I finally got my album! <img src='
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Z Densetsu ~Owarinaki Kakumei~ - I still feel like this song was meant to be the new Ikuze, and falls a little short. It's a bit TOO whacky, with a lot more shouting than actual singing. But it has grown on me a lot and it's cute for an album opener. For a concert, I'd rather they open with Ikuze or Contradiction and follow with this.
Contradiction - Love. this. song.
Mirai Bowl - This is the "remake" I like the least. Aarin's rap is totally out of place. I know that cutesy-sexy is her thing, but it just doesn't fit the instrumental at that part. I noticed in all the remade songs, the group parts sound a lot higher pitched with Akari gone. It doesn't bother me in the new songs, but it just seems odd in the old ones since I'm so used to hearing the original. I'll stick with the original Mirai Bowl.
Wani to Shampoo - Such a great song that screams MomoClo. Lots of fun and silliness and great lyrics.
Pinky Jones - Reni's version of Akari's part in the middle is great. It fits the mood of the song but adds her own "Reni-ness" to it. Not too different from the original overall. I might keep this one around in addition to the original because I like Reni's part.
Kimi no Ato - Ballads aren't their strong point, and Kanako definitely strains. But there are some lovely low notes from Momoka. Not the greatest MomoClo song but not bad. I think it works best when you listen to it within the whole album.
D' no Junjou - I love this sooong. The PV was fantastic, and reassured me that MomoClo would still be awesome even without Akari. Z Densetsu had me worried for a bit. <img src='
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Ame no Tajikara wo - Love this one too. I like the mix of different "ethnic" styles of singing and music.
Orange Note - I really wish we'd gotten the original with Akari at some point, but alas. I'm glad we got this on an album finally, it's a great song. Shiori does a fantastic job with the rap - I didn't know her voice could get that deep! <img src='
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Ikuze! Kaito Shoujo - It's kind of weird to listen to at first, but I really like how they made changes to this song. Instead of just flat out replacing Akari like they did with the others, they change up the song a bit. Thee opening "hey hey we are..." part is done cutely instead of cooly, and the "KanakooOO" is a clever way to fill in the pause. The whoa yeah stuff at the end are a nice addition too. This is something I'll keep in addition to the original song.
Stardust Serenade - Holy misleading title Batman. This is basically that-standard-idol-album-track. Even boy idols have a track like this on every album. <img src='
http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... /laugh.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':lol:' /> But I like that one song, so I'm happy with it. It's pretty cute.
Kono Uta - Another standard idol track, but again I like it. This is a great album closer and show closer. I definitely can see how this could be about Akari.
MomoClo no Nippon Banzai! - Aaand then there's this song. It's a lot like Z Densetsu for me, pushing the boundries of fun/cute/whacky a little bit too far. It also feels like the song that never ends and it's not really that long. But I could see it growing on me, there's a lot of great Reni moments and funny lyrics.
I have the Christmas concert but still haven't had a chance to watch it, so this is my first time hearing the solos.
Datte Aarin Nan da mon - Perfect for her. Super cute without being annoying or too over the top. I love the random scary music right before she says "Aarin." <img src='
http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... /laugh.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':lol:' /> As much as she does the standard super burikko idol thing, she actually has a pretty good voice and can pull off a song like this much better than say, Sayumi could.
fall into me - AKARIII. The music for this is fantastic, it kind of surprises me it was used for an idol group. Once she starts rapping the song becomes a little bit Linkin Park (bad thing), but overall it's a perfect song for Akari and it makes me really excited to see her last performance of it. The harmonies are awesome too. *_*
Arigatou no Present - While Akari's song feels short, Momoka's song feels like it goes on forever. This is the best they could do for her? Lame! She's got a great voice with nice range, she could do so much more. The verses plod and plod. The chorus is pleasent to listen to but overall the song is a bore.
...Ai desu ka? - Shiori has the best voice in the group, but has this cute little sister image. I'm glad that instead of forcing her into a more cutesy voice that's typically associated with that character, they let her sing in a pretty, more mature sounding voice. This is a great song for her. It's sort of classic idol, something I could see early ManoEri doing.
Taiyou to Ekubo - This is a cute song, but it highlights Kanako's vocal weaknesses - she sounds strained in a lot of it and I agree, the cutesy voice doesn't fit her. This would have been better as a group song or a solo for Shiori, Reni, or even Momoka. Although she does English lines at the end really cutely in a good way.
Koi wa Abare Onidaiko - RENIII. Awesome awesome awesome song. The style fits Reni's randomness without being...totally crazy random. If that makes sense. Her voice is very pretty and works well with the style.
Overall: 5 stars, super awesome, no major disappointments.
It is really weird that Akari's name is NOWHERE to be found on the album despite the subtle references for her. She's not even listed under guest vocals or anything. It seems like they at least would have to credit her for her solo. But oh well, I kind of like that references to her are hidden for the old fans, but not too confusing for new fans.