The Koda Kumi Rate: Part III, COMPLETE. See you in Q1 2020
- Thread starter evilsin
- Start date
Oh wow, yes, there are some similar sonic elements.
Not to me, ha!
I don't know, "UNIVERSE" being the last standing album track feels correct.
Then don't, but I like how you're thinking.
This means "5th place" in Japanese, for those who forgot.
Everybody put your hands up high
Shake your body like this all night
Everybody put your hands up high
Move your body and let's get down
5
UNIVERSE
Average: 8,94
Highest scorers: 10x7 (@Coming Century, @Ana Raquel, @Yeziirl, @lalaclairi_, @Love Deluxe, @RUNAWAY and @me!), 9,5x2 (@Osiris, @otenkiame)
Lowest scorers: 6x1 (@Eskiath), 7x1 (@soratami)
My score: lookie above
5 voters: #2, 9,40 avg.
10 voters: #4, 9,00 avg.
15 voters: #5, 9,07 avg.
18 voters: #5, 8,94 avg.
10 voters: #4, 9,00 avg.
15 voters: #5, 9,07 avg.
18 voters: #5, 8,94 avg.
So you just couldn't give me a 9+ average Top5, huh? Welp, at least Part III has the most 9+ averages with 4. Is this a spoiler? Written and produced by our lovely genius HIRO (you most certainly know the guy by now), the track served as a title track to Kumi's 8th album "UNIVERSE". I say this is a perfect choice for a title track and I'm really happy seeing it being the last album track overall for this Part. It deserves it. First of all, the opening synth is so reminiscent of Missy Elliott's "Lose Control", that people thought it was a sample. Apparently, it's not, just a homage, I guess. Secondly, the pace of it all and the hook-heavy nature of the track is heavenly. Or should I say "otherwordly", since it's all about the universe? It is quite fun, so no wonder Kumi tends to perform this a lot, especially at summer festivals. Thirdly, that bass is so good, especially when it goes in harder in the middle 8 and then at the end. The lyrical message of the song is about the fact that everything changes and we should not be afraid to go forward:
You have to live strongly
It's that kind of world, so be tough, tough
The more countless walls
you cross over, the more you'll be stronger
Big Bang & Evolution
If you keep advancing forward, yeah
even if today is the end of the world
you'll surely feel no regret
(c) @otenkiame
Will I though, HIRO? Will I?
All I can say is that @Eskiath (6) has very good memory, "I remember the preview for this sounded amazing and then it was a bit of a let down. Still think it's forgettable." I, sadly, don't remember the preview. Wah, wah, wah.
@abael (8) was still trying to crack the code with the help from this one, "It's a pretty formulaic track, but fortunately I like both the formula and KK to an extent that I feel the score is deserved."
@Cutlery (8,5) hears what I don't, "The reused beat from Wonderland is a bit of a scream. This screams single, why was it not released as one despite being the title track?" Because the era of re-cut single was long gone even at the time of "UNIVERSE"'s release.
@vague (8,5) wanted a better chorus, "great verses. i wish the chorus was a tad catchier, but that's a me problem and not really an indictment of the song itself."
@Music Is Life (9) didn't really have anything negative to say about this. Figures. "Another fan dance pop banger! Love the production and melody on this and her voice is so fucking good."
I was actually surprised @otenkiame (9,5) was the only one, who mentioned Missy in his commentary, "One of my favourite album tracks from the album. It's musically sounding a lot like Missy Elliott's "Lose Control", but I'm willing to forgive. I mean, the song has all that attitude Kuu is known for, plus an encouraging message to it. I would love to see this performed live." You have a better chance to see it, than me, dddd.
I love when @RUNAWAY (10) is gushing, "YAS. the iconic single that never was. This should’ve been released instead of It’s All Love for sure. It’s so fucking amazing." Would this have been as big a hit as "It's all Love!" though? Imagine misono on this sick beat? I'm in stitches.
@lalaclairi_ (10) was as curt as always, "Probably my favorite of Kumi's title tracks."
