she/her
NAMIE AMURO Discography Rate 「Part Two」【THE WINNER REVEALED】
- Thread starter BEST FICTION
- Start date
I'm fine with everything gone so far besides Baby Be Mine. @EachSmallStep giving it a 3.5?! Let's fight. That song is R&B perfection and I won't hear otherwise.
I respected you until I read this.
Phew. What a whiney mess I’ve been. Sorry for all you who’ve had to read that. Gotta keep reminding myself that this is just a fun game!!!
Now this is something I cannot endorse. Yes shoulda been a full on 5+ minute track.
Now this is something I cannot endorse. Yes shoulda been a full on 5+ minute track.
Let's (Not) Fight.mp3
Your passion, your voice, your heart
They've disappeared; hold me, hold me, hold me
人魚 (Ningyo): 7.01
Highest Score: 10 (@send photo), 9 (@RUNAWAY, @yuuurei, @digitalkaiser, @Remorque, @EachSmallStep, @Baco)
Lowest Score: 2 (@MarkB), 3 (@Cutlery)
"Ningyo" was originally released in 2006 as the second single from the album PLAY. It was released with "CAN'T SLEEP, CAN'T EAT, I'M SICK" but was excluded from the actual album's tracklisting. The song is a cover of NOKKO's song which was used as the ending theme for the 1994 drama, Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo, which Namie featured in at the time. The single was a success for Namie, peaking at #2 on the Oricon Weekly Charts selling 43,548 copies in it's first week. It's the first song in her discography with a kanji title since joining Avex and leaving the SUPER MONKEY's.
Digitalkaiser is blown away, "A very epic and beautiful ballad, and the video is so gorgeous too. I love the fashion and homage to classical Japan in this. She’s seriously the MOST stunning woman, my god." Yuuurei made a new discovery, "This is amazing, I'm in love! I can't believe I've never heard it before. It's so gorgeous and perfect for Namie's voice." RUNAWAY enjoys the song, "this song is so so pretty." Pinky25 likes the nod to Japanese instruments in the song, "It’s very pretty. I love traditional inspired songs." Eliminathan is temporarily deaf, "Song reminds me of that one song in FFVIII until the random electric guitar blasted my eardrums for a literal hot second."
EachSmallStep is still traumatised from think of me, "Very sweet and I don’t mind the yelled highs. They aren’t as messy as say the original think of me. It’s nicely raw and great live. Brings to mind a starry night by a lagoon." TABOO is full of compliments, "The production on this track is outstanding, and really complements Namie’s vocals. The strings give off an airy and delicate feel, almost as if listening to a music box." Kneehigh Girl finds joy in this and the original, "I’ve listened to the original version and vocally they’re completely different. Namie has a much more powerful voice, while Nokko’s voice is sweeter. I do like both versions equally, and it’s a pretty good ballad, though not one I tend to listen to and I don’t feel like I’m missing out by not listening to it that often."
Otenkiame can see the positives in the song, "As a cover song, this isn't too bad - it's very pretty and relaxing. I like the additional touches Nao'ymt did with the arrangement, especially the short guitar solo midway into the song. Despite the original being so popular, I don't find this to be too interesting. As a side note, Miss Amuro looks stunning in the traditional Japanese setting of the music video." SloMover is a bit more blunt, "Honestly what the fuck is this. Namie looks amazing in the PV though." Vague is not moved, "okay, i can see why she left this off PLAY now... i love mermaids and i love Namie, but this just ain't doin' a thing for me."
Evilsin is just not interested, "This is probably my least listened to track of Namie's. It's kinda weird, being almost the only cover in her solo career. The song is fine and Nao'ymt's arrangement is lovely, but it doesn't provoke any desire to listen to it more, although I don't mind this overall." Cutlery is... disgusted, "Wow, this is even worse than I recall. It's obnoxiously lullaby-like, threatening to put you in a comma given its monotonous and uninspired instrumentation, and when something jumps in (i.e. that guitar riff), it sounds awkward. Can't deny the beauty of the PV though."
LMAO! What is that video.
"Ningyo" honestly lasted much longer than I expected it to. I still can't get over how gorgeous she looks in the music video, though. That alone is enough to warrant listening to the song. Also, she looks stunning in that promo pic you added, @BEST FICTION.
"Ningyo" honestly lasted much longer than I expected it to. I still can't get over how gorgeous she looks in the music video, though. That alone is enough to warrant listening to the song. Also, she looks stunning in that promo pic you added, @BEST FICTION.
she/her
That photo is gorgeous!
Anyway, I'm like, annoyed but not surprised this didn't do well here.
Sad to see Ningyo go so soon, but at least we're past the 7.0-average, so at least none of the remaining songs are considered bad (which is both good and bad, I guess, since my least favorite track of this era has yet to be eliminated).
