Showing posts with label E-girls. Show all posts
Showing posts with label E-girls. Show all posts

Thursday, 15 December 2016

Eve of The Idol ∼3rd Night∼ Sing A Melody of Holiday Cheer - E-girls 'Merry x Merry Xmas★'

You hum a little tune and place the Angel atop the Christmas tree. With lights twinkling all around, presents lain against your feet, you feel the magic of the season engulf your very soul...

 3rd Night 

Christmas songs are amazing. They can bring out the spirit with the tinkle of a tune, whilst also portraying a variety of emotions within the depths of their sound. Whether it is emotional or energetic, it is truly wonderful just how varied a Christmas or Winter song can become, yet still feel like it is a part of the winter and Christmas season. Whether it is pop or rock, dance or a ballad, it seems that whatever the genre and style, you can somehow put an inkling of Christmas in there! Ah, the power of winter spirit and twinkling sounds.

With a jingle and a bell, we're going to take a look at some songs that embody this idea of Christmas time, but in a few different sounds. It's time to sit by the fire, put the presents under the tree, and hum a lovely little tune as we warm ourselves with eggnog and mulled wine.

For 12 Nights, and 12 Nights only, let's take a journey with Idols of all kinds and enjoy the wintry styles they have adopted. Whether the song is old or new, let's celebrate all it delivers. This season, let's fall in love with our Idols all over again...

This is the Third Eve, and tonight we shall enjoy the spirit and joy of E-girls and Christmas in sound. Let the bells ring out, and the merriment begin!

What little ditty will you hum and sing on this winters eve..?

Saturday, 27 December 2014

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...?

Wednesday, 24 December 2014

[12 Days of Idols] With the Magic of Christmas, Let's Journey to a Beautiful Wonderland... E-girls' 'Mr.Snowman' PV Review!

Within this post, any thoughts or opinions expressed are completely my own. Don't like what is said, then you don't have to read it, or if you do read it and want to vent, then vent to me, but fairly; if you're just going to whine/flame me, then don't expect me to answer you or play nice. Respect what is said, and others will respect you back: It goes two ways. So, don't flame, it's bad for your health! Thanks!

It's Christmas tomorrow! In some countries, it may already be that time of the year, however for myself and many others, we have one more day to go! In just a nights sleep, we will be waking up to the sound of Christmas bells and Santa's Sleigh...

Tonight, this is where the real magic begins. For on the 24th of December we begin to prepare for a wondrous day, and the joy of Christmas truly comes to life. As the children sleep with Santa in their dreams and parents putting the presents under the tree, we can only think of the happiness that will come with tomorrow's awakening. And then, when all arise for the morning and what it brings, we will see smiles and hear beautiful songs, coming together on a joyful time of the year. This is the magic of Christmas, and it is the preparation that truly brings about that happiness.

For a final journey towards Christmas, won't you join me on a journey to a Magical Wonderland? It's time to go...

On the Night before Christmas, our Idols brought to me...
A Magical Wonderland in an E-girls PV!

Saturday, 20 December 2014

[12 Days of Idols] A Battle of Snow and Story, It's E-girls VS. GEM in The Single Showdown: 'Mr.Snowman' VS. 'Star Shine Story'. Who Shall Prevail...?

All thoughts and opinions within this post are totally, completely and inexplicably my very very own and no one else's. I swear, I did not steal these thoughts or ideas from the brains of others, because I am not an Idea Zombie. If I was, I would probably have better ideas. That said, please respect my opinion, no matter how idiotic or weird or opinionated it may be, and pipe down. Respect what is said, otherwise I won't respect you. Thanks~ Zombie Chiima, OUT!

*** (Due to extreme tiredness, this post may not make sense. I apologise if you wonder at some point in this review, 'What the heck was Chiima on?' The Answer: Lack of Sleep, that's what I was on. There we go~)

Christmas is nearing, Christmas is nearing! Can you hear those sleigh bells jingling? The sound of Santa-san's footsteps on the roof of your house, or the slight beating of the reindeer hooves as they gallop into the sky? What about the sounds of the Idols singing sweet Christmas tunes this year?

It's so nice hearing all of the beautiful sounds that remind me of winter and Christmas, but when it comes to songs at this time of the year, it is really hard to choose just one to like the most. That said, I am a tad greedy and enjoy many songs, however if I were to narrow it down... Well, I would compare them! Because comparing is the way forward, clearly!

And what better way to find a Christmas song I like better from a certain company, than to put them up against each other to see which one wins!? Actually, that's a great idea, because I really do like both songs! So let's try it, shall we?

Maybe it will be Mr.Snowman, or will it be a Star Shine Story? Hm, I wonder which one I will choose...?

5 more days, then Christmas, so Idols bring to me...
 VS
Mr.Snowman VS. Star Shine Story~

Sunday, 20 July 2014

Digest Weekly #105

DISCLAIMER:
This Digest may not contain an Idol group that you like, or that you follow. If this post does not contain an Idol group you yourself actively follow, then my deepest apologies, but I cannot follow each and every Idol group on the planet. I am one person, and whilst I do post about groups that I like as well as groups that I barely even follow (read: BABYMETAL) that does not mean I will also actively look for news on the Idols you may follow. If I do not have the resources, I will not be able to post much or anything about them. Please respect this, as I don't have the time to go scouring across the internet for Idols that I know next to nothing about, or that I have little to no resources to. Again, I am ONE person; if I had a team behind me it would be a lot easier, however this is something that I do for me, in my own free time, because I want to. I could just as easily not do this, however I do it because I want to, and I find it fun. Thank you.

DA-DA-LA-LA~ DIGEST, POWER!!! Are you ready to Digest!?

