The Koda Kumi Rate: Part III, COMPLETE. See you in Q1 2020

Which short track / interlude deserved a full version?

  • Prologue to Dejavu

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Interlude to Dejavu

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Introduction ~JAPONESQUE~

    Votes: 3 33.3%

  • Interlude ~JAPONESQUE~

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Introduction ~Bon Voyage~

    Votes: 1 11.1%

  • Let's show tonight

    Votes: 2 22.2%

  • Interlude ~Bon Voyage~

    Votes: 3 33.3%
  • Total voters
    9
evilsin

evilsin

Ienai yo
Suki da nante










NMOSr5O.gif

52
Ienai yo

Average: 7,29
Highest scorers: 10x2 (@RUNAWAY and @me!), 9x1 (@vague)
Lowest scorers: 5x3 (@Coming Century, @Ana Raquel, @Yeziirl), 6x3 (@soratami, @Weslicious, @lalaclairi_)
My score: lookie above

5 voters: #37, 7,50 avg.
10 voters: #50, 6,90 avg.
15 voters: #53, 7,18 avg.
18 voters: #52, 7,29 avg.
​

Would you look at that, another 0,01 point difference! Written by Kan Chinfa (BoA's "Kimochi wa Tsutawaru" and "VALENTI" !!!) and produced by Tsushimi Takashi (quite a few Hikaru GENJI songs), the song was originally released in 1994 by Go Hiromi as his 66th single. Kumi's version was re-arranged by the DJ Gakushi for her cover album ETERNITY ~Love & Songs~. It's the first Go Hiromi classic Kumi covered. As we now know she released her version of his cover of Ricky Martin's "Livin' La Vida Loca", titled "GOLDFINGER", this summer. I simply adore this, the way the piano, the beat and the synths intertwine here is superb and mesmerizing, so much so that I can never listen to this once. The classic JPop melodies meet 2010s R'n'B in a perfect unison. Wow. According to last.fm, this is my most listened to cover of hers and righfully so, I couldn't get off of this when the cover album dropped. It's mostly why I wanted to include it with the two obvious choices from the album in the rate. The lyrics this time around are about inability of confessing your feelings:​

I can't say that I love you
You're closer than anyone else, too close
and it's so sad that it's a dream
My lips are about to reach you
but get nowhere

I can't say that I love you
You're closer than anyone else, too close
I want to see you, I'm alone today too
I can't sleep, because my eyes
are embracing you
(c) @otenkiame

Is there anything you wanted to tell me, huns?

Despite the score @otenkiame (7,5) perfectly describes the song's feeling, "A nice R&B song with some uplifting sounds to it, even though the lyrics are on the bittersweet side. I think that's what I like about it the most? Like, you know from Kuu's vocals that it's a bit sad, but the music somehow keeps the song a bit more upbeat and positive? At least to me."

Looks like @abael (8) didn't know this was a cover, "KK isn't out here inventing the wheel, but this is a cleanly produced, well performed track." I mean, she did refresh the hell out of this.

@Cutlery (8) enjoyed the musical influences for the refurbishing, "Very early 00's ballad sound from Kuu. It's quite nice!"

I don't know where, but @Music Is Life (8,75) heard a guitar in this, "Love the slight R&B feel of this, especially with that guitar I think, it fits her so well." Well, I still don't hear any guitars...

@RUNAWAY (10) proves once again that he's a true JPop afficionado, "a total classic. I love the original version, and Kumi’s cover is gorgeous. Her vocals are so SO GOOD here." Quite a few people can boast such knowledge!​

Kumi performed the track live during the "Dejavu Tour" in a medley with "Love Is Over", "Swallowtail Butterfly" and "Ai no Uta", although I can't find a video online and it's not available as a part of the audio edition of the tour, sadly. We'll have to opt just for the original version.
​
 
evilsin

evilsin

Darling...
I can't stop...
Oh, darling...
I can't stop...










