The Koda Kumi Rate: PART IV. All things come to an end, WINNER announced
- Thread starter evilsin
- Start date
You guys, should we make an insomniac out of @Yeziirl?
This gif is godsend lmaoHow about I dump you with a shady gif, huh?
79
Heartless
Average: 6,32
Highest scorers: 10x1 (@Yeziirl), 9,5x1 (@Music Is Life)
Lowest scorers: 4x2 (@Ana Raquel, @lalaclairi_), 5x3 (@RUNAWAY, @Cutlery, @cookiedough)
My score: 8,5
Anna ou-! @Cutlery did call for this one after all. Looks like "inside" wouldn't be as lonely at the bottom, since her sister "outside" is there to comfort each other as well. Produced by Emanuel Kiriakou (Selena Gomez's "Who Says") and written by him, Lindy Robbins (Demi Lovato's "Skyscraper"), Shanna Crooks ("Can We Go Back") and Kumi, the track appears as the sole ballad on its parent album. People argue there is no place for it on that bop galore of an album, but I find its sound and feeling more suitable to "outside" rather than "inside".
I think I might have overscored it by at least half a point, but I do like it quite a bit. I won't try to dissuade y'all that this is brilliant, cause it's nothing of the sort, but it is a much more welcome take on ballads than the "Kimi Omoi" pastiche, for instance. Yes, Kuu definitely should have made more takes for this one, because some of those notes sound rough. I get that they tried to go for the raw feeling of it all, but it just doesn't work as they wanted to here. Maybe it's the key the song is in, but Kuu does strain her voice in a not so pleasant manner in this one.
When it come to lyrics, I've always thought this was about a break up with some bastard of a guy, but apparently it's not? Looks like this one is actually about some inner battle with yourself? And Kumi almost winning, but still getting killed inside hehe?
I think I might have overscored it by at least half a point, but I do like it quite a bit. I won't try to dissuade y'all that this is brilliant, cause it's nothing of the sort, but it is a much more welcome take on ballads than the "Kimi Omoi" pastiche, for instance. Yes, Kuu definitely should have made more takes for this one, because some of those notes sound rough. I get that they tried to go for the raw feeling of it all, but it just doesn't work as they wanted to here. Maybe it's the key the song is in, but Kuu does strain her voice in a not so pleasant manner in this one.
When it come to lyrics, I've always thought this was about a break up with some bastard of a guy, but apparently it's not? Looks like this one is actually about some inner battle with yourself? And Kumi almost winning, but still getting killed inside hehe?
This pain's only in me
No matter what you don't know me
I always run away like this
I always run away so easily
(c) @otenkiame
C'mon, Kuu, defeat your inner saboteur or whatever you may call it.
@Ana Raquel (4) was kindly asked to comment on her lowest scores to which I got this response, "was is this not on inside though? let outside have my bops!!!!!!!!!!" No spotless album for you, I guess.
@RUNAWAY (5) wasn't a fan of the wokals, "her vocals were so strained and hard to listen to here...".
@Weslicious (6) assumed that Kuu was ostiophobic? "The bones of a nice song are here. But Kumi saw those bones and screamed for her damn life and used it as the vocal take." Nah, I think she threw enough meat on it, not the freshest one though.
God, it's so nice to have @otenkiame's (7) reasonable musings in my life once again, "A raw and emotional ballad that relies only on a piano and Kuu's vocals. Sometimes I think her vocals go out of control a bit too much, but at other times I feel like she purposely let her vocals sound like this to drive home that emotion. It's a nice track overall."
And I let the fact that @Yeziirl (10) ko-so-ko-so changed his score for this for the full marks in the commentary that he sent after the scores with me realizing only now, because that one extra point didn't change the placing of the songs. And also because he gave a ballad full marks! Hopefully you didn't change anything else like this... "A very good ballad is the one that is minimalistic, this one is perfect at that, I like the ending climax it’s very emotional and finally a ballad got 10 points from me, yas?"
@RUNAWAY (5) wasn't a fan of the wokals, "her vocals were so strained and hard to listen to here...".
