Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw Sandaime J Soul Brothers defeat SKE48 and AKB48 to reclaim the top spot. This week, we a newcomer facing against a recent entry. 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 / Recochoku #1: Keyakizaka46 – Silent Majority (iTunes #3)

Ronald: Keyakizaka46’s debut song sees them solidly following in the footsteps of their sister group Nogizaka46. By this, I mean that they are making music that is less cutesy and more public friendly than the 48 groups. Actually, I think they may have exceeded Nogizaka46 in this regard with “Silent Majority.” Strangely enough, I could see this track being used as a JUJU song. There are some interesting musical touches here, such as the Latin guitar and the piano. The people being the 46 groups really have learned a lot from the 48 groups as far as what not to do, and it shows with this song. 6/10

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iTunes #1: ONE OK ROCK – Always coming back (not released physically / Recochoku #4)

Ronald: Same review as before – Listening to this song, I can’t help but think that this was released as a sequel to the unexpected hit “Wherever you are.” Both songs show the softer side of the band, but this one is more fine tuned than its predecessor. It still retains the band’s sound, but in a more mature fashion. The juvenile, “Hot Topic” sound of “Wherever you are” is not present here, replaced by something a bit more reined in. Speaking of things that are more under control, the vocals on this song. They’re pleasant. Emotional, but not an over the top mess like in their earlier song. They’ve seen the success of “Wherever you are” and tweaked its formula to make something that is more more public-friendly. 6.5/10

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Ronald’s Rank:

1. iTunes #1: ONE OK ROCK – Always coming back

2. Oricon #1 / Recochoku #1: Keyakizaka46 – Silent Majority

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