アンダーガールズ (AKB48) - 偶然の十字路
I don't expect anything different from the Undergirls at this point. They continue to release adorable, yet cliche promotional videos. They ride bikes, work as a team in sports, go to class, and deal with everyday teenage problems. The low quality of the video made it difficult to determine all the girls that are in this single of Undergirls. One new face, with quite some screen time, was Chibi Airi from SKE48. There wasn't a dance shot, but the storyline follows the girls and three boys (who are crushing on some of the girls). There were some funny moments, including the boys trying to sneak into a Meetan event. It is nice to see that Meetan still finds her way to the lolis.
DIVA (AKB48) - エリアK
DIVA is back! Again this song gives most of the solo lines to a few, talented, singers. Instead of the amazing ballad they had last time (which wouldn't work because the main track is a ballad), they sing a very Koda Kumi-esque dance track. The song is a bit too cheerful in contrast with the rough, edgy fight/ dance club. The nice thing is that some of the less-promoted members get some screen time once again. I am a bit disappointed that Amina wasn't featured like she did last time (one beautiful solo line). Maybe next time DIVA comes around they'll feature some of the other members with vocal talent like Wasamin.
AAA / ダイジナコト
What can I say about this PV. It follows their usual style of a dance track with a rap section included. This one does seem to feature more members on an even level. I don't care for all the outfits, but the overall setting and color palette is fitting. I heard one of the guys got a solo line, which doesn't happen often. I don't follow them too closely, but I am a fan. (One of their singles made my top singles list of 2010). I don't love the song. So far, the Undergirls is the only song that I find catchy at the moment.
℃-ute 『Kiss me 愛してる』
Overall this is pretty good. The colors and lighting are great. I like the song, but I don't know if I would play it on my iPod unless it came up on shuffle. The major fallback is the costuming. While, I love the color combination and I believe it works well with the set. . . I dislike the fact that they only wear one outfit and the shorts. I expect the fellas will love the sit of their rear-ends in spandex shorts; I, however, spent a good deal of time trying to determine my stance on them and keeping my eye out for camel-toe. Spandex shorts are fine if we are talking butts, because they all have a nice, little booty, but the crotch is a bit more difficult. (I don't know how a crotch can be flattering so covering it in spandex wouldn't be my first choice.) There are some things that makes me ask why? Without any kind of storyline it is just the basics of a PV (so why are there glass apples?). All I want to see from Hello Project is some more effort in this department. Just by adding some small elements you can create a, I don't know purpose, to the PV. Like AAA's PV for example, it is also mostly a dance shot and close-ups, but by highlighting the setting it adds more depth.
Buono! 『JUICY HE@RT』
The technological tone of the song suits the title. I thought it was okay. The song was kind of one note, but still good. It actually reminded me of K5 or Akimoto's style in general (the guitar solo combined with the techy, sometimes one-note song). The thing that I found off putting was the fact that they seemed out of place. It seemed like they were going for luxury + Buono!, but it didn't sit right with me. First off the girls were in club outfits on a boat in the middle of the day. Why not swim suits or resort-wear? Then they have them singing in front of two expensive cars. Um, why? I know some people are unhappy to see Airi still in the center. Personally, I think the group looks good in that formation. Airi is the most normal-pretty. Momo is short and out of control, and Miyabi has dyed hair. What I didn't like is when they did push Airi as the lead. They should be on equal footing. The only other thing that I didn't like was the continuous cross dissolves towards the end. I was enjoying the interesting close-up formation, so it kind of ruined the moment for me.
Buono! 『雑草のうた』
So close to being excellent! Ditch the individual close-ups with the black background because I think it hurts the integrity of the rest of it (just looks cheaper). I would also get the girls dirty when they work on the cars. It looks way to out of place, plus it would make the rock n' roll mood much better. This also isn't a song that I would download. Jeez, no one seems to be hitting the addiction button yet.
ももいろクローバー「ミライボウル」
Speak of the devil, I've been addicted to this single ever since I heard it. I was even considering giving up my first press AKB48 single to purchase this one instead (still want to). I know I give H!P crap about producing cheap PVs, but they incorporate a storyline which H!P hasn't been doing much lately. The cheap background even looks better because of the cartoonish characters and comic shots. This song is a catchy as unicorns! If only Akari wasn't leaving (what is going to happen to all their raps!) Momoclo could overpower (easily) SKE48 as my second favorite idol group. I am continually impressed by their singles and performances. They remind me of SKE48 because of how genki they are.
HAPPINESS / Kiss Me
Happiness is another new, major idol group. It seems they are all in middle school. They were back-up dancers for (I believe) EXILE. If you notice one gets most of the lines (like Nacchi back in the day). For a major debut, it is quite good. Nothing really blows me away or encourages me to follow them. Good job.
No comments:
Post a Comment