2 posts tagged “takahashi ai”
Takahashi Ai isn't really my favorite member. I've never been able to rank my favorite MM members, though there are some I don't quite like. But anyways, here's a few reasons why I like her.
She actually likes what she does. I always see a smile on her face when she's on HaroMoni, at a concert, or even in the PVs. Singing and dancing is what she likes to do. She doesn't seem to care about the fame as much as she does having fun. And unlike Ishikawa Rika (and probably many others in H!P) she seems to like her fans. The smiles and energy from her seen in concerts is from the fact that she's flattered that all these fans chant her name after solos and waver her colored glowstick. She puts passion in her singing and dancing for the fans out there who enjoy watching her. And she just gets the greatest grins. There's the normal idol, pose for photos smile. Then there's that grin.
I do the same thing when I am really happy. I hate how I look because my eyes get all squinty, but it's genuine. I can't help it! You don't see this smile in Ai when she poses for pictures. You see it during preformances and any filmed clips like making-of videos. I'm sure she likes her posed smile better, but I prefer the candid one.
You also have to admit she's a pretty good singer. She can handle the lines shes given and sing them well. You may not like her voice, but she does hit all the pitchs and can carry a tune.
What attracts me most to an idol isn't how they look or how they sing. It's how happy they look when they work. I don't want to watch someone who hates their job. It makes me feel sort of guilty for enjoying something they didn't like doing.
Takahashi Ai may not be the most interesting member of H!P and Morning Musume. But I think there's more to look for in an idol then how entertaining they are. ;p
I'm a bit late in reviewing, considering everybody else seemed to give their opinion on the song once the PV came out. But I wanted to wait until it was officially released and had a weekly rank at least. I've had a lot of time to think about this single and my opinions on it. So, with a new blog layout that fits the "Onna ni Sachi Are" sound, here we go!
The review of the song is going to be from a singer's point of view. As I've mentioned before, I sing with several different cover groups. And more often then not, there are sign-ups for new songs like "Onna ni Sachi Are" even before it's been released. We're all anxious to get the new song under our tongues and try singing it ourselves. I think that's greatly different from the point of view of someone who just listens to music, and maybe will sing along with the song on occasion. Singers note things that wouldn't be of concern to people who just listen- such as the speed or pitch. I hope my review will be unique in that way!
First off is the song its self. It seems to be along the same vein as previous singles like "Kanashimi Twilight", "Egao YES Nude" and even "Ambitious! Yashinteki de Ii jan". That can be a good thing or bad thing, considering your view on those. For me, it's an okay thing.
The song starts off with a powerful beat. When Koharu come in, the background music quiets down. I like how the background music is repetitive until the accented singing parts at the end of lines when we get more of the beat from the beginning. That really brings power and energy into the singing. So, Koharu has the opening lines. I'm amazed at how she can keep that cute voice, but twist it into a serious sound. She's a miracle in the way that she always surprises us. Who could have guessed that she's sound so rocking in a song like this after hearing "Koi Kana"?
Next is Takahashi Ai. Like Koharu, I'm surprised that she fits so well into this song. MiniMoni, anyone? Ai handles the switch with ease (though I don't think her personality fits this song). Then we have Aika. Slowly but surely, she's seemed to improved since her debut. I'm glad she gets equal lines with Koharu.
Then the song moves into a more pounding style. It sounds really angry! Out of all the duet parts in this section, I think I dislike Aika/Koharu the most. I think Koharu's voice is so unique that it sticks out too much when she sings with another person, at least in a more serious song like this. And sticking the two on the only slow-ish line in this section doesn't help either. The JunJun LinLin duet is nice, and Ai/Risa sound very well together. For the "Baka ne baka ne baka ne" parts, I'm glad Reina is on it- she has so much attitude when she sings. I think she truly believes and puts her heart into what she sings, especially when it's a yelling part.
My favorite part of the song is the Ai/Risa duet when they sing "Aa Itsuka wa, Shiawase ga kuru wa". They really sound good together, and even better on this slower and more "soulful" singing part. Then we have a solo for Reina. To me, her voice falls between a cute and cool sound. Next is a Ai/Sayumi duet. Like Ai's duet with Risa, I like it. But it has a light sound to it with Sayumi's cute voice. The ending line "Asahi yo Nobore", I don't really like Koharu singing down that low. She sounds good, but it doesn't seem to fit as well as the higher notes.
We have a short instrumental that really makes you bop your head. There are more Ai solo lines, then a Risa solo. I'm disappointed in her here because I know she can have such a strong and unique voice. It feels subdued and quiet.
After the second "Baka" section, we have a really nice Eri/Reina duet. Like the earlier Ai/Risa duet on the same part, they both sound awesome. But it has a lighter feel to it. Then there's another Eri duet, but this time with Sayumi. And it sounds downright cute! I think it's a little change to the tougher sounding singing on those same lines. Now, I feel bad for JunJun/LinLin. They don't seem to get much of a change in what they sing. It's another "Onna ni Sachi Are" line for them!
Like before, we have another "Asahi yo Nobore" line like Koharu sang. But this time, Aika sings it. She really fits well with the lower notes. Then another instrumental, but it adds more of a melody to it with the guitar. This leads into Ai's huge solo line.
There's only a little bit of noise in the background- little bell hits that go along with the melody she's singing. Then there's a big boom, or puff, around the "Deau tame no" line. It really adds to the feeling of this part. We know the instrumental beats will come back in and it adds excitement.
Then things sort of speed up (no in tempo as much as feeling). Eri has a great solo line of her own. Her voice is cute, but not overly so. She really has a nice voice, and it's a wonder why she hasn't gotten more spotlight.
Now we have the Panda (I say that with love! It's a cute nickname, yes?) solo lines! First is LinLin on "Onna ni Sachi Are". This is sort of a peak to the song. That title line had been sung over and over, but as a duet. Now we can here it with only one girl singing. LinLin has a really nice voice. I think it's similar to Aika's. As we watch the two of them grow up and mature, I hope they will grow into their voices and find a place for them I can see the two in a duet like GAM with some really strong vocals. JunJun sounds like Sayumi, and that's not a bad thing! It's just very cute. I can see her excelling in a more up-tempo and cutie song.
There's nothing else much to say after this point. The song sort of wraps up with some more singing we've heard before, then instrumental. I like how the ending sort of fades away. It makes me feel satisfied from listening. Until I press play again to repeat!
Overall, this is a good song. I'm not sure these girls were the best of people to give a tough song (not difficulty level, but attitude) like this to. But they pull it off well enough and we have a cool song to do some light headbanging to.
Rating: 9/10
