EXILE wins “Best Artist of the Year” at Billboard Japan Music Awards

Another great start for the new year for the Japanese R&B group EXILE who has won “Best Artist of the Year” for the Billboard Japan Music Awards.  The group also took home the “Best Hip Hop Artists of the Year” award as well.

miray – Foreplay (a J!-ENT World Groove Album Review)

miray’s third mini-album for the year and for the most part, there are cool collaborations and really cool upbeat pop/reggae dance hall tracks but where the mini-album starts off quite well, is hampered by its final three tracks.  Otherwise, an average at best mini-album.

ARTIST: miray

ALBUM: Foreplay

LABEL: Rhythm Zone

CATALOG #: RZCD-46276

DURATION: 30:57

RELEASE DATE: Novemer 25, 2009

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EXILE – Perfect Year 2008 Ultimate Best Box (a J!-ENT World Groove Album Music Review)

Japan’s most popular a capella group celebrates their 15th year anniversary with “Love Notes II”, a compilation of past and present romantic ballads. Overall, a solid release!

Purchase this album from CDjapan.com:

JONTE – if (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)

A romantic single from JONTE just in time for Valentine’s Day.  Featuring three romantic ballads and a single worth checking out!

ARTIST: JONTE

CD SINGLE: if

LABEL: Rhythm Zone

CATALOG #: RZCD-46116

DURATION: 28:23

RELEASE DATE: February 4, 2009

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EXILE – EXILE ENTERTAINMENT BEST (a J!-ENT World Groove Album Review)

“This album is absolutely jam packed.  Not only do you get an excellent album, you get two DVD’s with a lot of content.  The first featuring music videos and making of videos and the second featuring an awesome anime OAV feature with the members of EXILE in a Seven Samurai style of storyline.  All of this jam packed in one album!  Just awesome!”

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GROUP: EXILE

ALBUM: EXILE ENTERTAINMENT BEST

LABEL: Rhythm Zone

DURATION: 1:07:54

RELEASE DATE: July 23, 2008

1. EXILE RELOADED
2. SUPER SHINE
3. MY FANTASY
4. STAY
5. Eastern Boyz ‘N Eastern Girlz
6. New Jack Swing
7. EVOLUTION
8. SCREAM/GLAY x EXILE
9. 24karats -type EX/Sowelu, EXILE, DOBERMAN INC.
10. Touch the Sky feat. Bach Logic
11. DANCER’S ANTHEM 2
12. What is Love
13. Make Love
14. My Buddy / EXILE TAKAHIRO + NESMITH, SHOKICHI (J Soul Brothers)
15. So Special -Version EX / EXILE ATSUSHI + AI
16. 真夏の果実

DVD 1: Region 2, 4:3, DURATION: 65 minutes

1. SUPER SHINE
2. 24karats -type EX (kodomo Version) Sowelu, EXILE, DOBERMAN INC.
3. 24karats -type EX / Sowelu, EXILE, DOBERMAN INC.
4. EVOLUTION
5. Touch the Sky feat. Bach Logic
6. So Special -Version EX- / EXILE ATSUSHI + AI
7. WE! / J Soul Brothers (Special Track)
   
8. Making of: SUPER SHINE, 24karats -type EX (Docomo Version), 24karats -type EX, EVOLUTION, Touch the Sky feat. Bach Logic, Sp Special -Version EX-

DVD 2: Region 2, 16:9 LB, DURATION: 38 minutes

1. Eggzamurai Honpen – Roppongi Jigokujo no Sho
2. Eggzamurai Honpen – EASTERN BOYZ ‘N EASTERN GIRLZ (Video Clip)

Fantastic!

This the word that comes to mind when I think about this best album of Japan’s R&B vocal group EXILE.  The chart toppping vocal group features a total of seven members.  The group is led by Hiro, a member from one of Japan’s first R&B vocal/dance groups ZOO and includes Makidai, Matsu, Usa, Akira who do a lot of the dancing and background vocals and features two main vocalists consisting of Atsushi and Takahiro.

Their music is classified R&B and unlike other male groups in Japan, don’t really dwell into Japanese idol pop but is all about cool soul R&B beats and great vocals.