Look around, what a lovely day
There's a feelin' we'll have a great day
Drive: 7.13
Highest Score: 10 (@vikeyeol, @Baco), 9.5 (@_920608)
Lowest Score: 5 (@MarkB, @yuuurei, @TABOO, @Pinky25, @EachSmallStep, @Gintoki)
"Drive" was originally released in 2003 as the B-side to Namie's 23rd single, "shine more". It was written by Namie with Brion James, Cherokee & Anthony Nance who has previously worked with En Vogue, *NSYNC & Alicia Keys. The song is a smooth, R&B jam, with acoustic guitar through the chorus. Suite Chic's album was released only one week prior to the "shine more" single, and the the impact was noticeable for Namie's music at the time. When the song was originally announced as a B-side, it was titled "Ride It" but it was changed to "Drive" for the release.
ThisIsRogue is planning their next roadtrip, "This would actually be great to drive to on a beautiful sunny day with the roof down, the song is just dripping with sunny, laidback vibes. Namie's voice suits these types of songs so well." Digitalkaiser will enjoy this song in his Uber, "This is a cute soft bop, literally something I’d listen to If I could drive. (I can’t drive, gays can’t drive) so I docked it points because I can’t relate." TABOO feels like the song needs a bit more meat on it's bones, "I like it, but it’s quite... plain and bare? It doesn’t really develop, and I feel that hinders the track aurally."
Otenkiame is happy this song didn't shine more, "This was originally supposed to be an a-side, and, while I do like it, I'm glad it didn't make the cut. It's pretty cute for sure, and has a nice R&B-esque beat to it to boot. It also hits the nail on the head as far as the going-out-for-a-drive mood goes. I'll take a relaxing and calm drive with Namie anyday, so call me girl." RUNAWAY likes the song, "this song is really good and cute, love it." Kneehigh Girl feels the song comes alive when it's performed, "The Live Style 2006 performance of this song is great! On CD it’s still a good song, but it doesn’t live up to the performance. It works well as a B-side to shine more though."
Vague appreciates the intro, "the intro is sort of like a proto-Come. too bad the rest of the song didn't keep that same vibe, but it's still a pretty good song." SloMover feels the song is a great how it is, a b-side, "This is actually really sweet but is absolutely a b-side." EachSmallStep just can't connect with it, "Like how it opens softly, but for some reason this is the only STYLE B-side I still can’t get into. The refrain gets tedious during the 2nd half as the instrumentals don’t do much with the light vocals." Cutlery teases us single bitches, "This cut serves all the real acoustic goodness! Soothing and appropriate for a drive in the sunset with your man."
Evilsin is driving to a different planet, "So light and ethereal, blow and it'll disappear! This might be about just driving, but the sound makes my mind imagine a futuristic setup or even something along the lines of a Martian highway. The future is here, and it's in this song. Despite the lovely quirkiness, this doesn't have enough meat to it for a higher score." Eliminathan has nothing but good words, "Really cute and understated song." And Baco is probably lucky they didn't use their 11 on this, "I could give this my 11 as well, judge me all you want hahaha"
Look around, what a lovely day
There's a feelin' we'll have a great day
Drive: 7.13
Highest Score: 10 (@vikeyeol, @Baco), 9.5 (@_920608)
Lowest Score: 5 (@MarkB, @yuuurei, @TABOO, @Pinky25, @EachSmallStep, @Gintoki)
"Drive" was originally released in 2003 as the B-side to Namie's 23rd single, "shine more". It was written by Namie with Brion James, Cherokee & Anthony Nance who has previously worked with En Vogue, *NSYNC & Alicia Keys. The song is a smooth, R&B jam, with acoustic guitar through the chorus. Suite Chic's album was released only one week prior to the "shine more" single, and the the impact was noticeable for Namie's music at the time. When the song was originally announced as a B-side, it was titled "Ride It" but it was changed to "Drive" for the release.
ThisIsRogue is planning their next roadtrip, "This would actually be great to drive to on a beautiful sunny day with the roof down, the song is just dripping with sunny, laidback vibes. Namie's voice suits these types of songs so well." Digitalkaiser will enjoy this song in his Uber, "This is a cute soft bop, literally something I’d listen to If I could drive. (I can’t drive, gays can’t drive) so I docked it points because I can’t relate." TABOO feels like the song needs a bit more meat on it's bones, "I like it, but it’s quite... plain and bare? It doesn’t really develop, and I feel that hinders the track aurally."
Otenkiame is happy this song didn't shine more, "This was originally supposed to be an a-side, and, while I do like it, I'm glad it didn't make the cut. It's pretty cute for sure, and has a nice R&B-esque beat to it to boot. It also hits the nail on the head as far as the going-out-for-a-drive mood goes. I'll take a relaxing and calm drive with Namie anyday, so call me girl." RUNAWAY likes the song, "this song is really good and cute, love it." Kneehigh Girl feels the song comes alive when it's performed, "The Live Style 2006 performance of this song is great! On CD it’s still a good song, but it doesn’t live up to the performance. It works well as a B-side to shine more though."
