Yay for new album =)

I have Utada’s new English album in my iPod right now, but I’m going to wait until I get my physical CD before I actually review it here. Which would probably be after May 12, since that’s when it’s coming out. I love This One (Crying Like a Child) though!

Gundam 00 (2nd Season) – Episode 23

WTF?

Utada Hikaru – Beautiful World / Kiss & Cry

Release Date: August 29, 2007

Tracklist:

1. Beautiful World
2. Kiss & Cry
3. Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words) -2007 Mix-
4. Beautiful World (Original Karaoke)
5. Kiss & Cry (Original Karaoke)
5. Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words) -2007 Mix- (Original Karaoke)

Beautiful World is a tie-in for the movie Rebuild of Evangelion. The lycis depicts the inner struggle of the characters in the movie, even though the melody might seems cheerful. I must admit that the melody is my favourite part of the song. This song uses synth-like background music; it sounds like something that could be out of Ultra Blue. Utada’s voice seems to have almost recovered from the strain she got from her Utada United tour in 2006. It’s still a bit strained on the higher notes, but it is less obvious as it was in Flavor of Life. The ending is pretty awesome to its own right too, even it’s just repeating the same lyrics over and over again.

The second A-side, Kiss & Cry, starts off with a flashly marching-band styled opening, before the beat of the drums takes over. This song is quite dry compared to Hikki’s usual works; in the verses, it’s usually just her and the beat of the drums, and some brass at the end of the phrases. Kiss & Cry also recylces a part of the melody of Hotel Lobby (off of Hikki’s English debut album). The ‘cup noodle’ part is…interesting, but it is a cup noodle tie-in. Her voice seems completely fine in this song, which is a good sign.

I don’t think I’ve heard the original mix, but Hikki does pretty well in Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words) -2007 Mix-. The only thing that irked me was her lack of vocal support, and the background music seemed a bit strange and unfitting. I think Frank Sinatra sang the original version.

Overall Rating:
4.5/5

xxxHOLiC Shunmuki – 1

I finally brought myself around to watching the anime (well, a part of it) after following the manga like a fangirl.

Gundam 00 (2nd Season) – Episode 22

I sense that the end is coming soon…(Ep. 25 is the last episode.)

Tales of the Abyss – Episode 5 & 6

As usual; spoiler-ific thoughts below:

Tales of the Abyss – Episode 3 & 4

Yay! The plot has started moving!

Tales of the Abyss – Episode 2

It feels like another introduction episode, but it finally starts to pick up the pace near the end.

Tales of the Abyss – Episode 1

I needed something to watch, so I thought that this may be good. Yukana is in here, after all.

Ito Yuna – trust you

Release Date: March 4, 2009

Tracklist:

1. trust you
2. Brand New World
3. koi wa groovy×2 -dj-passion More Passion Remix-
4. trust you -GUNDAM00 Ver.-
5. trust you -instrumental-

trust you is the newest Gundam 00 ED. Unlike your typical techo-like Gundam songs, this song is more of a typical ballad, complete with the strings. Ito seems to have more matured and stronger vocals from her older stuff (which I have on my iPod for some reason). The melody for the chorus is catchy, yet quite beautiful at the same time (the English seems out of place though…). When she reaches for the higher notes near the end of the chorus, she has so much power behind her voice and hits them perfectly (seriously, she improved so much since her 2007 stuff). The song ends with a different and longer version of the chorus, and a nice piano solo.

The B-side, Brand New World, brings us back into more Gundam like music (despite this not being part of the Gundam franchise). This song is more of the typical happy Ito style: the strong beats, fast-paced lyrics, and cheerful melody. Unlike the previous song, she seems to have more trouble reaching the higher notes, but that may be because of the sound effects. This sounds like Beuatiful World for some reason.

Though I’ve never heard the original koi wa groovy, the ×2 -dj-passion More Passion Remix- sounds really Mexican. It has the feel of a dance track (I think that’s what Ito wanted it to be). The bongo drums really bring out the party aspect out of it. I don’t think this is a song meant to be seriously listened to, but just heard while partying. Personally, it’s not my favourite song.

The Gundam 00 version of trust you is basically a TV size version.

Overall Rating:
4/5