The Grand Top 30 J-POP Songs of 2014 ~Okay! Musume Style~

Regarding the Top 30 Songs of 2014 List I have compiled, please be aware that this post only contains MY opinions, and mine alone. I don't expect you to think this is a great list, or a list that is correct in terms of popularity, sales, views, etc... because it isn't, it's just a list of songs I genuinely liked this year, or thought were superb. If you do not like the choices, that is fine, but this is my personal taste, so please respect that.

2014 is coming to an end and, wouldn't ya know it, 2015 is coming down on us like a hawk that found a mouse for dinner! Okay, where the fuck do I come up with these analogies? XD And guess what? Like last year, I am SO not prepared! I never am! Still, like always, I'll do everything last minute, but still have fun whilst rushing things, or tearing my hair out over a post because it's nearly 6am, and I still. Have. Not. Finished. o 3o I finished. I was just typing what I thought! XD So tired!

Here. Have a banner. It's actually cuter than the last one~

Okay, so, I don't know what I drank or ate or smoked to get myself to do a TOP 30 post, but it must have been something strong because, like an idiot, I thought it would be the wisest thing to do 10 extra songs rather than my typical 20, and also thought I would find it easy. HA! No. This was not easy, but being the idiot I am, I did it somehow, and even though I'm tired and a little cranky and a tad delirious from being tired, I am happy that I finally completed it! Ohoho, yes, Top 30 songs, here we come!

Seriously though, it was difficult to do because it's 30 damn songs (plus 5 Honorables), but I am satisfied, and I feel content and complete now that it is finished. Okay, so I didn't listen to as many groups as I wanted to this year in terms of different acts or projects, but what I did listen to... I enjoyed it. Immensely. Next year though, I want to listen to more acts, rather than sticking to certain ones. I like diversity, and I didn't have that as much this year as I did last year. So yeah, next year, hopefully more acts will be in here, rather than a huge chunk of a certain collective.

By the way, here's a fair warning: This is a long-ass post, so if you actually are going to read it, then grab a drink of some sort, some crisps or cakes or something, and sit down in a comfortable position, because this ain't a fairy dance in the woods - this is the real deal, this. Is. SPARTA!!!

*Ahem*

It's My Top 30 Songs of 2014, with the long-awaited question that is this; What is the #1 song of 2014, according to Chiima? What song will REIGN SUPREME, and which song impressed her the most? Who lays at the Bottom, but really, they are at the Top of the Food Chain in the Musical World of J-Pop? To find out, you must read on and experience the horror that is...

The Grand Top 30 J-POP Songs of 2014
(... According to Chiima!)

Let's GO!!! If I ramble and make no sense in this post, please note, I'm tired. Like always. So ignore me. THANKS!

The Okay! Musume Time PV Awards of 2014

All thoughts and opinions within this post = MINE! Don't like it? I don't actually care, just don't whine at me because I don't agree with you. This be mur blog, I post what I think/want on it, and these thoughts be mine, so they be posted here~ Got that? Goody!

That said, if you have your own list to counteract mine, PLEASE SEND! I like reading ^o^

It's nearing the end of 2014, so you know what that means, right? It's the END OF THE YEAR POSTS, that's what! So, what better way to kick-start the End of Year Posts than a post all about my Top PV's of 2014, aye? Best. Idea. EVER!

Except, everyone else has already done one, so there is that. Still though, I wanted to wait until Chrimbo was over before doing this... The Year isn't nearing it's end until Christmas is out of the way, in my eyes! And given that Xmas is done and dusted, it's time for me to crack on with the posts I have not even prepared properly.

So, crack on we will! ON FORTH, SON, FOR WE SHALL REVIEW THE YEAR! Starting it all off... THE PV AWARDS OF 2014!

Ugly banner is Ugleh

... Holy shit, I'm hyper o-o I suppose that's because it's nearly 5am, though... hrm...

Anyway, yes, this is the first of a few Year End lists for me, and whilst I have no specific order for any of these PV's, I do have two Top Categories that two PV's have won over the rest, though y'all will need to wait until the end of the post to see what Video has won my heart, and which one has won my distaste.

Now I would like to note that this year, my viewing of Idol videos was pretty... well, let's say it was sparse, because I was freaking out over a lot of things. I didn't have the time to care about Idols as much as I used to, and I wanted to focus on a lot of other things, so my life came first and Idols became something a lot less important to me, so a few videos went under the radar and I ignored many releases because I just couldn't find the time for it. So, if this post seems like it doesn't have much to it, that's because I've not viewed much.

Still, I find I have a decent list from what I have seen, and though I wish I had watched more this year, I am happy with what has been compiled from the videos that I have viewed. So, without further ado, I will get into my 2014 list of PV Awards for this year! Though it may seem mostly positive, I do have two PV's to throw a punch at here, so when you find them, have fun with the read, or hate me for my damned opinion! I don't mind, either way.

With that said, it's time to dive into the PV Awards of 2014, Okay! Musume Style. What will we find in my list of Awards today...?

The Fresh Innocence of a First Love - 'Love' by AAA

All thoughts and opinions within this post are my own as always. Please respect whatever opinions I may have, no matter how absurd or stupid they may be. No, we will not see eye to eye all the time, but you can pretend I don't exist if I annoy you that much. THANKS!!!

I have decided that I need more spa in my life. So, let's get a bit mushy! Are you ready for Sappiness and Mush? I AM!!!

Valentine's Day is upon us, and whilst some fools are out there celebrating the day with chocolates, flowers and whatever else that may be deemed romantic or sappy with their beloveds, there are souls out there like myself who celebrate the Hallmark holiday alone... bitter and probably not sober, and possibly alone in their room. Ahh, Valentine's Day. You truly do bring out the best in us singletons, do you know that?

