2020 Music Edit: The Final Digest

In the final digest for the year of 2020 that comes in the form of a very long list of tracks, it's time to listen to the songs that created a world of colour and escape when we needed it the most.

It's time to leave 2020 behind us and look towards the future, but take the songs into the future. Are you ready to endure the beautiful music of yester-year?

After listening to a whopping 600+ songs last year alone, with about 500 of them being in my playlist of songs I enjoyed, it's no wonder I had a hard time figuring out this list. It will also come as no surprise that it took so long because I - the Queen of No Taste and Idiocy - decided it would be a great idea to, oh I don't know, rank 100 songs for the year of 2020.

The last time I did something like this was back in 2016, and there is a damn good reason why I didn't do it again after that; it takes too much time, I get stressed out, and I eventually figure out what a dumb idea it was. Yeah, it's satisfying to know I ranked 100 songs at the end of it all, but during the time of making the list? Er, I'm dead. I am also fairly sure that I don't want to listen to some of these songs for a few weeks now, but that's by the by.

Griping out of the way, I've done it guys. This is the end of the road for my Year End lists, and whilst it was definitely a time consuming struggle, I have to say that I am happy with the end result and that yes, it was worth it. In fact, despite spitting feathers about it and the mental toll that this Master List has put me through, I am sad to see it come to an end and deliver the final product to you, bad writing and all. I am also nervous because, like anything I put all of my worth into, I care about it and feel scared to share it with the world.

But sharing is caring, right?

So, before heading into this list I have my final list of criteria for you to read through, and then we can dive into the list itself and bore you all with my words and placements. Let's take a look, shall we:

⮞ The songs that I remember enjoying the most
⮞ My fondness towards the song, and the emotions it makes me feel
⮞ How incredibly catchy it is, to the point of singing and dancing along like a div
⮞ The happiness factor of course
⮞ That strong desire to never, ever skip it
⮞ The Loop-the-fuck-outta-it factor
⮞ It can be as recent as December 2020
⮞ All releases from 2020 are subject to this list; Singles, Albums and Digital releases, it doesn't matter. Anything can be included, at this point.

As always, the ranking of these songs are not determined by the ranks of the previous lists. A song that appeared elsewhere may not even get a look in the Master List, and songs that probably didn't appear in the other lists can make their way into this one. It's all about my preference at the end of the day, and how attached I am to a certain song.

Also: some songs that had certain placements in the previous lists might lose to or beat out other songs from that list, so... yeah. Consistency who? We don't know her here.

I hope that you enjoy this list my dearest readers, and I hope that you find something new to enjoy as you read through it. Thank you for sticking with me throughout 2020, and thank you for coming to this list to find something new. Now, go forth my friends, and I will see you on the other side.

Let's experience the sound of the 2020 Music Edit together in the this final digest, everyone. What will you find today?

2020 Music Edit: The Top 10 Albums

During a time where falling into the sound of music was one of our greatest escapes, I make a bid to continue yet another stupidly long Year End list in order to throw you into a world of music courtesy of some wonderful albums in all of their glory.

It is time to embrace the albums and truly immerse ourselves in the sound of 2020.

Though I question why I create these lists at times thanks to the stress they cause me, I am happy to finally deliver my third and penultimate list for the music of 2020, yet again filled with nonsense and words that you will likely skip over in favour of finding out how poor my taste is in my #1 choice.

Now, before I get into the nitty-gritty of this list, I do want to point out that this is my first dedicated album year end list, mostly because I had an inability to acknowledge albums in the past. Now, after the ass-kicking of a year we've had, I finally took the time to fully understand and appreciate the merits that an album has, and thanks to finally listening to quite a few of them - maybe around 30? - from beginning to end, I was able to come up with Top 10 Albums of the year, thus allowing its own dedicated list, finally.

Granted, I still think some albums are pointless - I mean, look at Houkago Princess My Princess II, an album that serves no other purpose than to just exist for the sake of sales. Yeah, I bought it just because, but I'm a sucker for anything HouPri at this point, and despite some albums serving the purpose of only making ¥¥¥, a lot of the albums I listened to served the purpose of either introducing me to the singer, group or act in question, as well as entertaining me with new, album-exclusive songs alongside those familiar tunes from previous releases.