With this album “EXILE ENTERTAINMENT BEST”, the album is the group’s fifth best album. And it may be a bit confusing to people because the word “Best” usually means an album featuring the group’s CD singles and hit tracks but “EXILE ENTERTAINMENT BEST” only features one track from their released singles and that is “24karats -type EX” which was featured as a double A-side track on the group’s 25th CD single release.

But the album does feature past collaborative hit tracks such as the 2005 hit “SCREAM” which the group collaborated with J-rock band GLAY.  Also, a few other collaborative tracks such as “My Buddy” with J Soul Brothers and “So Special -version EX-” with music artist AI.

Overall, the album is quite solid with a good balance of tracks with smooth vocal tracks such as “MY FANTASY” which is so reminiscent of one of my favorite 80s R&B group GUY.  Then there is “Eastern Boyz ‘N Eastern Girlz” with a bass-driven track which is the theme song for their animated feature “Eggzamurai Honten”.

And to further add to the similarities to the old school vocal group GUY, the group has a track titled “New Jack Swing”.  The title is a term coined by GUY’s Teddy Riley which means “pop music usually performed by black musicians that combines elements of jazz, funk, rap, and rhythm and blues”.

With “SCREAM” by EXILExGLAY, this was probably a collaboration that no one would see coming.  Two groups from two different musical genres but both groups made the song work.

My favorite song on the track “24karats -type EX” features an upbeat, body rockin’ track featuring DOBERMAN INC. with the rhymes and vocals by EXILE and songstress Sowelu.  An awesome song!

Another favorite is “Touch the Sky” featuring a collaboration with mega producer Bach Logic who has produced many hits in Japan and even collaborated with remixes for Jay-Z and Akon and of course, known for his work with DOBERMAN INC.  The track is a fast, upbeat track.  Cool vocals and overall, a wonderful song.

“What is Love” is just an awesome song.  Another song that showcases the groups harmonies and overall a smooth track that J R&B fans well just dig!

And rounding out the album are the other two collabs with J Soul Brothers and EXILE’s Takahiro for the track “My Buddy”.  The fact that the two groups are known for their outstanding vocals and also, somewhat a similar style, I don’t think anyone can tell their is a collaboration unless they see it in the track title credits.

And the track “So Special” featuring EXILE Atsushi and AI, two awesome Japanese R&B vocalists was definitely impressive.  The two have a good chemistry vocally and the harmonies with the two and the group was just right!

And to end the album is the group’s cover of the popular Southern All Stars track “Manatsu no Kajitsu”.  EXILE’s version is just fantastic and also, another song that I was surprised to find on the album.  Another favorite track on the album!

DVD 1:

This album version comes with two DVD’s and the first DVD features plenty of music videos and the making of the music videos.

The first video “SUPER SHINE” features the guy decked in pretty cool outfits and dancing in futuristice white and black settings and CG in the future style animation when showcasing the group outdoors.

The second video “24karats -type EX- features an awesome colloboraton with Sowelu, EXILE and DOBERMAN INC.  The first video (kodomo version) features different dance groups showcasing their choreography from teenagers (girls and guys) and then young children.  The second video features EXILE, Sowelu and DOBERMAN INC. performing and dancing.

The fourth video “EVOLUTION” features prisoners crammed in their cell and the guys singing and dancing and eventually releasing all the prisoners from their cells.

The fifth video “Touch the Sky feat. Bach Logic” features the group donning white suits in dark scenery and black suits in white scenery.  The guys dance and perform together.

The sixth video “So Special -Version EX” features a slow jam with EXILE’s Atsushi and AI.  Two awesome vocalists together.  A definitely awesome collaboration with a music video featuring the two singing together at the studio and behind-the-scene clips of the group working out the lyrics and song together in the studio.

The seventh video features a special track titled “WE! / J Soul Brothers”.  J Soul Brothers was the previous name of the group before they named themselves EXILE.   HIRO restarted the group with new members (a total of seven people) and overall, a pretty awesome track and adding another awesome vocal group to the Rhythm Zone roster along with the group COLOR (produced by EXILE’s ATSUSHI)

The final half hour of the first DVD features the making of the music videos.

