Slice of Life
Staff member
FFFFFFFFFF every time I get tagged, I worry that my 11 got eliminated……
This is stressful!!
This is stressful!!
❃ BoA - The Discography Rate (Part 2) ❃ - Final Stats
- Thread starter Crisp X
- Start date
she/her
Don't worry, your time will come... soonFFFFFFFFFF every time I get tagged, I worry that my 11 got eliminated……
This is stressful!!
Ai shi autte ii janai
Shibire chau youna hibiki ne
Ai tai omoi no tsugino beat
Donna omoi matte runo
8.22
Jumping BoAs: (10) @lalaclairi_, @RUNAWAY, @Crisp X ; (9.75) @odyism
Still BoAs: (4) @Kaz D'Oerba ; (6) @Attis
Crispy's Score: 10
5 voters: #13 (average: 8.95)
10 voters: #16 (average: 8.35)
15 voters: #21 (average: 8.2)
17 voters: #18 (average: 8.22)
10 voters: #16 (average: 8.35)
15 voters: #21 (average: 8.2)
17 voters: #18 (average: 8.22)
"DO THE MOTION" is the 2nd track from OUTGROW, released on February 15, 2006. It was released as the 1st single on March 30, 2005. This was her first number one single, and made her the first non-Japanese Asian singer to top the Oricon charts in over 21 years. It was written by Natsumi Watanabe, composed by Yoko Kuzuya and arranged by YANAGIMAN.
This lounge-y staple has been a favorite of mine for as long as I can remember. It's a style she hadn't tackled at the time, and it fits her like a glove. Everything about this is understated, letting BoA's heavenly voice soar through the speakers. The jazzy (more prominent on the recent The Greatest version) and bossa nova undertones complete this pleasant, relaxing package, with the subtle strings in the background propelling it forward. As a single, it was a departure from her usual material, and I imagine its success made her and Avex Trax confident to keep showcasing new sides of her... or at least try as its follow-up sadly wouldn't receive the same reception.
—
@Kaz D'Oerba (4) — "Elevator music" Well what if I pushed you down one... jk! or not
@nanapop99 (8,5) — "It's surprising how this is her only number 1 single on the Japanese charts. Don't get me wrong, this is a very good jazz-inspired track and it was a nice departure from her then signature sound but she has so many better singles in my opinion. I do love the dance routine with the cane though. Random fun fact but my father really likes this song!"
@M24 (9) — "The Greatest version, but the rearrangement lacks some of the punch of the original in the chorus (I do like the new instrumental starting from the middle-8)."
@evilsin (9) — "I can definitely see why this was (sadly the only) #1. It has class, it has sass and maybe even a little bit of ass! Such an elegant song."
—
Four Extras picks remain, but one of them is next on the chopping block...
he/him
The way I screamed!! It’s a fun song but she has far better, sorry girlies.
This is indeed a curious singular Japanese number one single from BoA.
And I agree with some of @nanapop99's sentiments, but I always imagine the success of this single is largely because it was first single after the platinum selling Best of Soul. Add some endorsement tie-ins to each song on the single, and the setup for a number 1 was right there!
BoA has always been more of an album seller in Japan, and there are a bunch of singles that peaked at number 2 (Valenti, Jewel Song, Shine We Are!, Double, Winter Love, etc). But it would be a fun bonus had a few more of her classic signature sounds hit number one.
As far as the song is concerned Do The Motion has aged quite nicely. It showed a definitive new sound for BoA at the time that is a departure from the Y2K Pop/R&B of the first three Japanese albums. This might be one of those songs that is a top favorite (9.75 from me) in the context of this rate. But I think it's a bit closer to an 8, in the context of her entire discography till now.
And I agree with some of @nanapop99's sentiments, but I always imagine the success of this single is largely because it was first single after the platinum selling Best of Soul. Add some endorsement tie-ins to each song on the single, and the setup for a number 1 was right there!
BoA has always been more of an album seller in Japan, and there are a bunch of singles that peaked at number 2 (Valenti, Jewel Song, Shine We Are!, Double, Winter Love, etc). But it would be a fun bonus had a few more of her classic signature sounds hit number one.