In one way or another, these albums have offered all who listen to them a sense of escapism and happiness, and in the year of 2020 that has been sorely needed, and with that all said and done, I am here to talk about the Top 10 album releases of the year gone by that allowed me to enter a new world and escape the reality we are experiencing for a little while.

Before we get into the list however, let's check my annoyingly present criteria that you can easily ignore:

⮞ Albums that I enjoy either in their entirety, or most of

⮞ Replay it til the CD breaks-factor

⮞ The time and emotional investment I throw into that album

⮞ How memorable the release is as a whole

⮞ Nostalgia, mate

⮞ Mini-Albums included. We don't discriminate here, loves.

⮞ It can be as recent as December 2020

⮞ It can be a physical or digital album release.

Criteria~

As per, just because an album ranks high on this list or not at all, does not mean the albums songs will be featured higher up or lower on my final Master List of songs. How I feel about the individual tracks is a whole different kettle of fish, to put it simply. Whether they appear on the final list or not though, it does not matter; in one way or another, these albums and the songs featured within them have brought me some form of joy throughout the year.

Of course I hope that you find a new album or something interested to delve into from this list, or perhaps a rediscovery that you will happily fall into once again. I also implore you to think of your own favourite album from 2020, and hope that you enjoy this list of album releases that I enjoyed from yester-year.

Turn up the volume for the 2020 Music Edit: Albums Edition. Where will the music take you today?

2020 Music Edit: The Top 20 Singles

In a year filled with music that broke away the silence, I return with another obnoxiously long Year End list of the singles that truly made my 2020 so much brighter.

Let's celebrate the happiness these single releases have brought us in such a tiring year.

In one of the easier lists that I have tackled I bring you my second post of the New Year, as well as the second music of 2020 list that took far too long to complete because I have an inability to contain my words.

Anyway, despite the difficulties of 2020 in regards to our favourite musicians, idols and artists releasing music, the year gone by has actually been very fruitful in regards to releases and the variety that it has given us. Yes, some groups and singers delayed the release of their singles until much later in the year for the sake of release events, but we got them one way or another and cherished said releases all the more.

Much like the digital tracks released throughout the year, these singles have aided us in one way or another and allowed us to look forward to something from our favourite groups and singers. It has also been a way of support in a very trying year, and whilst we certainly could not listen to or even buy everything that all of these groups and singers have released, we have done our best in keeping up with and supporting those that are important to us all.

I have lost count of how many singles I heard in 2020 alone, but I can honestly say that with a lot of time on my hands I was able to sit through plenty, to a point where I could pin-point the 20 favourite singles of a year gone by. Before I bore you with the actual list though, I have some criteria for this list that you will probably skip over:

⮞ Singles that I have enjoyed the entirety - or most - of

⮞ The Loop Factor

⮞ How invested I am in the entirety of the single

⮞ How intense my emotions are when I listen to it

⮞ How memorable the single is as a whole

⮞ It can be as recent as December 2020

⮞ It can be a physical or digital release. If digital, multiple songs must be included; it can not be a stand-alone song.

I like listing the criteria, for some reason.

As always, just because a single has ranked highly in this list does not mean that all songs will appear in my Master List for my favourite songs of 2020. This list is purely based on the single as a whole and the joy it brought me, and how much I enjoyed the single from beginning to end. Honestly, some of these songs may not appear on the final list at all, but that's okay; it's all about the entertainment these singles delivered when I needed to feel happiness or even sadness at any given moment.

I hope that you all find something interesting in this list, and perhaps something new to enjoy as well. I also hope that it inspires you to think about the single that dominated your 2020, so please enjoy this list that I have created and indulge in some wonderful releases.

Let's dive into The 2020 Music Edit: Singles Edition. What will you discover this time?

2020 Music Edit: The Top 25 Digital Songs

With so many digital releases to enjoy and many new artists and groups to discover in the year gone by, it may be difficult to pinpoint exactly which song has become one of many favourites...

Are you ready to endure another Year End list from Okay! Musume Time?

It has been a long time coming everyone, but we finally made it to this point. Happy New Year. I hope you are all safe and well and celebrating in an appropriate manner~

After a heavy year that has taken a toll not only our mental wellbeing, but also our physical and financial well-beings, music has become a much needed solace for many of us. Whether we use it for escapism, relaxation or to simply help us keep calm, the music that has been delivered to us from around the world has been a much appreciated gift. For the Japanese music industry especially, the current state of the world became a topic of inspiration and allowed Idols and artists alike to create music that delivered hope for their fans and the people around them.