Vague appreciates the intro, "the intro is sort of like a proto-Come. too bad the rest of the song didn't keep that same vibe, but it's still a pretty good song." SloMover feels the song is a great how it is, a b-side, "This is actually really sweet but is absolutely a b-side." EachSmallStep just can't connect with it, "Like how it opens softly, but for some reason this is the only STYLE B-side I still can’t get into. The refrain gets tedious during the 2nd half as the instrumentals don’t do much with the light vocals." Cutlery teases us single bitches, "This cut serves all the real acoustic goodness! Soothing and appropriate for a drive in the sunset with your man."
Evilsin is driving to a different planet, "So light and ethereal, blow and it'll disappear! This might be about just driving, but the sound makes my mind imagine a futuristic setup or even something along the lines of a Martian highway. The future is here, and it's in this song. Despite the lovely quirkiness, this doesn't have enough meat to it for a higher score." Eliminathan has nothing but good words, "Really cute and understated song." And Baco is probably lucky they didn't use their 11 on this, "I could give this my 11 as well, judge me all you want hahaha"
Y’all need to learn to drive.
He/Him
I too am a single bitch so I only played myself
Drive feels like such a mood track and I'm a little sad it didn't go further
I didn't know my mother posted here!
The bass line is like a wave
Completely absorbed in the sound, keep on moving
SING MY LIFE feat. DABO: 7.15
Highest Score: 9.5 (@RUNAWAY), 9 (@Osiris, @Kneehigh Girl, @mi|kshake, @Gintoki, @Baco)
Lowest Score: 4 (@yuuurei), 5 (@odyism, @lalaclairi_)
"SING MY LIFE feat. DABO" was originally released in February 2003 on the SUITE CHIC album, WHEN POP HITS THE FAN. The song has a hip-hop beat running throughout and features a rap from DABO. It's about trying to let someone else know who you really are, at least that's my interpretation of it.
Evilsin has no complaints, "I like the elevated light atmosphere and how Namie flows along the melodies here. DABO is a great addition to the track." Pinky25 is also a fan, "This is very nice. I like the retro vibe to it." Eliminathan feels like it's a highlight, "One of the better R&B choruses she's done." Vague also likes the chorus, "one of the best, catchiest choruses on the whole album." Cutlery hears potential, "Another feature that has some ear-grabbing stuff in it, so in this case it's the drums and monotonous keyboard that somehow works to its favor."
Kneehigh Girl finds the song plesant, "Relaxing song. The beat is nice, as well as Namie’s vocals. I was going to give it an 8, but the first couple of seconds and the chorus made me change it to a 9." Otenkiame feels the same, "There's something really relaxing and easy to listen to about this song. Even with the harder beats, Namie's delivery is smooth and on the softer side, as is DABO's surprisingly good rap. Not really special, but still solid." Digitalkaiser is getting a bit bored, "It’s at this point in the album where I feel the production wears a bit thin, but I haven’t disliked anything on here at this point." SloMover agrees, "A bit generic teebs, sorta just plods along."
TABOO feels that the album has more to offer than this song, "SING MY LIFE isn’t a bad song by any means, but it definitely is one of the weakest offerings WHEN POP HITS THE FAN has to offer. It’s serviceable, but it’s not all that interesting, especially when following a monstrous bop such as Uh Uh,,,,,,." Odyism is reminded of another song they don't particularly love, "This is literally just Freeway by Toni Braxton. That song at it's best is a 7/10, so a knock off has no hopes for anything higher than a 5."
Why don't you people like Suite Chic??
I’m wondering the same thing. All the forums I’ve been to love SUITE CHIC. This is the first time I’ve heard so much dislike for it.
she/her
Obvs I can't speak for anyone else, but I just find the particular brand of r&b and hip-hop on WPHTF to be not very enjoyable to listen to. I guess I prefer pop Namie over hip Namie, for the most part? And also, while I like some rap music on its own, I've never really cared for rap sections being featured in otherwise melodic pop songs - I find the contrast jarring, especially if the person rapping has a really inharmonious voice.
Add to those two things the facts that I really only want to listen to Namie, not some other randos (and Verbal, whom I've already said I'm not a big fan of), and that I didn't care for some of the lyrics, and it just all comes together as an album I don't like much, aside from a couple of songs.
I do wanna say though that my lowest score for any of the songs on the album was 4, which to me is not bad, just not something I'd personally choose to listen to. I wasn't purposely low-scoring the album or trying to hate on Namie or any of her pals!
Ningyo and Drive should have outlasted all these boring and bland Suite Chic songs.
I'd normally agree with you - the random rap-sections is one of the reasons I gave up on K-pop - but I think it works well with Suite Chic, for the most part. Each to their own though!
I'm not too fond of Verbal myself (as you'll see, eventually). His additions to Namie's songs in particular (as those are the ones I'm most familiar with) seem to be to just "be there" rather than to add anything useful. The only song I can think of at the top of my head, where it works really well is The Love Bug with Boa, but that was an m-flo song, I think, so maybe that's why.