DVD 2:

Also, included in this already jam packed album (1CD+2DVD) version, the second DVD features the animated feature “Eggzamurai Honpen – Roppongi Jigokujo no Sho”.  With Avex having its own animation division and investing in anime, we are seeing more and more collaborations with the music artists from their labels and anime outside of the standard theme songs.

In this case, it’s actually a beautiful animated feature only available on this album and the animation and even the background’s are very well done.  This is not some low budget piece, this is an actual real animated feature that was written and directed by Yuichi Abe (“Gundam Evolve”, “SD Gundam Force” and “Prince of Tennis” – live action film).  The original plan of the animated series was courtesy of HIRO (Exile) and Makoto Matsuda and music by Ken Harada.

The storyline of “Eggzamurai Honpen – Roppongi Jigokujo no Sho” features a world that is quite dark and people are being kidnapped or murdered by a corrupt ruler.  The members of EXILE do the voice acting of samurai’s, in a “Seven Samurai” style of storyline.  Two sisters are separated after the evil soldiers of the corrupt government kidnap them.  One of the sisters goes to an Eggzamurai member for their help and thus sets up a battle between the group and the evil empire.

Each character is designed after a member of EXILE but with slight differences (such as hair color) and many of the songs featured on the animated feature are from the “EXILE ENTERTAINMENT BEST” album.

Following the animated feature is a music video for “Eggzamurai”.  The track “Eastern Boyz ‘N Eastern Girlz” features a high budget video that is based on the animated film but in this case, the video is actually not animated.  The set designers went all of their way to create that dark atmosphere and the whole CG landscape of destruction.  Then the guys come out in their Eggzamurai garb and start singing and dancing.

The music video was very awesome and quite impressed with how much went into the making of this video.  You can tell it probably was very expensive.

CD INSERT:

As for the CD, the insert booklet features lyrics and pictures of each member of the group.  Also, production credits.  Also, a flier promoting upcoming Rhythm Zone releases.

There is a second insert booklet primarily on “Eggzamurai” featuring words from the director Yuichi Abe, character information, synopsis and pictures of the concept art for the animated series which was just incredible.

“EXILE ENTERTAINMENT BEST” is a fantastic album.  Not only do you get a solid album featuring a lot of awesome tracks but you get two DVD’s just loaded with content.

It’s one thing to have the music videos included on the first DVD but was very happy to see a lengthy “making off” also included.  And for the second DVD, a pleasant surprise to see an animated feature with the group.  It’s not cheesy at all.   Good animation, great painted backgrounds and the music video for “Eastern Boyz ‘N Eastern Girlz”, the staff really went all out for that music video as it looks quite expensive in creating this devastated city and dark atmosphere.

So, overall, this album is just a solid release and you definitely get your money’s worth.  All in all, “EXILE ENTERTAINMENT BEST” is fantastic!

BUY THIS ALBUM:

ARIA – PHEROMONE (a J!-ENT World Groove Album Review)

“ARIA returns with a mini-album featuring six tracks with collaborations with ANTY the kunoichi, COMA-CHI, RUMI and LUNA.  The music featured on this mini-album is upbeat, dance tracks that fans of the singer will definitely enjoy!”

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ARTIST: ARIA

ALBUM: PHEROMONE

LABEL: RhythmZone

CATALOG #:RZCD-45931/B

DURATION: 27:22

RELEASE DATE: July 30, 2008

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. BURNIN’ LOVE
2. TOKYO TOKYO
3. SPOT LIGHT
4. MAD ‘BOUT YOU
5. STAR CHILD
6. CANDY NIGHT – DJ MAYUMI Remix-

DVD: Region 2, 4:3 for the music video, 16:9 for the live performance, Duration: 8 minutes

1. BURNIN’ LOVE feat. ANTY the Kunoichi
2. NOT OVER feat. HOKT & BIG RON -LIVE at Rhythm Nation 2007-

Rhythm Zone pop diva ARIA is back with her first mini-album titled “PHEROMONE”.

The artist who debuted with the monicker ASUKA back in 2003 is one of the few solo artists in the Rhythm Zone label that is actually true to the type of music she does and one of the few hapa (ARIA is half Japanese, a quarter Filipino and a quarter Puerto Rican) solo artist’s in Japan.

