The Koda Kumi Rate PART II: WE'RE DONE, for now

I LOVE PUNS.

 

My lowest rated songs leaving together!

Such a happy day!

 

Oh COME ON even my black heart can enjoy Joyful! It's so positive and sweet!

I looove the CD + 3 DVD cover, she looks amazing and hot af.

 

Only for you. Well, Kumi did reveal the artwork for DNA...

Should I change my icon to one of those? I haven't change it since I joined the forrem.

 

52
(TIE)
Tsuki to Taiyou

Average: 7,10
Highest score: 10x1 (@ThisIsRogue) 9x1 (@EachSmallStep, @RUNAWAY, @Eskiath)
Lowest score: 3x1 (@Empty Shoebox) 4x1 (@lalaclairi_)
My score: 8​

Another tie and another track from Black Cherry vacates. Tsuki to Taiyou was produced by the aforementioned Kuzuya Yoko and OCTOPUSSY (D.D.D.) and was used in GemCerey commercial, which I used to make the artwork for this elimination. The song is a gentle acoustic guitar driven mid-tempo that is perfect for a romantic night. I can totally imagine myself swaying to this while embracing someone nice. Sigh. I really like this, the verses are cute and the middle 8 is a clear highlight. Unfotunately I believe the chorus is a bit barebones and it requires some more meat for me to give it a higher score. Lyrically, as you might expect, this is all about wanting to be with your loved one all the time and all that:

A soft breeze flutters
I want to feel even the small things when I'm with you

I always want to make sure over and over
After this and forever
I'll love you

Over and over
Hold me, love me, kiss me, always
Tell me, choose me, everyday, every night

When I go shopping, my eyes go
to the things you said you want

I pick out clothes that seem like they'd suit you
and smiles overflow, and then I suddenly get embarrassed

You're the sun, and I'm the moon
Whenever the sun's smiles overflow,
the moon shines
I can't even imagine right now
a place without you
I want you to wrap me up from here on too
(c) @otenkiame

You've been here all day, @otenkiame (7,5), so why don't you just spill already? "You know it's an R&B track when those water drop sounds come up. Kuu uses a cuter tone without overdoing it, and the results are nice. It's just a pleasant listen all the way through." HA! True though, the probability of waterdrop sounds rises if it's R'n'B. Speaking of waterdrops, @Weslicious (6) is having a bit of a trouble, "The dripping noise in this makes me want to pee. Soz." Wasn't it like for just 10 seconds in the beginning? I honestly never payed attention.

Speaking of the minuscule things to cling to, some of you were trying to find at least something to hate about this. Like @Empty Shoebox who decided to be the lowest scorer just because there is a bit of vocoder in the first 15 seconds of the song, "That vocal manipulation. I'm not sure what you call it, but I know I don't like it." Okay, but what about the rest of the song? The vocoder bothered @vague (7,5) as well, "this sounds very sweet without being too saccharine, which i appreciate. i think the vocoder is not needed, tho, and it detracts from the sweetness for me a bit. her ad-libs are a bit much, too." YEAAAAAH FOR YOUUUUUUU~ @Squashua (7) found this to be too long, "Deceptively lovely but also about a minute/40 seconds longer than it needs to be (something i've noticed in a number of the songs across this rate)." What does "deceptively lovely" mean? It's actually not? Also, I don't think there is such thing as "too much of a good song", hmm. Meanwhile @TABOO (7) agreed with my critics, "What I like about this song is how gentle and sweet it is. The chorus is something that definitely entangles itself into your mind. I just wish it developed into something a little more whole, as it comes and goes without reaching a true climax." The chorus is indeed an earworm though. A rare comment from @Remorque (6) leaves me confused, "This one actually pales somewhat in comparis with Yume no Uta. And having two ballads after each other wasn't the best option, methinks..." But like... those are different. Yume no Uta is a power ballad, while Tsuki to Taiyou is an R'n'B mid-tempo. Oh well, we all know that Kumi was never for the nicely structured tracklists.

Next on the agenda are our high scorers. As with @Remorque , we get a rare sighting of @Eskiath, "Really sweet, one of my favourite Kumi ballads." Well, it's something. Thank you, @Eskiath. Maybe @yuuurei (8) has some thought provoking claims about this one? "Repetitive, but a very sweet little song." Sigh... guess it is that kind of song, huh? Elsewhere @RUNAWAY shows... his inexperience, "I fell in love with this song on my drives but couldn’t remember what it was because of the japanese title. I’m so glad I rediscovered it. It’s so sweet." Happy for you, hun, but please cram for our "Koda Kumi's kanji titles" exam, which is on Wednesday.

We finish off with @ThisIsRogue, who almost gave this his 11! "This song is so fucking gorgeous. I am a sucker for a cute acoustic guitar riff and it's pretty exceptional here. Kuu's vocal is also quite beautiful." I'm really happy that you enjoy this so much, hun.

