#chelly
-HONORABLE MENTION AT “BEST ALBUMS OF SEPTEMBER 2016″-
Here I am with a new review in “Throwback Thursday”! Today’s subject is a release by the Japanese pop artist Aimer, precisely the fourth album Daydream, came out on 21st September 2016. The album is considered one of her most important works, since it represented a musical challenge, because of the many genres included, and features several interesting collaborations with other artists of Japanese scene. And now… let’s review!
-Insane Dream: the album starts with the first lead of her 10th single, produced by One Ok Rock’s Taka; the theme starts with slow notes, becoming more energetic second per second, leading up to an interesting rhythm; Aimer’s voice is charismatic and flowing, driving up a decise song, whose refreshing refrain is the highest peak; a really good track. —> 9/10
-Ninelie (ft. Chelly): the lead song of the ninth single starts with crystalline piano notes, accompained by soft vocals, building up a pretty simple and warm melody; the duet with Chelly works quite well, for a light and paced ballad, well refined. —> 9/10
-Two Face: the song starts with a strong bass, leading up to a faster and paced melody, with a catchy and positive vibe, driven by flowing vocals; a quite different song, compared to the previous ones, but anyway enjoyable. —> 8.5/10
-Higher Ground: the classical guitar opens the song, bringing the album back to the lighter side; Aimer’s voice is delicate and melodious, accompaining a soft and well paced melody; a nice ballad, kept up by Aimer’s vocal interpretation. —> 9/10
-For Lonely (ft. Mao Abe): this song starts with simple notes and Mao Abe’s vocals kick off the theme, joined by Aimer, whose style brings up an unique touch to the song; a quite soft and pleasant song, with the duet which works pretty well. —> 8.5/10
-Choucho musubi (Butterfly knot): the lead track of the 11th single, produced by Radwimps‘ Noda Yojiro, is opened by crescent notes and shaded vocalisms; Aimer’s voice is soft and well accompained by a light piano; the song is quite nice, built in a simple and romantic theme, well exalted by her vocal interpretation, featuring an interesting variety of notes. —> 8.5/10
-Kataomoi (Unrequited love): faster and flowing vocals introduce a more paced song, in a melodious and upbeat pop melody, along with nice vocals; a nice song, with a simple structure, but fitting with the album’s style. —> 8.5/10
-Hz: this song is opened by faster drums, leading up to a rock and energetic melody, accompained by interesting vocalisms; Aimer’s voice is flowing, keeping up the song in a catchy vibe, in a fresh song, well emphasized by the instruments. —> 8.5/10
-Kowairo (Voice tone): this song is introduced by a slow melody, along with deep vocals and compelling violin notes, giving a more emotional touch to the melody; the rhythm is quite light and the melody is suggestive, in a fascinating track, empowered by Aimer’s interpretation. —> 9/10
-Closer: electronic notes kick off this song, bringing up the energetic component of the album; the rock theme is paced and decise, along with flowing vocals and a really enjoyable melody; a catchy and refreshing track. —> 9/10
-Falling Alone: the lead-track of the album, written by One Ok Rock’s Taka, sees a light rhythm and clear notes, introducing the song with Aimer’s soft and intense vocals, accompaining well the melody and fitting it perfectly; then the theme evolves in a more rock-oriented sound, well distinct by Aimer’s vocal skills; a quite compelling song. —> 9/10
-Us: the second lead of the 10th single starts with deep vocals, accompained by melancholic notes, dyed by a rock-ish sound and an highly emphasized rhythm; Aimer’s interpretation is strong and emotional, making this song as the best one of the album. —> 9.5/10
-Stars in the Rain: the album ends with another melodic song, opened by sweet guitar notes, along with light and passionate vocals; the rhythm starts with being simply, becoming more intense in the second part; a really good ballad and a fitting conclusion for the release. —> 9/10
Final Vote —> 9/10
Aimer has always distinguished herself within the scene thanks to her eerie and unique voice (came out after a damage to her vocal chords), which became her definitive trademark. Starting as a cover artist, she joined the scene thanks to a series of singles and albums which brought her a lot of attention and interest from her colleagues, leading up to a series of collaborations. This connection with the scene and her passionate style gave life to Daydream, an album which can definitely summarize Aimer’s music. The sound featured is incredibly various, alternating catchy themes to more intense and melancholic ones, where Aimer manages to deliver with strong and compelling performances without any effort, with some tasty collaboration featured in the tracklist. This album is definitely a good listening experience to do and a confirmation of her constant and distinctive style. Luckily her talent is not gone at all, since this month she released a new single, Spark-Again, used as opening theme of the anime Fire Force.An album for who loves Aimer’s music or is looking for something new and refreshing, even staying in pop melodies.
That’s all folks! See you with the first part of September’s themed week in “Let’s Listen to”!
Thanks for the reading!
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