As far as the song is concerned Do The Motion has aged quite nicely. It showed a definitive new sound for BoA at the time that is a departure from the Y2K Pop/R&B of the first three Japanese albums. This might be one of those songs that is a top favorite (9.75 from me) in the context of this rate. But I think it's a bit closer to an 8, in the context of her entire discography till now.
she/her
Hey, I hope everyone has been doing well and, a bit late nn, but I wish you a Merry Christmas if you celebrate it and a festive Holiday Season! Without further ado, as we're about to enter a new year, let's get into the last stretch of the rate...
Itsumo owari no nai egao de itai we girls so futari sono egao tomaru hazunai
Otagai kokoro no sasae de
(I know there's no one, no one, there's no one like you)
8.235
Jumping BoAs: (10) @lalaclairi_, @RUNAWAY, @odyism, @evilsin, @Slice of Life, @askew ; (9) @ohdenny
Still BoAs: (3.5) @M24 ; (5) @nanapop99
Crispy's Score: 8.5
"Girlfriend" is the 2nd track from After Love (First Boyfriend) / Girlfriend, Crystal Kay's 25th single, released on August 12, 2009. It was written, composed and arranged by STY.
Not long after "UNIVERSE", we unfortunately lose the second and last song featuring Crystal Kay. Considering their shared experiences in the industry, having both debuted around the same time period at really young ages, and facing a decline in sales back when this came out, Crystal Kay and BoA's long lasting friendship is inspiring and it's heartwarming to have seen them pop up on each other's careers at few occasions. This R&B jam plays to both strengths and this write-up from a blogger I stumbled upon puts its qualities into words better than I could. I'm not as familiar with Crystal's discography as I should be but I love how their voices sound together. I must be missing out so I need to follow my own advice from the recent J-R&B Divas rate by spending more time with Crystal's discography!
—
@M24 (3.5) — "This is boppable, but it would feel weird to score too high a song that still feels like it belongs to someone else at times. I still appreciate that BoA's present throughout the whole song though. I just wish she had more of the song to herself."
@nanapop99 (5) — "A cute collaboration from these two besties. I honestly do not remember how the song sounds like but it was inoffensive enough for me to not drag it after my first listen."
@Kaz D'Oerba (7) — "Gives me early Ariana Grande album track vibes, which I don’t hate"
@Attis (8.5) — "Damn miss Crystal where is she ?"
@RUNAWAY (10) — "besties <3 this is such a sweet song, and absolutely top 5 out of all her iconic collaborations. This better do well."
—
Itsumo owari no nai egao de itai we girls so futari sono egao tomaru hazunai
Otagai kokoro no sasae de
(I know there's no one, no one, there's no one like you)
8.235
Jumping BoAs: (10) @lalaclairi_, @RUNAWAY, @odyism, @evilsin, @Slice of Life, @askew ; (9) @ohdenny
Still BoAs: (3.5) @M24 ; (5) @nanapop99
Crispy's Score: 8.5
5 voters: #43 (average: 7.5)
10 voters: #26 (average: 8.05)
15 voters: #24 (average: 8.1)
17 voters: #17 (average: 8.235)
10 voters: #26 (average: 8.05)
15 voters: #24 (average: 8.1)
17 voters: #17 (average: 8.235)
"Girlfriend" is the 2nd track from After Love (First Boyfriend) / Girlfriend, Crystal Kay's 25th single, released on August 12, 2009. It was written, composed and arranged by STY.
Not long after "UNIVERSE", we unfortunately lose the second and last song featuring Crystal Kay. Considering their shared experiences in the industry, having both debuted around the same time period at really young ages, and facing a decline in sales back when this came out, Crystal Kay and BoA's long lasting friendship is inspiring and it's heartwarming to have seen them pop up on each other's careers at few occasions. This R&B jam plays to both strengths and this write-up from a blogger I stumbled upon puts its qualities into words better than I could. I'm not as familiar with Crystal's discography as I should be but I love how their voices sound together. I must be missing out so I need to follow my own advice from the recent J-R&B Divas rate by spending more time with Crystal's discography!
—
@M24 (3.5) — "This is boppable, but it would feel weird to score too high a song that still feels like it belongs to someone else at times. I still appreciate that BoA's present throughout the whole song though. I just wish she had more of the song to herself."
@nanapop99 (5) — "A cute collaboration from these two besties. I honestly do not remember how the song sounds like but it was inoffensive enough for me to not drag it after my first listen."
@Kaz D'Oerba (7) — "Gives me early Ariana Grande album track vibes, which I don’t hate"
@Attis (8.5) — "Damn miss Crystal where is she ?"