With live shows halted and an order to stay at home, it was no surprise to see digital tracks becoming a popular way to release music for many that would typically release their music physically, and whilst we could not hear every track that has been released, these digital songs have aided us in one way or another. So, for my first End of Year list for the year that was 2020, I will introduce my first 'Top Digital Songs' ranking and share with you all the songs that made my 2020 a little more bearable.

With well over 40+ songs to enjoy and many more that did not even clock onto my radar, I will take a look at the 25 Digital tracks that delighted me the most throughout 2020. As always, I have certain criteria that I go by when creating these kinds of lists, so without further ado:

⮞ The song was released by itself digitally

⮞ It can be a part of a single or album release later on

⮞ Replay factor

⮞ How invested I am in the song and the emotions I have tied to it

⮞ How memorable the song itself is

⮞ It can be as recent as December 2020

As always, my criteria is fairly basic and self-explanatory, but it's nice to keep it here as a refresher for myself when creating these types of lists.

Of course I hope that you all find something new or interesting to check out in this list, regardless of what is mentioned here, and I hope that this list allows you to think about your own favourites from 2020 when it comes to Digital music. For now though, it's time for this opinionated blogger to pass her own judgement on the Digital tracks of 2020 and share her favourites with you all. Are you ready to head into a brand new Year End list?

Welcome to The 2020 Music Edit: Digital Songs Edition. What will we tune into today?

Visions of 2016: The PV Awards of O!MT

With 2016 on its way out and 2017 making its way in, it's time for our final posts of the year! So to celebrate our final steps, let's embrace all that has come from the year gone by, look back, and enjoy! For the year that was, let's think back, and look upon the things we have enjoyed fondly!

The PV Awards, one of four annual posts I try my best to never miss! It's one of my favourite posts, because here, I can give you the low-down on the Music Videos I have loved (and sometimes, loathed) over the past 12 months. Some of them I have already talked about in-depth, others, not so much. Still, though! It's nice to look back at them all, and talk fondly of - or, lament over - once again.

Of course, with this being a one-man (... woman? Person? Person!) kind of blog, the post in question will be pretty damn subjective. SO, if there is something here you might have disliked, or nothing here you yourself liked, please don't be alarmed, offended, or disrupted by it. It's simply my post, plus my feelings, so of course it's going to be filled with the things I remember most. Just because I don't include what you preferred here, does not mean they are bad / shit in any way. Got it? Good!

It's the Final PV related post for the year that is 2016, and I am SO ready to talk about all I have enjoyed from the year gone by! So, get seated, drink a cuppa and prepare your eyes and ears, because it's about damn time for some Idol goodness to ring through your room. Are you ready for a little bit of awesome to transpire?

PV's of 2016... PLAY!!! ▶

Goodbye, 2015: The Dawn of a New Chapter Begins... ~2015 In Review~

This is probably my worst Year in Review ever, but whatever. I'm tired XD

As we make our way into yet another year, it feels rather sad to realise that, yet again, time has flown by and left us with not only with happiness, but heartache as well. It is at this time of the year where we look back, thinking about all of the times we have had, whether we shared them with others or not.

For the Year of 2015, what will you remember?

I honestly never know how long these posts are going to be, because it totally depends on how much I want to write, as well as if I have anything to write. This year, it feels like I might not write a lot. I don't know why, it just does.
 But, let's be real, it's me, and I somehow find a way to write a stupid amount of stuff because I know I can. So, yeah.

Anyway, 2015; what a year. Much like the last few years, it has gone by pretty fast, as if I blinked and, whoosh, 2016 was already just around the corner. This time however, it feels like I have not done that much at all, despite the fact I have noticed my own growth throughout the year gone by. So, even if I feel like nothing has happened, I know that somewhere down the line, I became better than I was before. So yeah, there is that.
 Otherwise, I just feel like everything else stopped when it was trying to progress, if you get me.

But yeah, we'll stop there before I get ahead of myself, because the actual post has yet to start; this is simply the introduction, one I need to kind of get on with.