STILL!!! During these dark days we do have some form of light shining on us, a light that is called Idols. You know, those beaming beacons of happiness, sunshine and love? Yeah, them. We also have Artists as well to aid us through the darkness, namely: AAA. Aaa, I do love them (See what I did there? See it? Yes, it is funny, yes) because they are a truly talented group, with music that can be epic or absolutely beautiful. I do love them. A lot.

This love may be a bit unhealthy though, so don't follow in my footsteps, Reader dears.

Which is why it is rather appropriate to talk about their latest song and PV, Love. Even more appropriately, it is going to be released this month (February) the month of the emotion and gesture that is LOVE!!!! Sadly the release date is not the 14th, but still, I find the release of the PV and the theme behind it appropriate for this time of the year, and thanks to the loveliness that is Love and the story behind the video, it is the very music video that I will be reviewing for you all today! So kick back with your chocolates, ice cream or that sneaky bottle of wine you have been hiding behind your Idol goods and watch Love, a sweet PV that reminds you that it isn't just us adults who feel this emotion, but the youth we see today as well. Are you ready for Love to pull at your heart strings this Valentine's?

No matter what this PV tells you, I would advise that you never leave your child alone in a park, no matter how desolate or safe it may seem. Rule 1 of parenting, people!!!!

For everyone's sake, let's just call the boy Shiro and the girl Mai, okay? KAY!!!

Shiro: "Well Hello, female~"

Mai: "Maybe if I ignore him he'll go away..." -scribble scribble-

See what I mean? Predators are everywhere, even in lonely parks!!!

Shiro: "Heeeey guuuurl, can I get your Number?"
Mai: "Oh God... HEEEEEEEEEEY, BOOOY!!!"

I swear, these little playboys are relentless nowadays!!!

Shuta: "Hello, children..."

I do like your Fedora.

Give it to me.

... NOW!!!

Good Lord, Shinjiro is sexy o-o

Nissy is also damn fine, though he's made it hard for me to obtain attractive screen grabs of him in this MV. DAMNIT, NISSY!!!!

Shiro: "Aye gurl, what's that your drawing there?"
Mai: "Yaoi..."

Mai: "Er, I don't play football a lot, but thanks I guess..."
Shiro: "Can I have your number now? My ball warrants for a number, right?"
Mai: "... No."

All weirdness aside, this is a seriously cute scene. The namida's ;A;

Shiro: "Well, I have to go... babes to call, people to beat up. See ya, toots!"

Mai: "... Good Lord, you're obnoxious."

Even our sex bomb is shedding a baby tear at the sweetness of the Innocent Love.

Mai: "Dear Diary... I met this weirdo boy today, he tried to get my number... but I don't have a phone. I'm like, 5. So is he. How did he get a phone? Why was he preying on me? Why are men so weird? Ahhhh, oh yeah, My Little Pony: Fridnship is Magic is on today. YAAAAY RAINBOW DASH!!!!"

Why does that kid have a Letter Box in her bedroom?

You know, Naoya and Chiaki would make such a cute couple. I also love Chiaki's hair in this. SO CUTE!!!

Also, Naoya baby, whenever I see you now I just remind myself of this scene...

YES!!! I BROUGHT IT BACK!!! I HAD TO!!!

Erm... what?

Holy crap girl, don't go tearing your art up! A child's artwork is precious!!!

Oh wait, you were tearing a letter? What, are you going to send it to someone to have them decipher your words?

... Yep. Also, girl, you do know that the Postman has no clue there is a stolen Letter Box in your bedroom, right? Right? RIGHT!!!

Good lord Chiaki, you are pretty! I also love your outfit in this <3

Hell, Misako is gorgeous in this. Not as sweet or innocent looking as Chiaki, and Misako also looks damn forced sometimes, but whatever. Still pretty.

Misako: "Director-san, can I stop smiling now..."
Director-san: *Polishing gun* "What was that about stopping the smiles Misako?"
Misako: *Forces grin* "N-Nothing, Director-san... Nothing. At. All."

Shiro: "Awww yeah, that Chick has finally sent me her number! GET!!!"

Shiro: "Wtf is this? Some kind of code to get her number?"

This scene is shot so well I can't even...

Shiro: "Damn this girl is playing hard to get with me... she better be worth it!!!"

Those two colours are wrong, Shiro, all wrong!!! They aren't even the same shade of red!!!

Good lord, they are gray-looking here o-o I didn't really notice that until now! XD

AND MITSU-SAMA!!! Oh my LORD where have you been, you sexy beast of a man you!? This PV has lacked much sexual tension without you... well, Shinjiro provided some too, but STILL!!!

Shiro: "THIS IS WHAT I THINK OF YOUR DAMN CODES!!!"
Mai: "What the HELL are you DOING to my MASTERPIECE!?"

Such a damns sweet scene... well, if you ignore the dialogue I have for it o-o

Good Lord man, I want to do things to you that I can not say on this blog for fear that people will think I'm a bit mad...

Oh wait, they already think I'm crazy.

Mitsuhiro: "What was that, Chiima? I'm the sexiest?"

Damn right you are, Mitsu-sama!!!

Mitsuhiro: "Well thanks baby, I really appreciate it."

No thanks needed, you deserve the compliments ;) Damn sexy beast of a man... <3

Fixing a broken Heart... d'awwww ;w;

Holy crap, please don't tell me that the song has underlying meanings of being broken hearted then falling in love again? Does it?

For once I would actually be happy to see stupid Engrish Lyrics hardsubbed onto a video. Sadly, this isn't H!P. It's Avex.

Shinjiro: "Jesus, this is boring..."

I didn't know that Avex enjoyed the idea of using 50 Shades of Gray as a theme for their new Music Video...

HOLY SHIT IT'S A HEART!!! IT'S A HEART!!! OMG THEY FILMED IT IN A HEART -sobs plenty-

... And that perfectly sums up my reaction of when I first saw the end of this MV. I am not kidding ._.

Anyways...

