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.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Happy Thoughts
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Dubstep Is A Blessing & A Curse: Morning Musume's Renai Hunter PV Review
It feels like a while since Morning Musume has done anything. I ignored their last single because I hated it. (It wasn't just the costumes.) While this video made me think they were back at trying to win my affections, it is still not as good as the quirky Maji Desu ka Ska. I was pretty pumped when I heard the audio previews because they were utilizing dubstep. I liked it, didn't love it though. The music video received the same luke-warm response.
The close-up shots are very nice and match the image of the song. I also find the outfits much better than some of their previous singles. I don't mind the setting for the dance shot, although they've done better. My complaint is that choreography sucks, in my opinion. There are some good moments, but it was a huge disappointment. I don't expect amazing dance skills from Morning Musume, but while listening to the previews I imagined something better.
I dislike Tsunku's habit of auto-tuning Michishige's voice. Her voice is naturally high pitched, why do you want to make it more so? Then there was the usual issue of distribution of lines. I don't mind some girls getting more than others, but could everyone get at least one or pair up for major ones? I also wish they would just cut out the magazine shots because this sounds like a dance-track and that should be featured more. Besides, they look out of place. Well, I guess they don't have anything else to highlight in the dance section.
Dubstep tends to go well with amazing choreography/ dancing. It doesn't even need to be too spectacular, it just has to have a pop to it. That is why you see artists, especially in K-Pop, add dubstep just for a dance section. So, I'm sorry Morning Musume fans who liked this video, the robot and then vibrating in a pose is not going to do it. (There is a similar case where it is perfectly acceptable, but this is not Ayumi Hamasaki's Marionette.)
They spend the majority of the time throwing their first towards the ground or the ceiling, or doing a hop-step in a circle while shaking one of their hands. The wave thing didn't do anything for me. Seriously, they could of tried something new with a superb dance shot for the entire PV.
There was one element that I did love. They split up the girls and they do different movements, you can spot it during Reina's first set of solo lines. I appreciated the slight variety in angles, but have you never heard of pans? So all in all, I am back to my position of not following them closely. I mean the PV didn't bore me and everyone looked great, but it wasn't that good. Dancing is a pretty big thing in my book. It is one of my reasons Minegishi Minami is my AKB oshi. Plus, there are so many idol groups now with strong choreography (all the E-Girls, Fairies, SNSD, Kara, the 48s). I guess this cemented my outlook that I shouldn't expect anything from Hello Project. I heard dubstep and started visualizing. One of these days I am going to give up. The good news is that I am really digging Fairies at the moment. [I made a ton of screen shots, but it seems the function broke or something went wrong, so I lost them all.]
The close-up shots are very nice and match the image of the song. I also find the outfits much better than some of their previous singles. I don't mind the setting for the dance shot, although they've done better. My complaint is that choreography sucks, in my opinion. There are some good moments, but it was a huge disappointment. I don't expect amazing dance skills from Morning Musume, but while listening to the previews I imagined something better.
I dislike Tsunku's habit of auto-tuning Michishige's voice. Her voice is naturally high pitched, why do you want to make it more so? Then there was the usual issue of distribution of lines. I don't mind some girls getting more than others, but could everyone get at least one or pair up for major ones? I also wish they would just cut out the magazine shots because this sounds like a dance-track and that should be featured more. Besides, they look out of place. Well, I guess they don't have anything else to highlight in the dance section.
Dubstep tends to go well with amazing choreography/ dancing. It doesn't even need to be too spectacular, it just has to have a pop to it. That is why you see artists, especially in K-Pop, add dubstep just for a dance section. So, I'm sorry Morning Musume fans who liked this video, the robot and then vibrating in a pose is not going to do it. (There is a similar case where it is perfectly acceptable, but this is not Ayumi Hamasaki's Marionette.)