PhTcn3N.gif

51
darling

Average: 7,31
Highest scorers: 10x1 (@Music Is Life), 9x1 (@lalaclairi_)
Lowest scorers: 5x2 (@Coming Century, @Osiris), 5,5x1 (@Yeziirl)
My score: 8,5

5 voters: #54, 6,80 avg.
10 voters: #51, 6,80 avg.
15 voters: #48, 7,32 avg.
18 voters: #51 7,31 avg.
​

And we're back to the extras. Written by Kumi and produced by LoveTrain (who only have this sole credit to their name), the track served as a coupling track for "Go to the top". I think most can agree with me that this was probably the first song that Kumi written about her new at the time husband, Hi-yunk. Who knows, maybe LoveTrain is Kumi+Hi-yunk. This guitar-led R'n'B ringed ditty is so so so sweet. I can never get enough of Kuu's vocals here, she sounds so gentle and vulnerable here, especially in the middle 8, I love them to bits. I also like how barebones this starts and how progressively more complex this grows by the end. You already know what the lyrics are about:​

Every day with you is so precious,
though we fight too
On nights when you can't sleep
saying, "I'm going somewhere"
I get nervous, oh baby

My irreplaceable darling
The only one in this world
Stay by my side forever, forever
Please
(c) @otenkiame

Ugh, so sweet.

Just as sweet as @otenkiame (7,5) on this track, "A tender and sweet song about her husband, I love how simple and stripped down it sounds. It's got this acoustic sound that works so much with Kuu's gentle vocals. Even though it doesn't do anything special, it makes for a great listen every time."

@abael (8) was left impressed by the end-product, "The pared-back production is a welcome respite, and KK makes the most of the moment vocally."

As was @Cutlery (8), "This is sweet and soothing. I like the understated strings, the guitar and the backing vocals" The WOKALS, man!

Finishing up with @Music Is Life (10), who love everything about this, "I love this slightly minimalist acoustic sound, it fits her so well. The melody is really catchy and her voice is perfect."​

Unfortunately, this little gem has never been performed live. Perhaps someday on some fanclub event, hm?
​
 
evilsin

evilsin

TOP50



cyALuh3.jpg


Step Into My World
Can We Go Back
SUPERSTAR
You're So Beautiful
Lick me♥
Work It Out!
No Way
Stay
Comes Up
Physical thing
ECSTASY
UNIVERSE
It's all Love! / Koda Kumi x misono
Alive
(08/14)


Qwe4DEd.jpg


POP DIVA
Lollipop
Okay
Aitakute
Passing By
AT THE WEEKEND
Melting
Hey baby!
Choi Tashi Life
Anata Dake ga
Suki de, Suki de, Suki de.
Bambi
I Don't Love You !??
(08/13)


6gCX35f.jpg


So Nice feat. Mr.Blistah
Boom Boom Boys
V.I.P.
Slow feat. Omarion
Brave
Everyday
IN THE AIR
You are not alone
ESCALATE
Love Me Back
No Man's Land
Ai wo Tomenaide
KO-SO-KO-SO
Lay Down
Love Technique
Poppin' love cocktail feat. TEEDA
All for you
(11/17)


qXbfyfx.jpg


SHOW ME YOUR HOLLA
LOADED feat. Sean Paul
Winner Girls
Imagine
Koishikute
LALALALALA
TOUCH DOWN
CRANK THA BASS feat. OVDS
LOL
Go to the top
Dreaming Now!
On Your Side
U KNOW
(09/13)


wVHJSI5.jpg
Ija7f8F.jpg


Ienai yo
0-ji Mae no Tsunderella
Megumi no Hito
BE MY BABY
Pink Spider
Shake Hip!
Lovely
Jounetsu
(05/08)

​

EXTRAS

faraway
Hashire!
Good☆day
Inside Fishbowl
Outside Fishbowl
For you
Got To Be Real
Black Candy
Say Her Name
Make It Bump feat. Koda Kumi / Far East Movement
Stands Up feat. Koda Kumi / Clench&Blistah
Whatchu Waitin' On?
darling
Alone
IS THIS TRAP?
XXX
ENGAGED
IT'S SO DELICIOUS
(09/18)​
 
abael

abael

Decent top 50, but a bit worried about my sevens and eights going at a faster rate than my fives and sixes. No Man's Land, Loaded and Whatchu' Waitin On? (especially) need to go sooner rather than later.
 
