Saihuun/AAA (Attack All Around) – Break your name/Break Down/Summer Revolution (A J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)

“The 21st CD single from AAA is another fantastic release from the group featuring three solid triple-A sided singles which includes the debut of the 15-member group known as Saihuun.”

ARTIST: Saihuun/AAA (Attack All Around)

CD SINGLE: Break your name/Break Down/Summer Revolution

LABEL: avex trax

CATALOG #: AVCD-31701/B

DURATION: 27:43

RELEASE DATE:  July 29, 2009

BUY THIS CD SINGLE

1. Break your name
2. Break Down
3. Summer Revolution
4. Break your name -Instrumental-
5. Break Down -Instrumental-
6. Summer Revolution -Instrumental-

DVD: Region 2, 16:9 LB, Duration: 7 minutes

1. Break your name -Music Clip-
2. Break your name – 20090429 – C.C. Lemon HALL LOVE-

AAA’s 21st CD single triple-A sided single for the Summer titled “Break your name/Break Down/Summer Revolution” continues the trend of AAA releasing four different versions of their CD single.   One that features a normal CD version with 11 tracks, the second version that features a Summer-themed cover featuring all seven members and comes with a DVD of “Summer Revolution”, a third version featuring the seven members with Takahiro Nishijima in the center and comes with a DVD for “Break Down” and a fourth version of the CD single which I’m reviewing, which features for the first time, the mysterious 15-member boy band known as Saihuun.

Saihuun’s first single “Break Your Name” consists of the five members of AAA but ten other members that no one knows the true identity of at this time.  For the single cover, each has a hood on their face with kanji letters large on top sporting “Saihuun”.  And this version comes with a DVD featuring a music video for “Break your name” and a live performance of Saihuun at C.C. Lemon Hall from April 2009.

The single kicks off with “Break your name” by Saihuun and features an upbeat, synth pop track and although I think that the members that are singing primarily are members of AAA (yes, the guys have performed live with hoods covering their faces), I am guessing that Saihuun may be similar to EXILE in which the primary members on vocals are AAA and the others are possibly background dancers similar to the recently expanded EXILE.

The second track “Break Down” is an uptempo dance track that incorporates break beats but overall, a very solid track from AAA.  And possibly one of the most exciting upbeat tracks I have heard from the group in awhile.  Definitely a solid track and wonderful vocals from Misako Uno and Takahiro Nishijima and crew.

The third track on the CD single “Summer Revolution” features the female duo of AAA – Misako Uno and Chiaki Ito.  Definitely an upbeat track with that trademark avex trax club sound.

The remaining three tracks are the instrumental versions of the three vocal tracks.

As for the DVD, the DVD includes the music video for “Break your name” and a live performance of the song by Saihuun.

The music video features all 15 members of Saihuun performing and dancing and members of AAA reveal themselves when they take off the hoods while the other ten keep their hoods on.  The group then performs on top of a CG background of a futuristic city or an all white background.

The live performance of “Break your name” was done at C.C. Lemon Hall LIVE back in April 29, 2009.  Mainly featuring the 15 members of Saihuun and of course, all members in their hoods.  So, you really don’t know who is singing (well, actually you can tell its probably Takahiro Nishijima, Naoya Urata and rap by Mitsuhiro Hidaka.  While everyone is primarily dancing.  And of course to further confuse the audience, all members of AAA then join Saihuun onstage to thank them.  But if you pause the DVD, you will then notice that only ten members of Saihuun remain on stage.

As for the CD insert, the insert is a tri-fold with the lyrics and production credits for the songs.  Also a flier which contains information on AAA’s “4th Anniversary Live” and an AAA collector’s card of one of the members.

Overall, the CD single is pretty solid.

Although, I still wish that they would stop with the four CD single versions.  I know, it has worked with other idol groups but I can imagine how costly it is for the fans trying to collect all releases.  But with each version, they offer extra tracks and the main three which include a DVD offers a different music video.  As for the three A-sided tracks, all tracks are all enjoyable, uptempo dance tracks and pretty much showcases the music that we have loved from AAA, which is that synth pop club music that avex trax artists are known for.

As for Saihuun, it’s an interesting concept and it will be interesting to see if the group is the real deal and is permanent or if it’s just a marketing gimmick, or the fact that the group is following a similar direction like the music group EXILE with many members while a few sing and most of them dance.  I have no idea how far avex trax will be taking Saihuun for the near future.

Overall, another fantastic AAA release!  If you are a fan of AAA, this single is definitely recommended!