If you're wondering 'is that all?' regarding the pic spam, then I will answer you right now that yes, that is pretty much all I have for the pic spam today, because in all honesty this is what I felt was the best in terms of images for this review. Not because the PV is bad or anything, because it is far from bad if you ask me, it's just that I felt these images represented the video better than what a million (erm... 60) of them could. For once, I chose the 'quality' of the image over the quantity. That is completely not my style, as we know I like do things in excess here, but I really felt that you could not have an excess of images with this video to show off how pretty it is. Just so many could do it, and these are the 'so many' images I chose.

That, and this review was not meant to actually be a pic spam, but instead one of my more condensed PV reviews. It just sort of happened (the pic spam), and the pictures spoke for themselves in my mind... which is why we now have a mini-spam of images for you all to view!

With that all said and done, going into this PV I really did not expect to see the story that I did. I mean, I expected a Love story of sorts (because come on, what else would a song called Love feature? Blood and gore? Totally!) but I actually expected something more along the lines of Koi Oto to Amazora had, a bitter-sweet love story perhaps between some of the members of AAA or even a few different actors. What I least expected was a video that represented the idea of 'innocent love', otherwise known as the love between two children. No I did not expect it, but after watching this video multiple times I have found that I have truly fallen for the video concept of Love and the sweet representation of the emotion that we think about during this time of the year.

The video for Love is extremely simple in its concept, however it brings across the idea of a fresh and new experience of being in love with someone, with the children portraying that idea of 'new' and 'innocent' love thanks to their age and the ways they express their affection for each other, such as the boy giving the girl his football or the girl creating the torn images to create the heart that they piece together towards the end of the video. It shows us the process of their affections, from the boy waiting for the mail patiently whilst the girl sends it off in small steps, all coming up to the point where they both finally come together again to put the heart together and fully commit to the love that they share for each other. The way the story is set out, it could have easily been pulled off by adult actors or even AAA themselves, but it is undeniable that it would not have had the same effect as what the child actors had, creating that thought of a sweet love that is so new, fresh and innocent that it has to be first love, rather than simply being a 'new' love with a new lover after you lost love with someone else.

This PV, though it has its faults such as a few lip-syncing issues and the giant lack of Mitsuhiro during a good portion of the video, is very well done. It takes on the use of a one-shot take (which explains the lip-sync problems) throughout the entire video with the members of AAA taking turns to appear in order to tell the story of the two youngsters as they watch over what happens between them and their youthful first love. The idea of a one-shot take is not a new one, but it is a very effective way of making a video and takes a lot of dedication, patience and good timing to get right, and in the end it creates a beautiful video with an on-going story that simply does not stop to show off other aspects of a singer or the platform they are performing on, and that strikes true for AAA's Love; we see here the story between the lovers, and we see the storytellers, but we do not derail from the story being told at any point.

Love is a beautiful PV in my mind, and whilst it may be a bit too bland or devoid of colour for some, I find the use of little colour a great way of showing off the main characters of this video, the children. Given that they are the only ones with a good amount of colour on them in the video, it's pretty clear to me that they are the characters of importance and the main focus of the MV. Even the members of AAA do not have a lot of colour on them and wear mostly grey, though I put that down to them acting as 'Shadows' in the entire Music Video rather than actually being characters (after all, they are telling a story, not re-enacting it). It took me a while to actually see this, but now that I have picked up on it it is really clear that anything with a good amount of colour in the video is important for the progress of the storyline, which is pretty nice to see in a Music Video if you ask me, especially one as sweet but simple as Love is.

As a song, I really do adore Love. It's a beautiful ballad that tells a heartfelt story of love from what I suspect is a third persons view of a relationship blossoming between two people. Because I don't know Japanese (nor can I find the lyrics, Kanji or otherwise) I have no clue about the actual story of the song, however I would love to know what it means because the emotion behind the song seems strong but also saddening during certain parts (mostly during Misako's solo's). It is sweet and gentle with an enjoyable sound, though there is no denying that it will possibly bore a few people when they listen to it, however as a lover of ballads in general, I found this to be a pleasant and beautiful song from AAA. That said, I do think it sounds a bit too much like a Christmas song at certain points in the instrumental, but that is my only issue with it.

Love is a gorgeous PV with a simple but sweet setting that will never get old, perfectly portraying the idea of a first love that is innocent and fresh as well as showing the viewers that love is timeless and happens even when we are young and so new to the emotion that we willingly share with other people as we grow older. In Love we are shown that even with our inexperience of being in love, we can still fall for someone no matter what our age may be. Love comes in many forms, and in this video it is shown through the story of these two innocent youths and the start of what is their first, pure feeling of Love for each other.



Love is a strong force, but it is also innocent and true. Will you fall in Love too?

Chiima~

   

Okay! Musume Digest #70

Minna, Digest Dayo? What shall we Digest today?

In this weeks Digest...

FINALLY, some S/mileage news! Mano Erina's Photobook cover + previews released! Mano Erina will act in a live-action series? Michishige Sayumi to release a new photobook! NEW KENSHUUSEI!!!! The H!P Kenshuusei also get a TV Show! 30 Candidates selected for AKB48's Draft Kaigi! SKE to release a new single! An ex-AKB member is in a relationship!? PV previews galore! Miss iD 2014 is here, and she won't smile! And more! Are you ready to Digest today?

Chiima's Top 13 Idol Summer PV's of 2013

All thoughts and opinions within this post are my own and no one else's. You do not have to agree with me, but respect my opinion, and I shall in turn respect yours. Don't want to respect it? Then I will gladly be a cow to you about it! Have fun~

Summer is ending, and seriously, I am pretty sad about it, because this Summer was actually really damn awesome! It was sunny here in England (dafuq, I know!) and I spent a lot of time outside, attempting to tan when really, the only part of my body that tanned was my feet... that's a true story, bro. Oh, and we also had a lot of awesome Idol PV's for the Summer! What's not to like about the Summer gone bye, aye? So, that all said and done, shall we start the post?