If there is anything that I love about ARIA is the fact that she’s an artist that creates her own music, a talented songwriter and respected for being responsible for her work. This latest mini-album features does not feature any CD singles released this year (although a live version of “Not Over” is featured on the CD+DVD version).

The first track “BURNIN’ LOVE” is a very cool upbeat, dance track with PENTATONIC/MADD CAT music artist ANTY the Kunoichi.  The collaboration is just what I expect when you get two pop divas together and you get a catchy, sexy dance track, cool beats and rap.  A very energetic, fun track!

The second track “TOKYO TOKYO” features a collaboration with Jazzy Sport Productions artist COMA-CHI.  This is another awesome collaboration since COMA-CHI is currently one of the more influential Japanese female MC’s right now.

The track is an upbeat, dance track featuring cool rhymes by COMA-CHI.  Another awesome track on the album!

The third track “SPOT LIGHT” is an upbeat track featuring lyricss and music by ARIA.  Of the dance tracks on this album, “SPOT LIGHT” has a more mellow groove and more synth-driven.

The fourth track “MAD ‘BOUT YOU” is a slow-jam produced by BACHLOGIC.

Sample is from “Summer Madness” by EMI and features ARIA’s smooth singing vocals.

Overall, a smooth track! The fifth track “STAR CHILD” features a collaboration with POP GROUP’s RUMI and was produced by DJ BAKU.

The track is a low-tempo track with an underlying groove and percussion but another smoothly sung track! The sixth track “CANDY NIGHT” featuring a collaboration with soul R&B artist LUNA and remix by DJ MAYUMI & Yusuke Sasaki.

My previous knowledge of LUNA was pretty much from her MySpace page earlier this year but what you get is a track spotlighting on the ladies vocals and a drum track in the back.

I felt the vocals of the women to be well done but the drums in the overall track took away from the vocals.  Granted, I’ve never listened to the original track from ARIA’s 2007 album “The Jukebox” (note: in my rotation to review soon), but dig the vocals, drum beats in the back…not as much.

The DVD features the music video “BURNIN’ LOVE” and is set in a traditional Japanese setting with ANTY the Kunoichi and ARIA in traditional Japanese outfits.  A very cool music video directed by Ippei Morita and glad to see cool production value in the overall video.

The second video “NOT OVER” features a live performance from “Rhythm Nation 2007″ and features an awesome performance by ARIA and cool rhymes from HOKT & BIG RON”.

I was very impressed with ARIA’s vocals in a live setting and for those who enjoy her smooth vocals from her albums or CD singles, this woman is the real deal because she sounds as fabulous live as well.

Also, the energy brought by the rhymes courtesy of HOKT and BIG RON were pretty cool.  Nice to see the audience get into the performance as well.

The CD insert booklet is a five fold piece with lyrics and production credits on one end and images of ARIA on the other side.

Overall, this mini-album is well-produced, smooth vocals, cool collaborations and for fans of ARIA, a mini-album definitely worth checking out. For those wondering which artist is her music comparable to, I would have to say that if you enjoy Rihanna’s music and you want to hear it ala J-Pop, then definitely “PHEROMONE” will have music that you’ll definitely dig!

Definitely recommend the CD+DVD version as the few extra bucks for the DVD is worth it in my opinion.

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twenty4-7 – Fly Out (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)

“The hip hop/vocal duo MIKA and ME debuted back in Aug. 2007 with their CD single ‘Fly Out’ for Rhythm Zone.  With the label’s Heartsdales calling it quits, twenty4-7 carries on the torch of a music duo showcasing smooth vocals and rap.  These girls have the look of models but don’t let their looks fool you, their musical talent is the real deal!”

GROUP: twenty4-7

CD SINGLE: Fly Out

LABEL: rhythm zone

CATALOG #: RZCD-45633/B

DURATION: 22:41

RELEASE DATE: Aug. 29, 2007

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. Fly Out
2. ONLY ONE
3. to the NEXT
4. Fly Out (instrumental)
5. ONLY ONE (instrumental)
6. to the NEXT (instrumental)

DVD: Region 2, 4:3, Duration: 5 minutes

1. Fly Out (Music Video)
2. Fly Out (Making)

Since the hip hop/vocal duo HEARTSDALES left to pursue their own individual careers and left rhythm zone, the label brought aboard two women MIKA (the MC) and ME (the vocalist) to showcase their hip hop and vocals.