This week, in Digested Idol News... (ew)

Hagiwara Mai solo DVD! FC events! Kikkawa Yuu's sexy PB cover! Delayed single releases, YAAAY! French Kiss return! Graduation announcements courtesy of the 48's! S/mileage Budokan footage! ANDA TAD BIT MORE! Are you ready to DIGEST with ME!?

Friday, 25 April 2014

Okay! Musume Digest #96

DISCLAIMER:
This Digest may not contain an Idol group that you like, or that you follow. If this post does not contain an Idol group you yourself actively follow, then my deepest apologies, but I cannot follow each and every Idol group on the planet. I am one person, and whilst I do post about groups that I like as well as groups that I barely even follow (read: BABYMETAL) that does not mean I will also actively look for news on the Idols you may follow. If I do not have the resources, I will not be able to post much or anything about them. Please respect this, as I don't have the time to go scouring across the internet for Idols that I know next to nothing about, or that I have little to no resources to. Again, I am ONE person; if I had a team behind me it would be a lot easier, however this is something that I do for me, in my own free time, because I want to. I could just as easily not do this, however I do it because I want to, and I find it fun. Thank you.

This week, in Idol News and Digest...

The Hello! Project site gets an update, finally! Koha gets nekkid from the waist up!? Obaasan Musume? Terrible Fashion choices for Berryz yet again! Akimoto Sayaka to star in a super-cool looking psychological thriller movie! Labrador Retriever covers revealed! E-girls lose another member! Attack on Titan sell 30 million copies of volume 13! And a bit more! Are you ready to Digest?

Friday, 11 April 2014

Okay! Musume Digest #94 ~Ultra Late Edition~

DISCLAIMER:
This Digest may not contain an Idol group that you like, or that you follow. If this post does not contain an Idol group you yourself actively follow, then my deepest apologies, but I cannot follow each and every Idol group on the planet. I am one person, and whilst I do post about groups that I like as well as groups that I barely even follow (read: BABYMETAL) that does not mean I will also actively look for news on the Idols you may follow. If I do not have the resources, I will not be able to post much or anything about them. Please respect this, as I don't have the time to go scouring across the internet for Idols that I know next to nothing about, or that I have little to no resources to. Again, I am ONE person; if I had a team behind me it would be a lot easier, however this is something that I do for me, in my own free time, because I want to. I could just as easily not do this, however I do it because I want to, and I find it fun. Thank you.

This Week, in Idol News...

Loads of Singles are being released on June 4th! Hello! Project Vampires!? Yajima Maimi is gorgeous! Awkward S/mileage! Kikkawa Yuu is sexy! (What's New?) TIF reveal Artist Lineups! Graduations and Withdrawals!? BABYMETAL to come to the UK, and MORE! Are you ready for some Digestin'?

Friday, 27 December 2013

The Top 20 Songs of 2013 ~Oh Yeah Baby, Okay! Musume Style!~

All thoughts and opinions are my own. If you do not like the choice of songs I have chosen for my Top 20, then whatever. Just don't whine that something you liked isn't in here. We have something called personal taste, and these are my personal tastes. Yeah~

So 2014 is swiftly making its way forward, brushing the dust of 2013 under the rug so that we can move on and get into the New Year, and guess what? I am still not prepared. SO, to kick-start myself into the New Year, I am going to write the Year-End posts that everyone has been doing since about, oh I dunno... a few weeks ago? I found that a little sudden, but some people are early starters, and I am clearly a late bloomer here.

... Hey look, I made a banner for it! YAY!!!


ANYWAY, to start off said Year-End posts, I will be doing my Top 20 Songs of 2013! And yes, it has to be bolded and in giant ass letters... because it is just that important. And I like it. YEAH!!!

So, we're gonna take a seat here, grab a beverage of some sort, maybe a packet of crisps/chips and the Easter Bunny, and we will see what has made my Top 20. Who is Number 1? Who is at the bottom of the Top? Want to find out? The stay tuned!

The Top 20 Songs of 2013 ~Okay! Musume Time Style~

20
Yattaruchan by S/mileage

It's pretty hard to try and figure out which song would be at the Bottom of the Top, and whilst I love Yattaruchan to the death, I do think that it isn't the strongest song on this list, nor is it my most favourite of the year gone by. That said, Yattaruchan was S/mileage's return to the fun and flouncy songs that they were once known for, showcasing that crazy and amazing group who disappeared into a whirl of terrible songs and videos last year. This song also showcased the amazing talent of Nakanishi Kana as a speaker and announcer in the video, but above all, it is fun and amazing to listen to! It really brings your spirits up, and makes you fall in love with S/mileage again! Or at least it does for me!

19
Sayonara Usotsuki no Watashi by Berryz Kobo

It was hard thinking about where to place this song, either before or after Yattaruchan, but I do honestly think that Berryz Kobo's Sayonara Usotsuki no Watashi is better than Yattaruchan. In fact, it's better than a good chunk of the latest H!P discography and is one of my favourite H!P releases of the year, and one of my favourite from this group as of late. I may not be in favour of Berryz as a group most of the time, but when it comes to their songs alone I can understand why people enjoy their work; they have a great sound as a group, and they work well with their songs (or at least when Risako isn't warbling away with that faux vibrato all the time). This song though, it is truly a gem. It's amazing, and really brought me back around to just how good Berryz could be.

18
The NeverEnding Story by E-girls

I didn't really get into E-girls until this year, but when they brought out their own version of the classic song, The NeverEnding Story, I was truly amazed by their vocals and talent as a group. Really, this song is just so pretty, and hearing it all over again reminds me of my childhood and hearing this amazing song. Sure, it's been slightly remastered to make it sound more modern, but it still sounds as fantastic as it did when I was a kid. Actually, it sounds better. I love the idea of using a chorus for this song, it makes it sound extremely heavenly and otherworldly. Throw in that dance remix track backing the vocals, and we have something that sounds both like a chorus and a cool dance track that you can put a pretty edgy dance to... which is what E-girls did!

