This was just a general observation, hun.
The Koda Kumi Rate PART II: WE'RE DONE, for now
- Thread starter evilsin
- Start date
It's fine, take your time! And good luck too
Jesus fucking Christ!
I've managed to find something to work on artwork!
It's shit though, while the song deserve so much better.
29
(TIE)
Himitsu
Average: 7,90
Highest score: 10x4 (@vague, @Eskiath, @RUNAWAY, @me!) 9x2 (@Love Deluxe, @EachSmallStep)
Lowest score: 3x1 (@Empty Shoebox, like... how?) 6x2 (@mi|kshake, @yuuurei)
My score: lookie above
I've managed to find something to work on artwork!
It's shit though, while the song deserve so much better.
29
(TIE)
Himitsu
Average: 7,90
Highest score: 10x4 (@vague, @Eskiath, @RUNAWAY, @me!) 9x2 (@Love Deluxe, @EachSmallStep)
Lowest score: 3x1 (@Empty Shoebox, like... how?) 6x2 (@mi|kshake, @yuuurei)
My score: lookie above
Black Cherry doesn't let Kingdom go too much ahead in the race and takes another gem of a song with it. Produced by Daisuke"D.I"Imai and written by Kumi, the R'n'B mid-tempo sees the songstress flow down the beats and melodies with a prowess of a queen. I'm mean seriously how good is that run of "trust meeeeeee~" after the chorus. Such a joy to hear it repeated in the end several times, ugh, so good, not to mention the other parts of the song deliver as well, as both the verses and the chorus are quite memorable. I love this, I love Kingdom and I hate @Empty Shoebox. No, "hate" is a strong word... detest, that's what I do in terms of this song and @Empty Shoebox. Okay, yes, this doesn't go out of the way to go to the unimaginable and never heard before territory, still this is so smooth and silky. For some reason I can't fully get the lyrics for this one, and since I can't find any other credible translations apart from @otenkiame's, I'll stay in blissful ignorance:
When I was sleeping, I got a phone call from you
I lied unnecessarily, saying I wasn't sleepy
I went to sleep before you, and when I opened my eyes
I played tricks on you as you slept
You're a wonderful
and slightly unusual
person who loves this kind of me
Even if it's an unforgivable secret
It will make me stronger
Don't tear us apart
Because we want each other
But that secret warmed up
my cold heart
The one who created a miracle
was only alone
(c) @otenkiame
I don't like taking out trash. @Empty Shoebox had this to say for themselves, "Maybe it's because I don't understand Japanese, but this song just seems to go on and on and on with nothing really happening." Eat glass. I don't see the correlation. @yuuurei (6), as we already know, doesn't have a sweet tooth, "This is ... syrupy, lyrically and sonically. It's not bad though." More for us! @TABOO (7,5) was literally held up by a secret, "I remember not being able to find a translation of this song for the longest time and it drove me insane! As such, it’s always held a bit of a secretive atmosphere for me, and that made me appreciate it all the more." The song is titled "secret" after all, hun. Apart from knowing what the song's message is, @otenkiame (8) also found some deserved appreciation for Kumi's vocals, "I was all about this cute R&B track back in the day. Like, this is the kind of cute Kuu that I am here for. It's so sweet, too, and her higher register sounds so good for the choruses." She's perfect for this song.
The highest scorer @RUNAWAY knows which parts to love the most, "this is another one I fell in love with while driving. I love the ‘trust you, trust me’ parts and it’s such a smooth bop. The queen of smooth bops. (G2BR reference anyone?)" Not me, that's for sure? Is it that YouTube voice-over series? @vague would like y'all to know that they are not afraid of spoilers, "oh, man, Daisuke "D.I" Imai and Kumi always make magic together!!! this is definitely my fave track from the album; it's so smooth and sugary, and she sounds soo good on this. it came incredibly close to getting my 11, but alas i loved another D.I track just a lil bit more" Way to tickles the testies, hun. Ending with @Eskiath, we have a different perspective, "Very smooth summer jam." Never thought of Himitsu as a summer track, but I do hear it now, although spring come to mind more prominently.
