few things, Utada herself is worried that they can reach the deadline for the release the company has declared.  I read her official Myspace blog page and she has great confidence in this album and I am hoping that Come Back to Me is the first of many great songs off of the album.  While Eien isn’t one of the songs BoA is releasing here, it is nice to connect to her singles again.  I haven’t really liked some of her releases lately.  But I can’t seem to get these two songs out of my head.  I’m including a link for the video of Eien so you can enjoy too.  If I ever get enough traffic on the site I plan on upgrading and then using the internal server to upload music and videos for you, but for now, here is what I can provide:

Click Here!~

I’d have included the video from Come Back to Me, however it is still in the final editing stage and hasn’t been released yet.  When it is I’ll do my best to share it.  For now, give your radio stations a call and request the song – it’s released here in the states, so it should have the opportunity to get air time.  Let’s get Utada on the top the charts!  I tried to upload the HQ version of the video I had to a file hosting site but it got rejected for copyright infringement. 😦 Sorry to have to use someone elses!  Hopefully they will realise that they get publicity this way someday instead of taking everything away.  It’s the only way a lot of people around the world can actually stay fans of all kinds of stars.  And that’s all I’m going to say because it will turn into a long rant when all I meant to say was that I really liked these two songs!

Japanese CD Review: Koda Kumi – Trick (2009)

3.5 out of 5

I was really excited to find out that Koda Kumi had a new album releasing this month.  I have continuosly enjoyed her music throughout the years even through changes in style and sound.  I am happy to report that it is currently number 1 on the Oricon charts.  After last years controversy I was uncertain about her comeback.  At least the Japanese are a little more forgiving than the Chinese (ie: Edison Chen)

My ratings per song.

Overall, the album is pretty strong.  After a few listens though, “Black Cherry” is still Koda’s strongest album in my opinion. However, there are a few gems on this album.  My biggest surprise is that Taboo became my favorite song on the album.  I didn’t much care for it when the single released, it kind of blended into the background for me.  But, after a few turns on the ol’ WMP I think the album version of Taboo has a stronger composition.  I also like the representation the video gives to homosexuality.  It’s not a common theme in most Asian culture (aside for Yuri/Yaoi stuff.)  It’s nice to see a little bit of modern acceptance of it in any form.  My second favorite is Show Girl – a fun track that has a good beat.  The song Bling Bling Bling is just plain annoying as hell.  I can’t stand it at all. I listened to it once all the way through and now skip it along with That Ain’t Cool.  I never liked Kumi’s colaberation with Fergie.  Alone, I like them both perfectly fine, but this song grates at my nerves.  It doesn’t seem very well thought out, as if someone thought “Hey, let’s team Koda Kumi up with Fergie, who cares what they sing!”  The video is kind of pointless, lots of grinding around on eachother with a few nice-looking cars thrown in for affect.  Driving is a fun track, rock-ish in nature with a little Koda Kumi flare.  Just the Way You Are, Joyful, & Your Love all return Koda to her pop roots and are simple and sweet.

Overall, it is a good album – but that’s it.  Just good.  Not great, mindblowing or amazing.  Just pretty good.  I really hope that the songs I didn’t like weren’t the one’s that Koda herself worked on; because I know she had more input on this album.  I like the fact that the more time that passes, the more effort she is puting into the albums other than just singing.  Hopefully she will just get better and better.