It's an amazing cover and remix, and I am so glad that Avex did this for E-girls. It's just absolutely breathtaking!

17
Kimi ga Ano hi Waratteita Imi wo by Ono Erena

This song would honestly be higher, if it wasn't for the fact that I have other songs I listened to more. Still, it's one of the best songs of 2013 in my opinion, and every time I listen to it I realise just how perfect it is. It also reminds me of how great Ono Erena is as a singer.

When I do listen to Kimi ga Ano hi Waratteita Imi wo, I adore it. It's an up-tempo, fun song that is apparently about going into the future and bettering yourself, and heck, I can hear the hope in the vocals! Even the instrumental has that hopeful sound to it, and it is just a downright joy to listen to. I actually think that this is Eren'a best song on her entire track list to date, and definitely worth the listen if you haven't heard of her, or heard her songs, before.

16
Girl's Rule by Nogizaka46

When this song first came out, I passed it off as another boring, sub-par AKB48 sound-a-like song that was cute, but a bit dull. However, the song grew on me like a flower, and I am absolutely in love with it now. It's an airy, bright Summer song that is just so perfect for the time it was released. It sounds so gentle and soothing, and whilst it may not be the best release from Nogizaka46 ever, it's a fun song that is so reminiscent of lazy summer days. It is one of the weakest songs on this list, but that doesn't stop it from being a favourite! It is fully deserving of this spot here in my list, Top or Bottom!

15
Watashi ga Iu Mae ni Dakishimenakya by Juice=Juice

It's rather funny how H!P seem to be hitting my bottom list a lot this year, but I have to admit that, whilst I love what they have put out this year, they haven't had amazing songs that were memorable this year, or ones that I completely fell in love with. At most, I liked a good chunk of H!P's discography, hence why most of the songs I have chosen as favourites are at the Bottom of the Top here. Oh well!

That said, this is still one of H!P's best releases in a long time! Sarting off their debut year with a bang (or a toot in the form of a trumpet!) Juice=Juice, still fresh and still indies when this was released, brought out Watashi ga Iu Mae ni Dakishimenakya and pretty much wowed us all into amazement at their talent, despite how small and cute they all were. This is by far one of the best releases of 2013 for H!P, bringing us a sense of maturity and nostalgia that we have not seen or heard in Hello! Project for a while now. This made a lot of Karin fans happy, and also showed us that H!P still has talent in the form of tiny little Kenshuusei. This was a great indies debut single, and really roped in new fans for the fresh and promising group.

14
Erena by Ono Erena

The entire album Erena is pretty darn good and highly recommended, but the song Erena was definitely my most looped on that album, at least out of the original songs. Sure, it's a rather simple song I guess, but it's still beautiful and really allows me to appreciate just how glorious Ono Erena is as a singer. Her voice is strong, there is power and emotion there, and you can really hear the effort and love she put into this song. It has such an uplifting, hopeful sound to it, and every time I hear the song or watch the video, I tear up. For me, this was a rather overwhelming song, possibly because I adore this girl so much.

I think that Erena is a great song, and I do think people should definitely check it out, even if it's just to hear the vocals of Ono Erena. Go on... check it out!

13
Koi no Wizard Hyakunen Sensou by Afilia Saga (East) (Archism album)

This is one of those songs (and videos) that I death-looped this year, and clearly for good reason, because gosh darnit, this song is so GOOD! It's energetic, fun, optimistic, cute and just down right amazing, music to my ears if you will! It has a lot of energy and just gives me a great rush of happiness when I listen to it! It's just so cheerful that, immediately, I feel elated and I want to dance along to it.

This song is just so easy to get into, and it just helps me to relax and feel energised and happier with myself. Whenever I hear Koi no Wizard Hyakunen Sensou, I can't help but smile and sing along. It's one of those songs that you just have to join in with, because it's so catchy and addictive. I swear, I could just play this all day long... oh wait, I already have!

12
Prism Sympathy by StylipS

Some of the best single releases were in the Summer, and Prism Sympathy was one of those summer singles that was just... well, incredible. Sadly, this was the only release from StylipS this year, but for their only release it is a strong one! Given that they lost YuiKaori and gained two new members, I was worried for them, but instead of going a bit downhill, they came back with a strong A-side song! Hoo boy!

In fact, the entire single is amazing, but I have a great love for the powerful and energetic sound that is Prism Sympathy. It sounds absolutely wonderful, filled with such happiness and cuteness! I have come to find that nearly all of StylipS discography so far is strong, each song better than the last, and Prism Sympathy has now become my favourite track. I don't know what it is about it, but this song has something great, or magical if you will, about it. It's got a catchy and addictive sound, and whilst it does not sound like a sweet and cutesy, hyped up Summer tune like other songs do, it's still one of the best Summer songs of 2013, and one of my all time favourites this year. Let the death loop begin (again)!

11
Up Up Typhoon by Up Up Girls (Kari)

Good Lord, I love this song, but whilst I love it, it can't touch a few other songs that made it to the Top of this list, so it will have to settle for a nice middle ground. Still, it's amazing. Then again, UUG in general are amazing.

This song showcases that energy and talent that UUG as a group clearly have. Their characters, how they interact with the cameras and each other, and their beautiful voices all come together and create this true piece of summer perfection. I love this song, so much that I was convinced to buy the single because of how perfect and beautiful I found it. It is truly an addictive song, and even now that summer has ended, I will happily listen to this piece of pure perfection and joy. It is so beautiful in sound, and it just allows me to realise how amazing UUG are. It also makes me wish that they would become a solid, major Idol group and wipe H!P on the floor, reminding them that they were dumb for letting UUG go.

