Wishing on the Same Star

Die at Gold Hikari reviews Wishing on the Same Star from Amuro Namie. Die describes this single as Namie’s departure from the idol pop scene.

How to Use SEXY

Die of Gold Hikari has a track-by-track review of How to Use SEXY, the last Hello! Project album from Goto Maki. Die enjoys the album and does a really good job explaining why. I think that Die appreciates it not just for the quality of individual tracks but the diversity the album as a whole provides. There does seem to be a lot of experimentation here and it is somewhat difficult to pin down one genre that the album falls under.

Lovin’ U « GoldHikari
Finding My Road

Die looks at the eighth and ninth singles from melody., finding the title tracks enjoyable for both but not nearly as positive on the c/w. Die’s also right about the Lovin’ U cover being a very nice piece of eyecandy for the singer.

All Because of You
My Story

Die reviews two recent singles from those ladies that brought you that funny superhero cartoon song. Apparently, these songs are good, too, with Die preferring "All Because of You" which is "pure J-Rock fun!".

Kane wo Narashite

Die from Gold Hikari reviews Bonnie Pink’s 24th single, Kane wo Narashite. Die finds this release to be fantastic, except for the b-side “A Perfect Sky (Björn Remix).”

Secret

Die of GoldHikari has a very detailed review for Hamasaki Ayumi’s Secret album. I sort of feel weird summarizing the piece because it looks like Die put a lot of work and effort into it. Basically Die goes over why each track works and how the entire album is emotionally appealing. You should just read it though.

Believe

Die reviews Nami’s debut single track by track, showing love for the title track, calling it the “supreme techno prominence” but keeping away from the other two tracks, calling them “B-side material”. Even though the B-sides didn’t make a great impression, Die still believes in the single and says it is an impressive way to kick off the “greeting” era, giving the single a solid 94%.

I Believe (GoldHikari)

GoldHikari’s expresses his love of ayaka’s “I Believe”. He sees some flaws to this sensational debut ballad by ayaka. But states that these small flaws are a simple nullity when compared with ayaka’s deep vocals, the originality of the song and the how much heart is in this ballad. GoldHikari also takes a quick glimpse at her b-side, Yume no Kakera. GoldHikari concludes with,

Anyways this single is a MUST HEAR, it’s just so powerful and so phenomenal.

Ladies and Gentlemen, GoldHikari is not lying.

Breakthrough Artist: alan
Ashita e no Sanka

Die writes on avex’s new multilingual talent, introducing her briefly before launching into a review of her first Japanese single. “Ashita e no Sanka” is given a grade of 100%, and Die thinks alan may very well be “the next big thing.”