evilsin

evilsin

You
are
so
beautiful











ye64rvf.gif

50
You're So Beautiful

Average: 7,32
Highest scorers: 9,5x1 (@Music Is Life), 9x2 (@otenkiame and @me!)
Lowest scorers: 5x1 (@Coming Century), 6x5 (@abael, @Osiris, @lalaclairi_, @soratami, @Cutlery)
My score: lookie above

5 voters: #49, 7,00 avg.
10 voters: #44, 7,15 avg.
15 voters: #51, 7,28 avg.
18 voters: #50, 7,32 avg.
​

Geez, with you and those 6s. Written by Kumi and produced the Swedish group Play Production, cosisting of Tim Larsson, Johan Fransson and Tobias Lundgren (Joe McElderry's "Fahrenheit", Celine Dion's "Somebody Loves Somebody" and "Breakaway"), the track was one of the newer ones on "UNIVERSE" and was used to promote the release by receiving a very pretty music video. Jesus, Kumi looks breath-taking in this, especially in the pool, hence me trying to capture the beauty with my artwork. The song has always given me some strong "Irreplaceable" teas, sound wise, but I never minded it. I usually really like this kind of acoustic guitar / R'n'B beats affairs, so this time around wasn't an exception. Kumi sounds solid and the message of empowerment is welcome. My only little gripe is that the official lyrics have it as "you're", when in reality she sings "you are" in every instance. Oh well. Oh, yeah, the lyrics:​

Take it easy, being hurt
All of that too is so beautiful
Because there's no wall you can't climb over
Take it easy, even when you're angry at yourself
because you can't do anything,
you choose the path known as "yourself"
You're so beautiful
(c) @otenkiame

I know it's hard sometimes, but please remember that you are all so beautiful, guys.

@abael (6) is here with his analysis of the JPop market once again, "I feel English lyrics are generally more positively received as creative writing within Japan than outside, because these English dominant choruses are not leaving a lasting impression." The Japanese just think that English is cool, so they have been using it in their songs here and there for a long time now.

@Eskiath (7) is feeling refreshed with this, "I love how mature she sounds on this (especially compared to the previous track) and it's a great message too with a lovely instrumental."

@Yeziirl (7,5) tries to be a shady binch, "on the one hand, it’s quite plain, but on the other hand, it has something charming to it." This is not plain, this is beautiful!

@otenkiame (9) appreciates the beauty with all his heart, "Such a great song with a wonderful message to it. I remember watching the live for it before it got released and instantly falling in love. Somehow, the studio version wasn't as good as that first live, but I still enjoy listening to it even now. It's such a wonderfully produced and sung song."

@Music Is Life (9,5) reminds me that he's a fan of claps, "LOVE the production, that intro had me mildly bopping and I kept going throughout the song. That acoustic guitar is perfection and the handclaps too! Love the chorus!"​

This rendition with live backing vocals from "Dream Music Park Live" is really one of the best.
​
 
Music Is Life & Death

Music Is Life & Death

He/Him
evilsin said:
You
are
so
beautiful











ye64rvf.gif

50
You're So Beautiful

Average: 7,32
Highest scorers: 9,5x1 (@Music Is Life), 9x2 (@otenkiame and @me!)
Lowest scorers: 5x1 (@Coming Century), 6x5 (@abael, @Osiris, @lalaclairi_, @soratami, @Cutlery)
My score: lookie above

5 voters: #49, 7,00 avg.
10 voters: #44, 7,15 avg.
15 voters: #51, 7,28 avg.
18 voters: #50, 7,32 avg.
​

Geez, with you and those 6s. Written by Kumi and produced the Swedish group Play Production, cosisting of Tim Larsson, Johan Fransson and Tobias Lundgren (Joe McElderry's "Fahrenheit", Celine Dion's "Somebody Loves Somebody" and "Breakaway"), the track was one of the newer ones on "UNIVERSE" and was used to promote the release by receiving a very pretty music video. Jesus, Kumi looks breath-taking in this, especially in the pool, hence me trying to capture the beauty with my artwork. The song has always given me some strong "Irreplaceable" teas, sound wise, but I never minded it. I usually really like this kind of acoustic guitar / R'n'B beats affairs, so this time around wasn't an exception. Kumi sounds solid and the message of empowerment is welcome. My only little gripe is that the official lyrics have it as "you're", when in reality she sings "you are" in every instance. Oh well. Oh, yeah, the lyrics:​