Now, before we start the rank itself, I do want to say that I have not watched every Japanese Summer Pop PV that has come out through June-July-August time, though I have watched a good few, so if you don't see something in this list that you have seen and enjoyed, I do apologise... also, this is a Top 13, meaning that I probably have seen more than the 13 you see here, but I did not include them because they probably did not stand out to me as much as the ones I will present here did.

I would also like to note that I will not include any Hello! Project PV's in this because, whilst I do love that Umbrella of Project and Units, there are a lot of PV's that have come out, and if I were to do a Top 13, I would most likely make a separate post because there are just so many of them that have come out in time for the summer.

That said and done, let's take a dive into my Top 13 Idol Summer PV's for 2013! Will any of your favourite PV's be present?

#13

Dream Catcher by Icle Girls


I have no doubt that you may be pondering over who the heck these 'Icle Girls' are, and honestly, so am I... I just happened to find this PV by chance and fell in love with this group upon first glance. Okay, so they can't sing for toffee (few Idols can) but I just found myself thoroughly enjoying this cute little PV and the girls themselves. They are nothing original, don't get me wrong, but they have a look and sound that I quite enjoy. This has actually been one of my well-looped songs, and whilst I originally found the add-on of the Hawaiian Hula music a tad odd and out-of pace, I have come to really enjoy the song and the quirky addition of the Hula music.

It's a nice PV in my opinion, and whilst it may be cheap for some, I actually like the setting of the PV in the swimming pool, and I like that they made it s summery as possible without getting in the pool or going to the beach. That, and all the girls are cute.

#12

Rappa RenshuuChuu by Watanabe Mayu


I have a feeling some of you will come at me with pitchforks and torches because of how low this PV is in the rank, but honestly, it's mostly because this is one of Mayu's more forgettable PV's... but in all seriousness, it is a fun and energetic PV. It has a lot of cuteness and charm to it, and is an enjoyable watch. I actually really like listening to the song when I remember it exists, too, but yeah... as a song and PV, Rappa RenshuuChuu is a boatload of fun, and really easy to get into. I'm actually surprised that I thought I would hate this when I first saw the preview (true story, bro).

What I like about this PV, other than the fact that it isn't a blatant Summery Bikini-filled PV (Surprising, considering Mayu is in AKB and all) but instead something fun and cute, and actually nt at all summer-themed. It's just childish and fun, and actually quite imaginative! It makes for a very nice PV if you ask me, and I like that Mayu looks like she is having a lot of fun as the little Magician Trumpet girl she plays as (once again, like previous MV's, she has something in her back to represent a bow or whatever... I do like it, though). I also like the pastels used in this video, making it pretty refreshing, but still colourful and fun to look at! It's a very nice music video from Mayu, and a nice addition to the abundance of summer PV's that we have been pelted with this year!

#11

Savage Heaven by Bump.y


Heading over to the darker side of Summer PV's, Bump.y's latest is a rather chilling and cool music video that shows a more mature side to the girls since their last PV, COSMO no Hitomi. Upon first seeing this video I was highly impressed with Bump.y, as I usually am when they bring out something new. Once again, these girls have grown as performers and brought another stellar performance, but also a new approach and look that I have never seen them take on before. It is rather scary how mature they have become, to be honest, especially Matsuri, who is still so little but somehow managing to make me believe that she is growing up into a radiant young lad... I mean woman.

Now that said, there really isn't much going on in the PV itself other than the girls travelling a cavern, alone with just a flash-light, and dancing in said cavern, but really, it is the atmosphere and the feel of the video that makes me enjoy it. The girls all look and sound amazing, and they really help give the video that chilling, lonely feel that is needed for such a dark and rather mysterious music video. I know it may be simple for some, but I like this PV... and I like that it is dark and different, as opposed to sunny and bikini-ridden.

#10

HANABI!! by LinQ


Returning to the summery side of Idol PV's, LinQ have produced one of my favourite loop-the-fuck-out-of-it songs for the summer, and the PV ain't half bad, either! Featuring a more traditional look in the form of Matsuri costumes (and plenty of Japanese Summer food favourites!) this is, to me, a great Summer PV that shows off a fun side to the hot weather... without the damn bikini's! It was honestly quite refreshing to see something like this come out of a bigger group member-wise, and not have to see the girls giving in to the fanservice just to present a summer single. What's more, it's all done in a studio, and yet still looks and feels like a Summer-filled PV that people can enjoy. I guess that is the power of props!

Also, the girls are darling in this - they really bring the video to life and make it what it is; fun, friendly and happy! It is an energetic video that just fits Summer perfectly and works well for LinQ, and for me, it is one of the best PV's of Summer 2013 because of that. Then again, I am a sucker for happiness and good group chemistry! Also... look at all those cuties! How can you not fall in love, aye?

#9

Manatsu no Tenta Kansoku by Tsuribit

One of the newest groups to grace 2013, Tsuribit have become a fast favourite of mine, and their summer PV for their physical debut single really won me over when I was able to find and see the full version! Whilst it may not have much to do with fishing (the groups concept is Idol x Fishing), the video is cute and well done, and makes me think of happy and breezy summers that pass by as you look for school romance. It is a rather bitter-sweet PV, though, which surprised me because most Idol PV's have a happy ending and a nice little storyline to make us feel happy, but in this one the girls either get their loved ones, or they don't, and for some it is more of a bitter, realistic ending, and you see them give up pretty quickly... horrible, I know, but it does make for quite a good storyline and allows the girls to try their hand at acting.

I enjoy this PV, because whilst it may be kids performing and acting, they do a very good job of it and make a pretty nice video. They may need to brush up on their dancing a bit, but I find the song a nice change from kiddish, poppy, loud and energetic summer songs, and the video isn't overly childish or colourful, which surprised me. Tsuribit as a whole are a pretty impressive group, and this Summer PV stood out to me because of the effort the girls put in, the bright look of the video, and the nice little storyline. Overall, it is a lovely Summer video that is enjoyable to watch for all!