They spend the majority of the time throwing their first towards the ground or the ceiling, or doing a hop-step in a circle while shaking one of their hands. The wave thing didn't do anything for me. Seriously, they could of tried something new with a superb dance shot for the entire PV.
There was one element that I did love. They split up the girls and they do different movements, you can spot it during Reina's first set of solo lines. I appreciated the slight variety in angles, but have you never heard of pans? So all in all, I am back to my position of not following them closely. I mean the PV didn't bore me and everyone looked great, but it wasn't that good. Dancing is a pretty big thing in my book. It is one of my reasons Minegishi Minami is my AKB oshi. Plus, there are so many idol groups now with strong choreography (all the E-Girls, Fairies, SNSD, Kara, the 48s). I guess this cemented my outlook that I shouldn't expect anything from Hello Project. I heard dubstep and started visualizing. One of these days I am going to give up. The good news is that I am really digging Fairies at the moment. [I made a ton of screen shots, but it seems the function broke or something went wrong, so I lost them all.]
OMG So Many Music Videos. . . It Never Ends!
I'm trying to be creative with the titles now. Just because I feel like it. I've decided that I will post the preview videos and later post the full PV when released. This is due to the full version is usually leaked after the release date, and the purpose of these posts is to keep you guys updated.
Poll Results (031512):
1. NU'EST - FACE
2. きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ - CANDY CANDY
3. SNSD - Time Machine
4. Namie Amuro - YEAH-OH
Note: Everyone got a vote for once.
REMINDER: You have one chance to vote, but you can select up to three promotional videos to vote for.
Poll Results (031512):
1. NU'EST - FACE
2. きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ - CANDY CANDY
3. SNSD - Time Machine
4. Namie Amuro - YEAH-OH
Note: Everyone got a vote for once.
REMINDER: You have one chance to vote, but you can select up to three promotional videos to vote for.
Friday, March 16, 2012
2012 H!P Ranking Explanation
The majority of my past explanations for ranking are reserved for AKB and Morning Musume, so with the exception of Michishige Sayumi I don't think people are aware of my preferences. (If you look at earlier posts two major themes appear for Morning Musume: I love Shige, but dislike Takahashi Ai.)
10. Ikuta Erina (MM)
I have a sweet spot for the cute girls. She stuck out to me as likely to pass through the auditions. I was concerned when I saw her close-up shots from her first PV shoot because she seemed uncomfortable or at least awkward. She appears to be more confident now. It also was a good sign when Shige took her under her wing. She just looks like she is a nice, quirky girl. I like quirky.
9. Mitsui Aika (MM)
She is the most unappreciated member of Morning Musume. I liked her right away because she seemed to have this feisty, like a little puppy, aura. I began to adore her after watching subbed clips of one of their DVDs. (That whole segment makes me smile.) I like how her voice sounds. The sad thing is that I am a bit particular about hair, it just has to look good. Unfortunately, someone insists on doing sub-par work with her hair. The above photo I think is perfect. I also find the sibling relationship between Reina and Aika charming. I don't know if it is a matter of her not getting pushed like she did when she first joined, or if she needs to work harder. (I enjoy watching her in concerts.) Then again, I no longer follow them as closely as before. I am disappointed that the western fans are quite cruel to her, often saying she looks old and such.
8. Tsugunaga Momoko (Berryz)
Her character has changed a bit, she moved into the comedy side where Sayumin has been carrying the torch for H!P. (I know I keep on changing her nickname = Michishige). For one she is a definite ace. Another one of her charms is that she has a nice butt, it isn't flat. I can understand why people dislike her, for the same reason they don't care for Sayumin, because of her character. But as a reminder, that isn't her so treat it like a character. Did I mention she is a college student?
7. Natsuyaki Miyabi (Berryz)
Miyabi has sky rocketed in my ranking partly due to her chopping off her hair. I think it looks best if it doesn't reach her shoulders. She is another Berryz ace. I guess her character is the nice girl. She doesn't really have a distinctive character, maybe girl-next-door or natural.
