Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw Namie Amuro defeat NMB48 and RADWIMPS. She’s back again this week, facing off against a newcomer! 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: Keyakizaka46 – Sekai ni wa Ai Shika Nai (Recochoku #4 / iTunes #6)

Ronald: I quite enjoy this. It takes the more public-friendly sound of Nogizaka46 and builds on it. The scream at the beginning of the song is interesting and unexpected. And then the guitar is added, creating a sense of sweeping range that reminds of Porno Graffitti. I really enjoy the spoken word parts; again, it’s something unexpected that adds a nice surprise to the song and makes it stand out among its peers. This what idol music should do more. 7/10

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Recochoku #1 / iTunes #1: Namie Amuro – Hero (Oricon #15)

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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Ronald’s Rank:

1. Oricon #1: Keyakizaka46 – Sekai ni wa Ai Shika Nai

2. Recochoku #1 / iTunes #1: Namie Amuro – Hero

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