Take it easy, being hurt
All of that too is so beautiful
Because there's no wall you can't climb over
Take it easy, even when you're angry at yourself
because you can't do anything,
you choose the path known as "yourself"
You're so beautiful
(c) @otenkiame

I know it's hard sometimes, but please remember that you are all so beautiful, guys.

@abael (6) is here with his analysis of the JPop market once again, "I feel English lyrics are generally more positively received as creative writing within Japan than outside, because these English dominant choruses are not leaving a lasting impression." The Japanese just think that English is cool, so they have been using it in their songs here and there for a long time now.

@Eskiath (7) is feeling refreshed with this, "I love how mature she sounds on this (especially compared to the previous track) and it's a great message too with a lovely instrumental."

@Yeziirl (7,5) tries to be a shady binch, "on the one hand, it’s quite plain, but on the other hand, it has something charming to it." This is not plain, this is beautiful!

@otenkiame (9) appreciates the beauty with all his heart, "Such a great song with a wonderful message to it. I remember watching the live for it before it got released and instantly falling in love. Somehow, the studio version wasn't as good as that first live, but I still enjoy listening to it even now. It's such a wonderfully produced and sung song."

@Music Is Life (9,5) reminds me that he's a fan of claps, "LOVE the production, that intro had me mildly bopping and I kept going throughout the song. That acoustic guitar is perfection and the handclaps too! Love the chorus!"​

This rendition with live backing vocals from "Dream Music Park Live" is really one of the best.
​
Click to expand...

Literally every song is elevated by handclaps. If they're used correctly.
 
evilsin

evilsin

Ai wo
Tomenaide
Onegai...
Ai wo
Tomenaide...













4zW6oyc.gif

49
Ai wo Tomenaide

Average: 7,33
Highest scorers: 10x3 (@RUNAWAY, @Music Is Life and @me!), 9x1 (@Weslicious)
Lowest scorers: 4x1 (@Ana Raquel), 5x3 (@Coming Century, @Eskiath, @Osiris)
My score: lookie above

5 voters: #54, 6,80 avg.
10 voters: #53, 6,65 avg.
15 voters: #49, 7,30 avg.
18 voters: #49, 7,33 avg.
​

And I thought maybe that ballad cull would stop... I CAN'T WITH YOU BALLAD HATERS! This masterpeace deserves so much more. Written by Kumi and produced Taniguchi Naohisa (quite a few great CHEMISTRY songs), the track was used as a theme song for the dorama "Second Virgin". This passionate ballad is something else. I mean, to some this might be "just another ballad", but to me this is one of her best songs ever. She sounds divine all throughout with all that emotion filling in her voice and the melodies in all parts of the song are stunningly gorgeous. Not to mention the music video that still has me shook with that tasteful sideboob! Lyrically, Kuu tried to go with the dorama's script, although I didn't watch it, so who knows how accurate she was:​

I'll fall in love with you
over and over
Even if it's a reality that won't come
only you
reflect in my eyes

More than anyone else, more than anyone else
I'll accept all of you no matter what
I lock away in my heart
the fact that I'm not as strong as you think
Just once more, just once more
It's not too late, so please let me see him
Oh my dear, always stay smiling
Don't stop the love
Please don't stop the love
(c) @otenkiame

What's the consensus on this one, hm?

@Eskiath (5) is on drugs, "Perhaps the most boring sounding of her winter singles." What the fuck? Absolutely not.

Somehow @otenkiame (7) wanted even more from the chorus, "I applaud her for releasing this mature sounding ballad instead of her usual winter one. The addition of a guitar in the arrangement was a nice touch. Kuu's got all the right emotion too, but there's something about the hook's arrangement that seems like it's missing something. That's the only thing that's kept me from outright loving it." Kumi's emotion was enough for me.

