Mina's Top Ten Female Idols/ Groups Ranking & Explanation

I tend to get good feedback when I do explanations for my rankings, and I wanted to post something.  If there is a subject you want me to weigh in on let me know.  I'm always looking for something to talk about.  The reason I'm not including guys in this is because boy bands can be a little inconsistent.  The majority I only care for their singles.  Arashi and Super Junior are probably my top two, but I haven't heard much from Super Junior and Arashi hasn't been as good since 2010.  Arashi, seriously what happened to those amazing singles.  (Their most recent album had some great songs, but really lacking when it came to hit singles.)


I think you guys will enjoy this because I explain why I like who I like.  I hope you find someone new that you like.  I tend to find being called 'biased' offensive because I don't follow groups based on looks or the members.  For me if I don't like the music then it is really hard for me to follow a group.  Personality and looks help, but I don't listen to music for their personality.  


1. AKB48
Why do I like AKB48 so much?  There are a lot of factors that play into it, but the main reason is that I enjoy a significant amount of their music.  The fact that they release so much, through singles, subgroups, and stages, likely increases the probability that I'll like some of it.  I also adore the variety in styles.  Yes, the majority is standard Pop, which is perfectly fine by my book, they also have songs that incorporate Rock and Hip-Hop.  Akimoto went through a little latin phase (Team A's 6th Stage).  I have a wide range of music I enjoy (from Nicki Minaj to Florence + the Machine, and so on).  Plus, a lot of the songs have nice lyrics.  They've also challenge themselves creatively.  Even their earlier singles had captivating promotional videos and choreography.  They are using their popularity to their advantage by working with some amazing artists and directors for their releases.  I'm looking forward to see how the new lyricists will do.  (If you haven't heard, Akimoto is hiring people to help him write music.)  With new influences coming in I hope to see the music develop.   


When I consider the interesting concept of 'a classroom' and watching the girls develop (Akimoto's CNN interview), I can overlook that some of the members aren't as talented as I would like them to be.  This is a major negative to me.  It also hurts the group because there are some strong vocalists, but the weaker members make them look bad.  Another thing that makes up for that is the range in members.  They have different personalities, and looks; there is pretty much someone for everyone.    



2. Brown Eyed Girls
Brown Eyed Girls are quite different than AKB48, which is probably why I am tempted to put them on top.  First off, the fact that they have members who are in their mid-twenties to thirties is lovely.  The entertainment industry in a lot of countries, especially for women, is very youth-orientated.  They are likely the most talented K-Pop, female, idol group.  They are the perfect kind of sexy.  (Confident and powerful sexy, not look-at-me and buy-my-music sexy.)  Both their singles and solo work tend to be spectacular.  My issue with them is, besides their singles, I don't like their music all too much.  Also, they don't release music all too often.  However, that is mostly the 'comeback' system in their industry's fault.  So basically, they are more talented than AKB48, equal in personality, but AKB48 has more music that I like.  However, the songs that I do like are so superb that they beat out SKE48 (who also have more songs that I like than BEG).  


3. SKE48
I have similar reasons why I like SKE48 compared to AKB48,  not unexpected since they have the same concept.  What surprised me was how different stylistically they are.  Their singles often make me imagine a lake or some body of water. They also tend to be more energetic dancers, this might be a Team S thing though.  SKE48's members have a different look compared to AKB48.  I really recommend watching their Zepp Nagoya (042910) and (122509) concerts; after I watched those I became a big fan.  They lack a variety show like AKBingo!, which is why I don't know their names or personalities well.  They've also improved the last couple of years.    


4. Perfume
I don't blog much about Perfume.  I don't have anything interesting to say about them.  I believe they are the definition of idols.  They seem perfect at all times, and reflect an ideal for women.  They also follow the guideline of being popular.  Perfume also has a good chance of continued long-term success, which is usually limited to male units.  Perfume's musical style, while unique, isn't my favorite.  I love it in the same way I love Enya.  It isn't exactly party music or something I would listen to often, but it is relaxing and enjoyable.    