Good lord, this song is perfect. I want to cry thanks to this perfection!

10
2 Gakki Debut Dai Sakusen!! by Otome Shinto

I told you the Summer songs were good!

Good lord, this is one high-energy song, and an amazing on at that. I don't know what it is about Otome Shinto, but they have this amazing ability to charm me into liking them, regardless of how crap they are singers, and how much they yell instead of sing. These girls have such amazing energy, their group chemistry is awesome, and they have this wonderful on-camera presence that just drags you in. Their songs are also catchy as hell, and they make you fall in love with their terrible vocals and their overly energetic, happy-go-lucky, jumpy nature. It's pretty obvious that I adore these girls, regardless of how I tend to feel about kids and singing.

So far, 2 Gakki Debut Dai Sakusen!! is one of the best songs I have heard this summer, period. Whilst nearly all Idol Summer songs this summer were good or hands down amazing, (except Sayonara Crawl, that was shit) this one took the cake, ate it, then made a second cake and ate it again without throwing up. It's adorable, it is cheerful, uplifting, energetic, amazing, full of character, silly, childish and just... it's perfect. So perfect.

I think I love Otome Shinto. Or at least, I love this song.

9
Happy Daisakusen by Morning Musume (Help Me!! single)

I won't go as far to say this is the best H!P song around, because it isn't, but Morning Musume's Happy Daisakusen has been one of my death-loop songs since it came out, and even now I still listen to it and eagerly sing along, making up my own dance moves via waving my arms around madly, and falling in love with it all over again when I hear it once more. I swear, I will never get tired of this song.

It's happy, and it's energetic. It has more emotion in it than most of MoMusu's recent A-sides, and it is just so darned catchy and fun! This is also one of those songs that really makes me excited when I hear it, sending butterflies a fluttering in my stomach whenever I crank up the volume and hear those beautiful opening notes. It's such a perfect song I think, a perfect song to make someone feel happy, hence Happy Daisakusen, and not Depressive Daisakusen.

I adore this happy Morning Musume, they bring me so much joy and love when I hear amazing songs like this. I know that this will not be in everyone's favour, but for one little song, however simple it may be, to bring me great joy and love, it's amazing. This song reminds me of why I adore Morning Musume, and why I adore their songs as well. It's an amazing song, and one that truly made my 2013 a happy and energised one.

(This song was hard to place, because I adore it so much, but the other songs I have in my list are better, however my feelings for this song... they shall not change!!!)

8
Itoshikute BALLOON by Houkago Princess (4ki) (Samu wa Fuyui! single)

I didn't anticipate putting a Houkago Princess song in my list, because in general HouPri songs (whilst I love them dearly) are quite plain, generic and even a little dull. This song, however, kicked that Status Quo in the face and laughed at it, running away with a helium balloon and enjoying life. Yeah.

Itoshikuta BALLOON is the surprisingly mature, Anime-sounding song by Houkago Princesses 4th generation, and is undoubtedly the best song on the entire single, and the best song of their entire discography that they have released so far. I may be saying that because I like it, but honestly, I have yet to hear something this incredible out of HouPri that can best the superiority of Itoshikute BALLOON. It may look like a cutesy song from the title, with the promises of balloons, but in reality it is a rather tough sounding track that has attitude, bite and a really good Idol rap that could slap MoMusu's rap duo Eripon and Ayumi right in the face. Seriously, the rap they have, it's pretty good. I did not anticipate that.
 I didn' anticipate how epic this song would be at all, honestly.

I know that this is a new song to come out this year, releasing just in November this year, but it has left a strong and memorable impression on me, which is why it is so high on the list. It's a strong track, the strongest from this group since their debut, and it truly shows that HouPri does have strength in singers, and in composers. It's a surprising song, but it is so so good!

7

Can I just stress how perfect this release was for the beginning of 2013? Because it was perfect, just saying. Seriously, to start off 2013, or the end of 2012, with this amazing song was the best way to bring in the New Year. So good!

In general though, I am more a fan of Bump.y's b-sides (I love their A-sides to death, but their b-sides = where it's at!) however COSMO no Hitomi is the strong exception to that rule for me. This song, when it came out, had me hooked and I fell in love. It sounds like a classic song, and it sounds romantic. It has energy, but it also uses harmonies and has a soft, gentle feeling to it despite that energy clearly being there. It also sounds like the girls are enjoying the song and really taking in the lyrics and the sound of the instrumental, treasuring it. It's gorgeous, and as I said, I adore this song. I really can't say anything more than that, other than that this song is truly the definition of perfection.

6
Sotsu Koi Uta by Juliet

It was tough finding a song that I wanted for this number position, but then I remembered that Juliet's gorgeous song, Sotsu Koi Uta, also known as Sotsurenka, was released early this year. Looks like Number 6 has been filled~

Seriously, this song is just pure love. It's a beautiful graduation song and showcases those amazing voices of the members of Juliet. It is pure and enjoyable, and it sounds rather uplifting regardless of how slow the instrumental can be. Personally, I find Sotsurenka (I call it that, shush) a joyful and cheery song that represents the good side of graduation and the hopeful futures of those graduating. This song is one of the few graduation-themed songs that has such a happy and uplifting sound to it, rather than a sad and dreary one. It represents that optimistic outlook of graduation, one where a future is bright, instead of moping around for what was, and instead going forward for what will be.

It's a beautiful song, and if you still haven't heard any of Juliet's amazing discography, I urge you to do so; they are worth it. Heck, they are worth the world!

5
Fighting☆Hero by Ono Erena

It's amazing how the same artists keep popping up here... HI EREPYON! <3

I swear, 2013 has been a good year for Erepyon, given that three of her songs released this year have all appeared in this list. What's more, they are all title tracks. Whoops~ But no honestly, I have been on an Erepyon high this year, the biggest high being Fighting☆Hero! My God, where do I start...?

