#1 Song Review: Week of 8/17 – 8/23 (SKE48 v. Namie Amuro v. BUMP OF CHICKEN)

Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw Namie Amuro defeat Keyakizaka46. She’s back again this week, facing off against 2 newcomers! Find out what various staff members thought of the songs that topped the physical and digital charts this week and share your thoughts on them too!

Oricon #1: SKE48 – Kin no Ai, Gin no Ai (Recochoku #20 / not in the iTunes top 50)

Ronald: This is actually decent. It’s a more mellow affair, which makes it more tolerable. It has an almost gothic feel to it, with the strings, piano, and the choral vocals. Something I’ve noticed is that the chorus on this song features male voices, which is something I’ve never heard on one of these songs before. The lower vocals add a new depth. 6/10

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Recochoku #1: Namie Amuro – Hero (Oricon # / iTunes #3)

Ronald: Same review as before: This song needs a hero. It’s just another piece of nothing song that I’ve heard a million times before from a million other acts. If Namie was going to do something of this tempo, she should’ve taken notes from “BRIGHTER DAY” because this is just a bore, lacking in character and excitement. 4/10

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iTunes #1: BUMP OF CHICKEN – aria (not released physically / Recochoku #2)

Listen here

Ronald: I’m often on the fence with BUMP OF CHICKEN, and this song is no exception. When I first heard it, I immediately thought of a more upbeat version of back number’s “Christmas Song”, which makes sense since they’re both drama themes. I do like how the song has a grandness to it with the organ and the wailing, and I also like the energy they bring to the song. But there also seems to be something missing from that energy, like they could’ve brought it more. 7/10

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Ronald’s Rank:

1. iTunes #1: BUMP OF CHICKEN – aria

2. Oricon #1: SKE48 – Kin no Ai, Gin no Ai

3. Recochoku #1: Namie Amuro – Hero

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Which one do you like the most?

Oricon #1: SKE48 – Kin no Ai, Gin no Ai
Recochoku #1: Namie Amuro – Hero
iTunes #1: BUMP OF CHICKEN – aria

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