5. NMB48
I had some trouble deciding where to place NMB48 on this ranking.  Their singles have been good, but nothing outstanding.  The members are surprising, considering how new they are to the industry, good performers.  I originally placed it lower, but then I considered their stage.  If you don't recall, I raved about their first stage.  This is partly due to AKB and SKE's debut stages weren't as good, in my opinion.  I can also see the Osaka flavor.  I didn't care for the song or PV for Oh My God!, however their performance made me like the song.  I think that is a good quality.  It was a really bland song, but they were so adorable.  They made me associate the two together.  Now I actually want to listen to the song.     


6. Morning Musume
You know how I said the main reason I love AKB is because of their music, that is what is hurting my interest in Morning Musume.  After viewing the PV for Renai Hunter, I've decided that I like the 10th generation.  (not as much as 9th gen.)  Plus, with Takahashi and Niigaki gone I adore all the members.  So, idol-wise they are in a great spot.  (there is a concern about talent because as far as I know Reina is the only strong vocalist, but I don't know about 9th and 10th gen.)  They just need to be more consistent with releases (that I like).  Renai Hunter was in the right direction.  (still want something more on the level of 10 MY ME and Maji Desu Ka Ska.)  I'm still hanging on because it wasn't too long ago from when I really enjoyed their releases.  Although, I'm impatient so I'm getting sick of waiting and disappointment.   


7. Tokyo Girls Style
I wasn't expecting much after their debut single, but they've done an amazing job thus far.  Their singles and albums have been good or better.  I like how they infuse the typical idol sound with other genres.  Keep it up ladies.  


 8. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
Kyary had me at hello.  I find her singles addicting, but I wouldn't love them as much without the packaging.  Her PVs are spectacular.  Each one is different, but you see common imagery.  Kyary is not the most talented idol walking around vocally or in terms of music.  Excluding her singles, I don't care for her songs.  Her selling point is her concepts and creativity.  She knows how to sell it, and that is why I am always at the edge of my seat waiting for a new single.

9. Chocolat
I know this may piss off K-Pop fans when I've ranked this rookie group higher than most major groups like SNSD, Kara, and 2NE1.  I just like them better.  Their singles have been improving.  The fact that three members are biracial interests me.  Their dance practice videos are fun to watch.  I enjoy their performances.  Chocolat, especially my favorite Melanie, has strong vocals.  I root for them.  They also have the best English version for a Korean song that I've heard.  (I think SNSD's sucked.)       


10. Fairies
This is another rookie group, but from Japan.  They could surpass some of the above groups if they divided up the singing more.  I reject the E-girl groups because only two or three members sing when they have like seven members.  On that point, they've been improving.  Their dancing is wonderful.  I also adore most of their singles.  I also love their professional image.  (older groups could perform in the same clothes.)


Honorable Mention: Super Girls, C-ute, BiS, Momoiro Clover Z, 2NE1, and Kara.

2NE1 - Best New Artist in the World (MTV)

Forgive me the poor screenshot the program I use didn't care for the live stream.

2NE1, a popular, female Korean-Pop group, just finished their first concert in New York City and received their crowns for Best New Artist from MTV.  It was my first time watching 2NE1 perform.  I was familiar with some of their singles due to K-Pop Music Mondays by Eat Your Kimchi.  (I'm going to skip over all my comments on the entire show because they had a number of other artists perform that were nominated.  Well, except with how much I adore Yuna as a person and I would totally go out with her.  Sorry, I have a thing for Muslim women.)  

My favorite, who is the best dancer of the group,
 Minzy.

Their performance was short and only consisted of singles.  They had some short interview and Q+A sections.  For big fans of 2NE1 I bet they were disappointed because the show seemed to focus more on introducing a ton of new artists, not on the winning group.  I thought their performances were solid and well organized.  I'm surprised they didn't go completely live with the vocals considering American's hypersensitivity to anything lip-synced.  My reaction to 2NE1 was what I expected for the most part.  I came into this knowing that they weren't going to be my favorite thing.  However, what I didn't expect coming in was how I would react to the members.  Overall, I liked them.  CL gave good answers during the talk-portion.  Minzy tried to show off some cool moves.  Their outfits were lively and funky as usual.  Dara was wearing her hair in that ridiculous style.  (I don't care if you are Korean, during the clips where you were running around the town you looked so much better.)  