#8

Love is in the Air by AAA

Now, really, did you think that this would not appear? Because it would be silly if you did doubt my love for AAA in this list! This was one of the first Summer PV's I saw, and I instantly fell in love with it I have a thing for AAA and their Summer songs, it seems. Okay, it may be generic and probably not the best that AAA have pulled out, but for me it has that refreshing, happy summer sound that is both pleasant and appealing to my ears. It also has a pretty fabulous, natural-looking PV that I pretty much go gaga over with any group when they are done right, and yes... this video has been edited and filmed to perfection!

It is airy, bright and gentle. The sun does not glare at you to the point where you have to wear sunglasses to simply watch it, and everyone looks fresh, summery and bright. To me, that is really all you need for a Summer PV. Nothing needs to be flashy, overly-colourful (though I do love me some colour!) or overly-happy and over-the-top... it just needs to be refreshing and simplistic, and AAA's Love is in the Air is simplicity at its best, and just so beautiful to watch. It is enjoyable, and makes me think of refreshing summers with my friends. It also makes me want to go out and find a tree to tie a tyre swing on. That will make me feel like a kid again, but hey! It'll be damn fun, you know?

#7

2 Gakki Debut Daisakusen!! by Otome Shinto

Remember when I talked about Tsuribit, and I mentioned how, despite their age, they didn't resort to childish and colourful videos? Yeah, well Otome Shinto are the complete opposite... then again, Otome Shinto are that one annoying group who, despite their inability to sing, still sing in an ungodly pitch that does not fit or suit them at all... and yet, I can't get enough of their second single that was released this summer.

Then again, I am a sucker for happiness and colour sometimes, and this is one of those times. Also, who can deny that wonderful lego-encrusted sailor fuku-esque costume, aye? I can't! Also, this is a pretty damn good PV, and I can't deny that it is one of my favourites of Summer 2013! Sure, the girls need to learn how to sing, but their performance here is pretty damn amazing, and I love the childish, happy feeling of the entire video. Everything about this just screams bubbly, happy, wonderful childishness, and I just can't get enough of it! I love it so much, and when I first saw the full music video I was highly impressed by how great it was! It looks amazing, the girls have a lot of energy and personality in it, and they really stepped up from their last single, which I did quite like as well... also, that ending. Gotta love it!

#6

ERENA by Ono Erena


It feels like it has been ages since this PV and the album it is from came out, but really, it was only last June... and that's still summer to me, and also, I am totally in love with this song and video!

When it first came out, I cried out of pure happiness, because I loved it so much. To me, this is a really beautiful PV and just makes me incredibly happy when I watch it. Also, I have a major love for Ono Erena, so of course that makes this PV even better when watching it, but really... it is very visually pleasing with the green grass, the gentle, refreshing look it has the cute antics between Erena and a wolf. It is bright, open and sweet, and Erena looks stunning in this video! The song is beautiful as well, but the whole feel and look isn't overly summery or bright like other Summer PV's... in fact, if I had to gander a guess at the season for this PV, I would say it is a Spring PV, but given it was out in June, I kind of class it as a Summer music video, but a very pure and Angelic one. Certain scenes do, however, remind me of midsummer thanks to the sunset tone towards the end of it.

Overall, I do love it, and if you are wondering why it is only at #6 on my list despite being a video I love... honestly, there are better Summer PV's that have come out. This one just has my undying love beside it which helped it to rank this high! Haha!

#5

We are Dreamer by Dream5

Energetic, colourful, happy, sad at times in the storyline... yes, of course Dream5's latest single PV has to be in here! This is one impressive music video to me, and whilst I find Dream5 a talented bunch regardless, I think that this is their best PV to date! It shows the strength of the group beautifully, and is the first time I have actually seen them act in a video and portray emotions other than 'serious dancers' and 'happy dancers'. Also, damn, this PV is colourful, and whilst simplicity and beautiful backdrops in the form of hills and nature appeal to me a lot in summer videos, so do balloons and bright colours that pop and smash me in the face. Yep, I love it. And why shouldn't I? This video is just so... bright!

Given how poor their last song and PV was (sorry, Dream5 fans! But not a fan of that one!), I was extremely impressed and happy with the result of this PV! It shows great improvement in Dream5, and just shows that they are still amazing regardless of that one little burst bubble they had with their last single. This video is full of personality and talent, and it really made me sit back and take a good look at this group, and helped me to remind myself just why I enjoyed Dream5 as a group so much, and why I need to follow them more...

Long story short: THIS IS AN AMAZING MUSIC VIDEO! I would sell my soul for it, to be honest! XD

#4

Kimi to Ita Sora by Yuuka Ueno

One of my newer finds, Yuuka Ueno's debut single Kimi to Ita Sora is probably one of my favourite singles this Summer, but the PV is equally as beautiful as the title song is. It is gentle and soft, and has a pretty neat story line to go with it about a girl who is lost in chasing her own dream. The music video includes footage from a short movie that is included in the debut single, and creates a nice storyline that everyone can enjoy. Paired with the beautiful solo shots of Yuuka singing in the refreshing daylight outside of a school building, I find that the director has made a very beautiful PV which flatters Yuuka and fits the song well.

I am in love with the song itself, but I do think that PV does the song justice, and for a major debut, I think that Yuuka Ueno has really done well. She has a natural approach to the camera and just looks absolutely perfect in front of it. She has this passionate, earnest look about her that is translates well on camera, and she just looks so happy and at peace with herself. Yuuka Ueno as a whole is very refreshing, but she truly is a wonderful performer in this, and Kimi to Ita Sora is a PV and song that I highly recommend you all take a look at. Hopefully, you won't regret it!