@RUNAWAY (10) — "besties <3 this is such a sweet song, and absolutely top 5 out of all her iconic collaborations. This better do well."
—
she/her
1/2
Shout out !
Yume no namae wo
One scream !
Ai ni butsukete
8.264
Jumping BoAs: (10) @lalaclairi_, @odyism ; (9) @evilsin, @Ana Raquel, @Slice of Life
Still BoAs: (6.5) @askew ; (7) @Kaz D'Oerba, @soratami
Crispy's Score: 7.5
5 voters: #20 (average: 8.6)
10 voters: #12 (average: 8.55)
15 voters: #14 (average: 8.43)
17 voters: #15 (average: 8.264)
10 voters: #12 (average: 8.55)
15 voters: #14 (average: 8.43)
17 voters: #15 (average: 8.264)
"Silent Screamerz" is the 1st track from OUTGROW, BoA's fourth Japanese album, released on February 15, 2006. It was written by jam, composed and arranged by Nao Tanaka.
Let's start this year *look at today's date*... right off the back with the elimination of one of the remaining album tracks! This album opener is very much in tune with the funkier material from its Korean predecessor, and its style as well as the anthemic chorus are the main appeals for me. The instrumental breaks that act as transitions add the right amount of zaniness to complete the package. They're also perfect opportunities for dance breaks as seen in the performance below.
The smooth synth pad heavy part that makes up the bridge takes the song down a notch before ending with the chorus and one last break. To be honest, the aforementioned mellow part stands out so much that everytime I listen to the song, I'm left wishing the bridge was extended. A banger is a banger though.
—
@nanapop99 (8) — "I think this song is the perfect transition from the bubblegum teen-pop sound of her early japanese albums to something a little bit more urban, funky and cool like Britney would say. I do find it quite misleading as an opening track knowing how the rest of the album sounds like but it's still a great track nonetheless."
@M24 (8.5) — "Such a solid track to start off the album, it really puts you in the mood. It's got that classic early/mid-00s pop production that helps sell a song even if it's not that amazing."
@evilsin (9) — "What a banger! The jittery production, the bubbly verses, the explosive chorus. Such a rush, way to start an album."
—
Oh by the way it's been a while but one of you is losing their 11 next...
Last edited:
she/her
Because you were gifted with an intuitive sixth sense. Happy new year to you too!
2/2
Anata ga suki de aitakute
Kisu ga hyakuoku no yuki wo tsutau no
Dokoka de guuzen ni meguriaeru hi made
Wasurenakutemo baby suki demo ii desu ka ?
Zutto wasurenai
8.264
Jumping BoAs: (11) @nanapop99, @mi|kshake ; (10) @lalaclairi_, @RUNAWAY, @Kaz D'Oerba
Still BoAs: (6) @M24, @clowezra ; (6.5) @Attis
Crispy's Score: 8
5 voters: #16 (average: 8.75)
10 voters: #8 (average: 8.925)
15 voters: #16 (average: 8.283)
17 voters: #15 (average: 8.264)
10 voters: #8 (average: 8.925)
15 voters: #16 (average: 8.283)
17 voters: #15 (average: 8.264)
"Winter Love" is the 3rd track from MADE IN TWENTY (20), BoA's fifth Japanese album, released on January 17, 2007. It was initially released as the album's 3rd single on November 1, 2006. It was used as the ending song for the Japanese TV show "Love Club" in Japan. It was written by Natsumi Watanabe, composed and arranged by ats-. It topped the Oricon Daily Singles Chart and peaked at #2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
So it turns out I can't count because not one but actually two of you lose their 11 tonight! This is J-Pop balladry as its finest and it's no surprise the Japanese GP was touched by it back then. What makes this song hit for me is the sense of familiarity it gives right away, at least in my experience. The first time I heard it, the opening piano melody that foreshadows the chorus immediately gave me that specific "I've always known this" feeling.
I'm not certain this is related but in my case, back when I was exploring her discography, my brother was obsessed with Kingdom Hearts and I would hear him blast a couple Hikaru Utada songs on the side, one of them I remember being "SAKURA ドロップス". As I write this, it's clicking right now that the hook could have reminded me of the latter all along fff.* I digress but to tie it back to that familiarity, it's not a connection that happens with every single song, so anytime it does, those few songs hit in a different way. It makes them more special.