Firstly, yes, I death-looped this, and I do not regret it. Secondly, I adore this song, and I think that it brings more emotions up than Erena does. I absolutely adore this song, it just makes me so happy. It also makes me want to work hard and strive for my dreams, because that's what the song is all about; going for your dreams, regardless of what people say or whatever your gender is, etc etc. It's a glorious song that is full of hope, dreams, fulfilment and optimism. It sings all about working hard and just doing what you want, striving for that long-awaited goal and making yourself the person you want to be, the Fighting Hero that you are. It is one amazing song filled with such ambition and energy, and it is a song that really made my 2013 a fighting one. Ono Erena gave me the strength and hope to go on in my life, reaching for the ambitions I aim to get in the future.

This song will continue to give me ambition and energy, and yes, I absolutely freakin' ADORE Fighting☆Hero!!!

4
Snow Drop by Yuuka Ueno (Winter Kiss single)

Yuka Ueno only debuted this year, but wow, she has amazed me with both of her releases so far, and from her most recent single, her coupling song Snow Drop has truly mesmerised me. Seriously, I love it.

Regardless of its title, Snow Drop is more of a warm winter song than a cold one, and it really does make you feel at peace and warmed up when you hear it. That beautiful voice, that gorgeous instrumental in the background, and the slight but noticeable sound of winter in the backing track of this gorgeous song makes it so beautiful and glorious. This song is only recent, in fact the release of the single itself was on the 11th of December if I remember correctly, but it as really left an incredible, memorable impression on me that I just can not shake at all. Yuuka Ueno herself has left an amazing impression on me, emblazoning her voice and existence into my head and my heart.

Good lord, I adore it, and it is just plain brilliant!

3
Get The Star by Tokyo Girls' Style

Feel free to faint. I have laid out pillows just in case, so don't worry, it's a soft fall.

... Yeah, so I never expected to see a TGS release in my Top 20 songs of whatever year, let alone the Top 3 of my list. Ever. So to see them here, as my Number 3 in this entire list, it's a big shocker for myself as well, but what can I say? This is an amazing song, and it really impressed me. I have death looped this so many times, and I love it still. Thank you Nia for showing me this amazing song!

Really though, what's not to love? Sure, the vocals are a bit nasally, but that beautiful rock beat, the singing as a group, the entire track... it's all absolutely beautiful, addictive, different and just great! It's one of the best releases from TGS in, er, EVER!!! It has everything going for it, from a near-perfect Instrumental to great group vocals and an addictive sound that just makes you fall in love with it during every listen. It sounds so glorious, and I am in awe that this could come from TGS, who are usually not my type of group... it's amazing, I'm still stunned by how wonderful it is.

Why can't every TGS release be this perfect? They have truly amazed me, showing me that they really can make brilliant music. This song, it's so fantastic and strong, and it gives me hope for liking TGS more in the future. It's a strong song, one of the strongest of 2013, and is so likeable and different for TGS. I love it, and this song is really deserving of such a high position on this list. It is a true Star amongst Stars in the year of 2013.

2
Summer Prism by Yuuka Ueno (Kimi to Ita Sora single)

I think that Summer was the best time of year for single releases, because they were all strong this year, however there was no Summer song stronger that Yuuka Ueno's gorgeous Summer Prism.

From first listen, I fell in love with this song, and even now I am still in love with it. If I wasn't, it would not be so high up on this list, hitting the Top 5 and breaking in at Number 2. I honestly think that this is such a solid song and the perfect, happy summer tune that people would enjoy listening to because it is just so refreshing and pretty to listen to. Paired with the heavenly, talented vocals of Yuuka Ueno, this song is the perfect Summer tune in my mind! Heck, it's perfect even outside of the summer, but I do think it is the best when you have those beautiful clear blue skies and that warm sun beating down on you. It's such a good, sunny song.

I just want to sing it at the top of my lungs right now! Ahhhh!!! So good!

So we have now come to the last song, the song that has beaten the other 19 on this list and found itself reigning supreme over them all. This song, for me, is the Ultimate Song of 2013, my Number 1. It is the Top of the Top, the one that has truly won my heart, soul, mind and body this year. It was tough to pick, especially when there were so many good songs (especially those summer ones) that came out this year. But honestly, listening to this song, taking in everything about it... it just feels like it is the song that describes 2013 for me, but also a song that will ring in the New Year for me as well.

For me, this is the song.

1
Mirai Kanransha by Yuuka Ueno (Winter Kiss single)

So clearly, there is something about Yuuka Ueno that pulls me in. Obviously, there are her beautiful vocals. The amazing ability to make me fall in love with her every time she breathes a word from those lovely lips. The glorious instrumentals she is given to accompany those gorgeous vocal pipes of hers. That beautiful face... all of it. But I swear, there is more to her that pulls me in. She has this undeniable power to just drag me in and keep me there.

Mirai Kanransha is the song that did just that; it dragged me in and it has kept me there. Regardless of how new the song is, regardless of how little I have heard it compared to others, this song is the one that has truly impressed me this year. The emotion, the beauty in her voice and the amazing power she uses just to sing this song is all so overwhelming and truly brings life, colour and a story to this wonderful song. When I thought that I could not find a song better than the glorious Summer Prism, this song came along during the winter and proved to me once again how amazing Yuuka Ueno is as a singer, and just how wonderful her b-sides are on her singles.
 It is seriously remarkable, and she continues to amaze me with her pure talent.

For someone who only debuted this year, Yuuka Ueno has brought out the strongest songs I have heard in 2013. She has shown her talent and beauty through just her voice, and I have really fallen in love with her. I am extremely amazed by her as an artist; she is perfect, and the amount of overwhelming love I have for this song is amazing. This girl is powerful, in both voice and how she pulls me in as a fan, and I am so thankful that I found her this year by simply looking at a video on youtube I thought looked interesting.