Remember that comment about "just another ballad"? @abael (7) is the first offender, "Of her throng of similar sounding ballads, this one definitely is in the better half." At least you liked it.

Oh yeah, I should tell everyone, that @Yeziirl (7,5) hates "JAPONESQUE", "Finally a decent song, and its a ballad, lol" Should probably report you for webspeak.

To each his own, I guess, as @Music Is Life (10) hears pop-rock influences, "ANOTHER beautiful gorgeous amazing mid-tempo, that’s a bit pop-rock in its production, so you know I’m going to love it." It's more R'n'B for me.

We're gonna be crying together tonight, @RUNAWAY (10), "so beautiful. I really really love this song."​


I remember I loved every TV performance of this, because she looked freaking snatched in all those retro-sexy outfits, damn. I'll go with the "Dejavu Tour" one though, since it's in full and officially uploaded.
​
 
Music Is Life & Death

Music Is Life & Death

He/Him
evilsin said:
Ai wo
Tomenaide
Onegai...
Ai wo
Tomenaide...













4zW6oyc.gif

49
Ai wo Tomenaide

Average: 7,33
Highest scorers: 10x3 (@RUNAWAY, @Music Is Life and @me!), 9x1 (@Weslicious)
Lowest scorers: 4x1 (@Ana Raquel), 5x3 (@Coming Century, @Eskiath, @Osiris)
My score: lookie above

5 voters: #54, 6,80 avg.
10 voters: #53, 6,65 avg.
15 voters: #49, 7,30 avg.
18 voters: #49, 7,33 avg.
​

And I thought maybe that ballad cull would stop... I CAN'T WITH YOU BALLAD HATERS! This masterpeace deserves so much more. Written by Kumi and produced Taniguchi Naohisa (quite a few great CHEMISTRY songs), the track was used as a theme song for the dorama "Second Virgin". This passionate ballad is something else. I mean, to some this might be "just another ballad", but to me this is one of her best songs ever. She sounds divine all throughout with all that emotion filling in her voice and the melodies in all parts of the song are stunningly gorgeous. Not to mention the music video that still has me shook with that tasteful sideboob! Lyrically, Kuu tried to go with the dorama's script, although I didn't watch it, so who knows how accurate she was:​

I'll fall in love with you
over and over
Even if it's a reality that won't come
only you
reflect in my eyes

More than anyone else, more than anyone else
I'll accept all of you no matter what
I lock away in my heart
the fact that I'm not as strong as you think
Just once more, just once more
It's not too late, so please let me see him
Oh my dear, always stay smiling
Don't stop the love
Please don't stop the love
(c) @otenkiame

What's the consensus on this one, hm?

@Eskiath (5) is on drugs, "Perhaps the most boring sounding of her winter singles." What the fuck? Absolutely not.

Somehow @otenkiame (7) wanted even more from the chorus, "I applaud her for releasing this mature sounding ballad instead of her usual winter one. The addition of a guitar in the arrangement was a nice touch. Kuu's got all the right emotion too, but there's something about the hook's arrangement that seems like it's missing something. That's the only thing that's kept me from outright loving it." Kumi's emotion was enough for me.

Remember that comment about "just another ballad"? @abael (7) is the first offender, "Of her throng of similar sounding ballads, this one definitely is in the better half." At least you liked it.

Oh yeah, I should tell everyone, that @Yeziirl (7,5) hates "JAPONESQUE", "Finally a decent song, and its a ballad, lol" Should probably report you for webspeak.

To each his own, I guess, as @Music Is Life (10) hears pop-rock influences, "ANOTHER beautiful gorgeous amazing mid-tempo, that’s a bit pop-rock in its production, so you know I’m going to love it." It's more R'n'B for me.

We're gonna be crying together tonight, @RUNAWAY (10), "so beautiful. I really really love this song."​


I remember I loved every TV performance of this, because she looked freaking snatched in all those retro-sexy outfits, damn. I'll go with the "Dejavu Tour" one though, since it's in full and officially uploaded.
​
Click to expand...

I have weird references when it comes to music okay?
 
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