The highest scorer @RUNAWAY knows which parts to love the most, "this is another one I fell in love with while driving. I love the ‘trust you, trust me’ parts and it’s such a smooth bop. The queen of smooth bops. (G2BR reference anyone?)" Not me, that's for sure? Is it that YouTube voice-over series? @vague would like y'all to know that they are not afraid of spoilers, "oh, man, Daisuke "D.I" Imai and Kumi always make magic together!!! this is definitely my fave track from the album; it's so smooth and sugary, and she sounds soo good on this. it came incredibly close to getting my 11, but alas i loved another D.I track just a lil bit more" Way to tickles the testies, hun. Ending with @Eskiath, we have a different perspective, "Very smooth summer jam." Never thought of Himitsu as a summer track, but I do hear it now, although spring come to mind more prominently.
The track was only performed live during Kingdom Tour.
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Thanks, hun, I really tried working with what I have in this software.
28
Love goes like...
Average: 7,95
Highest score: 10x3 (@Love Deluxe, @Weslicious, @me!) 9x4 (@Osiris, @otenkiame, @soratami, @TABOO)
Lowest score: 4x1 (@Eskiath, stop!) 5,5x1 (@Squashua, whaaaay?)
My score: lookie above
And I keep on losing 10s, it seems. Best ~second session~ decided not to fall behind its sisters and ran after them into the sunset. Produced by, once again, Daisuke"D.I"Imai and written by Kumi, Love goes like... is a late 90s / early noughties R'n'B inspired sombre number and is basically the only new song on the compilation, if we're being honest. And being honest, I have loved this ever since it was ripped off radio or some commercial or something entirely else back in the day, even the worst quality couldn't deter me from enjoying this slick piece of awesomeness. I'm not entirely blind though and I can see how this is a bit stained by weird mastering in a couple of places, still I could not not give this a full score. The thumping beat and Kumi's assertive and crisp delivery makes me so invested in the song, I simply can't help by sing along as emotive as I can. It's almost like Mariah's We Belong Together in that regard. Lyrics wise we have a dilemma, Kumi loves the guy, but he's an asshole apparently:
If this road continues
from here on forever
without swaying,
then your and my future
will probably extend endlessly
But it's so cloudy I can't see
Oh cold wind that pierces my skin
teach me about true love
I want to believe it's love
I'm playing a song with you
"This love is my last one"
Call me (call me)
Raise your voice (show me)
I'm gonna make you say (oh)
Come again (oh)
Let me show you my love goes like (on and on and on)
I don't wanna leave you (call me)
Make me feel it (show me)
I'm gonna make you say (oh)
Come again (oh)
Let me show you my love goes like (on and on and on)
(c) @otenkiame
Starting with the lowest scorer who contributed any commentary, we have @Remorque (6,5), who was suprisingly talkative about this one, "This isn't entirely unenjoyable, but it's a real dip in quality coming from the previous songs on the album. It's a bit basic in an early 00s kinda way and I would have loved this as a teenager. Now? Not seaux much." I don't know what you're talking about. A bop is a bop. Alternatively, @yuuurei (8) is pleased with the inspiration behind the track and knows when she sees a good antique, "This sounds like a relic from the year 2001 and that's a good thing as far as I'm concerned." Sometimes looking back is the way forward, right? @RUNAWAY (8.5) believes this completed the puzzle, "really love this song. It’s really cool and I’m glad she put a new song on this album. It really flows with the rest of the tracks, and the general vibe." Considering it's a collection of songs, they do work a bit together, yes. @vague (8.5) might not agree, "honestly, this is a lot better than probably a good half of the 12 singles collection she released before this album" Okay, let's not go dramatic over here. @otenkiame probably creamed a couple of times to this in the past, "I'm a sucker for this song because of its heavier beat and that middle eight, so I played it to death back in the day. Yeah, I don't dig it as much as before, but still love some classic Kuu R&B." Kumi and D.I. is a match made in heaven, no doubt. Looks like @TABOO thinks so as well, "What I like about Love goes like... is how effortlessly it fits in with the rest of the tracks from the 12 Singles Collection. It’s so instant, especially with the ad-libs throughout the chorus. The PV is a bit of a kii. Ain’t no need to prove me when the bops GOT ME GOING’ like this, Kuu-chan!" Oh yeah, I was over the moon when they released the backdrop for the perdormance as a stand alone PV, which I used for the artwork here. @Weslicious is our resident punny queen, "‘I’m a make you say, you’re my gay’ Misheard masterpiece." Never heard that, hmm...