My score reads a bit more negative than the write-up, but that's because, again, I really love the chorus so much that I may subconsciously forget about the verses. Not the bridge though, because BoA's performance and the dramatic guitar solo deliver the emotional punches needed to make the song reach greater heights. Enough about me, let's see what you all had to share about this one!
*That makes me think I would die for a BoA x Utada duet. I've probably made a similar claim during Part 1, but hearing their voices on a song together would be the end of me.
—
@M24 (6) — "Thought this would be your typical christmas song, but I can't find any bells! And it's a beautiful ballad, I can see why they made it a single for Japan, they usually love her ballads like this one." Honestly, the bells would fit so well during the verses fff. Everytime, I'm waiting for them to pop up.
@Kaz D'Oerba (10) — "now THIS is a great BoA ballad"
@RUNAWAY (10) — "still so iconic and beautiful to this day. My absolute favorite of her winter tracks, and one of my favorite ballads of all time. Top 20 pleek!!! Please don’t let this song flop!"
@nanapop99 (11) — "Who knew a ballad would take my 11/10 spot? What I love about this song is that it checks all the requirements for an outstanding power ballad. The vocals. The instrumental. The emotions. The drama of it all. And let's not forget the epic electric guitar solo. Every time I listen to this song, I feel like I'm living through a third divorce. Devastated. Heartbroken. In Shambles. There's not a week when I don't think about the bridge of this song. I just love how dramatic and emotional it is sonically."
—
The wigs are back again...
"Silent Screamerz" is just so cool.
I remember when "Winter Love" was released, it was a time close to the time of New Year's programs in Japan and she was intived to perform it on most of them along with Kuu, Ayu and Namie with their respective releases. Oh what a wonderful time it was to just download one of those Music Station Super Lives and bask in glory of 2000s JPop. Having said that "Winter Love" is definitely one of her better ballads. I'd say that icecle-like chimey sound is very Ayu winter ballad.
I remember when "Winter Love" was released, it was a time close to the time of New Year's programs in Japan and she was intived to perform it on most of them along with Kuu, Ayu and Namie with their respective releases. Oh what a wonderful time it was to just download one of those Music Station Super Lives and bask in glory of 2000s JPop. Having said that "Winter Love" is definitely one of her better ballads. I'd say that icecle-like chimey sound is very Ayu winter ballad.
she/her
My heart is star ship
Nobody can stop it
Yes, I'm Lady Galaxy
8.308
Jumping BoAs: (10) @lalaclairi_, @nanapop99, @Kaz D'Oerba, @Ana Raquel ; (9) @Slice of Life, @soratami
Still BoAs: (6) @Attis ; (6.5) @odyism
Crispy's Score: 7.5
5 voters: #12 (average: 9)
10 voters: #11 (average: 8.75)
15 voters: #13 (average: 8.46)
17 voters: #14 (average: 8.308)
10 voters: #11 (average: 8.75)
15 voters: #13 (average: 8.46)
17 voters: #14 (average: 8.308)
"Lady Galaxy" is the 1st track from MADE IN TWENTY (20), BoA's fifth Japanese album, released on January 17, 2007. It was written, composed and arranged by Kim Hyung Suk.
This album opener saw BoA mix R&B and electro to form a futuristic upbeat bop that slightly reminds me of Ciara's material. I'm not enamored with it like I can be with its Top 20 counterparts but I can see why it went this far. The assault of synths gives the chorus a menacing air, adding edginess to the song. The electronic elements kind of foreshadow the English albums to my ears as well. My favorite part, however, is the funky bridge where BoA and the rhythm section suddenly go all out... it's a short burst of energy, but also sounds so fun!
A couple of you mentioned a possible interpolation of a certain Black Eyed Peas hit and... quite honestly, I never made the connection and still don't hear it that much nn.
—
@Attis (6) — "cheap throwaway filler" The brevity and coldness of this comment sent me fff
@clowezra (7.5) — "That pre-chorus borrowing straight from My Humps kills me every time, a bop!"
@evilsin (8.5) — "What is that Black Eyed Peas interpolation of My Humps? Genius."
@M24 (9) — "I get Kylie vibes from this one! BoA really pulls off this sensual, independent style so well. Wish it had had an MV, with the whole galactic aesthetic (though that would've given Avex an excuse to overuse CGI, so maybe I take it back). With some more oomph to the chorus, or a few changes to the weird middle-8, it could've been a single."