I never knew that Bom had gotten plastic surgery before
watching this.

The one thing that I couldn't stop obsessing over was Bom.  Oh how plastic does she look.  (Sorry killa, I know you hate when people mention that.)  Here is a fact of life:  East Asian noses look weird on Caucasian faces, and vice versa.  You reminded me of Michael Jackson, which isn't a good thing!  

TANGENT WARNING: My parents listened to the Beatles, my Dad would use MC Hammer to help me fall asleep, and I listened to Shaggy, Britney Spears, Aaron Carter, and boy bands.  My exposure to Michael Jackson was the pedo trials and after ALL OF THE PLASTIC SURGERY.  Let's say I didn't have the best opinion of the guy.  I didn't start listening to his music until after he died and all of the tributes ensued.     

Anyway, I couldn't stop focusing on her.  This was combined with her uber-short dress which would show her butt or crotch if she opened her legs a bit, bent over, or if the camera was a lower angle (which it was).  Not to mention I did not understand her facial expression during Lonely.  It might of been due to too much plastic surgery so her face couldn't move?  [I do not know how much work she has gotten done, but I checked with my 2NE1 friend and she confirmed that she did get stuff done.]  I am aware that it isn't uncommon for Koreans to get work done.  However, considering their edgy image and presenting themselves as a different kind of K-Pop girl group I did not think they would find it necessary.  It just makes me doubt them from being different from the mainstream, manufactured groups.  

There is a reason 2NE1 was nominated over all the other Korean acts, and we all know there is a boat-load of 'em.  They would be easily marketable in the United States.  Europe is a different matter, they are far more accepting of East Asian acts.  They are original and have perfect timing, plus they can speak English.  The United States may be opening up to Asian artists.  Far East Movement had a huge hit, and Jin Akanishi's first single is doing well on the charts.  However, that doesn't mean it will last or reach the same level as their Korean success.  BoA and Utada had mild results.  Far East Movement has had only one number-one hit, and another in the top ten.  Their other singles have not done nearly as well.  

Image is important in America.  Acts like Lady GaGa and Ke$ha would not be where they are without it.  2NE1 has the image.  But will the fact that Asians do not have a hold of major portion of the US entertainment industry prevent them.  (What causes that I am not sure.)  If I could see a Japanese group make it it would be Perfume.  They have a stylistic appeal.  The problem is that they have no interest in leaving the Japanese market.  Japan has the second largest music industry in the world.  Why lose their pretty much guaranteed continued success in Japan for an uphill battle?  Perfume does not have that ambition.  The other problem is that they don't tend to sing live, which is extremely important in the States.  So, yep.

       

Mina's Mass PV Review

Perfume never fails to be perfect.  What is amazing about it is that it gradually provides the audience with new surprises.  The video itself develops into something that we weren't expecting.  We discover that they are dancing on a table covered in food.  Then a whole 'nother color palette is added.  I wouldn't change a thing.

☆☆☆☆☆

This probably reminds long-time fans of the games they used to play in their old crack shows (like Shukudai-kun).  I don't believe many non-Arashi fans enjoying this PV.  The overacting is adorable if you like them.  Why is it that Aiba is the only one who doesn't look good in his outfit?  It has the same gothic storybook feel that some of their past PVs had, like Monster.  I like the playfulness of it, but like French Kiss' PV, probably not going to watch it again.
☆☆☆


I bow down to whoever decided to develop Tokyo Girls' Style into something different than all those other idol groups.  It is the reason why I still follow them while I've gotten bored by groups like Momoclo.  This is pretty standard when it comes to idols, but the gothic scenes are gorgeous.  Their styling is perfect because they don't stray to far from being idols but they get some amazing edge.
☆☆☆☆


I don't like it.  They are trying to be funny, but then they look like they are still trying to be cute.  It makes me suspicious of them.  One reason I like idols is because they are relatable and I could be friends with them.  But I don't want to be friends with anyone in this group.  Before they had the right mix of idol and humor, but now they look like a joke,  The video is well done though.  
☆☆


