Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw Arashi defeat AI and RADIO FISH to take the top spot. This week, we have a returnee from last 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: KAT-TUN – UNLOCK (not released digitally)

Ronald: This really reminds me of a song that a boyband would make like 10 – 15 years ago. It doesn’t really sound current. And the English lyrics thrown in are so stupid and make no sense. This is more B-side material than final single before one of your original members leaves material. 4.5/10

Amanda: This doesn’t sound too much different from their previous release, “Tragedy”, except that it doesn’t have that anime feel. I like the funky bass line that is used at some points and I overall think that it’s a decent song. 8/10

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Recochoku #1: EXILE ATSUSHI + AI – No more (not released physically til 3/9 / iTunes #6)

Ronald: As expected, this is great vocally. I’m glad they went with a more R&B sound with this as opposed to a pop sound. But one thing bothers me about this song: their vocals aren’t meshing well together. Normally, I like them together, but on this, AI really overpowers ATSUSHI. I don’t know if something was wrong with ATSUSHI or in the mixing of the vocals on the track, but it is rather noticeable. 6.5/10

Amanda: This is a decent song. It’s basically a typical RnB ballad that we have heard many times before. AI and ATSUSHI ‘s voices seem kind of out of sync with each other. AI easily overpowers ATSUSHI in this song. It’s easily forgettable, but not a bad effort. 6/10

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iTunes #1: AI – Minna ga Minna Eiyuu (Full Version) (not released physically / Recochoku #2)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iGzQ5jxAPw

Ronald: Same review as before – AI is one of Japan’s best singers, and this song really showcases her vocal power. That being said, this song doesn’t really feel like a song, but more like an extended jingle. I know it’s a CM song, but it doesn’t feel like a fully realized song. And something about the instrumental just gives me nursery rhyme. This song is getting her buzz, but she would be better off doing better work. 5/10

Amanda: Same review as before – I didn’t like the song all that much, but obviously AI is a great singer. She delivers a great vocal performance here as expected. The song sounds like something you would hear in a CM, but probably wouldn’t care to actually listen to on your own. I don’t care much for the borrowed melody, either. I feel like the song is trying to be something great but falls short because of that annoying nursery rhyme melody. 5/10

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Ronald’s Rank:

1. Recochoku #1: EXILE ATSUSHI + AI – No more

2. iTunes #1: AI – Minna ga Minna Eiyuu (Full Version)

3. Oricon #1: KAT-TUN – UNLOCK

Amanda’s Rank:

1. Oricon #1: KAT-TUN – UNLOCK

2. Recochoku #1: EXILE ATSUSHI + AI – No more

3. iTunes #1: AI – Minna ga Minna Eiyuu (Full Version)

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