Kuu perfromed Tsuki to Taiyou live a couple of times. Here we have one from her concert in Taiwan, which was identical to the one during Black Cherry Tour.
​

 

You really make such nice graphics for these eliminations.

There really isn't all that much to say about Tsuki to Taiyou (which is why I didn't in my commentary, so fucking sue me, I never said I was loquacious but at least I was nice, WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT FROM ME) but it's cute and should have fared better.

 

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52
(TIE)
Once Again

Average: 7,10
Highest score: 10x1 (@me!) 9x2 (@otenkiame, @Weslicious)
Lowest score: 4x1 (@Eskiath)
My score: lookie above​

Another extra bites the dust! And what an extra it is! Originally a B-side on the MOON single, the song would later appear on SUMMER OF LOVE compilation. It was both produced and written by PUSHIM, an artist of almost 20 years, who decided to go into one of the most curious subgenres - JReggae. The track in question, as you might guess, is a slice of laid back reggae with Kumi's soaring vocals. I adore how she emotes a bit differently in every chorus, it brings diversity to the song. To me this is one of the hidden gems in Kuu's discography. It certainly not as instant as some of her song, still it is a unique track in terms of the sound. I also appreciate how Kumi managed to work with so many producers over the years to further showcase her chameleon abilities, even if it might have been on only one track in some cases. Moving on to the lyrics, PUSHIM opted for a message of self-confidence and self-motivation:

Everyone conceals so well even feeling
unexpectedly anxious, and shows their good smile
On nights overflowing with loneliness, I look up at the sky for some reason
and wish for tomorrow, a blue sky in my heart

All people are in the middle of a journey
You're walking too

Until that time when my voice goes on,
I'll sing once, once again
Let it reach you once, once again
Until a flower blooms in your heart,
I'll wait once, once again
I'll sing the song of love with you

Here we go, I'mma find my way
Now, a shiny day reflects in my eyes
(c) @otenkiame

The amount of 6s without commentary for this one was staggering. And here I thought a peculiar track like this would trigger quite the discussion. Or in the words of high scorer @Weslicious, "Ooohh, something different." ...Yes, something different. @vague (8) appreciated the melody, "really cute b-side. i really like the melody of the chorus and how she sings the title" Looks like PUSHIM guided Kumi through the song nicely. At the same time @EachSmallStep (8) appreciated the backing vocals, "Nicely reggae inspired and oddly summery on a ballad single. Like the layering on the background vocals." It does sound very nice indeed.

Some of you noticed a correlation between the lyrics and the controversy that plagued Kuu's life before the release, like @TABOO (7), "Once Again definitely has a unique style to it, and I appreciate the uplifting, bittersweet lyrics considering the controversy she faced at the time. This song is very much Koda Kumi, and I’m thankful for her perseverance." Oh god, I can't even imagine my life if it were so serious that she would have to retire. Knock on wood! @Cutlery (8) was as sharp as ever and noticed the theme as well, "Pretty chill and strings-accompanied song of taking a moment to see how far you've come along the way, so it feels adequate for Kumi during this post-controversy period of her career" Jesus, y'all are making me liking the song even more and I already gave it a 10!

And now that I've made @otenkiame wait all this time by the counter, let's here his thoughts, "Some watered down reggae, but damn is it good! I L-O-V-E her higher register when she sings the "here we go, Imma find my way" parts, and the relaxed island vibes work so much for her. Great b-side!" Aww, how nice. How about another cup of tea, hun? Since you're staying anyway.

I swear to god, Kumi performed this a couple of times, but I can't find any performances online for the life of me.
The only one available is from her personal a-nation date:

Also, speaking of PUSHIM, please check her latest song, it's a bop!

​

 

Why thank you!

Simple - everything!

 

And y'all did it again with your ties, guys!



We have a tie up next, which means...



Our Top50 has 51 songs in it!



D.D.D. feat.SOULHEAD
you
Candy feat.Mr.Blistah
Shake It Up
feel
WIND
Love goes like...
No Regret
Birthday Eve
Lies
Ima Sugu Hoshii
KAMEN feat.Ishii Tatuya
Someday
A Whole New World / Koda Kumi & Peabo Bryson
(10/14)



Get Up & Move!!
Ningyo-hime
Yume no Uta
Tsuki to Taiyou
Puppy
Koi no Tsubomi
WON'T BE LONG
JUICY
Candle Light
Cherry Girl
I'll be there
Unmei
With your smile
Milk Tea
Twinkle
GO WAY!!
(08/16)



LAST ANGEL feat.Tohoshinki
Amai Wana
Himitsu
Ai no Uta
anytime
Under
BUT
Koi no Mahou
Aishou
Anata ga Shite Kureta Koto
Wonderland
FREAKY
MORE
Black Cherry
(13/14)



TABOO
show girl
Your Love
stay with me
This is not a love song
Driving
Bling Bling Bling feat. AK-69
That Ain't Cool feat. Fergie
Hurry Up!
Moon Crying
JUST THE WAY YOU ARE
Joyful
Ai no Kotoba
Venus
(11/14)

EXTRAS

Get It On
Sweet Kiss
Boys Girls
XXX feat. Koda Kumi / SOULHEAD
JOY -meets Koda Kumi / TRF
Everybody feat. Koda Kumi / Katori Shingo from SMAP
Futari de...
Asu he
Simple & Lovely / m-flo loves Koda Kumi
Sora
Run For Your Life
girls
Come Over
Dear Family
Bounce
Once Again
Lady Go!
Always
Winter Bell
(09/19)​

 

No matter the number of voters, it seems Kuu rates' fate is being filled with ties dd

 

Well, if it continues like this in Part III... there would certainly be a pattern here.