Oh god, where is Rebecca Black?  Chad go away no one wants to touch you.  It looks like K-Pop was mixed with Dragon Ball Z and Douche guys.  There are a couple guys which are attractive, but seriously the styling on Chad!  Who thought that was attractive!  Did Lance Bass just decide to give his boy toys a video or something?
☆

This is a pretty strong video.  The vocal shot is beautiful and suits the mood of the PV.  I enjoyed how the storyline highlights the importance of friendship.  It wasn't memorizing though.  Their gimmick are the dramas attached to the song.  I'm just one for variety, but I do enjoy it in the end.  I wouldn't watch this again.  It would of been nice to see some sort of dance shot because this wasn't a ballad.  I would of also liked to see them goofing around more because their friendship is very sugar-coated, makes it a bit unrealistic.  For example, the karaoke scene was awkward.  

☆☆☆

I don't like the song, but this is what SDN48 should of done.  It is a ton of fun and makes you feel like you are partying with your friends.  SDN could of gathered a larger female audience instead of looking like more eye candy for men.
☆☆☆☆☆


I find that some of the scenes are beautiful.  I love the use of lanterns to play with lighting and as pops of color.  I don't understand the hair wigs.  What does this have to do with China!  I hate the fact that the girls look identical.  The song is also as annoying as the girls.  I like elements of the video but hate the girls and the music.
☆☆


I absolutely think this song sucks major BALLS!  Who thought releasing this song was a good idea?  I hate. . . I can't even continue watching it.  She isn't even professional when it comes to her own dance videos.  What you didn't practice?  WTF is it doing on YouTube then?
☆


This is an amazing ballad PV, well was, in the beginning.  I love the simplicity of the close ups and the background.  Then the 360 camera.  Woah, whole different song.  Unlike Super Junior's Mr. Simple the mix of different song types as well as the video transition works well.
☆☆☆☆☆


The first dance shot looks cool, but the song and the members are trying too hard to look cool.  Way too hard!
☆☆

UPDATED: MOAR from the AKB family! + PVs

After the great news that Maeda Atsuko would have her first leading role in a film and release a solo single, I bet you are all pumped to see her have the lead for the Hana Kimi remake.  I've been wishing that they make a live-action adaption of Ouran High School Host Club (which they are), plus this!  AKB48 are reaching now to surpass Mr. Children in record sales; they surpassed a million copies on their second day.  This makes dealing with haters so much more worth it.  The opening theme will be AKB's 22nd single, but that isn't too surprising considering Acchan has a guaranteed spot in the top 5.  However, if she isn't center would that be weird. . . Anyway, there is even better news for AKB48 fans: Tojima Hana and Komatani Hitomi will be joining SDN48!!!!!


With all SDN's recent graduations, things weren't looking too good.  (You tend to get people that graduate early on, but still you hope they aren't jumping ship.)  They are both first generation members.  Tojima is very popular with overseas fans, like myself.

I'm under a bit of a time constraint with working, and me leaving on Monday.  So, I will just post some recent PVs and I'll try to review them later and update this post.


The outfits are cute, but I don't like the bubbles.  The close-up and dance-shot backgrounds are cute.  I didn't understand the point to the six part shots at the beginning.  So, I actually would prefer it if they did less editing, because the things they did looked cheap.  The jump shots and props were fun.  Except for some of the editing, this was a good Hello Project PV.  Typical Hello Project PVs: studio-only, dance shot+ close up shot, and no creativity (except for the girls making cute faces).
☆☆☆


The costumes really suit DiVA, but the pants for the silver. . . do not approve.  I do appreciate them doing a different angle (birds-eye ish), but I didn't love it.  I'm not usually a fan of black-figures but with the dancing it turned out well.  Now what were they holding, that made them switch outfits?  The night-time setting matched the song, but them holding something that glows didn't have a point to it.
☆☆☆☆


This is only one shot out of a PV, but I posted it anyway.  I'll just leave some comments.  I love the fact that they are doing something different and Mano looks great outside!  See what a change of setting and moving camera can do.  I wouldn't even mind that much if this was the entire PV.