#3

Girl's Rule! by Nogizaka46


Didn't expect that now, did you? Yes yes, I know, my reputation with extreme hatred for NG46 precedes me beautifully, but honestly, I can appreciate a good MV when I see one, and darlings, this is a damn good music video... in fact, one of the best I have seen this summer and one of the best from this ex-joke of a group. In fact, I would even go as far as to say that this was the first Summer PV that stumped me and impressed me greatly... and really, whilst I do like a lot of these PV's on here, very few actually impressed me and made me re-evaluate the group. Heck, this PV even impressed Nia, and she loathed this group as much as I did... to the point where she black listed them from her blog, and then reviewed them because she was that impressed.

Yup, this group killed two Bloggers with one PV. YAY!

That said, this PV is extremely refreshing and different from what I come to expect from an AKS group. It is fun, pleasant to watch, bright and summery without having to resort to bikini's! In fact, the girls wear a lot of clothes in this, normal looking clothes at that, which I find weird for an AKS group, once again... but the girls are dancing in dresses in a pool, which is actually quite nice to watch. I also love that the pool has a reason to be in the PV... given that the pool is the main plot point for the storyline in this. Ah, yes... the story... it is GOOD! I love it! Okay, it is about saving a pool from being demolished, but it is a pretty good storyline and shows how these girls come together to overcome the bad guy, and how they save the one thing they enjoy the most together in the stifling summer heat. Overall, this is a pretty damn amazing PV, and definitely a winner for me.

#2

Up Up Typhoon by Up Up Girls


I think I would be a tad crazy to not include this song in my Top 5 for this list, because I do love it... Hell, I even bought it, I love it that much! This is an amazing song, and the PV is pretty damn incredible! This brings together all elements that I love about Summer PV's in one video; colour, nature, happiness, energy and simplicity. Seriously, it's like someone threw skittles into a field for me (I am that easy to please, believe me) and added music to create this rainbow-filled video of happiness and wonder! Really, it is just so... so perfect! Okay, two of the members bore me to no end here, but the rest of the girls in this gorgeous video make up for their blandness and really pull together the video to make it perfect!

But not only does the video have wonderful elements that make me think of a fun and great summer, the song is also damn amazing! Everyone sounds great here (bar the bland ones) and all of the members have a great amount of energy and happiness, and you can clearly see that they are enjoying the video, and that in turn allows me to enjoy it along with them! There is so much silliness going on here that I can't think of a nicer Summer PV to enjoy for 2013! It is amazing, and has everything in it that I could ask for. I think that it helps that these girls are talented, too, so we don't just get a visually appealing PV, but one that has a lot of talent behind it, and not just pretty faces, like most other Idol groups and PVs.

It makes me happy, and that is why it is one of my Top 2 in this list of Top PV's for Summer 2013!

...

And so we have come to my Number 1 PV for the Summer of 2013! I have a feeling you al; *might* know what it is, so without further ado, here is my #1 PV of 2013!!!

#1

Bokura no Eureka by NMB48


Believe it or not, I was set to HATE this PV when it came out. Why? Well, I thought that it would go down the same route as Manatsu no Sounds GOOD by shoving in a blasted Bikini shot, totally ruining the atmosphere and tone of the video and destroying my love for it... but nope. AKS learned from a past mistake and didn't even put in one bikini shot here! Seriously, it is pure storyline and epic shots! The girls are all survivors of a shipwreck and are fighting for survival, kind of like Lord of the Flies or Battle Royale in a way, and are also trying to overcome their hatred of each other in some situations. It is a PV all about the girls coming together and trying to make a bad situation good, and getting over their differences in these dire times of pain and hunger.

As a video, this is beautifully shot and directed, and there is a great location as well. It is so well done and has such a movie-like quality about it that is enjoyable and also epic. It leaves you wondering what will happen to the girls (especially at the ending climax) and how they will get through their troubles. The only issue I seem to have with the video is that it actually has a break in the middle, and honestly... it annoys me to no end! I like to listen to a song and have it continue without a break, but I guess if that is the only issue I have with it, then really, it isn't that bad of a PV, is it? Anyways, regardless of the break in the middle, this is an amazing PV. It looks good, the storyline is strong, the location is great, the girls all gave a stellar performance, and the ending is just wonderful and really sets a darker tone for the music video. Everything about Bokura no Eureka is amazing, even the song, which is so light and a lot more refreshing than other AKS summer songs... overall, this is a winning PV, which is why it is my Number 1 for the Summer PV's of 2013!

And here my Top 13 Idol Summer PV's of 2013 post comes to an end! These are my Top 13, and whilst I may not have really watched a lot of Summer PV's this year, these are the ones that really stood out to me outside of the H!P bandwagon. I'm sorry if one of the groups you enjoyed this Summer was not here, but again, I have not watched all Summer PV's... if I had, I would be one tired hermit in the basement!

So, that all said and done, do you have any Top Summer PV's that you enjoyed this Summer of 2013? Please comment with them if you like, but until next time... ja ne!

Chiima~

PING!!! Recommended Jpop♀ Reading: August 2013, Part Two

Okay! Musume Digest #64

Minna! Digest dayo?

In this weeks Digest...

Hello! Project boom with their News! MoMusu to release a new Best-of album! Tsunku talks about MoMusu and Hello! Project! Kumai Yurina's new solo DVD digest is here! A preview for HKT48's second single MV! Up Up Girls comment on the release of their summer single! And more! Are you ready to Digest?

AAA is FABULOUS in the Air!!! - AAA's 'Love is in the Air' PV Review

As always, my opinion is solely my own and no one elses, and within this blog my opinion is pretty much word, law, etc... because it's my blog, an outlet for me to give my opinion. You don't have to like it, in fact you can LOATHE IT, but please please PLEASE... respect my opinion, and I shall respect yours. If you don't respect mine, then fuck it. Yours can go to Hell along with mine! YAAAY!!!

I don't care if it's Senbatsu today, because for me, it's AAA day errday... okay that's a blatant lie but whatever.

... There is a chance that I probably had way too much fun when screen capping this review. A slight chance...