@Ana Raquel (10) considered this for her precious 11, "Contender for my 11 - which I actually think I love as much as my 11. I decide not to give the highest score to it because I think it is less loop material."
Someone better talk to @Yeziirl (10) before I do, cause I'mma hurt her feelings, "this is like a million times better version of ecstasy, that saved this album. 5 years later I still remember the lyrics, and it gets me kind of horny. One of the best and iconic Kumi tracks for sure, almost as if being a Taboo successor." Your first statement aside, yes, as this was done by the same producer.
@abael (8) was still trying to crack the code with the help from this one, "It's a pretty formulaic track, but fortunately I like both the formula and KK to an extent that I feel the score is deserved."
@Cutlery (8,5) hears what I don't, "The reused beat from Wonderland is a bit of a scream. This screams single, why was it not released as one despite being the title track?" Because the era of re-cut single was long gone even at the time of "UNIVERSE"'s release.
@vague (8,5) wanted a better chorus, "great verses. i wish the chorus was a tad catchier, but that's a me problem and not really an indictment of the song itself."
@Music Is Life (9) didn't really have anything negative to say about this. Figures. "Another fan dance pop banger! Love the production and melody on this and her voice is so fucking good."
I was actually surprised @otenkiame (9,5) was the only one, who mentioned Missy in his commentary, "One of my favourite album tracks from the album. It's musically sounding a lot like Missy Elliott's "Lose Control", but I'm willing to forgive. I mean, the song has all that attitude Kuu is known for, plus an encouraging message to it. I would love to see this performed live." You have a better chance to see it, than me, dddd.
I love when @RUNAWAY (10) is gushing, "YAS. the iconic single that never was. This should’ve been released instead of It’s All Love for sure. It’s so fucking amazing." Would this have been as big a hit as "It's all Love!" though? Imagine misono on this sick beat? I'm in stitches.
@lalaclairi_ (10) was as curt as always, "Probably my favorite of Kumi's title tracks."
@Ana Raquel (10) considered this for her precious 11, "Contender for my 11 - which I actually think I love as much as my 11. I decide not to give the highest score to it because I think it is less loop material."
Someone better talk to @Yeziirl (10) before I do, cause I'mma hurt her feelings, "this is like a million times better version of ecstasy, that saved this album. 5 years later I still remember the lyrics, and it gets me kind of horny. One of the best and iconic Kumi tracks for sure, almost as if being a Taboo successor." Your first statement aside, yes, as this was done by the same producer.
As I mentioned earlier, Kumi loves it, so there are plenty of performances of this.
Last edited:
He/Him
Yeah listening to UNIVERSE again, it's a total 10 now. Very happy it made top 5.
RUNAWAY
Staff member
he/him
Honestly any of the songs would be excellent winners. ECSTASY winning would really be something, but I think it'll be Lollipop for sure.
I think out of the 4 remaining "TOUCH DOWN" would be the most surprising winner. When Part II was still running I thought that "POP DIVA" had it on lock.
He/Him
I think ECSTASY has the best chance at winning. I'd be okay with pretty much anything though.
Y'all just had to go and jinx it, huh?
kakegae no nai
ima wo motto fukaku
kanji aitai
jibun wo ikitai
Ride on time ECSTASY ga
Burning up, burning up
OK! I GO! K-U-M-I
4
ECSTASY
Average: 9,17
Highest scorers: 11x2 (@Coming Century, @Ana Raquel), 10x8 (@lalaclairi_, @Love Deluxe, @Osiris, @Weslicious, @Cutlery, @vague, @Music Is Life and @me!), 9,5x1 (@otenkiame)
Lowest scorers: 5x1 (@abael, oh no baby, what is u doing!?), 7x2 (@soratami, @Yeziirl)
My score: lookie above
5 voters: #4, 9,10 avg.
10 voters: #3, 9,05 avg.
15 voters: #4, 9,10 avg.
18 voters: #4, 9,17 avg.
10 voters: #3, 9,05 avg.