BUY THIS CD SINGLE

AAA – CHOICE IS YOURS (a J!-ENT World Groove Album Review)

“AAA returns with a new mini album but this time featuring only the male members of the group.  Overall, a solid mini-album with six upbeat tracks and a cool ballad.   Definitely worth checking out if you are fans of AAA.”

BUY THIS ALBUM:

CDJapan | Amazon | Yesasia

GROUP: AAA

ALBUM: CHOICE IS YOURS

LABEL: avex trax

CATALOG #: AVCD-23595/B

DURATION: 24:17

RELEASE DATE: June 18, 2008

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. Crash
2. Hasta la vista ～アスタ・ラ・ビスタ～
3. ZAPPER
4. Crying Freeman
5. BET
6. あきれるくらいわがままな自由
   

DVD: Region 2, 4:3 for the music video, Duration: 11 minutes

1. Crash -Music Clip-
2. Crash -Off Shot Video-
   

With a lot of the male idol groups dominating the charts, AAA’s hybrid idol group which features five guys and two women has a new mini-album that came out in June 2008 spotlighting the male members Takahiro Nishijima, Naoya Urata, Shuta Sueyoshi, Shinjiro Atae and Mitsuhiro Hidaka.

In the past, Avex has done quite a few tests with AAA with multiple CD single releases with songs by the male members, songs by the female members and songs with all members together.

But AAA has been quite an interesting experiment as it managed to successfully take a group of guys and girls together with singing and dancing talent and see how it would catch on with fans.

Of course, AAA was not a midnight success as it took several years before the group would break the #1 spot on the Oricon Charts and have CD singles that would constantly debut in the Oricon top 10.

With the release of “CHOICE IS YOURS”, I would image Avex marketing trying to do another test to see how a mini-album would fare if the women were not in the group.  As mentioned before, it’s one thing to see Johnny’s Jimusho boy bands constantly dominate the #1 ranking in Japan and then avex’s Rhythm Zone’s most successful boy band at the moment, Tohoshinki, also having similar success.

So, how good is this mini-album?  Or is it any good at all, especially without female members Misaki Uno and Chiaki Ito?

The album starts of with a very energetic and catchy track titled “Crash”.  The song is used for the Nintendo DS video game “World Destruction ~Sekai Bokumetsu no Rokunin” (note: AAA’s “Zero” is used for the anime theme song for “World Destruction).  I actually thought this song was pretty awesome!  Vocals were well-done and just found the overall song pretty enjoyable.

The second track titled “Hasta la vista” features a song entirely written and musically produced by MONK.  Another catchy track that I can envision showcasing the group’s choreography.  What I like about this song is that it has a style different from typical AAA tracks.  Overall, another awesome track on the mini-abum.

The third track “ZAPPER” is an interesting song because it has some old school “Zing’s” but probably a track that is comparable to the AAA style of sound that fans expect from the group.  A fun, upbeat track.

The fourth track “Crying Freeman” features the group working with Kenn Kato and h-wonder in a mid-tempo track.  Not sure if there is a tie-in to an anime series due to it’s title but for the actual song, another track I enjoyed.

The fifth track “BET” features a rap driven track with vocals.  All in all, it’s another track that is different from a typical AAA track but I appreciate its differences because it’s a pretty fresh upbeat track.

The sixth and final track is “あきれるくらいわがままな自由” which is the main slow jam on the mini-album. The song is well sung, Nishijima on top of his game in this track.  An awesome ballad!

As for the DVD, the DVD features two videos.  The music video for “Crash” and the making of.

The music video features the guys dancing and a CG machinery and looks to take place in the cave.  The guys appear to be miners, thus have grime on their faces.  Not sure if this look has a strong relationship with the video game or anime series or not. Unfortunately, the background CG doesn’t look to natural but fortunately, the videos are focusing on the guys (or a single member) dancing.

I have to admit that I was expecting a bit more energetic choreography but if anything, the choreography is more arm movements than anything.  All in all, the video was ok.

As for the making of, the video features the guys performing in front of a green screen and with rocks in the front.  The guys joking around with each other and gives you an idea of how the music video was shot and the timing involved with the camera shots.

Instead of a camera fixed on the group dancing, you get one side (75%) doing a lot of the dancing and then 25% (2 guys) just waiting and messing around until they merge with the frame and start dancing and a switch from 75/25 from left to right and then right to left.  So, in a way, I can see how this style of filming affects overall choreography.

But the making of video does provide some footage outside of the choreography, as mentioned, the guys joking around with each other, then outdoors and playing with a dog.

