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

Baby, baby, be my girl
dakishimetai Be my girl
omae ga hohoemeba subete ga uwa no sora














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10
Megumi no Hito

Average: 8,68
Highest scorers: 10x5 (@abael, @Yeziirl, @Ana Raquel, @Music Is Life and @me!), 9,5x1 (@Osiris)
Lowest scorers: 7x1 (@soratami), 7,5x1 (@Remorque)
My score: lookie above

5 voters: #4, 9,10 avg.
10 voters: #6, 8,95 avg.
15 voters: #8, 8,80 avg.
18 voters: #10, 8,68 avg.
​

Finally a song that all our usual lower scorers appreciate! Written by Urino Masao (a lot of songs in 80s and 90s) and produced by Inoue Daisuke (some album tracks for Nakamori Akina), the song was originally performed by the group RATS & STAR in 1983. The original song is one of the signature songs of the group, as it was a big hit in Japan, getting to #1 on Oricon charts and becoming the 10th best-selling single of 1983. Kumi's version was recorded in 2010 for her first cover album "ETERNITY ~Love & Songs~". Later the track would receive a music video, which would be included on the DVD coupled with "Dejavu". Kuu looks stunning in it and showcases some cute choreography, that was inspired by the original one. In 2018 a sped-up version of Kumi's take on the track gained traction on TikTok, which led to it getting some exposure, live performances resurgence and digital sales. We love a sleeper hit. Speaking of love, there is a lot to love here. The quirky funky pace, the delicious synths and the catchy beat, Kumi's delivery - she did it again, made the song hers. This time the arrangement was done by Alfred "The Angel" Tuoheny (Aoyama Thelma's "I'm Sorry") and he most definitely did a splendid job. So the lyrical content this time around is about a bombshell, who is to die for:​

Charming, sweet baby
You're a firefighter, aren't you?
The beach is suddenly in panic
at the news of you
(c) @otenkiame

As @otenkiame explains,
otenkiame said:
Megumi no Hito is an old-fashioned term for fire brigade/fire fighter, but also means "someone who puts on make-up to emphasis the eyes".
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Do my elimination posts set you on fire?

@otenkiame (8) just has to mirror my sentiment at this point, "Great bop with great hooks! The "me" part gets me every single time, and that's the tea. Seriously, though, I'm so happy that Kuu takes such a fun approach with this electropop bop. It suits her so much and her enthusiasm and enjoyment totally shine through into the track. It's become a sleeper hit for her for a reason."

@vague (8,75) heard some LGBT+ undertones, I assume, "a lezzie anthem? love to see it" Well, yeah, she does ask the girl to be hers.

@Music Is Life (10) was stomping along the block to this, "I wanna strut and dance down the street to this production."

@Yeziirl (10) appreciated the popularity resurgence as well, "iconic, it's cute but not overly annoying and very enjoyable. Kumi making tik Tok great again!"

Honestly, I tried to understand what @abael (10) said for good 10 minutes, and still came up with nothing, "This has to be the best bpm to English lyrics ratio on this rate. Love."​


Ever since the initial release and added TikTok exposure, this became one of the most performed songs of Kumi's. Let's watch this "Billboard Live" one.

Dddd, not the original group having blackface as their schtick...

And, of course, some TikTok's, a couple of them with Kumi herself.
​
 
Yeziirl

Yeziirl

I remember listening to it for the first time and going hardcore “Ew”. But when it became popular on TikTok my opinion magically changed for some reason, lol! Thanks TikTok!
 
evilsin

evilsin

Ana Raquel said:
WHOA. All my contenders AND my 11 in the top 10? I'm delighted!

Watch them being out back to back
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Speaking of 11s, whole whooping 11 of them are in Top10, meaning that 60% of voters gave their most precious scores to the remaining tracks.
Osiris said:
She really made that song her own. Great cover.
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That's why her cover version are superior to any other average one.
Yeziirl said:
I remember listening to it for the first time and going hardcore “Ew”. But when it became popular on TikTok my opinion magically changed for some reason, lol! Thanks TikTok!
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Dddd, not TikTok of all things making you like something.
abael said:
I don't remember what I meant either.
View attachment 13457
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It's okay, it happens to all of us from time.

Okay, so next up is our final tie of the rate with one of the song receiving 11(s?). What do you think of me posting one elimination a day now? Or should I continue the 2-a-day pace?
 
evilsin

evilsin

Thank you everyone for the suggestions. I'll post 2 today, 2 tomorrow and Top5 is going to be 1 track a day, since #1 and #2 will be posted withing minutes between each other.







Now, to celebrate the release of "re(CORD)" let's eliminate our final tie.





