6. Suzuki Airi (C-ute)
There goes the last member of Buono. They are all aces in H!P, which is why Buono is so popular. They just all perform well and have star qualities. I don't know why, but if I had to pick a center for Buono it would be Airi. It could be her look. Shock by C-ute was a great song (click link for lolz). I've never seen her look bad.
5. Fukumura Mizuki (MM)
Honestly, I didn't understand why she was added as part of the 9th generation. She just didn't look like anything special. However, since watching her she has become my favorite of that generation. I guess I'm drawn to the natural character, nice girls. She is also quite pretty. I hope she gets more screen time.
4. Hagiwara Mai (C-ute)
I think she is really pretty, maybe more than Airi. She reminds me of teenage Dakota Fanning. It is hard to explain why I like some of these girls, because I naturally gravitate to them. They stick out to me/ they catch my eye.
3. Tanaka Reina (MM)
She is one of the few members in Morning Musume with a clear character/ role in the group. She is the 'lone-wolf', stylish one. That is the reason why she is fun to watch. Tsunku was right about her being the ideal; she never ages! She has been consistently a strong member.
2. Sugaya Risako (Berryz)
She may not have the strongest vocals, but I adore the sound of her voice. It reminds me of a roar. It is distinct and I think it is a good quality to have. If you don't have strong vocals then it is best to have a unique sound. I also enjoy her attitude; it is not a bad one, but a sassy one. I guess I like confidence and people to have fun while performing. Plus, boobs. I'm sorry (it isn't the only thing I like but it is a bonus). Oh, and she is average sized! (which probably contributes to my previous point.) I'm not that big of a pervert, I swear. . . okay no I am. I am a college student; you can only think about sex once you enter high school. (sorry I did that tangent thing again.) She has the X factor that makes me incapable of not watching her.
1. Michishige Sayumi (MM)
Yeah, I'm predictable aren't I. I prefer her 'I'm cute' character over Momo's, so I like watching her on variety shows. She is actually really sweet if you read her blog. I've pretty much have written all I can say about her. (look at previous posts where her name is tagged.) She never disappoints me. If only v-u-den turned out well. (I thought they were a good arrangement.)
I have a sweet spot for the cute girls. She stuck out to me as likely to pass through the auditions. I was concerned when I saw her close-up shots from her first PV shoot because she seemed uncomfortable or at least awkward. She appears to be more confident now. It also was a good sign when Shige took her under her wing. She just looks like she is a nice, quirky girl. I like quirky.
She is the most unappreciated member of Morning Musume. I liked her right away because she seemed to have this feisty, like a little puppy, aura. I began to adore her after watching subbed clips of one of their DVDs. (That whole segment makes me smile.) I like how her voice sounds. The sad thing is that I am a bit particular about hair, it just has to look good. Unfortunately, someone insists on doing sub-par work with her hair. The above photo I think is perfect. I also find the sibling relationship between Reina and Aika charming. I don't know if it is a matter of her not getting pushed like she did when she first joined, or if she needs to work harder. (I enjoy watching her in concerts.) Then again, I no longer follow them as closely as before. I am disappointed that the western fans are quite cruel to her, often saying she looks old and such.
Her character has changed a bit, she moved into the comedy side where Sayumin has been carrying the torch for H!P. (I know I keep on changing her nickname = Michishige). For one she is a definite ace. Another one of her charms is that she has a nice butt, it isn't flat. I can understand why people dislike her, for the same reason they don't care for Sayumin, because of her character. But as a reminder, that isn't her so treat it like a character. Did I mention she is a college student?
Miyabi has sky rocketed in my ranking partly due to her chopping off her hair. I think it looks best if it doesn't reach her shoulders. She is another Berryz ace. I guess her character is the nice girl. She doesn't really have a distinctive character, maybe girl-next-door or natural.