Hopefully as you read this, everything makes sense, because during the process of writing my annual Year End Review, I am, of course, tired and staying up late to finish it, because once again, my epic scheduling skills are top notch! Seriously, though, I always leave these late, because I procrastinate, and I do things better in a blind panic.
 ... This is why I do not do as well as I could do in my classes, people!

Seriously though, I do hope this reads well, and I hope that for you all, the year of 2015 has been a good one, either personally or with Idols, and that it has not left you overly heartbroken or teary eyed. It hasn't me... but, I know it has left a few people in despair.

Anyway, please read on, because I have run out of words to say, and also because we need to get on with this post before the actual year of 2016 hits. So, without further ado, I introduce to you my 2015, a year I am ready to say goodbye to, not because it was bad, but because now, I am ready to begin a new chapter.

For the year of 2015, what memories have you made? Let me know~

2015 in Video: The Okay! Musume Time Music Video Awards

Within this post, there are much opinions to be contained. If one may feel offended by words or the decisions I have made for this list, please let it be known that you need not read. For here lies a list of my own, made by my own mind, and if you wish to dispute, please do, however be sure to know that this is my final decision, and that it shall not, will not, be changed. Good day.

As the year comes to a close, I have taken the time to look back at this years offerings in the form of Music Videos, picking and choosing between the many I have seen to try and divulge which will be best for this list, and which will only just make it into the Honorable Mentions pile at the very end. I wonder just who will make it, and who will bit the dust?

With the PV's viewed and my decisions made, I wish to present to you all this years Music Video Awards Post of 2015. Who has made it, and who reigns #1 supreme? Enter, and you shall see...

*Please note that not all MV screen grabs shown in this image will be included in this list. Apologies for all the hearts I may break XD

... Okay, I went a tad over the top with my opening, however, YES, we are making our way through the End of Year Posts for 2015, and finally I have gotten to the part I have the most expertise in; VIDEOS!!! Seriously, I can't wait to get into this one, because gosh darnit, I love videos!!!

This post is always one of the hardest to conduct, because I try my darnedest to choose only a handful of videos each year, and usually these are the videos that I found spoke to me the most, or at least, entertained me a whole lot throughout the year. For some, I really loved the visuals, for others, it's the camera work... things like that are what stick out to me, and honestly, when both visuals and camera work come into play... well, I'm a puddle of happiness, because good videos just make me feel so energised! It makes me want to film, they inspire me so. Plus, I can't help but feel giddy after watching a genuinely good video!

 Honestly, I do wish more people were as enthusiastic as I am when it comes to even the simplest of videos, because it is an amazing feeling to genuinely adore a video for not only its production value, but everything else about it, too.

... Buuuut, I am a video freak, so maybe it's better people aren't like me in that sense. Hm...

Anyways, before this intro gets stupidly lengthy and derails even further, I want to say that, for this list, I have included PV's that I remember the most from the year gone by, for whatever reason may be stated within the post itself, as well as the videos that have impacted me most, whether it is visually or in its camera work. I have watched a lot of music videos year, but honestly, there were not that many that stood out like the ones listed here did, whether that is in a good or a bad way. Somehow, they stuck out, and so they are listed here, and the final one that is to be mentioned before the Honorable's... well, that's the PV that I think the most highly of, as well as my Number One pick for the year of 2015.

 Also, please not that, whilst I've watched plenty of videos this past year, I have not watched them all, and please, don't get offended if I have not listed your favourite music video of 2015. This is a subjective list, one that contains my choices, the videos that I found to make or break my video-loving year. There is a chance that I have not seen a video you liked, or that I even liked it myself.

If you truly want to share your favourite videos and let me know about them, or even dispute my list, please feel free to comment or post your own list of best and worst videos for 2015, because I would definitely love to have a look!

Now, with that all said and done, I think that it's about high time to get into the actual post itself! Are you ready to take a look with me?

2015 in Video:

The Okay! Musume Time Music Video Awards

For the year of 2015, which videos stood out to me? Let's take a look, and find out!

START!!!