@Weslicious (6) assumed that Kuu was ostiophobic? "The bones of a nice song are here. But Kumi saw those bones and screamed for her damn life and used it as the vocal take." Nah, I think she threw enough meat on it, not the freshest one though.
God, it's so nice to have @otenkiame's (7) reasonable musings in my life once again, "A raw and emotional ballad that relies only on a piano and Kuu's vocals. Sometimes I think her vocals go out of control a bit too much, but at other times I feel like she purposely let her vocals sound like this to drive home that emotion. It's a nice track overall."
And I let the fact that @Yeziirl (10) ko-so-ko-so changed his score for this for the full marks in the commentary that he sent after the scores with me realizing only now, because that one extra point didn't change the placing of the songs. And also because he gave a ballad full marks! Hopefully you didn't change anything else like this... "A very good ballad is the one that is minimalistic, this one is perfect at that, I like the ending climax it’s very emotional and finally a ballad got 10 points from me, yas?"
But also of all the ballads from Part III that actually deserved a full score you gave it to this?
Kumi performed the song live during the "W FACE" tour. It's... something.
Me, peacefully singing along to Heartless in the shower...
RUNAWAY
Staff member
he/him
He/Him
What a pretty melody though yes, the progression and singing kinda don’t live up to it...
Me rising from the dead.
78
Stand By You
Average: 6,53
Highest scorers: 10x1 (@Music Is Life), 8,5x1 (@me!)
Lowest scorers: 4x2 (@Ana Raquel, @cookiedough), 5x1 (@Weslicious)
My score: lookie above
Y'all really didn't come here for ballads, did you? Produced by Kumi's husband Hi-yunk ("All for you") and the genius UTA ("Let's show tonight") the song is another ballad from W FACE ~inside~.
Well, despite the questionable placing of this, I believe it's quite beautiful. The first half might be a little too simple, but once the gorgeous melodies of the chorus get going and we get some more prominent beat by the second verse, this opens up quite nicely. I wouldn't mine a different soundscape overall though, or at least some variety in the arrangement, since it all has been heard before at this point. Kuu sounds great and I love that higher note at the end of the chorus, was a bit of a surprise the first time I listened to the album.
Lyrics wise this one is all about supporting your significant other, understanding the pain their might be enduring and eventually helping them overcome it.
Well, despite the questionable placing of this, I believe it's quite beautiful. The first half might be a little too simple, but once the gorgeous melodies of the chorus get going and we get some more prominent beat by the second verse, this opens up quite nicely. I wouldn't mine a different soundscape overall though, or at least some variety in the arrangement, since it all has been heard before at this point. Kuu sounds great and I love that higher note at the end of the chorus, was a bit of a surprise the first time I listened to the album.
Lyrics wise this one is all about supporting your significant other, understanding the pain their might be enduring and eventually helping them overcome it.
I want to give this voice,
my love only to you
Don't be afraid
I'll wrap you up,
so just stay smiling
Accept my love
because it'll support everything
(c) @otenkiame
Only a couple of you managed to say anything about this one.
I'd imagine "inside" was a bit of a torture for our infamous ballad-hater @Ana Raquel (4), "probably would have a slightly higher score if it wasn't in the midst of a bunch of other ballads that sound more interesting than this one." There is still hope in this statement!
@Weslicious (5) decided it would be cute to be a bit of a shady binch, "A shame she already used On And On as a title, because it describes this song perfectly." Also, not me only now realizing that the song is almost 6 minutes long, dddd. I honestly never noticed.
@otenkiame (6.5) wasn't really a fan, but still found something to like about the track, "I like this mature voice Kuu uses. Totally makes this ballad more appealing right off the bat. It's a bit on the generic side as far as instruments used, but Kuu does the song right with her vocal performance. Can't say I'm interested in listening to it outside of a periodic shuffle pop up, though." I like this mature commentary you use.
@Weslicious (5) decided it would be cute to be a bit of a shady binch, "A shame she already used On And On as a title, because it describes this song perfectly." Also, not me only now realizing that the song is almost 6 minutes long, dddd. I honestly never noticed.