There goes the last member of Buono. They are all aces in H!P, which is why Buono is so popular. They just all perform well and have star qualities. I don't know why, but if I had to pick a center for Buono it would be Airi. It could be her look. Shock by C-ute was a great song (click link for lolz). I've never seen her look bad.
Honestly, I didn't understand why she was added as part of the 9th generation. She just didn't look like anything special. However, since watching her she has become my favorite of that generation. I guess I'm drawn to the natural character, nice girls. She is also quite pretty. I hope she gets more screen time.
I think she is really pretty, maybe more than Airi. She reminds me of teenage Dakota Fanning. It is hard to explain why I like some of these girls, because I naturally gravitate to them. They stick out to me/ they catch my eye.
She is one of the few members in Morning Musume with a clear character/ role in the group. She is the 'lone-wolf', stylish one. That is the reason why she is fun to watch. Tsunku was right about her being the ideal; she never ages! She has been consistently a strong member.
She may not have the strongest vocals, but I adore the sound of her voice. It reminds me of a roar. It is distinct and I think it is a good quality to have. If you don't have strong vocals then it is best to have a unique sound. I also enjoy her attitude; it is not a bad one, but a sassy one. I guess I like confidence and people to have fun while performing. Plus, boobs. I'm sorry (it isn't the only thing I like but it is a bonus). Oh, and she is average sized! (which probably contributes to my previous point.) I'm not that big of a pervert, I swear. . . okay no I am. I am a college student; you can only think about sex once you enter high school. (sorry I did that tangent thing again.) She has the X factor that makes me incapable of not watching her.
Yeah, I'm predictable aren't I. I prefer her 'I'm cute' character over Momo's, so I like watching her on variety shows. She is actually really sweet if you read her blog. I've pretty much have written all I can say about her. (look at previous posts where her name is tagged.) She never disappoints me. If only v-u-den turned out well. (I thought they were a good arrangement.)
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Promotional Video Releases (031512)
1. Namie Amuro - Go Round
2. Mano Erina - 黄昏交差点
3. C-ute - 君は自転車 私は電車で帰宅
4. EXO-K - History
5. Ayumi Hamasaki - How Beautiful You Are
I'm pretty happy with the results this time. Namie definitely had my favorite of the bunch. I was surprised by how well Mano Erina did considering I never hear good things about her from H!P fans. I'll let you know after the results who I voted for from now on. I voted for Namie Amuro, Mano Erina, and EXO-K. If you had trouble deciding last time, this is going to be harder.
REMINDER: You get one chance to vote, but you get to select three options.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Mina's 2012 Hello! Project Ranking
1. Michishige Sayumi (MM)
2. Sugaya Risako (Berryz)
3. Tanaka Reina (MM)4. Hagiwara Mai (C-ute)
5. Fukumura Mizuki (MM)
6. Suzuki Airi (C-ute)
7. Natsuyaki Miyabi (Berryz)
8. Tsugunaga Momoko (Berryz)
9. Mitsui Aika (MM)
10. Ikuta Erina (MM)
11. Nakajima Saki (C-ute)
12. Suzuki Kanon (MM)13. Yajima Maimi (C-ute)
14. Tokunaga Chinami (Berryz)
15. Mano Erina (Soloist)
16. Okai Chisato (C-ute)
17. Sayashi Riho (MM)
18. Fukuda Kanon (S/mileage)
19. Shimizu Saki (Berryz)
20. Kudo Haruka (MM)
21. Kumai Yurina (Berryz)
22. Sudou Maasa (Berryz)23. Iikubo Haruna (MM)
24. Tamura Meimi (S/mileage)
25. Wada Ayaka (S/mileage)
26. Ishida Ayumi (MM)
27. Nakanishi Kana (S/mileage)
28. Sato Masaki (MM)
29. Takeuchi Akari (S/mileage)
30. Katsuta Rina (S/mileage)
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