2015 in Song: The Top 50 Countdown in J-pop! ~According to Chiima~

Regarding this Top 50 Songs in J-pop list for the Year of 2015 that I have compiled, please remember that all songs listed are songs that I have personally enjoyed over the course of the year. I do not expect anyone to follow this list with the expectations that it contains 'the best', nor do I expect you all to like what I have chosen here. These song choices are, first and foremost, subject to my own tastes, and no one else's. I am simply listing what I have enjoyed, with the hopes of also introducing you all to some groups, soloists and songs that I have found great over the course of the year gone by.

 To clarify; y'all don't need to agree with this list, nor do you have to like it. Just remember that this is what I have chosen, and that all music here is subject to my own shitty tastes. Thank you.

PS, I haven't listened to every song released this year. I mean, it would be amazing if I did hear every track ever released, however for me, it is impossible, so for that, I apologise, but what I have listened to... well, it was all kinds of awesome! So yeah, if y'all don't see a song you liked on here, it's probably because I didn't like it, or I didn't get to hear it. Either or.

2015 is flying away like the hawk that it was, and rushing in swiftly like a coursing river (with all the strength of a great typhoon) is the year of 2016. However! However, the year is not up just yet, meaning that we still have some time to ourselves to take a look back at what has been, as well as time to truly appreciate and enjoy the music that we have loved from the year gone by, because damn, what a year it has been in terms of music!

Like, seriously... I've not really even hated that many songs this year. I can't even warrant a Top ~ list of my most disliked songs because it's so freakin' short! That makes me a little sad inside, actually... DX Chiima likes her dislike posts DX DX

Anyway, with that said, let's go ahead and introduce this years Top so many list of 2015... WITH A PRETTY BANNER, YAY!

... Okay, so yeah, this is a Top 50 post this year, because I've actually been really hyped with Idols this year, and there has been a tonne of great music released that I kind of could not bear to part with on a Top 30 or so list, because I am clingy, and also, I like big lists. Y'all know me; go big, or go home, because Chiima is the type to do things in excess.

 Makes up for my lack of a brain, y'see.

In all seriousness though, this was pretty damn hard to compile. Any list is if you think about, but when it's 50 songs, it gets increasingly harder, and whilst I do not regret creating this list (because through all the pain, it is super fun to do), I must admit that it is annoying to do, as well, because there is a lot of chopping and changing, moving around of songs, much writing, and more. I mean, I could have made this easier on myself and not written about the songs chosen and why I like them, that would save a lot of time and it would mean you have less bullshit to read, but come on; this is me. I love writing, I love defining why I like a song, and let's be real, this blog would not be O!MT without me harping on in the background about why I liked something. It is what it is, and yeah, it'd be easier on my poor fingers to cut out all my dribble, however this is what I love to do, and it's that challenge that spurs me on to make these posts what they are.

Oh, and regarding this list, seriously, I am happy with all that I have chosen here. Some were complete surprises on this list (see: #50), and quite a few were no-brainers. I also think that, for me, this is pretty diverse in the acts that have been listed, with some old-timers returning, as well as a few newbies making their way in and staking their claim on certain spots within this list. There are a lot of faces, a hell of a lot of songs, and certainly some fun times to be had here, music-wise.

Also, because this is a giant-ass post, bigger than last years for sure (here's to hoping I don't go any further than 50 for next year, cause that might actually kill me), I would like you to take your time in getting a drink (alcoholic, hot or soft, depending on your taste buds, age and tolerance), maybe a small snack (or a big one; this is a big list, after all!), as well as a toilet break and finding somewhere comfy to sit, because yeah, we might be here for a while... or not, depending on your lighting-speed Ninja reading level. Either way, sip something, nibble a cookie, and prepare yourselves, for we are heading into a territory known as...

2015 in Song: The Top 50 Countdown in J-pop!

~According to Chiima~

For these Top 50 songs in my list, who do you think will appear, and who will reign supreme? It's time to find out! Let's... GO!

.｡.:*☆*:.｡.☆.｡.:*☆*:.｡.

2015 ~A New Year's Hopes, Dreams, Fears & Predictions~

A New Year is upon us, rather like Saorin is nearly on top of Maika... er, *ahem*

The fact that this isn't a Hello! Pro/MoMusu image is alarming

With 2014 coming to its close and 2015 happening in only so many hours, of course I only feel its right to once again return to my year-end bonanza that is my Predictions, Hopes, Dreams, Fears and much more for the on-coming storm that will surely be the year '15, and leave my last post of 2014 with what I think will happen in the on-coming New Year.