@nanapop99 (10) — "An intergalactic bop that transcends every galaxies. Her pronunciation of "je t'aime" is questionable but we still love a multilingual queen. It's an excellent electropop track and I love how she pops off on that bridge." Her "je t'aime" is really camp, I'll allow it.
@Kaz D'Oerba (10) — "I’ve always loved this song, potentially illegal sample and all."
—
@nanapop99 (10) — "An intergalactic bop that transcends every galaxies. Her pronunciation of "je t'aime" is questionable but we still love a multilingual queen. It's an excellent electropop track and I love how she pops off on that bridge." Her "je t'aime" is really camp, I'll allow it.
@Kaz D'Oerba (10) — "I’ve always loved this song, potentially illegal sample and all."
—
she/her
Bad Drive
Kasokudo masu Poison talk
Minna Love online
8.411
Jumping BoAs: (10) @lalaclairi_, @RUNAWAY, @evilsin, @clowezra, @Monado ; (9) @nanapop99, @Crisp X
Still BoAs: (5.5) @Kaz D'Oerba ; (6.5) @M24
Crispy's Score: 9
5 voters: #18 (average: 8.7)
10 voters: #19 (average: 8.275)
15 voters: #12 (average: 8.483)
17 voters: #13 (average: 8.411)
10 voters: #19 (average: 8.275)
15 voters: #12 (average: 8.483)
17 voters: #13 (average: 8.411)
"Bad Drive" is the B-side to BoA's single Sweet Impact, released on April 25, 2007. It was written by Hiroshi Yamada, composed and arranged by Masaaki Asada.
Oh this one's a headscratcher. I mean... how could such a strong song be relegated to a single b-side considering some of the more forgettable material she was leaving on the albums back then? Quite a shame it probably is forgotten because it's another gem I would take over many album tracks. It's so 80s and funky, and this take on synth pop aligns with my tastes more these days than it used to. Those Eurythmics-y synths and the chorus will be the end of me!
—
@M24 (6.5) — "Wait, this is a bop? It deserved to be on the album, in place of Best Friend or Smile Again."
@nanapop99 (9) — "She destroyed several careers yet saved so many lives while performing this on The Face Tour. A must watch! The actual song is lacking some punch and oomph compared to the live version but it's still a great dance track."
@evilsin (10) — "Outsold everything with the amount of swag and attitude. And such attention to details, like that whisper in the verse. Gorgeous."
@clowezra (10) — "One of her best from this era, and THAT live performance?? Whew."
—
Time for another 11 to leave...
he/him
Bad Drive
Kasokudo masu Poison talk
Minna Love online
8.411
Jumping BoAs: (10) @lalaclairi_, @RUNAWAY, @evilsin, @clowezra, @Monado ; (9) @nanapop99, @Crisp X
Still BoAs: (5.5) @Kaz D'Oerba ; (6.5) @M24
Crispy's Score: 9
5 voters: #18 (average: 8.7)
10 voters: #19 (average: 8.275)
15 voters: #12 (average: 8.483)
17 voters: #13 (average: 8.411)
"Bad Drive" is the B-side to BoA's single Sweet Impact, released on April 25, 2007. It was written by Hiroshi Yamada, composed and arranged by Masaaki Asada.
Oh this one's a headscratcher. I mean... how could such a strong song be relegated to a single b-side considering some of the more forgettable material she was leaving on the albums back then? Quite a shame it probably is forgotten because it's another gem I would take over many album tracks. It's so 80s and funky, and this take on synth pop aligns with my tastes more these days than it used to. Those Eurythmics-y synths and the chorus will be the end of me!
—
@M24 (6.5) — "Wait, this is a bop? It deserved to be on the album, in place of Best Friend or Smile Again."
@nanapop99 (9) — "She destroyed several careers yet saved so many lives while performing this on The Face Tour. A must watch! The actual song is lacking some punch and oomph compared to the live version but it's still a great dance track."
@evilsin (10) — "Outsold everything with the amount of swag and attitude. And such attention to details, like that whisper in the verse. Gorgeous."
@clowezra (10) — "One of her best from this era, and THAT live performance?? Whew."
—
Time for another 11 to leave...
One of my favourites out of this rate, so glad you shared the performance, it’s one of her best! Delighted this made it so far.