Koda Kumi feat. Tohoshinki – Last Angel (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)
January 25, 2008 by Dennis Amith
ARTIST: Koda Kumi feat. Tohoshinki
CD SINGLE: LAST ANGEL
LABEL: RhythmZone
CATALOG #: RZCD-45766
DURATION: 17:30
RELEASE DATE: November 7, 2007
- LAST ANGEL – Koda Kumi feat. Tohoshinki
- Dear Family – Koda Kumi
- LAST ANGEL (instrumental)
- Dear Family (instrumental)
DVD: Region 2, 4:3, DURATION: 7 minutes
- LAST ANGEL – Koda Kumi feat. Tohoshinki (Music Video)
- LAST ANGEL – Koda Kumi feat. Tohoshinki (MAKING VIDEO)
I’ve had Koda Kumi’s 38th CD single for quite some time, just listening to it over and over because it features a very cool collaboration with Korean pop quintet Tohoshinki (who sing both K-Pop and J-Pop).
Both Koda Kumi and Tohoshinki are known for their pop songs but also known for their awesome dance choreography. So, I had very big expectations for this CD single and especially their music video because I expected some awesome dance moves featured for “LAST ANGEL”.
The latest CD single features an image song used for the “Biohazard” (Resident Evil 3) film in Japan and actually, a little surprised because for Biohazard’s dark theme, I’d imagine more of a rock type of theme but nevertheless, “LAST ANGEL” is what was used.
The song starts out with “Welcome to nightmare world tonight”. Sounds threatening and dark but its anything but. The song is about overcoming the darkness, overcoming pain together with someone. The song is a synth-based pop song with a pretty cool beat and the string arrangement (ala synth) which was a very nice touch to the overall song.
The coupling track “Dear Family” features a slow ballad and features more of an R&B-inspired track with the deep bass groove. Almost like an old school R&B touch courtesy of Matsuawa “T.O.M” Tomokazu.
The lyrics for both songs were written by Koda Kumi (the first feat. a writing collaboration with H.U.B.).
The DVD features both Koda Kumi and Tohoshinki with a very cool setup for the overall video and as expected featuring great choreography. The music video has an arctic, futuristic look to it and everyone sporting white, silver and gray during their collaboration scenes was very cool and stylish.
The “making of” features behind-the-scenes of the dancing scenes between Koda and Tohoshinki, her solo scenes and also interviews. The guys were very stoked to work with her and a lot of enthusiasm during the filming.
The CD insert is actually a fold out poster. One one side is Koda Kumi sitting on a speaker with her legs on a wall. The other side features the lyrics to the two songs and CD and DVD credits.
Just the collaboration between J-Pop diva Koda Kumi and Tohoshinki is just awesome because the two have awesome pop music and also awesome choreography and to see these two gel together, everything worked very well and the CD single together.
A lot of reviews and I guess it depends who the listener is biased towards will say that Tohoshinki’s vocals overpowered Koda’s vocals and vice-versa for Koda overpowering the guys. Personally, I felt that there was a good balance between Koda and Tohoshinki and watching the music video, it’s good to see each guy of Tohoshinki get some face time evenly.
All in all, the music for both tracks is very well done, catchy and listened to it many times already and I really dig it! A very awesome collaboration and worth owning for Koda Kumi and Tohoshinki fans. The coupling track “Dear Family” had a nice old school R&B touch which is why I really dug it.
Both Koda Kumi and Tohoshinki fans should enjoy the CD single and “LAST ANGEL” would definitely make a good fit in a fan’s music collection.
View more Tohoshinki CD’s and DVD’s by clicking here!
BUY THIS CD SINGLE
General Disclaimer:
J!-ENT has not received any compensation from the company for this post. J!-ENT has no material connection to the brands, products, or services that are mentioned in this post.
For Product Reviews:
For product reviews, J!-ENT has received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free by the company which in no way affects our reviews positive or negative. We only recommend products or services we have tested/reviewed and believe will be good for our readers.
For Advertising:
Some of the links in our posts are "affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, J!-ENT will receive an affiliate commission.
J!-ENT is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Comments