As per tradition here on the land of Okay! Musume Time, ever since 2011 in fact (old series is old!), I will be thinking about what I would like to happen, what I think will happen, and what I don't want to happen for 2015, whether it is Idol related or something to do with my personal life - whatever it may be, I write it here for all to see. The wishes/hopes/fears may be serious, some will be jokey, but no matter what, they are, for me, my own way of celebrating the New Year and the surprise it will surely bring us all.

So, without any further delay, let's get into the Predictions, Hopes, Dreams and Fears I have set for 2015, and run head-on into the New Year! It's not here just yet, but we're getting there, so to prepare myself, and maybe you guys as well, I have devised my own little thoughts of what could be into a list. I wonder, what will be on it?

You will have to read on and see...~

2014: And So Goes By Another Year... ~2014 Year End Review: The Extended Edition~

WARNING: I don't do short posts... at least, not on here. YOU ARE WARNED!

** Also, apologies if this is poorly written. Once again, I have pulled an all nighter XD

With the year coming to an end, it just would not be right to end without a Year End Review for my blog, and with only a day or so until the New Year officially rings in, now would probably be the best time to bring forth the post that everyone has planned, written, re-written and then cried over many times to my own blog, except... I never drafted it, I never cried over it. I just wrote it, like I always do.

There's no planning like, er... no planning, right? But, that's the way it goes here on the O!MT Bus, and that's the way it always will be. I wouldn't have it any other way, to be hones with you all.

So as we get into the Year End Review for 2014, why not grab yourself a drink of something, maybe a few biccies (cookies) and pop on a relaxing, nostalgic song as we turn back the clock and work over the year we are leaving behind us, ready to jump into the New Year. Even though we are in our final days of 2014, please, sit with me and take a look back? I would really appreciate it...

From the Top, Idols! ~Idol Rankings 2014~

All thoughts and opinions within this post are my own. What I state is not fact, but just my opinion, so take it as it is; opinion. If you feel offended, that is your problem, not mine. If you do not agree with me, fine, if you agree with me, also fine, but remember to not take things to heart - it's unhealthy!

With 2014 coming ever closer to its end, and the End of Year posts piling up here, I thought that it would be fun to add another list to the blog before 2014 well and truly shuts down, and what better than to do an Idol Ranking system for the year gone by?

For the end of 2014, this is my Idol Ranking! I wonder... just who made the cut?

The Worst of 2014 in Song (for J-POP) ~According to Chiima~

All thoughts and opinions regarding what I feel are the worst songs of the year going by are my own, and please, take them as they are; Opinions. This is not fact, merely what I feel towards songs I didn't care for, so don't take it as fact. If you enjoy them, then good - you can appreciate what I can't, and I want that. It's just that I don't like these, so we will leave it at that. Thank you.

**Y'all can find my Top 30 J-Pop Songs of 2014 HERE to see what I actually did like this year, so yeah~

In terms of music this year, I have to admit that I really was not disappointed - I liked a lot of what I heard, and whilst my own music taste isn't as fabulous as everyone else's, I found the music produced this year enjoyable and worth the listen.

That said, there were a few shitty tunes thrown in there, so of course I'm going to note them! There aren't many, but hey, they need some recognition, so here we go!

Ah, terrible songs, what would I do without you? Granted, there weren't a whole ton of songs I actually hated or found pretty bad this year, but the ones that I did... well, they're ones that I wish I could burn, or just delete from my internal memory. Still, despite how short this list will be, I'm glad that there weren't a lot of songs I disliked... imagine if I did a Top 30 Most Disliked Songs of 2014!? That would be crazy! My poor fingers...

So, even though the list is tiny as heck, we're going to look at the Songs of 2014 that I found to be the worst of the bunch. Why do I dislike these songs, what do I have against them, and which song will reign supreme in all of its shittyness?

This is my Tiny-Whiney Worst Songs of 2014 List, and I'm ready to gripe a bit! Are you ready to disagree with me? Let's GO!!!

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...?

Chiima's Top 6 MEH Songs of 2013 feat. The WORST of Them ALL! ~Come on Now, Okay! Musume Style~

All opinions within this post are my own. The songs I choose for this list are based solely on my opinions, so don't get offended if a song you like ends up in here. As long as you like it, who cares what I think, right? Don't get offended just because I can't meet your ideals towards a song.