The CD insert features lyrics to the songs on the album and the center section unfolds to showcase photos of each male member of the group.  Also, included is a mini-flyer for “Crash” featured as an opening theme for the Nintendo DS game “World Destruction ~Sekai Bokumetsu no Rokunin” and also a promote for AAA Party.  Also, a promotion for upcoming performances of AAA’s 3rd Anniversary.

I suppose that so many things could have gone wrong with this album but I have to admit, this is a solid mini-album from the guys of AAA.

I found all tracks to be awesome and have had the CD on rotation for days now.  But that does not mean I want to see AAA get away from it’s female members, because part of the enjoyablity to AAA’s music and also watching them perform is the hybrid interaction of the guys and girs.  There is really good chemistry with the group and I dig that!

But if you are a fan of AAA, you can’t go wrong with this mini-album.  A solid release from the guys and would be interesting to see how these songs are carried out into the live performances.  Definitely recommended!

BUY THIS ALBUM:

AAA – ZERØ/MUSIC!!! (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)

“AAA’s 19th CD single features a collaboration with ALI PROJECT’s Takarano Arika and remixer Kusama Kei which features a fusion of the three styles for an all out interesting song used as the opening theme for the anime series ‘WORLD DESTRUCTION’.”

GROUP: AAA

CD SINGLE: ZERØ/MUSIC!!!

LABEL: avex trax

CATALOG #:  AVCD-31438/B

DURATION: 21:41

RELEASE DATE: August 13, 2008

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. ZERØ
2. MUSIC!!!
3. Crash (Extended Version)
4. ZERØ (Instrumental)
5. MUSIC!!! (Instrumental)

DVD: Region 2, 4:3, Duration: 3 minutes

1. ZERØ (Music Clip)

AAA’s 19th CD single features a double A track featuring “ZERØ”, which is a collaboration with ALI PROJECT vocalist/songwriter Takarano Arika.

The song was used as an opening theme song for the anime series “World Destruction: Sekai Bokumetsu no Rokunin(ワールド・デストラクション～世界撲滅の六人～)” that aired in Japan starting in July 2008 and based on a Sega RPG game for the Nintendo DS that comes out in September (note: The video game has received hype because it is created by members of the SquareEnix team that created “Xenogears”).

For those familiar with ALI PROJECT music, the music is tightly based around synth and rock n’ roll and has a strong anime tie-in with theme songs for “CODE GEASS”, “SUPER ROBOT WARS OG: DIVINE WARS”, “Rozen Maiden”, “My Hime”, “.Hack/Roots” and many more anime series.

The song is also a collaboration with KURID INT’L's Kusama Kei known for his remix work for YMO and work with Suzuki Ami who provided the musical arrangement.

So, by combining these forces, you get a song and consecutive CD single that deviates from AAA’s dance music style to a song that features a lot of electric guitar but also a lot of electronic beats courtesy of Kusama.  So, this makes it a song that either AAA fans will enjoy or dislike because it’s a sound different from their previous works.

As mentioned in my last review for “BEYOND ~Karada no Kanata~”, I welcome the changes and it appears from various reviews of the anime series “World Destruction” that many people enjoyed the opening theme and enjoy the song.  And it does incorporate the AAA style by Hidaka Mitsuhiro’s rap and overall the vocals are pretty good in the song.  It’s just if the music is your cup of tea or not.

I found it a unique mixture of AAA, ALI PROJECT and Kusama KEI wrapped in one.  So, for me it was different and I embrace things that are fresh and new.

As for the second A-track, “MUSIC!!!”, the track is an upbeat pop song courtesy of Tsutaya Koichi and arrangement by Chewzen Ogoyz.  A very fun pop track from the group that is happy and an overall fun track.

The coupling song “Crash” is an extended track by the guys of the group.  The song is from the AAA mini-album “CHOICE IS YOURS” which is an album that features only the guys from the group.  The song is an upbeat dance track that I’m accustomed to from AAA, especially the guys and I enjoyed the song.

This CD+DVD version features the music video for “ZERØ” which is a trippy dark music video featuring the members in a cell (solitary confinement) with just cement walls and lights all around them while they are being filmed.  And you watch the group’s acting skills as they grow crazy in their cells.  Interesting lighting used in the music video sporting a black/bluish hue.

As for the CD single insert, the insert is a tri-fold featuring lyrics and production credits.  There is a wrap around cover featuring a sticker from “World Destruction”

Now, there are three versions of this CD single available.  This version that I’m reviewing features the music video “ZERO”.  This single is notable for it’s much darker cover while the other two are much colorful.  These other versions features the music video for “MUSIC!!!” and the third version features a short film featuring AAA.  Personally, I am quite interested in how the short film is because AAA short films tend to be quite enjoyable to watch.