Perfume always does a fabulous job.  I love the concept of taking pictures and making them coming alive by replacing them with video.
☆☆☆☆☆


Oh god.  When I saw the outfits I was concerned.  The problem with these is that they aren't flattering.  It flattens their chest and highlights curves in a negative way.  These only suit those who are tall and thin.  It made Risako's boobs smaller.  I don't like the changing colors and heart shapes.  Changing colors always look cheap to me; I hate it when people use them in opv and amv.  Some of the dancing is vulgar in my opinion.  The bike shots looked bad.  I do like the sectioned screens during the dance shots.  I did like having the girls dance in front of a screen of their close-up shot, it reminded me of concerts.  However, I didn't like the single close-ups on the screen during the dance-shot.
☆☆


Very pretty.
☆☆☆☆☆


I don't like the crystals and the mini poles at the front of the dance shot.  The short blonde hair isn't good on Takahashi.  Niigaki's hair finally looks good, but they still need to work on styling Aika's.  The group still shot looks odd with all the extra props.  I do not understand all the crystals.  If they took away all the extras I would like it more.  Adding doesn't make it better.  The girls look pretty and I prefer the white on white over the purple and red sets.  I would prefer a different oufit on different colors.  I just don't think they look as good.  Besides it is the same set with different color curtains.  They should of mixed up the outfits a bit more than 9th gen has shorts.  This didn't make me like the song than I already did.
☆☆


I don't like any of the guys, or the song that much.  I do like the variety of shots, angles, outfits, and pans.
☆☆☆


Why are they at a foreign college?  I guess a lot of people travel abroad but. . . I don't like the bimbo cheerleaders.  I like the close up shorts of them singing and some of the group shots outside, but I'm not sure about anything else.
☆☆☆


I'm not a huge fan of this single.  I find the contrast between the new and old backgrounds odd.  There were quite a couple of things that confused me.  However the dance shot and the close-ups were good.  Why is Yukirin keep on trying to seduce me?  Nice, in Aki-cha's temptress shot she just twirled. . . very sexy.  They are pretty adorable.
☆☆☆


I like the positive messages.
☆☆☆☆


Little trivia, but they didn't finish filming this PV because of the earthquake, which is too bad because I love everything about this PV.  Perfume is just perfection.  I adore the orange accents and the flowing fabric.  You don't need to over-edit, or tons of different things to make a good PV.
☆☆☆☆☆

What's On Mina's Mind?

I've noticed some bloggers have been talking about their feelings recently, and I thought I would join in.  Sorry that this is the third post today, but I don't have the time or the energy during the week.

What to do about Itano Tomomi?
Itano Tomomi is known for her looks, fashion sense, and for being a member of AKB48.  Her image is that of a solo artist. . . she can stand out in a crowd.  Her debut single sold on the same level as Utada Hikaru.  So no wonder they announced that she'll be releasing another solo single.  The question is will she be kept in AKB48 or will Akimoto start producing solo artists as well?  She could always graduate and move to record companies like Avex, but I think she is treated/ promoted well under Akimoto.  I think Akimoto is going to keep her in AKB48 so that her popularity inside and outside of the group will help sales (not that sales are currently a major concern).

Get Out of Up-Front Works!
Once you leave Hello Project it is all down hill.  Matsuura Aya recently released another album, but to be honest I don't think it was anything to boast.  Up-Front Works is not the place for hopeful solo artists.  It might be heading for the better for those graduates of Morning Musume, who like the current like up, are dependent on their old success.  (I am excited for Dream Musume.)  Goto Maki was smart and went straight to Avex where she got more creative power, and better releases.  Her mini-album was amazing.  I want Aya out of Up-Front now.  She was a huge star.  She is beautiful, a spectacular voice, and a great personality.  She has all the tools to still be a great solo artist, but it feels as if she retired.  Oh, this advice goes for Nacchi and Takahashi Ai too.  Up-Front Works is good for Musume reunions and photobooks, but if you want to make the next move as a solo artist make your way to the home of Namie Amuro, Ayumi Hamasaki, and Koda Kumi.

