Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw Sandaime J Soul Brothers defeat AKB and EXILE ATSUSHI + AI to take the top spot. This week, we have 2 newcomers facing off. 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: Kis-My-Ft2 – Gravity (not released digitally)

Ronald: When I reviewed Kis-My-ft2’s album last year for The Japan Times, I couldn’t figure out if they were stuck in the 2000s, or just trying to be ahead of the curve and getting the revival of that era going. With this song, I’m still wondering that. But I’m also wondering who puts a dubstep break in a song in 2016; so maybe stuck in the past is the right answer? Even though this song feels cluttered production-wise at times, it still reaches its goal of being a fun, party song. Perhaps that clutter is there to help Kis-My-Ft2 reach their goal? 6.5/10

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

Ronald: 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. Oricon #1: Kis-My-Ft2 – Gravity

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

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