Caroline’s meditations

m-flo - COMICOLOR (3 Stars)

A memorable revival of the good ol' style of m-flo releases. On the surface, it may appear to be another techno filled J-Urban record, but includes many new hits incorporating the collaborations we love so much.

For each amazing song, there is probably one that I could pass one. she loves the CREAM has to be the most annoying musical composition ever created.

Recommended tracks: Love Long and Prosper, Summer Time Love, LOVE ME HATE THE GAME

YUI - Can't Buy My Love (4 Stars)

I found that this album was not as breathtaking as the first which I believe to be because most of the great songs were released as singles and the remainder was not nearly as impressive. Overall YUI will always be one of the most unique and revolutionary of artists, but her sophomore album didn't top her debut in my book.

Otherwise, I adore her vocals as always, and YUI has amazing music crafting abilities.

Recommended tracks: Good-bye Days, CHE.R.RY, I Remember You



BONNIE PINK - Anything for You [Single] (2 Stars)

Fairly typical Bonnie Pink style. A light hearted single with perhaps more instrument than vocals. I feel like her beautiful voice gets drowned a bit and had it been a stronger part of the song, this single would have been more memorable.

This single was coupled with her m-flo collaboration which is a much stronger song.




Hilary Duff - Dignity (3 Stars)

Uhm....don't look at me like that. You should I know I have dubious tastes in American music.
I think this is a wonderful shift from pseudo pop-rock to something much more appealing and marketable for Hilary Duff. She moves over to more dance hip-hop without completely demolishing her clean image. It starts out very strong and fast-paced and eventually settles down to some more pop leaning songs. It's a bit of a mix.

Recommended Tracks: Stranger, Gypsy Woman, Play With Fire

Marie Antoinette Movie Soundtrack (5 Stars)

This is a whole branch of the music tree that I don't have any experience with. Most of the bands come from the area of eclectic rock and such that I will have little to comment on. This is very enjoyable nonetheless, considering the mix of modern and old that I find so irresistible. Worth is just for the sheer number of songs you get.

Recommended Tracks: I Want Candy (Bow Wow Wow), Concerto in G (Vivaldi), Hong Kong Garden (Siouxsie & The Banshees)


Tokyo Drift Movie Soundtrack (4 Stars)

The movie was mediocre. The combination of loud engine noises, rap music, and philosophical discussion was just not my thing BUT I believe this soundtrack to be a work of genius and clearly one thing the makers of the movie did not fail at.

A brilliant combination of J-Urban music (Teriyaki Boyz, Dragon Ash), Spanish Rap (Don Omar), and catchy beats in English. It's almost too good and quite fittingly good music to drive to.

Recommended Tracks: Round Round (Far East Movement), She Wants To Move (NERD),Resound (Dragon Ash)



AAA - Climax Jump [Single] (2 Stars)

I'm a bit of an on and off AAA fan, this single overall had little to offer (as it was just one song over and over again).

Rockish and a little like an anime opening, Climax Jump provides a good mix of male and female vocals as well as a trade off between trumpet and guitar.




melody - Be As One (3 Stars)

melody always has soothing vocals balanced with a classic pop style, leading to powerful ballads and catchy dance hits. Be As One proves to be another balanced album of some of her better works and it does not waver from start to finish.
Clearly she is at her best with the various instrumental takes the album features. Particularly with piano, melody cannot be beat.

Recommended Tracks: Be As One, Gift of Love, Next to You