Kumi performed this at the release party for the Best and then later during Second Session Tour.
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WHAAAAAAAT?! NO!
Well, you probably should've given it a higher score then, hmmm? I don't remember the exact averages, but I believe that Top10 is all 9+.
27
With your smile
Average: 8,00
Highest score: 11x1 (@Squashua) 10x5 (@vague, @RUNAWAY, @Weslicious, @soratami, @aaronhansome) 9x1 (@otenkiame)
Lowest score: 5x3 (@lalaclairi_, @EachSmallStep, @yuuurei) 7x3 (@Osiris, @mi|kshake, @Eskiath)
My score: 7,5
And thus, 50 songs in we finally losing an 11. Produced by the great and already mentioned Watanabe Tooru and written by Kumi, With your smile was released as part of 4 hot wave and is a proper summer tune. The track is fun and exciting, but I always found it a little on the safer sound than some of her other similar songs, like COME WITH ME, for instance, which was pretty much a template for these. I still listen to this and I like it quite a lot though, as it is a part of one of Kumi's best singles overall after all. The lyrics... are something, especially in the second part of the song:
On days like this, let's go to the beach for a bit together
Let's leave something new behind again
How you laugh the traffic off
and your unexpected failures - they're all so dear to me
Your white skin tans brown
I want to burn it in my memories
White beach chairs, the blue sea,
and special you and me
The proof of our fruits
are the distinct marks on my swimsuit
(c) @otenkiame
Kumi, you naughty girl!
Today we can star with our precious @Remorque (7,5), who decided to brand the song's genre, "Enjoyable in soft rock-ish poppy kinda way." That's... probably a good way to describe it, yes. @TABOO (7,5) enjoyed the track quite a bit, "Between the four tracks on 4 hot wave, With your smile is arguably my least favourite. That being said, Kuu truly shows us how to come through with a great pop song! The pre-chorus in particular shines brightly." Honestly, same, but even when you know that the song is not a 10, you can't help but bop along to it. The power of Kuu. @Cutlery (8,5) is... single? "A funky dance jam with lighthearted lyrics about being supported in a nice and fulfilling relationship. Can't relate but that doesn't take away enjoyment of the song tho" PM me, hun, or better yet check my Insta... or better not. I bet @otenkiame loves summer, even the cruel Japanese one, "Summer song to the max. Another cheerful and bright track that really goes with the summer season. It's pretty much pop perfection." Ooh, someone's not afraid of big words.
Moving on to our 10s, @RUNAWAY reminds the lessers who is the true queen of summer releases, "YES!!! I forgot how iconic this song really is! 4 Hot Wave was a real moment and the other girls are still trying to be as iconic as that release. The true upbeat carefree song of her career!" Oh god, every year Kuu's summer singles were such a fucking moment. EVERY.SINGLE.TIME! @Weslicious tries to remember other Kumi summer jams, "An amazing summer track. girls could never (even though it damn well tried it and she seems to prefer it in concerts)." Hun, we all now know how this ended, dddd. Meanwhile @vague somehow managed to love this one better than Ningyo-hime and JUICY, "oh, waow, i forgot what a cute n fun summery bop this is. probably my fave track on the 4 hot wave single" To each his own, I guess.
