Goto Maki's still got it!

So I've had a chance to delve into the solo careers of some of the OG Morning Musume members (while I await the newest single with the Kyukkies)

When I look back at the singers of the groups and the lead vocals I always seemed to skip over Maki Goto, after all she wasn't around terribly long and I never really paid much attention to her being wedged between my favorites (Marippe and the W "twins") and I now see that it was a huge mistake on my part. I've recently gotten a few of her mini-albums from Avex and I'm honestly blown away, it's a shame that she hasn't had the chance to produce a full album yet (I'm hoping there is one on the way sometime next year at least.)

Her most recent mini-album, Gloria, came out January 12th and it certainly lives up to her vocal talent in my opinion. The song "Fake" is my favorite blending strong vocals and a soft-rock edge. The rest of the album is slower songs showing off her vocal skills. All in all I love it, I just wish there were more songs.

She has released a "sneak peek" PV (as Avex has taken to doing it seems) and I figured I'd share it here! So enjoy the new Maki Goto~

Lecca

I know how I haven't posted much as of late but I wanted to share another Lecca video, personally I love her voice, her look and her J-Reggae sound. A lot of people seem to be comparing her to Shakira or Cher lately and frankly I have to agree. Her voice is not like that of other J-Pop stars that I've listened to over my recent discovery of this genre.

Her image overall seems to be a lot stranger then those that I've seen and I don't know if that's just her facially or if it's the clothing she wears. I'm aware that other artists, like Ayu have done the one sided tight braids but on Lecca it just seems to fit her more easily.

Strangely Lecca seems to be more unnoticed by the Wota community (at least the ones I know) but I wish to support this great singer/songwriter in the future. Ganbatte Lecca-Sama!

The Best Workout Video Ever

Thank you avex.  Don't forget to warm up first!

Ayumi Hamasaki: Angel's Song

Today I'm going to share one of my favorite Ayumi Hamasaki music videos, Angel's Song.

The video itself I found really amusing and creative, unlike a lot of other music videos even ones by Ayumi. It takes place in a small town bank in what looks like the late 1930's or maybe even the early 40's. As Ayumi sits there the bank is burst into by a bunch of criminals! Ayumi doesn't fret even as a gun is thrust into her face. In fact she seems entirely unphased by the situation instead staring at the clock. Suddenly the clock flashes as a moon and Ayumi begins to change into a werewolf and proceeds to fight off the attackers.

In the background plays Ayumi's song with her occasionally singing along to the camera. The song is one of my favorites even though it is a bit older. It has an upbeat pop feel with not as much of a techno back-beat as some of her newer songs. Her vocals come through strong and the music compliments her perfectly in my opinion.

Here's the video and feel free to leave comments on what you think of it!