<div>First listen impression: I like it. My worry was that UP-FRONT would go cheap on a solo singer (are we still calling Airi an idol, or nah?), but they didn't. UFC and Zetima went all-in on Do Me A Favor, and gave Airi a professionally written and produced debut. Thank god.</div>
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<div>Right off the top, "Mikansei Girl" is my favorite, and I was positive that this was a Shiina Ringo joint, but it's not. It is, however, an insanely great facsimile of one.</div>
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<div>My only criticism is the lack of a cohesive sound, but in this day and age, that's a nit-pick. There's a lot going on here, though, most of it is really good and Airi rarely sounds out of place. I expect quite a few of these songs to grow on me with repeated listening. Definitely check it out.</div>
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<div>Oh, why are they calling this a "mini-album"? 15 tracks is about as much as you can expect from a full long-player.</div>
Ah, I think in the beginning it was a mini-album, but you're right it's a full fledged album. I'll fix that.
Having gone through the album once, I feel like that this was Airi's chance to just try everything. I don't think Up-Front or Airi really know what kind of solo artist she is. So if you let her do a little bit of everything and see where she shines the most. That was my take away from the album.
Good Night was my favorite off the bat. I didn't think I'd like it, I almost skipped it but then at the :20 mark it just went and did a 180. I loved it.
This is a place where a signature goes. Enjoy some Airi instead.
[quote="Shoujo Q"]
Good Night was my favorite off the bat. I didn't think I'd like it, I almost skipped it but then at the :20 mark it just went and did a 180. I loved it.
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That was "Watashi no Soba de" for me.
After a few more listens I'm really liking the rock stuff most.
I've been excited for this album for MONTHS, and all those PV releases in early May hyped up the album even more for me. After listening a few times, I can definitely say I'm not disappointed in the slightest. Every track sounds amazing and while there aren't tracks that I outright dislike, there are definitely tracks I prefer more over others. Iin ja nai, STORY, and perfect timing are probably my three favorites, but I also really enjoyed Candy Box and DISTANCE.
Overall, I think this was a great first album for Airi and I'm excited for what's coming next.
I’m kind of meh about this album, nothing is sticking out to me as a super bop, but there are a couple nice songs. I wish the album had a more cohesive sound and style. It’s feels sort of... I don’t know, rushed? The music videos were super low budget too, which I know is H!P, but it’s still disappointing.
I actually felt like the videos for Start Again and Distance were way better done than 99% of UFP videos lol. Much better camera work and direction, actually felt dynamic to me which is something I never feel when it comes to H!P videos - they are generally very stationary.
I feel like they basically tried to showcase the "grown up" versions of C-ute Airi and Buono Airi on one album. I kind of wish they'd just gone with one or the other because it makes for a weird listening experience alternating between the two. I haven't listened to the full album but that's the vibe I got from the MVs.
Last edited by Farrah on Sat Jun 09, 2018 8:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.
[quote="Farrah"]
I feel like they basically tried to showcase the "grown up" versions of C-ute Airi and Buono Airi on one album.
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It's that and more. It's a definitely a Whitman's Sampler of an album, but it's good.