15 voters: #4, 9,10 avg.
18 voters: #4, 9,17 avg.
Look at the consistency! Besides the two 11s, this also got the most 10s so far with nine. And still with all this, the last track from "UNIVERSE" falls. Written and produced by the production unit HUM, consisting of UTA (genius!) and MIHIRO, a.k.a. Mairo, of the group "Full Of Harmony", the track was one of the 3 a-sides on the summer single "3 SPLASH", along with "Lick me♥" and "Hashire!". The music video for the song featured Kumi in the black biker outfit from one of the artworks for the single, in a blond wig and some kind of a curtain during a photoshoot, in a blue duct tape outfit dancing and, of course, in a room filled with sperm-reminiscent substance. In one word, it was iconic. Where do I start with the song though? The major draw is definitely the fact that this is both familiar and new. The overall soundscape is pretty well-trodden by Kumi and yet the guys of HUM managed to bring so many new elements that made this stand out. That electric guitar alone is like an electric current running through the whole song and filling it with so much spunk hehe. The beat doesn't let go from start to finish, while the occasional zesty synths and siren-like sounds season an already yummy dish. Moreover, I find this to be a perfect match to Kumi vocal-wise. I don't know how or what the guys of HUM did, but the tone of the song makes Kumi sound really lush, especially in the verses. Moving on to the lyrics, I love how the combination of a simple phrase "laid back" and a squeaking synth in the chorus made me think that she was singing "remix" instead for a couple of days, until the official lyrics appeared online. It looks like the song is about the carnal pleasures:
So, so, so
sexily dancing every night like a honeybee
When you're stung, it's over
Yes, yes, yes
I'll teach you
the true taste of the sweet smelling honey
(c) @otenkiame
Come get your honey, amirite?
Oh, shush, @abael (5)! Like you know anything, "Unusual composition choices leave this track without a sense of progression. The vocal distortion works against it also."
@Yeziirl (7) is just... ugh, exhausting, "Chorus drags on for too long without being too catchy, so it remains boring throughout" I wish you were dragged already, because I'm tired.
They shouldn't have put it so close to "Physical Thing" on the album, I guess. Right, @Eskiath (9)? "Doesn't slap quite as hard as Physical thing but still great." Right.
It took some time for @otenkiame (9,5) to see the light, "I didn't get this right away, but it's a must nowadays. The fusion of rock with her pop style works in so many ways. Sometimes I wish it were a bit more bombastic, but I'm sure that's just me being picky. ANYWAY, I can't forget to mention the music video's scene where she's basically swimming in semen. OMG, Kuuwen." Iconique.
@lalaclairi_ (10) needs another dose, "Listening to this is like a burst of adrenaline." Did you mean ecstasy though?
Let's mosh pit to this, @Cutlery (10)! "This is so bubbling underneath loud goodness, like hearing a basement rock gig from four houses down the street. Truly a song for the thrill of a rave! The final "ECSTASY" makes me ecstatic indeed" Wear something protective not to stab me first.
@vague (10) appreciates the majestic melodies spliced with vocoder, "i'm always a sucka for some vocoded vocals (i blame miss Nakata Yasutaka for that ddd), plus that chorus is 11-worthy. really dig this."
I hope @Music Is Life (10) won't be too upset with this result, "Good God this desereves to win, and I think it has the best chance, maybe? That funky electric guitar line and extremely fun dance beat get my body shaking all the time."
@Weslicious (10) most certainly went there, "Queen of bathing in questionable goo... Koda Cumi!"
I leave you with @Ana Raquel (11), who found something to give her 11 to, woo-hoo! Small victories, etc., ect., "This is possibly one of the best chorus I've ever heard. Catchy, well produced, memorable, makes me want to listen to the song in loop. Congrats sis!" It is very loop-able, yes. I've been listening to this for 40 minutes already, while doing this write-up, actually.
@Yeziirl (7) is just... ugh, exhausting, "Chorus drags on for too long without being too catchy, so it remains boring throughout" I wish you were dragged already, because I'm tired.
