Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw back number defeat NMB48 and Aimyon. back number and Aimyon are back this week, facing off against a newcomer. Find out what Ronald thought of the songs that topped the singles charts this week and share your thoughts on them too!

Oricon Combined #1 / Billboard Hot 100 #1 / Oricon Physical #1: Keyakizaka46 – Kuroi Hitsuji (Oricon Digital Singles #2 / Billboard Download Songs #2 / Oricon Streaming #5 / Billboard Streaming Songs #5)

Wow! This is really unexpected! It reminds me so much a a really good Gesu no Kiwami Otome. song with a slight touch of Ling Tosite Sigure. Normally a chorus like this one would bother me a bit, but it serves as a breather here, one with a touch of sentimental nostalgia. I think this could be the best 48 / 46 song ever, in large part because it goes to a place they’re not expected to go and delivers. 9/10

Oricon Digital Singles #1 / Billboard Download Songs #1: back number – HAPPY BIRTHDAY (Oricon Combined #3 / Billboard Hot 100 #2 / Oricon #4 / not available for streaming)

At first listen, this is like a non-Christmas version of their song “Christmas Song.” Also, the vocals sound quite different, as if they have a new frontman. They’re a lot softer than usual. The song is decent, but it’s nothing new. 5/10

Oricon Streaming #1 / Billboard Streaming Songs #1: Aimyon – Marigold (Oricon Combined #8 / Billboard Hot 100 #3 / not in the Oricon Physical top 50 / Oricon Digital Singles #6 / Billboard Download Songs #6)

Same review as before: This is actually somewhat enjoyable. There is a nostalgia to the song that brings a sense of comfort. It’s nothing groundbreaking, but it is quite pleasant. 6.5/10

Rank:

1. Oricon Combined #1 / Billboard Hot 100 #1 / Oricon Physical #1: Keyakizaka46 – Kuroi Hitsuji
2. Oricon Streaming #1 / Billboard Streaming Songs #1: Aimyon – Marigold
3. Oricon Digital Singles #1 / Billboard Download Songs #1: back number – HAPPY BIRTHDAY