MIKA is more into the hip hop and is influenced by artists such as TASHA, Daz Dillinger, 2PAC and BUDDHA BRAND and rock singer Ozaki Yutaka.

ME is more into R&B and was influenced by the artist, SAKURA.

The Osaka women were known for their work in the club scene back in 2004 and in 2006, both tried out for the rhythm zone STARZ audition and impressed the label and eventually recorded the track “GOING MY WAY” for a STARZ compilation later that year and the duo twenty4-7 was born.

The song was used in a commercial for PEACH JOHN THE CATALOGUE and by Spring 2007, the group released their first major label release with the self-titled mini-album “twenty4-7″.

Their first CD single “FLY OUT” debuted in August 2007 and received attention as it was used on the TBS music show “COUNTDOWN TV” and was a very good debut showcasing their vocal and hip hop talent.

If anything, the duo’s elegant, almost model like features with their beautiful looks and great bodies can make others dismiss twenty4-7 as your manufactured beautiful girl pursuing R&B music but that is farther from the truth as these women can sing and rhyme!

The first track “Fly Out” features lyrics by both women and music and production by tazz.  Don’t want to compare these women with Heartsdales but there are similarities with one handling vocals and the other handling the rap but the vocals and rap are well done.  Track is upbeat, cool grooves and overall a cool track!

The second track “ONLY ONE” features music and lyrics by twenty4-7.  Track is produced and arranged by Izutsu “Growth” Shintaro of tearbridge production and features a slower-paced ballad featuring smooth vocals by ME and cool, smooth rap by MIKA.  A very cool coupling track on this CD single with a catchy beat.

The third track features the coupling song “to the NEXT” which is an upbeat track featuring lyrics by the duo and music by tazz.  Upbeat song, catchy beat and a more in-your-face style of track.  Very cool and another solid track on this CD single.

The DVD features two tracks. The music video for “Fly Out” and the making of.  The music video features the women looking quite elegant, showcasing their fashion style with silk shirts, tight short shorts and a lot of accessories.  Sexy women, cool fashion but don’t let their sexiness stereotype these women as non-talent, this duo can sing and rhyme.

The making of is a short behind-the-scenes making of the music video, about maybe a minute long.  Because there music video featured the women in elegant outfits singing together in an area with a white background or sitting in a dark room on a chair, there really is not much scenery featured in the music video.  But you get to see the ladies laughing and looking cool and beautiful.

Insert is a standard bi-fold with lyrics, production credits are on the back sleeve.

As a big fan of HEARTSDALES and really felt that the duo would be hard to replace. I wasn’t sure what to think about twenty4-7 or their music and it really took me awhile to start to warm up them.

Their debut CD single is quite solid, music production is very well done and I think that many people who see the look of twenty4-7 will be shocked that these women who look like models can sport awesome vocals and rhyme quite well.

So, it’s a little easy for people to bypass this group and dismiss them as typical sexy girls being marketed as and R&B duo but these women are talented and like the duo HEARTSDALES, can sing and rap but fashion wise, tend to show of their bodies with elegant, short cut outfits or tight short shorts but again, despite their sexy look, these women are the real deal!

So, for those who enjoyed music from the HEARTSDALES, there is definitely a chance they may get into the music of twenty4-7.

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LISA – got that fever (a J!-ENT World Groove Album Review)

“LISA’s latest mini-album features stylistic changes as she goes house, electronic, techno and a collaboration with Swedish producers Bloodshy and Avant (creators of Britney Spear’s hit song ‘Toxic’) and more!”

ARTIST: LISA

ALBUM: got that fever

LABEL: Rhythm Zone

CATALOG #: RZCD-45954/B

DURATION: 32:48

RELEASE DATE: August 27, 2008

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. Leave
2. other side of now
3. The Sign
4. Hot Love
5. One More Song
6. Bonus Track: バビロンの奇跡 -wall5 remix-

DVD: Region 2, 4:3, Duration: 7 minutes

1. Leave – Music Video-
2. SEND MY HEART – Music Video-

Pop artist LISA got the year started with the first part of her three mini-album series with “ready to disco” which featured a collaboration with her former group m-flo and retaining that pop R&B style that she’s known for.