It seems like this year, I have started naming my Year End posts ~Okay! Musume Style~. Why I have done that is beyond me, but I seem to like the tag. So yeah, ~Okay! Musume Style~! Let's try and make it happen It's not going to happen, like Fetch never happened /sobs

Anyways... this year, when I was thinking about what songs were the 'Worst' this year, I found that I was having a difficult time. When I think of the word 'worst' and then Idol songs, I think of songs that I hate with a flaming passion, and honestly... there is only one song that I loathed greatly this year, a song that I find the 'Worst' of 2013. I can't jolly well make a list with just one bad song, right?

And then I remembered that, whilst there were some pretty good songs out this year that I enjoyed greatly, there were also a handful of pretty damn boring songs as well, which gave me the idea to create a 'MEH' list - a list of the six songs that I found to be the dullest, most mind-numbing tracks that this year could have produced. Whether this is a step up or a step down from being the 'Worst' is up to you, but still, these songs were pretty disappointing, and all around pretty damn crap!

... Well, at least in my opinion, that is.

So with that said, let's crack into The Top 6 MEH Songs of 2013! Will a song you loathe with a great passion be in there, too? Or will I awkwardly manage to place in a favourite? We will have to take a look and see! Let's go!

Chiima's Top 6 MEH Songs of 2013! ~Okay! Musume Style~

6

Hikari no Hate ni by Fairies

Just because I like this song, it doesn't mean that I am saving it from the List of 'Meh'. Hikari no Hate ni is one of the few songs by Fairies that I actually enjoy, however, it is mind-numbingly dull, generic and stupidly safe. There really is nothing amazing about this song, other than it is cute and so... Idol-y. It's peppy, up-beat and a fun tune, but good lord, this is a weak song, and it really lacks in Fairies' true personality. Sadly, this is also the groups only single for 2013, meaning that they have no other single to fall back on to save them from looking like their music has taken a downward spiral since 2012. Oops.

5

Sayonara Crawl by AKB48

Sayonara Crawl would have been high up on this list, possibly in the Top 3, if it wasn't for the fact that I did death-loop it a bit. I do enjoy it, though I say that through gritted-teeth, because I don't want to admit it. It is truly one those guilty pleasures that eats away at me and makes me regret enjoying it. Urgh.

My confessions out of the way, this was a really shit Summer release from AKB48. After the great quality of Manatsu no Sounds GOOD!, I had very high hopes for AKB48 when it came to their summer song, only to be let down greatly. I was heavily disappointed, I will be honest with you, though this wasn't the biggest disappointment of the year in terms of music (we will get to that one soon enough...) but it was still overly weak and one giant pool of blurgh. It's a boring song, with such a dull tune and a generic tone. It also has one of the ugliest PV's of 2013, too. There is no saving this terrible track...

Well, other than that catchy generic sound, that is. Damn my ears for enjoying it!

4

Golden Chinatown by Berryz Kobo

We're now onto the songs that I actually don't give two figs about, because they are just that dull and uncreative. This is, of course, one of those dull songs, and my lord isn't it just so boring and uninspired?

I really was not impressed with Golden Chinatown at all. Sure, it has some catchy elements, but the girls sound (and look) bored throughout the entire song. They sound bland and lifeless with the exception of Momoko, who's weird cuteness manages to channel some personality and life into the song, and the song is just plain forgettable and bland bland bland! Whilst Sayonara Crawl is, in my opinion, worse than this one in terms of how forgettable and lacking in diversity it is, that song at least has something to grab my attention. This one doesn't.

Thank God that its accompanying A-side song Sayonara Usotsuki no Watashi is good!

3

Wolf Boy by Morning Musume

Honestly, this entire album could be in this spot, but because this is a Top 6, I am just throwing in the one song that disappointed me the most... Oh, Wolf Boy, where did you go wrong?

For me, this song was the biggest disappointment of the year. In fact, the entire album was one huge disappointment, but this song did nothing for me at all, and I feel duped in a way.