BE MY BABY BE MY BABY
BE MY BABY BE MY BABY
BE MY BABY BE MY BABY

BE MY BABY BE MY BABY
BE MY BABY BE MY BABY
BE MY BABY BE MY BABY









5SpTOV3.gif

8a
BE MY BABY

Average: 8,72
Highest scorers: 10x7 (@Osiris, @Ana Raquel, @lalaclairi_, @Eskiath, @otenkiame, @Music Is Life and @me!), 9,5x1 (@RUNAWAY)
Lowest scorers: 5x1 (@Yeziirl), 7x3 (@Remorque, @Cutlery, @Coming Century)
My score: lookie above

5 voters: #3, 9,20 avg.
10 voters: #8, 8,80 avg.
15 voters: #7, 8,92 avg.
18 voters: #8, 8,72 avg.
​

Welp, @Yeziirl is dead to me. At least this got seven 10s, the most so far! Written by Kikkawa Kouji and produced by Hotei Tomoyasu, a.k.a. the group "COMPLEX", the song was originally released by them as their debut single in 1989. The laidback rock track was a hit and reached #1 on Oricon charts. Despite the success, the group would exist only for 2 years, after which they would disband without clearly stating the reasoning. Kumi's version was recorded in 2010 for her first cover album "ETERNITY ~Love & Songs~". As with "Megumi no Hito", the song would later get a music video, that would be included on a DVD for "Dejavu". Honestly, I'm not afraid to say that this is probably Kumi's best cover overall, and this rate only cemented that thought seeing how it was the last one standing. Compared to the original, Kuu brought a lot more energy into the mix, amped up the tempo and glazed it all with delicious beats and synths. Surprisingly for me, the one who brought so much life into this track was TAZZ. The guy(?) worked extensively with Shion, who mainly stuck to pop/R'n'B pairing of genres. I should also mention the choreography that came with the music video. It's truly memorable and pretty iconic and gets the fans dancing when this is performed live. We have already talked about how masterfully Kuu managed to cover all these classics, basically making them her own and this one is, of course, not an exception. It would fit perfectly on any album starting with "Black Cherry", as far as I can see. This is one of those songs that I can loop for hours without getting tired of it. I mean, it's been almost 10 years since its release and I'm still bopping like there is no tomorrow. You know what the song is about, c'mon:​

When I close my eyes
you're always there
You rush up to me
with a smile on your face

Like the stardust
that wanders in the night sky
I want to embrace you as you shake
forever
(c) @otenkiame

Can I be someone's baby already?

Not @abael (9) coming so hard for Kuu with his comentary, "Why do all aspects of the tracks across the board on Eternity stand above the full albums on the rate? Some of these albums are 4 years younger, but sounds the opposite. It's unfortunate that this predates almost everything in this rate, as it drives home the degeneration in KKs work going forward. I have no idea on general fan sentiment regarding these albums, but personally, I hope she rights the ship going forward." I mean... most of her fans find the albums from Part IV to be her worst, so... You're telling the truth, but I'm still crying. Guess it would make for an interesting rate, at least.

@vague (9,25) had to make a confession, "i am extremely gay but i absolutely would every night" Honestly, same.

@Music Is Life (10) was totally dancing around his bedroom with a hairbrush in hand, "What a banger! I can totally see myself getting my life to this in a club, despite never having been in a club. I’ll just pretend my room is one." I think... I think I had a pleasure to experience this in a club environment and I lived. oo bad the plans to make a dance cover for this with my girlfriends fell through.

Guess we'll have to toss a coin with @otenkiame (10) and @vague or something, "Now this is what I'm talking about! In an album full of mid-tempos and ballads, "BE MY BABY" stands out in all the right ways. It's filled to the brim with spunk and attitude, oozing sass and sex from Kuu. All the synths and dance elements are love! I will be your baby, Kuu!"​


"BE MY BABY" became one of Kumi's live staples and rightfully so. Jesus, that heavier live bass is everything.
Toss that ponytail, queen!

And here is the original song.
​
 
Music Is Life & Death

Music Is Life & Death

He/Him
evilsin said:
@vague (9,25) had to make a confession, "i am extremely gay but i absolutely would every night" Honestly, same.
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This might be one of my favorite pieces of commentary ever. ALso, happy you got to experience this in a club @evilsin!

Also also, I'm excited for part IV and I'm sure I'll enjoy the music, but if part III and IV are considered her "worst" music, than the first two parts must be absolutely amazing.
 
evilsin

evilsin

Music Is Life said:
Also also, I'm excited for part IV and I'm sure I'll enjoy the music, but if part III and IV are considered her "worst" music, than the first two parts must be absolutely amazing.
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Part II albums would probably be people's favorites overall, although Part I had some good ones too. I mean, the debut is pushing 20 years already, so it is pretty dated, but it still had plenty of bops, while "grow into one" is one of her most underrated albums. It would be amazing if you checked her previous albums, as well as took part in Part IV. Lemme have a bit of a rest first though, dddd.
 