This song... it is truly perfection, the most perfect song of the year. I adore it.

And so, my Top 20 Songs of 2013 has come to an end! The mix of songs was surprising for me once again this year, however mostly because a few artists popped up more than once in this list, however I am happy with the songs I have picked this year. They are all strong and amazing in their own way, and I have had great enjoyment from them.

And, of course, I do also have special mentions as well. In no specific order, of course... let's take a looksy, shall we?

Chiima's Special Mentions (Top 10)

Tsunagu Kizuna. Tsutsumu Kodoku by StylipS

This was an incredible B-side, and I did actually want to put it in my Top 20, but there were other songs that I had a stronger desire to put in that list compared to the desire to put this one in, so in the end, it ended up here. Regardless, it's an amazing song, no matter what. I think it's just wonderful.

Then again, most of StylipS' discography is amazing.

Shiny Blue by YuiKaori

I really liked the release of Shiny Blue, even if it is a bit too high for my liking. I think it's a really nice spring song, one which is fun and cute, and just all around cheerful but still refreshing. The coupling track, Hatsukoi Maze, is also really good, but Shiny Blue is just downright cute!

Bye Bye Dubai ~See You Again~ by Sexy Zone

It is a shame that I didn't put this in my list, because damn, I love this song! It's so fun and energetic, and reminds of just why I love Sexy Zone and why I should never threaten to boycott them again... Good lord, boys, I love you! -sobs-

-claps hands along to the lyrics-

Candy Smile by E-girls

To say that this song brought me great joy this year would be an understatement, because it brought an amazing amount of joy, happiness, dancing and twisted ankles into my life. Bring on that C-C-C-CANDY SMILE!

Bokura no Eureka by NMB48

They may not have made it into the Top 20, but damn, that did not stop me from enjoying the generic beauty of Bokura no Eureka! Fromt he 48's, this was my favourite summer song. It's very refreshing in its tone, and whilst very similar to every 48 summer song out there (er... most, at least) this is a pleasant song to listen to and is appealing. I enjoy it, and yes, I do like the bikini dance shot. Especially when it shows Sayanee ;)

Namida by Juliet (Shiawase Navi single)

This song... it's just beautiful. I actually wish that this had been the A-side, however it's undeniable that Juliet have a lot of ballads as A-sides, so to switch it up with Shiawase Navi was a good thing, but still...

Namida is a beautiful, painful song that just sounds glorious, and once again Juliet have outdone themselves with an amazing track. It's just... wow.

Sakura Dokei by Tasaki Asahi

Oh, how could I not include this beauty in here? Tasaki Asahi is glorious in all forms. She has a beautiful singing voice and amazing skills as a pianist, and you can just see when she performs that she pours her heart and soul into it, and she enjoys it all. There is sheer happiness in her eyes and smile, and every time I watch her I want to smile as well. She makes me fall in love with her thanks to her love fr the craft she practices. She is truly precious, and a rare artist to come across. An amazing girl in my eyes.

Ten Made Nobore! by Juice=Juice feat. Hello! Pro Kenshuusei

I nearly put this song in the Top 20 list, but stopped myself because, once again, there were songs I had higher feelings and thoughts for, but I still greatly enjoy this song. Sure, it may be the weakest release (actually, not any more!) from Juice=Juice, but I enjoyed it all the same, because it sounds so energetic, lively and happy! I especially love the group one because it sounds like one giant voice of happiness, and it becomes so addictive! I do love this! <3

Wagamama Ki no Mama Ai no Joke by Morning Musume

I may just be murdered for putting this song in as a special mention, when Berryz and Nogizaka46 somehow manage to reign supreme in the Top 20, but honestly when I thought of that list, I did not think of this song, or any of the MoMusu 2013 A-sides. In fact, I never anticipated MoMusu to even get in that list because of other songs that I liked better. Still, I adore this song, it is truly amazing, it just didn't make the list. However, I have death-looped this. A lot. And I will continue to death-loop it, thank you berry much.