Arriving at @Squashua, who is the first to lose an 11, I have to say that I was quite surprised with his choice, but I'm so glad he went with his gut and heart and said "yes!" to this bright and joyful moment. It truly shows that Kumi has it for literally everyone in her vast discography, "I get that this is probably a completely random album track to give an 11 to but it's so uplifting like the very best disco music should be. It's like the best late 80's/early 90's birthday party that I never had. The strings are aflame, the beat is unrelenting and those little brass flares are a delight but then you give me that electric guitar solo?? If you want to land a sucker punch that's really the trick to pull out in the last 1/3 of a song, I eat that UP. Wig last seen passing Saturn and the Milky Way. Just a pure pop blast in its purest, retro form." I already said that, but I just have to say it again - I love your commentary so freaking much, hun!
Today we can star with our precious @Remorque (7,5), who decided to brand the song's genre, "Enjoyable in soft rock-ish poppy kinda way." That's... probably a good way to describe it, yes. @TABOO (7,5) enjoyed the track quite a bit, "Between the four tracks on 4 hot wave, With your smile is arguably my least favourite. That being said, Kuu truly shows us how to come through with a great pop song! The pre-chorus in particular shines brightly." Honestly, same, but even when you know that the song is not a 10, you can't help but bop along to it. The power of Kuu. @Cutlery (8,5) is... single? "A funky dance jam with lighthearted lyrics about being supported in a nice and fulfilling relationship. Can't relate but that doesn't take away enjoyment of the song tho" PM me, hun, or better yet check my Insta... or better not. I bet @otenkiame loves summer, even the cruel Japanese one, "Summer song to the max. Another cheerful and bright track that really goes with the summer season. It's pretty much pop perfection." Ooh, someone's not afraid of big words.
Moving on to our 10s, @RUNAWAY reminds the lessers who is the true queen of summer releases, "YES!!! I forgot how iconic this song really is! 4 Hot Wave was a real moment and the other girls are still trying to be as iconic as that release. The true upbeat carefree song of her career!" Oh god, every year Kuu's summer singles were such a fucking moment. EVERY.SINGLE.TIME! @Weslicious tries to remember other Kumi summer jams, "An amazing summer track. girls could never (even though it damn well tried it and she seems to prefer it in concerts)." Hun, we all now know how this ended, dddd. Meanwhile @vague somehow managed to love this one better than Ningyo-hime and JUICY, "oh, waow, i forgot what a cute n fun summery bop this is. probably my fave track on the 4 hot wave single" To each his own, I guess.
Arriving at @Squashua, who is the first to lose an 11, I have to say that I was quite surprised with his choice, but I'm so glad he went with his gut and heart and said "yes!" to this bright and joyful moment. It truly shows that Kumi has it for literally everyone in her vast discography, "I get that this is probably a completely random album track to give an 11 to but it's so uplifting like the very best disco music should be. It's like the best late 80's/early 90's birthday party that I never had. The strings are aflame, the beat is unrelenting and those little brass flares are a delight but then you give me that electric guitar solo?? If you want to land a sucker punch that's really the trick to pull out in the last 1/3 of a song, I eat that UP. Wig last seen passing Saturn and the Milky Way. Just a pure pop blast in its purest, retro form." I already said that, but I just have to say it again - I love your commentary so freaking much, hun!
This is a bit of a staple for Kumi's live performances, usually as a part of a medley.
I wouldn't mind being hosed down by Kumi... if you know what I mean.
I wouldn't mind being hosed down by Kumi... if you know what I mean.
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@Squashua I love unexpected 11s and commentary that makes me revaluate my opinion of a song. I think With Your Smile neds a relisten!
Last line should be "was you alone". Curse my errors. Not sure if I'm right, but I'm gonna guess from the line about Romeo and Juliet that this song is in a similar vein to their love story? Don't quote me on that.
You gave this a 7, hun, so don't do this, as it's still a nice song and people loved it.
I know, right?
Ooh, nice. I thought something might have been a bit amiss here.