I was a little stumped recently to as what PV I could review, because there were, at the time, four that I was interested in reviewing, and this was one of them. Sadly, the song itself started to annoy me to a point where I decided I did not want to review it, but then I got that sudden 'I need to review this' urge I sometimes have, and boy, am I glad I actually decided to sit down at stupid-o'clock to screen cap this... with the intention of screen captioning like, what, ten images? Well, I came out with 50, surprise surprise, because I found sheer amusement in the PV somehow... More on that later, when we actually get through the screen caps themselves.

Anyways, as I said in the very beginning, I am not the biggest fan of this song; it gets tiring very quickly, and I am ready to switch to something else after a few loops of it. Not that it's bad, it's just... annoying. And irritating. And overly generic. But it's okay.

I just prefer the PV more than the song, though there are certain aspects of the music that I do enjoy, such as Mitsutsu's (yes, nickname time!!!) rapping. Also, I enjoy looking at Mitsutsu. Mhm, Mitsutsu... Oh wait, tangent. Not good, get off it, Chiima!

So yeah, the song is somewhat alright, but I doubt I will remember it next summer, or decide to listen to it next summer. But it's fine for now I guess... well, at least the PV is good, right?

Which is what we're going to get onto next... so, are you ready to jump into a world of AAA and Love? Who will you fall in love with on this hot summer day? Let's find out!

Okay, I want that landscape. Also, a beautiful, scenic way to open a PV! Very prety, summery and rather appropriate for the song title...

And here we have my future boyfriend... I mean HI MITSUTSU!

Oh good Lord, the winking is back... are we going to have to play the Winking Drinking game again? It's a tad early...

... Yup. Down two shots, people!!!! -downs vodka-

Ouch, it looks like someone is forcing herself to look happy!

Oh good lord, more winking... -downs another glass of vodka- I swear, these artists and Idols are gonna kill me...

Shuta: "Oooooh, naughty naughty~"

He reminds me of someone from my Media class... same hair and face shape, actually.

Shuta: "Aaaaaaye, another one of them *hic* shots for me pleeeashhhh!!!!"

Ah fuck it, he's winking again! -downs another vodka- urrrrgh...

I do enjoy these scenes, but as Nia asked me when watching it... 'Where is the rope tied?'. I say Heaven, she says a fluffy cloud.

Either way, we're both right I think.

I forget which chick she is, but she is quite pretty, is she not?

Nishy: "Hey babe..."

Ho buggery, Nishy!!! My god why are you so HOT!?

Nishy: "Ahahahaha!!!! You so funny, girl!"

My Lord... Dat. Smile!!!! <3

... And DEAD!!!!! -dies happily-

Oh fudge cookies, he is DIVINE!!!! Is there anyone more perfect than him? Please, enlighten me...

I meant male, but... fair play. She is perfect... <3

Shinji: "Oh yeah... they want me. They want me so bad..."

Despite being the youngest, Shinji is, by far, the manliest of them AAAll, right?

Shinji: "COME AT ME, BRO'S!!!!"

Too bad I don't really fancy him... damn...

Oh, MIMES!!! You are all MIMES in a BOX!!!!

... I think that Nishy and Shuta are having too much fun with this dance move...

Chiaki: "A bit hot in here..."
Naoya: "Bitch, I am SO more fabulous than YOU!!!"

Oooooh girl, I think that Naoya has a bit of Fabulousness about him, and he does not like the look of Chiaki trying to outdo his fabulousness, UH UH!

I can't help but think of Piriri to Yukou when they stand on that stage, outdoors... Oh crap now I am imagining AAA singing to that song!!!

Nishy: "... How many girls did I sleep with again this week?"

... I feel like I should just draw a monocle over his eye, ad a pocket watch to his hand and a top hat to his head, and we're done.

I don't like your forehead, Chiaki, but you are very pretty indeed. I also love your hair!

Shinji-kun is so manly! He even makes the tree look manly!

Misako: "AAA needs YOU!!!"

No, AAA needs a topless Nishy and Mitsutsu! Give my topless men!!!!

Oh Lord, Naoya is not helping himself here... he was fabulous once, and now he is just so, so...

IRIDESCENT!!!!! He shines, darlings, SHINES I SAY!!!!

Naoya: "Yo homey, where all dem bitches at? Bring it, dawg!"

Don't try to look tough, Naoya... I know the truth.

... Oh good Lord, you are really not helping yourself out here, Naoya!

... I had to!!!!!

Wait, is... is Shuta biting his lip? Isn't that in my Winking Drink Game rule book?

... Yup. BOTTOM'S UP!!!! -drinks-

Shuta: "Hooo boy, look at ma SEXY LEG!!!!"

I question whoever the fuck is in charge of Shuta's wardrobe.

Nishy: "... Were you one of the girls I forgot to call back?"

Misako: "Fuck off, dickwad!"

Shinji: "WHO WANTS A PIECE OF ME!?"

Naoya: "Oh look, a rainbow..."

Naoya is pretty chillax here, but it looks like Misako dropped a penny or something haha.

I do want what Chiaki is wearing...

D'awww, what a cute fake smile she has~

From a distance, I can't help but want to scream 'CHINAMI!!!!!'

I don't think that anyone can look as pained as Misako does when she smiles in this.

Shinji: "Aaaaaaye BITCHES, yo home boy is back!"

Why aren't the women running through the field?

... Why am I questioning it?

Look at Shuta, trying to be all glam and cool looking... Oh and look, it's Nishy... om nom nom! <3

Nishy: "Hey girls..."

-fan girls everywhere scream, cry and die happily-

Mitsutsu: "WHY DO YOU KEEP FILMING ME!? LEAVE BRITNEY ALONE!!!!"

I kinda had to take this image, I swear, Mitsutsu is too bad ass for this group sometimes xD

Mitsutsu: "Aaaaaaye, what up there, home dawg?"

Gangsta much?

Mitsutsu: "YEEEEAH I'M FLYING!!! WHOOO!"

They are seriously lacking in how many scenes Mitsutsu has on the tyre swing.