,

It seems that the direction for AAA this summer is a bit of experimenting with various music styles and I know that some fans have been either open or not as open to the musical direction with the last CD single “GROOVE ~Karada no Kanata~” and with the collaboration with ALI PROJECT and the song not being a straight out dance track, I’m sure there are fans who will not be into it as much.

But all in all, I found the CD single to be different and something new with the collaboration and personally, I thought it was a cool song. Not great and not one of my favorite AAA songs but overall, a cool song.  I did enjoy both “MUSIC!!!” and “Crash”.

All in all, it’s a cool CD single from the group and it has something for everyone.  If you are a fan of AAA or the “World Destruction” anime series, definitely check it out but choose which CD+DVD version suits you.

Check out more of our reviews at J!-ENT’s World Groove

Buy this CD Single:

[WORLD GROOVE] Currently listening to AAA – “Natsumono”

GROUP: AAA

CD SINGLE: Natsumono

LABEL: avex trax

CATALOG #: AVCD-31246/B (Group), AVCD-31247/B (BOYS), 31248/B (GIRLS)

DURATION: 25:18

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. SUNSHINE
2. No End Summer
3. Hanabi
4. SUNSHINE (Instrumental)
5. No End Summer (Instrumental)
6. Hanabi (Instrumental)

DVD: Region 2, 4:3

(AVCD-31246/B) – GROUP – Music Video for “SUNSHINE” (4:08)

(AVCD-31247/B) – BOYS – Music Video for “No End Summer” (4:01)

(AVCD-31248/B) – GIRLS – Music Video for “Hanabi” (4:49)

With the weather beginning to warm up, I thought about AAA’s “Natsumono”, the title of the 15th CD single which features three vocal tracks – “SUNSHINE”, “No End Summer” and “Hanabi” (and their instrumental tracks).

To celebrate the Summer, avex trax has released four different releases of “Natsumono”. The normal CD release would come with a remix of “Hurricane Lily, Boston Mari” while the DVD versions will each come with a music video for one of the songs.

“SUNSHINE” is a fun CD single that embraces the Summer scene with a pop song and a video showcasing the group performing in the beach and embracing the Summer may it be hanging out the beach, lighting fireworks at night or enjoying the food such as soba or ice cream and just having fun. Also, showcasing three heavy-weight men kicking it at the beach, getting some R&R and the girls accidentally dropping their ice cream and shaved ice on them. All in all, a fun AAA track and fun music video.

“No End Summer” features the guys of AAA for their Summer pop track. The music video features the guys performing and dancing with two blondes in a bikini in the background.

“Hanabi” featuring the girls of AAA is actually a very cool but sad mid-tempo track by Uno Misako and Ito Chiaki. The video focuses on the children in traditional Japanese outfits sad and waiting for their parents to take them out. In a melancholic type of setting as sunsetting and the women looking very sad. The kids being taken by their parents one time but then the next, the time the parent is no longer there. The song can be interpreted as reminiscing of the days of going to a Summer Festival with your parent(s) or loved one and that person no longer being there.

The CD inserts for all three CD+DVD singles features the lyrics to the songs and track credits.

During the time this CD single first came out in 2007, I was still a bit bummed that Goto Yukari retired from the group weeks before the release of the CD single. One of the reasons why I enjoyed AAA was because of Goto’s bubbliness but looking at how AAA has done a year later with their career, the group is doing very well in the charts and are about to release their 18th CD single in May.

All in all, this CD single is definitely fun for the Summer pop songs and I’m sure if you are an AAA fan, you probably own one, two or all versions of the CD singles already.

But nevertheless, the CD single features a variety of fun, up-beat pop songs that J-pop fans will enjoy.

[WORLD GROOVE] Currently listening to AAA – “AROUND”

GROUP: AAA

ALBUM TITLE: AROUND

LABEL: avex trax

CATALOG #: AVCD-23348/B

RELEASE DATE: September 19, 2007

DURATION: 50:00

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. Get chuu!
2. SUNSHINE
3. She no Jijitsu
4. Deai no Chikara II
5. kuchibiru kara romantica
6. Red Soul
7. Paradise Paradise
8. Hanabi
9. No End Summer
10. Body Talker
11. That’s Right
12. Saigo no Kotoba

DVD: Region 2, 16:9LB, Duration: 37 minutes

1. Kagi no Aru Basho (short film)

The hybrid boy band/girl band known as AAA (Attack All Around) is back with their third album “AROUND”.