They shouldn't have put it so close to "Physical Thing" on the album, I guess. Right, @Eskiath (9)? "Doesn't slap quite as hard as Physical thing but still great." Right.
It took some time for @otenkiame (9,5) to see the light, "I didn't get this right away, but it's a must nowadays. The fusion of rock with her pop style works in so many ways. Sometimes I wish it were a bit more bombastic, but I'm sure that's just me being picky. ANYWAY, I can't forget to mention the music video's scene where she's basically swimming in semen. OMG, Kuuwen." Iconique.
@lalaclairi_ (10) needs another dose, "Listening to this is like a burst of adrenaline." Did you mean ecstasy though?
Let's mosh pit to this, @Cutlery (10)! "This is so bubbling underneath loud goodness, like hearing a basement rock gig from four houses down the street. Truly a song for the thrill of a rave! The final "ECSTASY" makes me ecstatic indeed" Wear something protective not to stab me first.
@vague (10) appreciates the majestic melodies spliced with vocoder, "i'm always a sucka for some vocoded vocals (i blame miss Nakata Yasutaka for that ddd), plus that chorus is 11-worthy. really dig this."
I hope @Music Is Life (10) won't be too upset with this result, "Good God this desereves to win, and I think it has the best chance, maybe? That funky electric guitar line and extremely fun dance beat get my body shaking all the time."
@Weslicious (10) most certainly went there, "Queen of bathing in questionable goo... Koda Cumi!"
I leave you with @Ana Raquel (11), who found something to give her 11 to, woo-hoo! Small victories, etc., ect., "This is possibly one of the best chorus I've ever heard. Catchy, well produced, memorable, makes me want to listen to the song in loop. Congrats sis!" It is very loop-able, yes. I've been listening to this for 40 minutes already, while doing this write-up, actually.
This is not performed often enough, even if it did get shown off on TV, during tours and at a-nation.
What a glorious part of a concert with these 3 going one after another.
What a glorious part of a concert with these 3 going one after another.
D
Deleted member 7462
TOUCH DOWN has to be next surely..
He/Him
Y'all just had to go and jinx it, huh?
kakegae no nai
ima wo motto fukaku
kanji aitai
jibun wo ikitai
Ride on time ECSTASY ga
Burning up, burning up
OK! I GO! K-U-M-I
4
ECSTASY
Average: 9,17
Highest scorers: 11x2 (@Coming Century, @Ana Raquel), 10x8 (@lalaclairi_, @Love Deluxe, @Osiris, @Weslicious, @Cutlery, @vague, @Music Is Life and @me!), 9,5x1 (@otenkiame)
Lowest scorers: 5x1 (@abael, oh no baby, what is u doing!?), 7x2 (@soratami, @Yeziirl)
My score: lookie above
5 voters: #4, 9,10 avg.
10 voters: #3, 9,05 avg.
15 voters: #4, 9,10 avg.
18 voters: #4, 9,17 avg.
Look at the consistency! Besides the two 11s, this also got the most 10s so far with nine. And still with all this, the last track from "UNIVERSE" falls. Written and produced by the production unit HUM, consisting of UTA (genius!) and MIHIRO, a.k.a. Mairo, of the group "Full Of Harmony", the track was one of the 3 a-sides on the summer single "3 SPLASH", along with "Lick me♥" and "Hashire!". The music video for the song featured Kumi in the black biker outfit from one of the artworks for the single, in a blond wig and some kind of a curtain during a photoshoot, in a blue duct tape outfit dancing and, of course, in a room filled with sperm-reminiscent substance. In one word, it was iconic. Where do I start with the song though? The major draw is definitely the fact that this is both familiar and new. The overall soundscape is pretty well-trodden by Kumi and yet the guys of HUM managed to bring so many new elements that made this stand out. That electric guitar alone is like an electric current running through the whole song and filling it with so much spunk hehe. The beat doesn't let go from start to finish, while the occasional zesty synths and siren-like sounds season an already yummy dish. Moreover, I find this to be a perfect match to Kumi vocal-wise. I don't know how or what the guys of HUM did, but the tone of the song makes Kumi sound really lush, especially in the verses. Moving on to the lyrics, I love how the combination of a simple phrase "laid back" and a squeaking synth in the chorus made me think that she was singing "remix" instead for a couple of days, until the official lyrics appeared online. It looks like the song is about the carnal pleasures:
So, so, so
sexily dancing every night like a honeybee
When you're stung, it's over
Yes, yes, yes
I'll teach you
the true taste of the sweet smelling honey
(c) @otenkiame
Come get your honey, amirite?