... And this is when I, almost quite literally, fell in love with Hidaka Mitsuhiro and decided that he was sexier than Nishy...

... Until I saw the bulge in Nishy's pants, that is. My god, NISHY!!!!!

Nishy: "Oh yeah baby, no socks allowed. That was ALL Nishy in there..."

Maybe I should add this 'face' to my Winking Drinking game? -drinks more-

Nishy: "Hahahaha I was kidding... it's just the jeans making that bulge."

My good lord, I am too hormonal for my own good around this guy.

... Oh well!

Shuta: "Does my head look big in this?"

Look at Shuta, checking himself out in the camera lens! Vanity!!!!

... Yeah, Naoya's a bit flamboyant, isn't he? Good thing he is...

THAT ONE! WHOO!

Chiaki, are you tired? You look tired. And Misako, please, take some happy pills. You don't seem to be enjoying this PV at all.

Need to get in at least one more Nishy, just for the hell of it...

And Shinji too, because he is divine as well, but not as divine as Nishy or...

YAAAAAY, MITSUTSU!!!! <3

Naoya, where the Hell is your rainbow?

... I think that I am far too hormonal around the AAA boys, because my goodness guys, they are divine!!! Maybe Love truly is in the air here, huh? Also, I really did enjoy screen captioning this video a bit more than I thought I would, especially Naoya's parts... that man is just too fabulous, you know? It was also extremely fun adding the rainbow and sparkles to the images I edited... my goodness, staying awake is never a good idea, especially when it resorts in me messing up captions, but... hahahaha!!!!

Okay, idiotic moment over and done with (pfffft....) let's talk about the PV itself, rather than the dazzling men in it who remind me that hey, there are actually men outside of Idol groups that I can drool at... or something. Anyway, again, my idiotic moment is over it's never over so let's take a look at the song and video for Love is in the Air, shall we?

First off, I will talk about the song a little because, as I said previously, this is not my favourite song and I doubt it ever will be. It gets annoying too quickly, for one, and whilst I think that the song is pretty nice for summer, it's never going to compete against PAN-PAKA-PAN or Bokura no Eureka. Okay, so those two songs plus this one are all generic as hell, but I find that both PAN-PAKA-PAN and Bokura no Eureka have a bit more charm and character behind them, and in the case of P-P-P, a lot more energy and enthusiasm behind it - this song by AAA kinda doesn't, and really, the only thing about the song that keeps me coming back is Mitsutsu when he raps. Damn, he's hot when he raps!!!! But yeah... the song itself is fine I think, and when I want to listen to it I can loop it for a while, but when it gets annoying... well yeah, it gets annoying.

But as I said, I can enjoy it when I feel like listening to it because, like most poppy summer songs, this has a very airy and light summer feeling to it, one that relaxes me and makes me think of a day where I want to sit outside and just listen to something nice, cheery and gentle, and that is this song. It's quite fun, in a subtle way, and it has its upbeat moments, but it isn't so full on like PAN-PAKA-PAN is, so I could easily chill out to Love is in the Air. It's a good song for that sort of thing, but I could never listen to it daily, it's a bit too bland and boring for that... but it's a nice enough song I think, and in my opinion, it fits well with the theme of summer, and the theme of the video.

Which we shall talk about now, I think!

Okay, so I first saw a preview of this video, so I did go into the video knowing what to expect, but even after waiting for the full video to come out, I found myself surprised by how simple and pretty the entire video is; this is a summer PV, and when it comes to artists, or at least Idol groups, I kind of half-expect these bikini-clad music video's set on beaches, using cheap sex-driven tricks to get money and such... but this is AAA, and they are actually a group with people who can sing (I think?), so I should not be surprised, but still... it was really nice to see the simplicity in this video, and I like how the simplicity translated well with the title of the song; the airy, broad opening with a bright blue sky and a beautiful landscape as a backdrop really did make me think of Love being in the air, or at least the air part. Either way, I think that the PV worked in favour of the song.

I also love how summery the entire video feels without the use of forcing the girls into bikini's and the boys into swimming trunks, or even putting them on a beach; just the open landscape and the clothing makes me think 'Oooh, so this is what summer is...', and with the addition of the tyre swings, I really feel that this PV sums up a laid-back summer nicely; relaxing and having fun on a hot summers day by spending time with friends, outside, and playing on a tyre swing. In fact, the tyre swing in the video itself reminds me of when I was a kid, where I would play with some of the older kids in the street and we would go in the tyre swing down the lane. So yeah, the tyre swing itself in the video reminds me of summer in a way, but also fun days in the past as well. It's a nice little add-in to the video, and whilst the scenes themselves don't add much to the video, it is a nice addition I think, and it shows you something different to how we can spend our summer, rather than just relying on a beach to make us think 'Oh yeah, it's summer... beach time!!!'.

I like the video a lot, I really do. I think that, whilst this may not be a PV that screams 'BEACH!!! ICE CREAM!!!' or 'BIKINI'S!!!!', it is a PV that takes on its own form of what a fun summer is, and shows off that more relaxed and peaceful environment, whilst still being fun and refreshing. The use of the tyre swing, the bright and vast opening and the dancing in the open landscape all work in favour of this video, and it creates a beautiful, summery atmosphere that makes me want to spend more time outside with my friends, enjoying the sun and the land around me. Okay, this may not be the summer PV that everyone rushes to see because, hey, there is a lack of bikini goodness, but this PV has beauty behind it, and I like that because it shows that summer is not just about going to the beach wearing flowery ugly bikini's or going to the pool, but a time where you can appreciate the glory of the sun and what it does for our landscapes, as well as a time to spend with your friends doing whatever you want to do such as tyre swinging through those fields!

It's a simple PV, but damn, it is pretty... and yes, I prefer the simplicity over boobs any day... kinda.

 

... Oh lord I hope that this review is okay and/or makes some sense, because I might be lacking a bit too much sleep...

Chiima~

PING!!! Idolminded Recommended Reading: June 8th, 2013