I found this easy to pick, surprisingly. I knew exactly what I thought had succeeded and what I really loved.
Honourable Mention: 'Minna no Tamago' - Shugo Chara Egg
Catchy upbeat tune, impressive vocals for a first debut, and it sounded exactly like it was supposed to: A kids song for a kids show. I find myself humming the tune all the time, and the lyrics are so sweet! The only reason they didn't make it on the top three is because there were so many other strong releases this year.
3. 'Resonant Blue' - Morning Musume
Resonant Blue really shocked a lot of people, in both a bad and good way. I don't think anyone was expecting Momusu to take that direction after Mikan, and to do it so well. Sure, the line distribution was nil, and the PV was just a dance shot, but it worked. Had any other girl group released this song, I believe it would have become a smash hit.
2. 'Rottara Rottara' - Buono!
When I first heard Rottara Rottara, I hated it. ...so when did it change? I listened to the whole song, with the PV. Once, twice, three times... And I was hooked. The preview had not done it justice in the least. The instrumental near the end is great, and I love the little "Hontou?" and "Nande?". I thought they were a great addition, just to add a little extra flavour to the song.
1.Edo no Temari Uta II' - C-ute
Well, it seems even Japan agrees that this song is wonderful! Winning so many awards is just great for C-ute and their recognition, and the song deserves all the compliments it's been getting. The Jazzy feel, the melody... Ah. Pretty much this song makes me speechless.
Top 3 Johnnys Singles
Same deal as with above. ^^ And no guesses as to who tops my list.
Honourable Mention: 'Musekinin Hero' - Kanjani 8
Just as silly as I've come to expect from them, Musekinin Hero is just such a fun song to listen to. With all their silly voices and not taking anything seriously at all, their attitude makes them a real pleasure to watch and listen to.
3. 'DON'T U EVER STOP' - KAT-TUN
Did anyone else feel the Michael Jackson aura from this single? Because I certainly did. It has a very old school pop feel to it, even down to the dance steps. The tune itself is quite upbeat, and Koki's rap is damn sexy. And the "Are you ready? Hell yeah." line is just.. love. My only gripe is that I have no idea what the PV has to do with the song. Random crystals that freeze people. Okay!
2. 'Happy Birthday' NewS
This is the kind of song that you listen to on a warm summer day, relaxing on a deck chair without a care in the world. It's peaceful without being a ballad, and while the lyrics are kind of goofy, I can see what they're trying to put across. I'd like to have someone sing this to me on my birthday, that's for sure.
1. 'Ai Ai Gasa' - Tegomass
This song fulfills my romance quota, for oh, I don't know, the next TEN YEARS. Tegoshi and Massu's voices just fit together to create this soothing romantic feeling, and I find myself feeling very sappy after hearing it played even once. It's a good example of how a song doesn't have to be really upbeat to be catchy.
Top 3 Misc. Singles
This section was the hardest for me to choose, mostly because I wanted to select people who I knew didn't really deserve it. Kuraki Mai, for one, released nothing good in 2008, but my undying love for her won't let me admit it so easily. Shakkalabbits weren't so up to their game either, and am I the only person who didn't like 'Tsume! Tsume! Tsume!'?
Anyway. Here are the results.
Honourable Mention: 'Hi no Hikari Sae Todokanai Kono Basho De' - Miyavi
It's a nice song, if not a little all over the place in terms of its genre. But that's Miyavi for you, so I can't really call him on that. What I can call him on, however, is his shocking appearance in the PV. Yup. Down from 3rd because of that. I'm sorry, Miyavi, I really am. Get a better stylist, and then we'll talk.
3. 'Heart Station' - Utada Hikaru
Heart Station is a wonderful piece of music. Utada has worked really hard to create the whole package, both song and PV, that slot together beautifully. I actually enjoy Heart Station more than any single from the album that shares its name, and certainly more than anything off Ultra Blue. The whole song flows from section to section, with nothing that seems out of place. A true work of art.
2. 'Hitohira no Hanabira' - Stereopony
(I could only find a picture of one of them, unfortunately.)
What a wonderful debut! I first heard this song because I have a friend who is a Bleach Addict, and he was watching it in the background while I was at his house. The song came on, and I dropped everything because I had to know what it was. With the opening the song plunges straight into the chorus, catching you immediately and pulling you into the beat. (Excuse the terrible purple prose) I love the lead singers voice, and can't wait to see where they go from here.
1. 'Jesus' - Gackt
I'm so predictable. ^^ But he deserves this. Jesus, even though it's no Returner, is a solid single that showcases the darker side of Gackt. When it first reached the part with Gackt doing the death metal screaming, I just about squealed with happiness. It sounded so raw, so destructive. He really puts this across well in the PV, with a slightly psychotic expression on his face. Even the construction of the song is almost discordant, and the whole piece seems to rush to the end.
So, my overall number one single? Jesus, hands down. Keep on singing, Gackt, and I shall keep on loving.
1 comment:
I actually really like how miyavi looked in hi no hikari. He's cut his hair now and died it back to black though ^_^ Still looks beautiful. hehe.
And I'm a huge Gackt fan too. I was dubious about Jesus but he really didn't let anyone down with it. Awesome song although I didn't really like the PV...
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