 

Kingdom rules!

 

Literally! I wonder how longer it will keep on reigning...

 

I'm such a mess. I've started writing the next elimination post and got distracted on Wiki. Fuck my extra short attention span.

 

Get on with it!

 

Jesus, chill, relax. You try hosting a rate only for your most favorite artist on the planet and trying to do all the songs justice, because you love them unconditionally.

AND having a 40 hours working week at the same time.

 

I was joking!

 

So what 2 songs tied so that we got 51 songs in Top50?










Let's find out one of them!







50
(TIE)
Boys ♥ Girls

Average: 7,15
Highest score: 10x1 (@ThisIsRogue) 9x3 (@Love Deluxe, @soratami, @Remorque)
Lowest score: 3x1 (@Eskiath) 5x2 (@yuuurei, @Weslicious)
My score: 8​

Watch out, an extra comes this way! Boys ♥ Girls was released as a B-side for Someday, one of 3 singles out of 12 from the project that received a B-side with others being you and No Regret. Produced by Shimono Hitoshi (24, feel) and written by Michigawa Himari (Leah Dizon's Everything Anything!!!), the track was used as the theme song for the movie about hosts titled WATERS starring Oguri Shun, hence the lack of a writing credit for Kumi. Sonically the song is a funky disco-inspired retro-tinged bop that transports the listener to a club. I can totally imagine people dancing in synch to this among the strobe lights and discoballs. Imagery aside, this is fun and I should definitely listen to this more often. When it comes to lyrics, this one is all about partying and having a good time:

Boys, when your eyes meet, girls, then start
All night, the beat speeds up, don't hide it...

I'm catching your feelings, but
I can't even blink in your eye beams!

In all kinds of perfume, let's drink from our glasses and dance
C'mon, go freely, music-holic
Yeah, it's all fun

Dance all night... Tonight's the night...
Dance all night... Tonight's the night...

Boys, escort oh, the girls to the floor
In the groove together, until the next stage
Oh, as much as you want, looking at each other so deep
Oh babe, until we touch, so come closer...
(c) @otenkiame

Well, y'all certainly made one point clear:
@vague (6), "hmm, i can see why she left this off BEST ~second session~ tbh."
@Weslicious, ":/ So naff it didn’t make the album. Poor it."
@RUNAWAY (7), "this song is cute but really wouldn’t fit on the album, so I’m glad it stayed just a b-side."
@otenkiame (8), "Another cute pop/dance track! It's really fun and has that nice synth line, as well! But it's also kinda mellow to me? I can see why it wasn't included on "second session" - it's missing something to make it a standout A-side." Alright already, we got it. @Cutlery (8), come pick your children and educate them, "A funky jam that doesn't differ too much from what the rest of the BEST singles in the similar category had to offer, and it definitely feels like something you could dance along to" That's much better, especially not when you lot have already ousted KAMEN, Birthday Eve and WIND.

Speaking of controversal opinions, @aaronhansome gave this a 7 and freaking dared, "A lost piece of the FFX-2 soundtrack tbh." Okay, there is something in the overall atmosphere of the track that is kinda reminiscent of the camp of real Emotion, but it doesn't reach the highs, let's be honest. @EachSmallStep (6) wasn't too phased by this, "So groovy, but I feel it needs some kind of kick or a stronger bridge." I can see how it could be improved, yes. @TABOO (6,5) felt the same, "For some reason or another, I never really connected with this song as well as I would have liked. It’s nice, but it doesn’t really transcend that." True, but have you tried listening to this a cou- Why do I want to answer to all your comments like this all the time?

We're blasting off with @Remorque, who once again was brief and to the point, "I love the instrumental and the production on this one." YAY!

As far as I can remember Kuu has never performed this live, so let's sing this in karaoke instead.

​

 

I'm sure @Osiris and the other two of us who liked that post really were joking, we know it's not easy! We were just trying to encourage you in a joking way because we really wanna know how the rate turns out. You're doing great though, don't stress!

As for Boys & Girls, I thought it was okay, but I remember getting kinda bored of it, and wishing I was listening to a certain other disco-ish bop that was on the album instead.

 

HA! Just the thought of you thinking I was serious and didn't get the joke is... both alarming and amusing.