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Music Is Life & Death

Music Is Life & Death

He/Him
evilsin said:
Part II albums would probably be people's favorites overall, although Part I had some good one too. I mean, the debut is pushing 20 years already, so it is pretty dated, but it still had plenty of bops, while "grow into one" is one of her most underrated albums. It would be amazing if you checked her previous albums, as well as took part in Part IV. Lemme have a bit of a rest first though, dddd.
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I was planning on it, cause of my love for the albums featured here! It just might take some time dddd.
 
evilsin

evilsin

You see me
I see you
It's easy
Keep it real simple












wSz0LpM.gif

8b
Physical Thing

Average: 8,72
Highest scorers: 11x1 (@Remorque), 10x5 (@Coming Century, @Love Deluxe, @Ana Raquel, @Eskiath, @Music Is Life), 9,5x2 (@Cutlery, @Osiris)
Lowest scorers: 6x1 (@soratami), 7x3 (@abael, @Weslicious, @RUNAWAY)
My score: 9

5 voters: #10, 8,90 avg.
10 voters: #11, 8,65 avg.
15 voters: #13, 8,57 avg.
18 voters: #8, 8,72 avg.
​

The battle between the remaining albums is getting fiercer and fiercer. Written by Kumi, Nosheen, Negin, Thomas Gustafsson, Hugo Lira and Ian-Paolo Lira (the team behind Goto Maki's "Lady-Rise" !!!) and produced by the latter three, the track served as the second a-side on the "Alive / Physical Thing" single. The song was originally performed by Nosheen, but her version was basically removed from the net, once Kumi got the rights for the song, so she was more like a demo singer in the end. The same happened with "Lady-Rise", by the way. The track also got a music video, holding onto its status of an a-side, which is claimed to have been inspired by Lady Gaga's "Just Dance" video. Hmm. Sonically, this is a very Britney-esque bop circa "3" in the best way possible. The synths' allure is outstanding here, as it manages to grip you from the very first second and not let go until the end. Kumi skillfully delivers her sexy self in all the right ways whispering and sighing in all the right places. All in all, there is just nothing not to enjoy here. The lyrical content is about a burning desire to shag, naturally:​

I feel your sighs whenever we move up and down
Pin me to the wall, embrace me on the floor
Satisfy me
(c) @otenkiame

Anyone wanna volunteer to satisfy me? Looks like most of you would like to, considering how freaking 9 of you had to say something about this bopperoo.

Starting with @abael (7), who provides some truthful critisism, "Choruses lacking in intensity seems to be a running theme hopefully confined to this release. It is the low point in an otherwise great track." I believe I had this issue with the song initially, but in the end my love for Kumi erased that nuisance, dddd.

@Yeziirl (7,5) once again shows his disdain for anything but bops, "it had potential but didn't live up to it in the chorus, unfortunately. And the break kinda ruined what it was building to. But at least it's upbeat and sexy" Can't wait for you to tank Part IV.

@vague (8) believes that Kumi has done better before, "i... like this. a lot, actually... but i also think Kuu has done this sound much better before, so i can't give full marks." Fair.

Leave it to our fabulous transcriber @otenkiame (9) to shed some light onto the meaning of the ditty, "Sex Kuu is here to lay down how much she wants the D and nothing else. It's great for that alone. And, actually, Kuu went the extra step by adding the bridge where she lets everyone know that it gets lonely being a hoe. Kuu trying to get me to think in the middle of a sex song. Werk it, grl."

The track managed to get a rare comment from @lalaclairi_ (9), "The aggressive dance vibe behind this one always reminded me of her earlier work around the Shake It era." Despite being created by western producers, it does have some similar Kumi qualities, yes.

I can't help, but agree with @Cutlery (9,5), "Oh girl this is an energetic electro bop (and Kuu always delivers with those). It's less instant than some of her other offerings in that field, but those jagged synths capture her far off ad libs in a tight package along with her main vocal. When the beat comes back again, it's zoning out bliss" Indeed, my pointy friend, indeed.

Apparently 3 minutes is not enough for a size queen like @Ana Raquel (10), "Contender for my 11, lost it for being too short."

It looks like it was a right release at the right moment for @Eskiath (10), "Was the first single to come out after I started stanning her and it came out just before my birthday! This has remained as one of my favourite bops ever since and I love how it doesn't overstay its welcome and ends on a high." And look at you now, 10 years later!

@Remorque (11) caught me off-guard with his choice for his precious 11, but, hey, it's a great choice, "This was most definitely one of the most instant songs on display in this part of her discography. Everything from the production to her performance to the video is right up my alley. A true testament of what this woman is capable of and that's taking basic bops, yet have them brimming with personality and vochalz." Woo-hoo!​


"Physical Thing" got its share of live performances, especially on TV.

Ooh, and Nosheen uploaded her version to her Soundcloud 3 years ago.
​
 
D

Deleted member 7462

I almost gave Physical Thing my 11 but I didn't like that it wasn't originally sung by her and also the song I gave my 11 to deserved it more.
 
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