Oh, shush, @abael (5)! Like you know anything, "Unusual composition choices leave this track without a sense of progression. The vocal distortion works against it also."
@Yeziirl (7) is just... ugh, exhausting, "Chorus drags on for too long without being too catchy, so it remains boring throughout" I wish you were dragged already, because I'm tired.
They shouldn't have put it so close to "Physical Thing" on the album, I guess. Right, @Eskiath (9)? "Doesn't slap quite as hard as Physical thing but still great." Right.
It took some time for @otenkiame (9,5) to see the light, "I didn't get this right away, but it's a must nowadays. The fusion of rock with her pop style works in so many ways. Sometimes I wish it were a bit more bombastic, but I'm sure that's just me being picky. ANYWAY, I can't forget to mention the music video's scene where she's basically swimming in semen. OMG, Kuuwen." Iconique.
@lalaclairi_ (10) needs another dose, "Listening to this is like a burst of adrenaline." Did you mean ecstasy though?
Let's mosh pit to this, @Cutlery (10)! "This is so bubbling underneath loud goodness, like hearing a basement rock gig from four houses down the street. Truly a song for the thrill of a rave! The final "ECSTASY" makes me ecstatic indeed" Wear something protective not to stab me first.
@vague (10) appreciates the majestic melodies spliced with vocoder, "i'm always a sucka for some vocoded vocals (i blame miss Nakata Yasutaka for that ddd), plus that chorus is 11-worthy. really dig this."
I hope @Music Is Life (10) won't be too upset with this result, "Good God this desereves to win, and I think it has the best chance, maybe? That funky electric guitar line and extremely fun dance beat get my body shaking all the time."
@Weslicious (10) most certainly went there, "Queen of bathing in questionable goo... Koda Cumi!"
I leave you with @Ana Raquel (11), who found something to give her 11 to, woo-hoo! Small victories, etc., ect., "This is possibly one of the best chorus I've ever heard. Catchy, well produced, memorable, makes me want to listen to the song in loop. Congrats sis!" It is very loop-able, yes. I've been listening to this for 40 minutes already, while doing this write-up, actually.
This is not performed often enough, even if it did get shown off on TV, during tours and at a-nation.
What a glorious part of a concert with these 3 going one after another.
Damn it, I didn't mean too.
However, this does mean my 11 has a better chance now.
Average score: 7,65
77 Alive
75 SUPERSTAR
68a Comes Up
63 Stay
60 It's all Love! / Koda Kumi x misono
57b Lick me♥
50 You're So Beautiful
47b Can We Go Back
28a Work It Out!
27 No Way
12 Step Into My World
8b Physical Thing
5 UNIVERSE
4 ECSTASY
Highest scorers:
@Music Is Life 9,73 sweet baby Jesus
@Love Deluxe 8,71
@vague 8,45
@evilsin 8,43
@Remorque, @Ana Raquel 8,28 oh wow
Lowest scorers:
@Eskiath 5,78
@Yeziirl 6,14
@abael 6,42
@Osiris, @Coming Century 6,78
@soratami 6,92
she/her
Me losing my two favorite songs before top 3......................... i hate this rate!!!!!!!!!!
Ecstasy might be my favorite Kumi song.
Not saying anything more so that I won't tank my 9s.
Ecstasy might be my favorite Kumi song.
Not saying anything more so that I won't tank my 9s.
That was kind of unintentional shade lol