A few things have changed since our last review, this time the group has seven members (former member Goto Yukari had to leave the group in June due to a major health condition. But fans can keep up-to-date with her progress through her blog and her new life as she studies to become a bookkeeper and a dedicated L’Arc~en~Ciel fan).

Also, the group continues to do very well with nearly every CD single and album making it into the Oricon Daily Charts top 10 and top 5.

Now, here they are with their third full-length album “AROUND” and after listening to the album multiple times, I actually like it a lot!

The album features twelve tracks which includes the group’s 13th CD single “Get Chu!/She no Jijitsu”, 14th CD single “kuchibiru kara no romantica” and coupling song “That’s Right”, 15th CD single “Natsumono” songs: “SUNSHINE”, “No End Summer” and “Hanabi” and 16th CD single “Red Soul”.

You get a good balance of music with the happy, dance, pop song “Get Chu!”, the big band, stylish song “Kuchibiru kara no romantica”, the smooth slow tempo song “Hanabi” which features a duet with AAA girls Uno Misako and Ito Chiaki, “That’s Right” featuring a very cool song with Nisshy and Urata and “Red Soul” which is reminiscent of their earlier songs such as “BLOOD ON FIRE”.

But with eight of the songs featured on CD singles (please check out our other World Groove reviews for these CD singles ), is it even worth purchasing the album for four more tracks?

Especially, if you are an AAA fan who bought the multiple CD single versions to get the DVD music videos (NOTE: AAA CD+DVD singles such as “Natsu Mono” had four version releases, three that comes with DVD’s and each has a music video for one of the songs featured on the CD single. A common practice for AAA CD+DVD releases).

So, taking a look at the four songs on the album that are not on the CD singles.

“Deai no Chikara” is a song that I enjoyed from the first album “ATTACK” and the second version “Deai no Chikara II” is just as enjoyable, upbeat version and a great song showcasing Nishijima Takahiro and Uno Misako’s vocals. The original is my favorite, because it’s more of a ballad.

“Paradise Paradise” is a very cool upbeat song that blends pop music with a touch of Mid East influence.

“BODY TALKER” is a pop song that incorporates a lot of brass and a average pop song. Ok, its my least favorite song of the album.

“Saigo no Kotoba” is a slow-tempo song featuring the members rapping and singing. A song that I would not be surprised if the group performed at the end of their concert. The song is also the ending theme for their short film “Kagi no Aru Basho”.

As for the DVD for the CD+DVD version, the short film “Kagi no Aru Basho” is the first to have all members of the group act together. Each member of AAA are also talented actors that have taken part in theater, drama series and film in Japan.

The film revolves around relationships. The main storyline arc is centered around Sueyoshi Shuta’s character. A young man who doesn’t get along with his father and his father seems to be out of his life, always gone. Until one day, he finds out why his father is always gone at night.

The other storyline arc features Atae Shinjiro who is always going to the combini (convenience store) to get food to eat and always sees a dog always waiting outside the store which he tends to feed until one night, the dog appears to be asking him for help.

Then there is Uno Misako’s story arc featuring her relationship with a former friend (played by Ito Chiaki).

What I found interesting is that since Nishijima is typically the actor appearing in theater and on television, his role as a traffic coordinator is quite small. As for Urata, he plays a driver and Hidaka Mitsuhiro plays a buddy of Sueyoshi’s character.

All in all, it was great to see all members of AAA act together in a short film. On previous concert DVD’s, we got to see them act in a theater-style type of play but it’s cool to see them in a short film like this and I really applaud Avex doing these type of films on their DVD’s. We had the one hour long film for Koda Kumi and another short film for Kiyokiba Shunsuke’s CD single, so I hope they continue to do more of these.

As for the CD insert, the booklet contains photos of each member and the lyrics for the songs on the album.

In Japan, a few listeners have been critical because the album mostly consists of CD singles. In Japan, the music industry is focused on CD single sales and for AAA fans, because the releases are monthly and there are various releases of the CD singles, Japanese listeners want to know that they are getting more bang for the buck.

So, typically on Japanese releases, you get an album version or the CD single but with different music or something new. That is not the case with “AROUND”.

So, it all comes down to the person who wants to buy the album. Don’t have the CD singles, then you can purchase the album and be happy. Those who own all CD singles should then purchase the CD+DVD version for the additional songs but most importantly, you get to see a cool short film with all AAA members on it.

But if you are an AAA fan, I’m sure you will buy it anyway to complete the “ATTACK ALL AROUND” album trilogy.

All in all, “AROUND” is a very cool album that features a good balance of music. I actually like them all but one song. And I have listened to the album like a dozen times already and still not tired of it.

Definitely check it out!