@otenkiame (6.5) wasn't really a fan, but still found something to like about the track, "I like this mature voice Kuu uses. Totally makes this ballad more appealing right off the bat. It's a bit on the generic side as far as instruments used, but Kuu does the song right with her vocal performance. Can't say I'm interested in listening to it outside of a periodic shuffle pop up, though." I like this mature commentary you use.
As with "Heartless", the song was performed live during the "W FACE" tour. She went in on the emotion a little bit to soon, but she totally nailed that note all three times.
Me killing you with this gif.
77
On my way
Average: 6,57
Highest scorers: 10x1 (@Music Is Life), 9x1 (@Weslicious)
Lowest scorers: 4x1 (@V3RYP05H), 5x2 (@lalaclairi_, @Ana Raquel)
My score: 7
Looks like "inside" just keeps on hemorrhaging tracks for now. Produced by Yamamoto Ryuji (Sakamoto Maaya's "Saved.") and written by Kumi, the track is another album track from Kumi's 13th/14th album, however you look at it. Unlike most of the songs on the album, this one was used for promotion and was performed on TV.
What can I say about this one? It's pleasant, very much so even. I appreciate the different take on the melodies in the chorus, which have this laid back characteristic to them. I find it refreshing, since so many of Kuu's ballads tend to go for the granduer of it all and make her belt it all out. In contrast to those she sounds relaxed and in control, something that started to be a bit of an issue at this point, dddd. Also, since it has a faster pace as well it makes for a nicer time overall than some other ballads. Hm... did I underscore this? Maybe. In the end though it doesn't change the fact, that this is one of the most forgettable tracks of hers for me.
It appears that this is the first elimination of the rate, that doesn't have "love" as its main theme. This time Kuu tells us a story of her searching for something, just as we all do for the better parts of our lives.
What can I say about this one? It's pleasant, very much so even. I appreciate the different take on the melodies in the chorus, which have this laid back characteristic to them. I find it refreshing, since so many of Kuu's ballads tend to go for the granduer of it all and make her belt it all out. In contrast to those she sounds relaxed and in control, something that started to be a bit of an issue at this point, dddd. Also, since it has a faster pace as well it makes for a nicer time overall than some other ballads. Hm... did I underscore this? Maybe. In the end though it doesn't change the fact, that this is one of the most forgettable tracks of hers for me.
It appears that this is the first elimination of the rate, that doesn't have "love" as its main theme. This time Kuu tells us a story of her searching for something, just as we all do for the better parts of our lives.
I often say I want to stay as I am, but
honesty always just tracks me down
(c) @otenkiame
Looks like the song is forgettable not just for me, since only two of you had anything to say about it. At least it's all nice things, right?
@otenkiame (7) found this enjoyable and listed all the things going on about it in an orderly manner, "A great start to this song with soft and pretty vocals from Kuu over mostly just a piano before building up a little. I'm not getting much as far as originality from this, but I think it does a good job doing what it needs to? It's cute, that's for sure, and stays that way throughout." I think you nailed it.
And the higher scorer @Weslicious (9) heard some timeless quialities on the track, "Well, this is a surprisingly light airy semi mid tempo that I didn’t know I wanted but am glad for. If you told me this was a cover of some big Jpop ballad from the sixties I’d believe you." I does have a bit of that classic feel ot it, yes. Glad you like it so much.
@otenkiame (7) found this enjoyable and listed all the things going on about it in an orderly manner, "A great start to this song with soft and pretty vocals from Kuu over mostly just a piano before building up a little. I'm not getting much as far as originality from this, but I think it does a good job doing what it needs to? It's cute, that's for sure, and stays that way throughout." I think you nailed it.
And the higher scorer @Weslicious (9) heard some timeless quialities on the track, "Well, this is a surprisingly light airy semi mid tempo that I didn’t know I wanted but am glad for. If you told me this was a cover of some big Jpop ballad from the sixties I’d believe you." I does have a bit of that classic feel ot it, yes. Glad you like it so much.
Funnily enough, despite its promo status, it never got onto the setlist of the "W FACE" tour, so we should be so lucky to have someone upload the MUSIC FAIR performance.
I'm actually here for quite a few ballads in this part but y'all have gotten this off to a messy start.
Apart from Stand By you. I'll Stand By that elimination.
Apart from Stand By you. I'll Stand By that elimination.