Jinsei Wahaha! by Fudanjuku

Whilst they may not have made it into my Top 20, rest assured that Fudanjuku made it into my heart and mind with this awesome song. It's so bright, cheerful and fun and represents Fudanjuku in the best way possible. It was a great song, it still is, with a colourful and vibrant sound. I love how diverse this group is, it's a shame though that none of their songs impressed me greatly this year ;w; boohoo!!!

~~~~

And with that, my Top 20 PV's (and Special Mentions!) comes to an end! The year of 2013's music has been pretty good, with the strongest being Summer singles in my opinion, but these ones for me have all been the songs that stood out and called to me, the ones that made my 2013 great.

The lack of H!P in this was surprising, though I had more than I thought I would (I never thought MoMusu would make it in there, sorry!) but I am happy with what I have compiled together... though seeing three songs each for Ono Erena and Yuuka Ueno is a bit alarming, I have to say. Their songs have been very strong for me though this year, and they are songs that I remember the most and enjoyed a great deal, so I guess it can't be helped.
 And, surprisingly, once again C-ute has failed to make it into my list xD I swear, that group does have good stuff, it's just that they have safe stuff most of the time in terms of their music. It neither impresses nor disappoints me... it's just good.

So yeah... this is my Top 20 Songs of 2013. It was hard thinking up what songs to put where, but hey! I managed it! And so, the end of the year begins it seems...

For you, what was your Top 10 or 20 song releases? Are there any on my list that you agree or disagree with? Let me know~ :D

... Oh good Lord, now I have to try and think of the five or more that I hate. ARGH!!!

Chiima~

Wednesday, 23 October 2013

Okay! Musume Digest #74

Minna, Digest Dayo! Are you ready to Digest the week away?

This week, in Idol News...

Previews for Sayumi's up-coming photobook! The covers for Miyabi's photobook, revealed! Riho to get a third photobook!? Dream5 and E-girls reveal PV's for their new singles! Weather Girls to release their fourth single! Tasaki Asahi returns to her hometown! SKE48 watches!? Niigaki Risa in a new stageplay! READY TO KISS have their live debut! Bakusute Sotokande Icchome reveal covers to their new single! Yumemiru Adolescence to release their second mini-album, and more! Are you ready to Digest?

Wednesday, 11 September 2013

Okay! Musume Digest #68

Minna, Digest Dayo! Are you ready to Digest?

This week, in Digest News...

Morning Musume to release a 15th Anniversary Photobook! Natsuyaki Miyabi sprains her ankle! C-ute on the cover of Young Gangan! Juice=Juice are opening acts for C-ute! Up Up Girls and THE Possible to perform together! An ex-AKB48 member is married! Miyazaki Hayao on his retirement! YuiKaori PV Preview for their new album's title song, and more! Are you ready to Digest?

Tuesday, 12 March 2013

Would you like a Smile with your Candy? Share a 'CANDY SMILE' with E-girls today!

All thoughts and opinions are totally my own! Please enjoy the post and remember, your opinion is not the only one in the world, and neither is mine! Share yours freely but do NOT disrespect another's opinions~

I seem to enjoy blogging best when I am ill as of recent... maybe it's because I feel useless otherwise, and also because I don't have to force myself to do coursework. Not that I do coursework willingly anyway... but I digress, because this post has nothing to do with being ill or anything of the sort! And yes, I am once again ill, haha



Recently I have been on a bit of an E-girls high in terms of what I want to research or listen to, and whilst research has not played a huge part in my interest in them, their music certainly has. The little bit that I do know about them, though, is that they are a group made up of other groups (so basically Avex's answer to the defunct MoBeKiMaSu... I mean MoBeKiSuJ) and have some of the most colourful PV's that I have seen for two of their songs. I also know that two E-girls are related to a 7West member from Johnny's, thanks to Thennary telling me this nice little fact! I had no idea that two of the girls in E-girls were related... then again, I should not be surprised; siblings tend to enter the entertainment business a lot (such as 9nine's Sayaka and Perfume's A~chan), but it was still surprising for me.

Anyways, siblings out of the way, I still have a lot to learn about E-girls, but they have certainly peaked my interest as of late thanks to the PV for Just In Love. Weirdly enough, I don't want to talk about that PV... I actually want to sit here and talk to you all about their latest PV CANDY SMILE, and really, what better a group to give this type of song to other than E-girls? I swear, they are some of the smiliest girls around, so seeing them sing a song with Smile in the title was wonderful because I'll tell you this now, they certainly made me smile.

Also, the song is being used as the CM theme for a candy product I think... so it kinda explains why the song is titled CANDY SMILE, right? Either way, the title is cute and makes me think of smiling. A lot.

Good thing this PV has plenty of smiles in it then! So, how about it? Want to check out the girls and their quirky cute CANDY SMILES with me?


Nice way to introduce the title! Thanks!


"I didn't get into Hogwarts... damn!"

I think that this scene has something to do with the opening dance sequence, but I don't bother to watch those.


Now I wish that I could look bored and do the splits! Wowzers, girl!


Oh wait, you're gonna teach me how to do the spits too!? Thanks girls, I appreciate it! So, what is Step 1 all about...?


Oh so I, er, jump...? Okay, whatever you think I should do girls...

But will it help me do the splits?


Okay this set up is nice. Love the green screen!


Step 2: I still have yet to complete Step 1, guys! I am sitting in bed, not jumping for joy!


OMFG LEGO!!!! OMG YES!!!!


Leave me alone, I need to spend some time with my LEGO!!! HELL YEAH, CHILDHOOD!


... Okay, this is both creepy and cute at the same time.

I might be in love.


Whoah, have I tripped into Candy Land or something?


Though to be honest that scene reminds me of Canaria Club's Daisukki!


No idea how; this video is so much more AWESOME!!!! And fuck yeah, LEGO!!!


Step 3? I still have yet to complete Step 1 or 2! Girls, you are going too fast for me!

... What the hell is Step 2, by the way?


Whoah what the hell? Why am I reminded of corn sweets? Actually, are there such things as Corn and Candy... CANDY CORN!!!

What IS Candy Corn?


E-girls: "YAAAWN we're tired of your bull sh*t, girl"

I've not tried anything yet, so how can you all be tired of me?


That girl in the mesh yellow hat is helluva cute, and her smile WINS ALL!


ATTITUDE!

It's the Candy Corn room again, guys.

I want to eat their dresses, they look yummy.


Beautiful Lady: "Psst... I'm wearing the tastiest dress~"

She is so freakin' beautiful, I want to buy her.


Aaaaand the winner of the most beautiful is: The girl on the front Right! YEAH!!!


Step 4: GET OFF YO' LAZY ASS!!!

... Nah!!!


... I think we have found my favourite in this PV. Nicely done, girl.


But your smile is helluva wonderful! And those dimples!!! My gosh, look at those dimples guys!


Okay, that is the cutest thing I have ever seen, and her energy is just so adorable!


Girls: "... Should we shoot her?"