Everything That Is Great Starts With An 'A'
(Don't take the sub-headline literally.)  The two biggest selling artists in Japan are AKB48 and Arashi.  AKB48 broke their own record of biggest sales in a day since Oricon started keeping track of daily sales.  So my question is, will Arashi fans and management try to match AKB48's success?  AKB48 will already have two million-sellers under their belt for 2011 (Beginner was released after the deadline for Oricon's year-end sale figures and their recent release will make the million mark in a matter of weeks).

China, Are You Even There?
Which country has the biggest music industry: US duh.  Who sells the most physical CDs: Japan, also not surprising if you know anything about their market.  Where do artists in Asia go to make it big besides their home country?  Not China, Japan.  China is now the second biggest economy, but they are not even close in terms of music.  However, I learned something new about how their music industry works.  The gist of the article is that because China is like the home of piracy, artist get their money from performances and sponsors.  Their music is just part of their image and may not even be why people go see them in concert.  Companies like Levi's and Apple use popular artists in China to promote their brands.  I found that this strategy could be helpful for record labels in the west trying to deal with piracy, even if they don't want to.  Japan also has things that could be adapted.  Japan's physical CD sales are so high because they include DVDs, posters, limited edition items to encourage people to buy it instead of online.  AKB48 is built on the fact that artists these days tend to make more money on concerts than on CD sales.  I don't know if I have an overall point to this.

The Idol Theory of Aces and Support
Most female idol groups suffer from this theory: a couple members who are aces and highlighted in every single and the rest are back-up.  First off, I am getting a little sick of one seeing it, and two, of people complaining about it.  It is not going to change.  If it does be thankful for it.  This is partly due to the fact that some members sparkle brighter than others.  I'm just sick of hearing it (especially in terms of AKB48 because the other members perform a lot in the theatre or coupling songs and there is a reason why they use the more popular faces).  But I wonder why these producers don't try to even the playing field.  It is not like if you do they will fail.  In fact some of the longer-lasting and popular groups like Arashi and Perfume have the members on equal level.  By separating the members you leave the group on unstable ground.  The aces can get into their heads that they don't need the other members and might be better off solo (which is true.  So once the aces leave the group loses popularity).  The other members feel disenfranchised.  (They may either try harder to prove themselves or just leave.)  Now, it is to be mentioned that if any member left Arashi or Perfume the unit would fall apart, but each member has more reason to stay.  I am just saying the theory may work to profit the producers, but sucks for the group.  Now that I've said it; I'm done with this topic.

RAWR
I know she is probably the most hated member of Berryz Koubou (and still my favorite), but Sugaya Risako's voice is one of a lion!  Seriously.  Her voice is a roar.  (This was just something to lighten the mood. . . I miss Utaban).

New PV Releases

Perfume「ねぇ」

SKE48「青春は恥ずかしい」

SKE48「TWO ROSES」

SKE48「コスモスの記憶」

New PVs

Sorry that I've been pretty quiet recently.  With my internet having problems and working every single day I haven't had the time.

涙のリグレット - SCANDAL

プールサイド大作戦 - IDOLING!!!

あなたがいてくれたから - AKB48

君しか - No Sleeves (no3b)

VOICE - Perfume

心の羽根 - AKB48 (Team Dragon)

New Perfume PV

Perfume 　「不自然なガール」PV

News!

Perfume - ナチュラルに恋して　PV


AKB48 and SKE48 will be doing some mini series. They are called Ariyoshi AKB Republic, Shitte Kaiketsu! SKEtto Net, and Dera SKE ~ Yoake Mae no Kuni tori 48ban Shoubu. They're mini because they are short. If you would like more details MELOS no Michi did a good job of giving a summary.

In AKB48-related news: Some of the members have been working with Universal Studios Japan. One is you can play against the girls in a game of janken (rock, paper, scissors) and they helped with the opening of a new space ride.
-JIJI Press video of opening
-Japan Today article
-Janken Game
(I've never gotten passed the second planet!)