I have a feeling that the hype for this song did not help one bit, but this song just fell flat. There was no charm about it, it sounds... well, it just sounds unappealing. I get why people enjoy it because it can be fun sometimes, but I really just don't like it. It's... well, it's meh. It has nothing about it that grabs me, and I honestly thought it would be better. But nope. It's just what it is, and I just have no love for it.

... It's kind of weird seeing MoMusu in my Top 6 MEH Songs of the year.

2

Kono Machi by C-ute

This song is so dull, I actually forgot that it existed. If you're wondering just how it managed to scrape away from being Number 1 on this Meh List of songs, well, let's just say that it's better than the song I have in mind for Number 1. It has some saving grace, luckily enough.

I honestly wish that C-ute had covered the song in its original, upbeat form, because that was a great song, and I honestly hyped myself up for a rendition of the original... but instead, this one came out, and I was sorely disappointed, very bored and, in the end, I just turned it off before it could even get halfway through. It is such a dull song, it almost puts me to sleep.

I don't think it helps that the blandness of Maimi's voice makes this song sound duller, either. In fact, they all sound boring and dull, except Airi. She truly is the saving grace of C-ute.

Good Lord, I sound like a C-ute hater xD

And so that leaves me with just one song left to call the 'MEH'est' of them all, the song that has truly bored me and did just nothing for my year of 2013. It is truly the most uninspired of them all, the one that is just... yeah, it just sucks. Let's take a look at it... urgh!

1

So Long! by AKB48

AKB48 did not start the year with a good song. In fact, this year their A-side music has been pretty bad, with this being the worst of the lot in my opinion.

I like Graduation singles, and I like slow songs too, but when songs are this slow and mind-numbingly dull and forgettable... just stop. I mean, it's not like it isn't pretty, because it is, but it's also very boring and overly generic. It is my least favourite Sakura song from AKB so far, and I don't think that the horrible high notes used helps in how I favour the song. I just really don't care for it.

This isn't the worst song out there from 2013 though, it's just the most boring. Of course, I will save this dull, far-too long song and bid it a So Long! and a farewell as I let you all in on the song that I personally find the worst for 2013. Wanna know what it is?

The WORST Song of 2013

Asian Celebration by Berryz Kobo

This one truly does go on the wall of shame, or at least in my room it does. Good lord, this was a disastrous song.

The thing is, I know a lot of people love this song, but I just don't. I really did not enjoy it one bit when it came out, and I still find it irritating and all around bad. It does have a catchy and fun beat, don't get me wrong, but it's just so terrible in my opinion. It's basically the One Two Three of 2013 for me!

 Yes, I loathe it that much.

Asian Celebration was the only song that sprang to mind when I thought of 'The Worst of 2013 in a song'... it's the only song that I knew fit that title perfectly, which is why it has this ultimate title of being the worst. It isn't 'Meh', because I do think it is far beyond boring as it does sound enjoyable, but my feelings of absolute dislike towards it are just so strong... it really is a horrible song! This song release did not kick-start the year positively for the group, though thankfully Tsunku did prove that he still liked this group enough to give them good or great songs thanks to their other singles... well, all but the Meh fail of Golden Chinatown, that is.

This song beats out the 'Meh's' and really takes the cake of 2013 in terms of how bad it is. It is the Bottom of the Bottom for me, and the one song that I will gladly never listen to again.

-------------------------

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And with that, I end my Top 6 MEH Songs of 2013 (and the Worst of them ALL!). These were, undoubtedly, the songs that bored me to death and the songs that I least favoured this year, with the exceptions of Hikari no Hate ni and to a certain degree, Sayonara Crawl, which I hate, but disgustingly enough like as well.

My choices and opinions may not favour yours, but for me, these were the downfalls of the year from the batch of music I have listened to. Surprisingly enough, this years batch of disappointing songs have mostly come from Hello! Project... but whatever, at least I'm not showing bias any more. I'm still shocked by how many H!P songs made it in there, though.

This has been my Top 6 MEH Songs of 2013, and compared to my Top 20, this was rather easy to compile as I already knew which songs would go in there. The way it has been ordered, however, surprised me (especially with Sayonara Crawl. It dodged a bullet).

So, what are your Worst or most Boring Songs of 2013? And if you find a song we have similar opinions on, or even contrasting opinions, be sure to let me know~

I wonder what my next End of Year post shall be? Hm...

Chiima~

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~