NO!!! Don't shoot the cutest thing in this PV!


I have no idea why, but when I saw this image I immediately thought 'Jay Walking on the street'. Weird...


Chiima's Compilation of best smiles... START!


I am in love with those dimples, that nose and those teeth!!!


I think that she is the sexiest thing to hit E-girls, with some of the lovelest chubby cheeks... and her hair, my lord her hair...

Guys, I need names.


She is helluva wonderful (I say Helluva a lot today, haha) and pretty, and I think the dancer that I like the most...


Special mention goes to... Miley Cyrus' look alike! Or am I the only one who thinks she looks like Miley C?


BOOB THRUST!


Okay, that is one damn cute smile! I love it!


Aaaand SKIP for the Love of Lego!


How about we just rename this entire song Candy Corn Smiles? It would fit.


You know I'm just posting this image for the girl on the right hand corner. She is beautiful and her hair is divine, and Oh. My. GOSH is that a tiara!? Ca-uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuute!


And POSE!!!

... I feel hyperactive now after all that screen capping and commenting. Maybe it's called CANDY SMILE because the sugar makes you feel so hyper, and the girls just make you smile? Well, that's my theory anyway...

So now that we have enjoyed a bite of what the E-girls call Candy, let's take a dive into the review itself and see what the verdict is for the girls and their latest MV! Let's go~

When I first watched the MV for this song, it was the short version... or the version that is about 3 minutes long, but Avex are major jack asses and decided to take away the final minute or two because they hate me. So yes, that was my first look into E-girls' CANDY SMILE, and even then I was interested in the song and the video because of how colourful and fun it was. Much like Just In Love, this song has very quirky edits and backdrops that change by breaking away and forming into something new. The editing style is, needless to say, extremely interesting in this video and one of the major highlights for me as I watch it and probably the main reason why I formed an interest in this group.

I find the girls themselves pretty interesting as well in the video and not just the edits; everywhere I look when I watch this video, I see these big beams of smiles from the girls (especially Blondey, but she is highlighted the most throughout so of course I would notice) and the happiness that these girls have whenever they dance. That's another thing about this video that actually catches my attention; the dancing. From the few video's I have watched by E-girls, the main thing that they always highlight is their dancing and how well-structured and amazing it seems to be. CANDY SMILE has a dance which is pretty fun to watch with plenty of jumping and fast-paced movements that are sharp and quick. It certainly keeps me entertained, and whenever they dance I can not seem to pull away.

Well... the opening of their MV's are the only times I pull away, but that's because I want to see the real MV and not the opening dance scenes that have nothing to do with their video. But as I said, they seem to highlight their dancing a lot.

CANDY SMILE is also one extremely colourful PV, and coincidentally, it reminds me a lot of candy/sweeties. In fact, it makes me crave them right now, especially Candy Corn which I have never had because it is an American sweet. I think that the amount of colour and fun this PV has hints at the fact that this is a song being used for a Japanese candy, but even if it wasn't hinting at it, I still think that the PV is wonderful. I love the abundance of colour, I love the Lego platforms used and I love how fun and smiley the overall video is. It's wonderful to watch, and I feel like Avex have really become creative with E-girls and given them a look that screams 'colourful, happy and carefree', something which I may forever relate to E-girls now that I have seen this video and Just In Love. Seriously, I can not see them any other way right now. They will always be the group who have amazing video's to me, now.

Now before I get to the song itself, I want to say a little bit about what this video reminds me of, and when I asked my sister about it she agreed with me.
 Certain scenes, but only these types of scenes, seriously reminded me of 3, 2, 1 BREAKIN' OUT by Morning Musume. You know that highly creative PV that I would like to see again from the group, the one that is freakin' awesome? It is actually one of my favourite PV's because of how diverse and different it is to what Morning Musume currently produce, but when I watched this video I felt a wave of Nostlagia because of how much it reminded me of 3, 2, 1 BREAKIN' OUT and how that PV made me feel so happy and excited whenever I used to watch it. It felt wonderful to be reminded of that, actually, and it makes me enjoy this PV a whole lot more.

If you are wondering what scenes I mean, here you go;


It has the same pacing and the same type of style I think. The movements, how everyone changes and how fun and quirky it is really makes it feel like Morning Musume's 3, 2, 1 BREAKIN' OUT. Okay, so they don't look similar, but I think that the feeling is similar, and I like that.

Well that's what I think at least, and honestly I would love it if Morning Musume brought out something this fun and cool, because I know that they are going through a 'cool dance phase', but if you look at E-girls you will see that a group can have fun, colour and look cool in a dance heavy PV... Oh wait, it's UFP, they're cheap asses. Forgot that tidbit.

And I am going on a tangent again. Sorry guys, I will shut up now... Actually wait, I need to talk about the song a bit first. Let's get that one done, okay?

So the song (finally) for CANDY SMILE is one that I have undeniably been obsessed with for a few days, and one that can stay on a loop for a long time if I am truly in the mood. It's fun, it's happy and I just love listening to it! It has an infectious beat that I can't help but love and a nice dance beat behind the fun instrumental. It's a nice jumpy sound for me, because I want to jump around the more I listen to it and just dance!

I enjoy the upbeat nature of the song and how happy it sounds. It's a song that just makes you want to smile like an idiot without a care in the world. It's also the type of song that you can't help but sing along to sometimes, and it helps that most of the lyrics consist of the word Candy Smile, so it's pretty easy to sing along to if you feel like it. Again, it's a fun song, one that is extremely upbeat and wonderful to listen to... or is it just me who feels this way? Then again, I do love my sugary songs filled with happiness and hyperactivity!

All in all it's a fun PV and a fun song. I love the two together, and I think that once again the E-girls have produced a fun-filled PV that really catches my attention and makes me want to enjoy them more. I'm still new to the group, but watching CANDY SMILE and realising just how happy it makes me feel makes me want to fall in love with this group and learn more and more about them. Hopefully any fans who read this will be able to give me the names of the girls I liked in this video, and possibly suggest a song of theirs that they personally enjoy for me to take a look at?

Anyway, that's all for today! Hyperactive Chiima over and out!



Have you had your daily dose of Candy filled Smiles?

Chiima~

PING!!! Idolminded Recommended Reading: arch 12th, 2013