But I have to admit that when I finished listening to her latest mini-album “got that fever”, it is such a departure from her original style of music that you either are going to love it (for those who read my reviews, know that I’m always good for stylistic changes or trying different things) and I know those who dislike artists who crossover to different genres.

But even back in the old school m-flo days especially in the DVD’s, I remember LISA showing a side of her music before she made it big and performing at restaurants and also as a solo indie artist, it’s evident that she’s was up to experimenting with different styles of music.

But the new album “got that fever” is a musical departure from her previous work and I actually enjoyed LISA crossing over to more synth/dance music. And like previous albums, all songs are produced and lyrics written by her.

So, with the first track “Leave”, LISA teams up with the Swedish production duo Bloodshy & Avant who has produced many artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Jordin Sparks, Madonna, Crystal Kay and Kylie Mingoue. But are known for their Grammy award winning hit “Toxic” by Britney Spears.

The track features a cool, addictive groove and an enjoyable, mellow beat and in a way almost sort of a retro synth feel but it’s very catchy and enjoyable to listen to. The song features a nice balance of English and Japanese lyrics.

The second track “other side of now” is another synth based track that is more of a happy dance, pop song. Lyrics and music by LISA and arrangement by Nawata Hisashi.

The third track “The Sign” is another track featuring lyrics and music by LISA and arrangement by Yamaki Ryuichiro. Another synth-based track with a deep, club beat. Another enjoyable song on the album!

The fourth track “Hot Love” is produced by Japanese hip-hop and R&B producers STAR WAX (JDATA & TOGO). LISA has collaborated with STAR WAX for previous CD singles such as “God Sista” and “SHOWTIME”. This is probably the only track that probably is more comparable to her past R&B music on this album.

The fifth track “One More Song” is a slow jam with lyrics and music by LISA and arrangement by SHINSUKE. This track is actually a well done ballad and usually LISA slow-jam’s are pretty tight! And this one is absolutely beautiful track!

The sixth track is titled “バビロンの奇跡 -wall5 remix-” and is a bonus track and according to sources that I read, this track may be only for limited first print editions (and I’m reviewing an advanced copy). But this is a pretty cool remix of her 2002 song by Heigo Tani of Co-Fusion. The remix definitely adds another dimension to this already cool track. Very well done!

As for the DVD, you get two music videos.

The first music video is for “LEAVE”.  I was hoping for something really sexy but what we get is people in kendo outfits dancing and a guy dressed up in a samurai outfit and LISA singing with a rock band.  I’m not sure what was director Inoue Tsuyoshi’s thoughts were in this creation of this video (especially since he did so well with “SEND My HEART”) but I guess when I think of Bloodshy and Avant, I think of Britney’s sexy and crazy “TOXIC” video.  And sure LISA does show some cleavage but the dancing kendo guys and a samurai, that’s a bit too corny.

The second music video is “SEND MY HEART” which is the first track from her last mini-album “Ready to Disco”.  But this was actually a very cool music video from Inoue Tsuyoshi.  Very hip and featuring LISA hanging out with friends and hanging out with her current boyfriend and what looks like her ex with his new girlfriend and the two find themselves catching a glance at each other.  But she looks great in this video.

The CD insert booklet features the lyrics to the tracks and production credits. Also, included is a mini flyer for Rhythm Zone releases in August 2008.

Again, there are fans who like their artists to be consistent with their music and there music fans who don’t mind when a singer ventures into various genres.

Personally, that’s why I can really dig an artist like Madonna who can change things up with each track and also certain Japanese music artists such as Shimatani Hitomi who is more towards the extreme of not being consistent with her music.

But for LISA, the departure is not uber-major because it’s still within a dance/pop realm and although not a full R&B mini-album, I dig the collaborations and her venturing into more of a synth-based, dance style of album. I won’t go as far as saying this is a true house or techno album but it is an album that I found enjoyable nonetheless.

