“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
- Leave
- other side of now
- The Sign
- Hot Love
- One More Song
- Bonus Track: ãƒãƒ“ãƒãƒ³ã®å¥‡è·¡ -wall5 remix-
DVD: Region 2, 4:3, Duration: 7 minutes
- Leave – Music Video-
- 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 “ãƒãƒ“ãƒãƒ³ã®å¥‡è·¡ -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: