[predia week] The Bitter Tears of Despair Upon Tattered Hearts... - 'BOROBORO ~Kono Ai wa Boroboro ni Naru Unmei na no ka~' [MV Review]

predia week is now at its end, and for our final post, we will look at one final music video before I cast my verdict. For our final song and dance, what do you expect to see, and what do you think the outcome of my decision will be?

For spending a week with me and predia, I thank you all! I hope that in these past 7 reviews, you have found much to enjoy, as well as new music and Idols to love! Before we say goodbye, however, you must prepare yourselves to bow down to one final review, and prepare your final farewells...

It's been a fun seven days in predia week, dear readers, and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for sitting through this journey with me. Whether you are a current, former or even new fan of the group that is predia, it has been fun to share my experience with you all in their music, aesthetic and styles, and to find out the joys and woes of this wonderful group. Of course, the week would not have happened if I hadn't have approached my dear Ashley, who has continuously encouraged and cheered me on during this writing and creation process.

So, my dearest Ashley, thank you for creating the list, aiding me with obtaining the music and videos, and for being there with me every step of the way! Your excitement became my excitement, and I really did find myself falling into this new world happily and readily. Without your enthusiasm or the joy you expressed whenever one of these came out, I don't think that I would have gotten to the end. So, thank you! ♡

And to all you readers who have kept up with the reviews, as well as those who waited patiently when I didn't bring a new one out when I should have, you have my deepest gratitude. I hope that after this week, you have come to find some wonder in predia, and want to listen out for them yourselves in the future. Maybe now, we will all be fans, and keep our eyes on the most mature and womanly group Japan has to offer, right now.

With my Thank You's and all that stuff out of the way now, I think it's about time to get into this review, before I babble on further. So, for the final review of predia week, we're going to fall into a world of despair and tattered hearts. Before we say goodbye, is there any way we can repair what has been broken...?

[predia week] The Colour That Comes After the Grey - 'Utsukushiki Kodoku Tachi' [MV Review]

Well, that day off wasn't planned. I apologise profusely for that, because I really did want to do this post. Thing is, life; it gets in the way sometimes, and it only serves to interrupt all the nice things in life, you know? In this instance, work related things came up, and that only ended in me having a wonderful headache. So, I slept. And slept... and didn't write. I'm kicking myself for it, however, illness and work is something we can never avoid, so if it creeps up, you just have to let the course of whatever is happening flow, and get on with life once you've recovered.

Well, I'm recovered, and I'm ready to review! It's the penultimate post in predia week, and tonight, we're going to revel in even more loveliness. Are you ready to be daring, or will you surrender to the bitter sweetness?

Okay, so from my first few viewings of this video, I can honestly say I'm not its biggest fan. At least, not for the first half. It gets better, Really, though, don't let my own ideas of what is good and bad affect your opinions on how you feel about the video. It's not that bad... it's just not my cup of tea is all, and if you like it, I'm glad!

So yeah, Utsukushiki Kodoku Tachi... Seventh single overall, the second for the groups major releases, and the song that my darling Ashley put down three times in her original list for my predia week reviews. Damn, my darling must love this song, but i would honestly find reviewing it three times to be a bit overkill, for both myself and this blog. Repetition is okay, but in small doses.

So, it's time to return to the world of predia, and see just what they have in store for us today. Will we become enthralled by their mere presence, or cringe at their attempts to be sexy and desirable once again? It's up to you to decide, dear viewer, as we take a look at Utsukushiki Kobodu Tachi. Are you ready?

[predia week] A Harem Awaits! predia Will Sate Your Desire in 'Setsuna no Yoru no Naka de' (Music Video Review)

predia week took a days break, mostly because I've become really busy, really quickly, and without warning. I'm actually unsure as to whether or not I will even be able to get the final three reviews out in the next three days, because I'm so busy; I have University and work things to do, and honestly, I'm already tearing my hair out about it, mostly because I'm so unprepared for it. I'm typically a very organised person, but this week, everything went under the radar, and I'm paying for it.

I really just want to scream, cry, then sleep... but I can't. And just think, I still have blog posts here, on Selective Hearing and Hashire! Idol Manic! to write out! I. Am. Done. URGH!

Okay, enough ranting, we're gonna get on with predia week, and head into our next review. It's time to look at music videos, everyone~

We're finally walking into Chiima territory with predia's music videos, a place where I can enjoy camera angles, glorious shots, and look upon the beauties of predia with adoration and delight. It's about time, too, because whilst I've been listening to the singles, albums and mini-albums my dear Ashley has provided me with for this mini series of reviews, predia has simply been a faceless entity. Yes, I have watched the accompanying music videos to certain songs, and yes, I know what the members look like; I just haven't paid attention.

Until I truly watch a music video and give it my undivided attention, the group is 'faceless', if you will, and is simply all about the voice and song. When the video comes into play, however, I begin to take notice of the wonderful world of predia in full. I wonder, just what will I think about the group now that I've taken interest in their aesthetic...?

With a focus on predia's music video for Setsuna no Yoru no Naka de, let's finally delve into a world of class and womanly wiles, and see just what predia are made of in image and style. After hearing their music and finding love with their voices, are you ready to see just how much they can give in image as they have sound?

Let's take a look, and see just how much they can seduce you~

[predia week] The Promise of predia's Debut - 'Kowarete Ai no Hate ni' (Single Review)

predia week meets its fourth day, where we take a look back at the groups major debut single, Kowareta Ai no Hate ni! Though the members of predia might sing about a broken love, let's enjoy this single release as much as we have in previous reviews, and cherish the beauty of their song.

Even when our eyes are filled with tears and mirrored fragments settle by our feet, let's find a beauty that lurks deep within this sadness and regret...

Okay, so I have technically reviewed Kowareta Ai no Hate ni already; I checked the song out on day one of my predia week reviews, because it was #11 on the Dahlia album, and yeah, I liked it then and there. Thing is, listening to a song on an album feels different to listening to it alone, because on an album, a song is swamped by the others - you hear so many, and one little ditty can get lost in the fray - yet in a single, it can stand out. So, there's a difference there... sorta.

That's how I see it, and that's my opinion. I'm sticking to it, no matter how weird it might sound. Ha.

I guess I could have easily switched this song out, like I did with Utsukushiki Kodoku Tachi when I saw I was going to be reviewing it three times, however I wanted to give this one a go, because, you never know; I could begin to like it a lot more in its single form, plus, I can give it more a little more focus than I did in the album review.

... Looking back, however, I kind of gave that song a great amount of focus. Still, though, this single has a b-side attached to it I hadn't heard yet, and that very b-side contains the word Cinderella in its title. I will review it, damnit, for the sake of potential fairy tale antics and happiness! Roar!

So, following the list my dear Ashley sent me with some dedication, today we take a look at the major debut single from predia for predia week! It's time to experience the start of the predia we know today. I wonder, will they disappoint, or only allow me to fall further in love with them after this review is over...?

[predia week] The Viola's Trance - 'Byakuya no Viola ni Idakarete' (Mini-Album Review)

The week dedicated to much that is predia continues, with our third day dedicated to one of the groups two mini-albums! Though this post was originally supposed to be dedicated to another single, I requested a change from the list given to me by my dear Ashley, whom this series is dedicated towards, because the song in question would have been used three times, max, in up-coming reviews. I kind of didn't want that, because it lacks in diversity, and just feels repetitive.

Still, I'm guessing it's a favourite of hers, which isn't a bad thing; it's just that for a blog, it's nice to throw in something else every now and again. I doubt y'all wanna see repeats every few days. This isn't cable TV!

So, with the change made and a mini-album now in my list of reviews for predia week, let's get into the review, and check out even more predia! Have you strapped those headphones on nice and tight?

I'm surprised that, when creating the list for predia week, my dearest Ashley didn't add predia's latest mini-album, Byakuya no Viola ni Idakarate on there, before I queried her about it. I mean, I love mini-albums, for one; they're a lot easier to sit through than a full-length album, and just as charming as any other release. Plus, she likes this mini-album, too, but honestly, I don't fault her~ She is a busy bee, and when I suggested I review this instead, Ashley was quite pleased by the decision. So, it's resolved, and today, this is the review of choice!

... Well, the one choice I do get in this list of reviews. And boy, am I glad I spoke up! This is a cracking mini-album!

Returning for another day into a world of elegance and maturity, it's time to be transported into a sound that is so distinctly predia, filled with wonderful vocals and beautiful music! I'm ready to dive right in, and hopefully, you are, too! For our third day of predia week, let's check out Byakuya no Viola ni Idakarete, and fall further in love! Are you prepared to fill your ears with such divine tunes?

[predia week] These Sweet Tones of Seduction - 'Mitashite Amore' (Single Review)

predia week continues! With a list of songs and videos to review, all written up and provided by my dear Ashley, I will be dedicating my time and reviews to a week of predia! By the time this small challenge comes to an end, will I love and adore them as much as Ashley seems to, or I will I simply pass them over as I have done, in years gone by? Well, until we come to that bridge and cross it, who knows?

Today, in our second Review dedicated to all that is predia, we take a look at the romantic side to this mature, womanly group. After listening to the tracks provided, will I be feeling a bit of sweet amore?

After introducing myself to predia with one of their albums, Koko no Dahlia ni Kuchizuke wo, it's nice that now I can just relax, and listen to something a little less heavy. I'm not really an album listener, per say, though I have a few I enjoy and think highly of. Really, though, I'm more of a music video / single person, because it's easier for me to sit and listen to, plus, it takes a lot less time to figure out just how much I enjoy or dislike what has been released. With an album, I must take everything into account, and see just how well songs flow and fit together. Sometimes, albums do this exceptionally well, other times, it's just jarring.

Luckily, predia entered the former category with their last release, but it was not subject to its meh songs, either, though you are free to disagree on my this, of course.

Still, it's nice that I'm taking a step back and going on to something a little lighter, but still fun and energetic in all it delivers. I actively look forward to reviewing this single, because, honestly... it's awesome. I won't reveal much more on the matter until I get into the songs a bit more, because this is a review, not an overview.

Before I dare talk any more, and get myself into a little bit of a tangent, it's time to get into the single that is Mitashite Amore! Perfect for Valentine's and any day filled with love, it's time to seduce your ears with the sweet tones of predia.

Are you prepared for this sultry side of predia to dominate your day?

[predia week] The Sounds of predia: An Introduction - 'Koko no Dahlia ni Kuchizuke wo' (Album Review)

One of the greatest things about the Idol fandom is sharing a group you enjoy with other people. As a blogger of this very fandom, I am able to share with you all my thoughts and feelings on the groups I enjoy most, and any music or videos that happen to pique my interest. Thing is, I almost always focus on the groups I find at random, and not the ones suggested to me. I really need to change that, because I love sharing, but I want to love what is shared with me, too.

Hence why I am doing this very post, and all that will subsequently follow thereafter. Because, why the heck not?

With the help of my darling friend Ashley, as well as a list she has created for me with what she considers the best of predia, here begins a seven-day venture into the world of Elegant Women, where we will discover the maturity and joys of one of Japan's most refined Idol groups.

Welcome to predia week, everyone. I hope you enjoy your stay~

Discovering groups is an amazing thing, and sharing them with others is just as wonderful. We all share this feeling, right? That idea of how awesome it is to know someone else likes a group you introduced them too, and falling in love with them as you did, no matter how new or old the group may be. It's a delightful feeling, to see someone else discovering the songs and videos of a group we like, with fresh eyes and ears. Knowing that they are steadily falling in love with them, just like you did way back when, is fulfilling. Being a fan who watches another fan grow is nice, and it confirms just how great the group or singer is for you all over again.

Throughout 2016, my darling, sweet friend Ashley (lovingly) poked me about checking out predia, a group I have known about since their debut, but one I have not really taken a closer look at since... well, since their debut single, Dia Love. Ashley is, in the best way possibly, nuts about this group, and every time she mentions them, she speaks very highly of their music. They are to her what HouPri is to me, I believe, and so, after all her wonderful praise and adoration for the group, I thought it's about high-time I took a look at them.

So of course, I asked Ashley to piece together a list of seven predia releases, the singles, albums and PV's she thought were the cream of the crop, with the promise that I would look at them all and review them, too, dedicating an entire week to predia here on my little blog. Needless to say, she was happy with this decision; I'm finally checking out her beloved's, after all. Honestly speaking, I am excited about this - I really do love posts that create a series, however small it may be. Plus, it allows me to get out of my writing funk, and check out a group I have previously overlooked because of a variety of reasons, from being busy, to life, or simply because I have been focusing far too long on other groups and singers.

With that said, for one week I will dedicate my time, as well as some of yours, to looking at the group that is predia, and sharing with you all the songs and videos my dear Ashley has bestowed upon me. With seven articles to write and review, I wonder how my views will change, and what my overall opinion of predia will be once the week comes to its end.

Are you ready to discover the joys of another group? Let's go~

Passengers Beware, You're In For A Scare! Zombie's Board PASSPO☆ Airline's in The 'PlayGround' Music Video!

It's not even Halloween, and yet we're already been given a music video worthy of the Horror genre! Tonight, in this wonderful playground of Zombies and fear, let's enjoy a cinematic experience, and enjoy a wonderful fright-fest!

For the first Review of the year, let's take a seat, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the on-coming onslaught of J-pop music videos...

MUAHAHAHA!

After doing such a post-heavy month like December, January usually feels pretty slow. It's a little weird to go back to having no series or plans for my reviews, and honestly, it's one of the more frustrating things. Writers block doesn't help, either, and my desire to blog has waned a little because of the heavy schedule December usually brings, what with essay deadlines, Christmas Posts, and also work and anything else I might need to do.

Of course, I do all these things because I love them, and also, because I want to. I like the challenge, and having so many things to write and look forward to.

In general, though, January is a bit of a slow months in terms of Music Videos. I don't really expect anything amazing to come out of the Idol groups until a bit later on (Though last year, DEEP GIRL was the eye-opening exception to the usual expectations), aside from one or two decent music videos. So far, I've not been bowled over, which is another reason why the month has been slow for me in terms of blogging, but there are some videos that have made me chuckle and nod my approval, with PlayGround being one of them.

Who doesn't love a good Zombie Horror every now and again, aye?

It's time for a cinema experience, so grab your popcorn, candy boxes and soda pops, and get ready to enjoy the first Review of 2017, courtesy of PASSPO☆ Airlines! It's time to board and take your seats, and be sure to fasten your seat belts, because this is going to be a bumpy ride...

Passengers Beware: Zombies just might be on-board tonight's flight, so have please your weapons ready~

New Year, New Members! Princess Training Begins for these Duo Houkago Princess Candidates!

A New Year, new news! It's 2017, and I hope that so far, everyone has been enjoying their time in this new chapter of their lives! Hopefully, for the New Year, you had a fun time, did the count down with your family, and drank a little bit of happiness. Hopefully, you were all safe, too, because I don't want anything happening to y'all. You're my buddies, so please, stay safe, otherwise it's not as fun of a New Year as one would hope.

And now, for the first post of the year! Of course it has to be HouPri, so... let the news commence!

On December 27th, 2016, it was revealed through Cute Black's Twitter that Nozomi Ota and Tanaka Asami of Heart x Strings affiliation would be leaving the group, in order to joined Houkago Princess as Apprentice / Candidate members. From January 1st, 2017, the duo have since been transferred, and are set to make their debut appearance as official HouPri Apprentice members come January 4th!

The two members join Morishita Rina - who has since been bestowed with the member colour, yellow-green - as one of HouPri's latest additions to the unit, as well as Horii Nina, who has been with the group since January 2016. Both have joined the group with aims to eventually debut as Regular members, where they will become full-fledged Princesses, and dress up in beautiful gowns and re-enact stories of old that we all know and love.

Both members have been active within Heart x Strings since its beginnings in Summer 2015, however Nozomi Ota has had a career prior to that, with one interesting resume to boot. Asami is a little less known, however, that matters very little, especially in this world of Idols. Still, it's interesting to find a few things out!

So, in order to get to know these two new Candidates for the HouPri Throne, let's delve into their profiles, and check out just who they are, in order for you to pick out your favourites! Let's go~