She’s a great vocalist and she could easily crossover to different types of musical genres and I don’t think too many people would have any problems with it.

BUY THIS ALBUM:

twenty4-7 – summer story (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)

“The hip hop/vocal duo MIKA and ME aka twenty4-7 are back with their summer themed CD single with a collaboration with Como-Lee.”

GROUP: twenty4-7

CD SINGLE: summer story

LABEL: rhythm zone

CATALOG #: RZCD-45927/B

DURATION: 22:52

RELEASE DATE: July 16, 2008

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. summer story
2. AMAZING
3. Come back to EARTH
4. summer story (Instrumental)
5. AMAZING (Instrumental)
6. Come back to EARTH (Instrumental)

DVD: Region 2, 4:3, Duration: 9:13 minutes

1. summer story feat. Como-Lee -Music Video-
2. summer story feat. Como-Lee -Making-

Since the hip hop/vocal duo HEARTSDALES left to pursue their own individual careers and left rhythm zone, the label brought aboard two women MIKA (the MC) and ME (the vocalist) to showcase their hip hop and vocals.

MIKA is more into the hip hop and is influenced by artists such as TASHA, Daz Dillinger, 2PAC and BUDDHA BRAND and rock singer Ozaki Yutaka.

ME is more into R&B and was influenced by the artist, SAKURA.

The Osaka women were known for their work in the club scene back in 2004 and in 2006, both tried out for the rhythm zone STARZ audition and impressed the label and eventually recorded the track “GOING MY WAY” for a STARZ compilation later that year and the duo twenty4-7 was born.

The song was used in a commercial for PEACH JOHN THE CATALOGUE and by Spring 2007, the group released their first major label release with the self-titled mini-album “twenty4-7″.

Their first CD single “FLY OUT” debuted in August 2007 and received attention as it was used on the TBS music show “COUNTDOWN TV” and the group followed up with a second CD single “Endless Road” in Nov. 2007 and released their first full-length album “Life” in Feb. 2008.

With their third CD single “summer story” the women wrote the lyrics to the songs featured on this album and also responsible for the music.

Their third CD single “summer story” features a smooth, mid-tempo ballad with a collaboration with R&B artist Como-Lee. The song was written by MIKA and features music by twenty4-7 and AILI.

The coupling track “AMAZING” is more upbeat and was written by both women with the music is by MIKA and Izuisu “Growth” Shintaro. This track reminded me of the musical style of Japanese R&B artist ARIA.

The second coupling track “Come back to EARTH” features lyrics by the duo and the track and music by tazz. The overall style was very reminiscent to a style by J-Pop artist Amuro Namie and I found MIKA’s hip-hop style and overall flow of lyrics to be well done on this track.

This third track is my favorite on the whole CD single because it’s more upbeat and highlights MIKA’s rapping ability and ME’s vocal abilities. An awesome track!

The next three remaining tracks are the instrumentals for the first three songs.

As for the DVD, the DVD features the music video for “summer story” and features both MIKA and ME heading out to the beach in a convertible and watching the sunset.

The second track on the DVD is a making of for the music video.

The CD insert is a standard bi-fold featuring lyrics to the three tracks and a rhythm zone information flyer promoting July 2008 releases.

As a big fan of HEARTSDALES and really felt that the duo would be hard to replace. I wasn’t sure what to think about twenty4-7 or their music and it really took me awhile to start to warm up them.

Now a little over a year since their debut, this CD single definitely opened up my eyes to the group. Moreso, the third coupling track “Come back to EARTH” which is a very well done song.

“summer story” at most is a decent summer track and the CD single features a good number of tracks but in terms of listenability, personally for me, its an average CD single and it wouldn’t be fair for me to do any comparisons with HEARTSDALES because they are different. It’s just that, I always felt a sort of energy with HEARTSDALES music and with this CD single, not on the title track but more for the coupling tracks.

But again, I did find the CD single fun and tracks like “Come back to EARTH” but definitely want to see their side-A tracks to exhibit a similar style of energy.

So, for those who enjoyed music from the HEARTSDALES, there is definitely a chance they may get into the music of twenty4-7.

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