Filed under: Crystal Kay | Tags: Anata no Soba de, あなたのそばで, Crystal Kay, Crystal Kay Anata no soba de, J-POP, JPOP
Tracklist:
1. Anata no Soba de
Anata no Soba de is Crystal Kay’s 23rd single. It reached 30 on the Oricon charts and sold 4,059 copies.
“Hey baby, won’t you come a little bit closer!” The opening of Anata no Soba de is strong. Then the R&B feel just pounds in, it creates a great atmosphere to the song. Kay uses the phrase “anata no soba de” a lot throughout the song, which makes it feel like she really wants us near her, as the title name means “by your side.” The only down point for this song is that it gets very repetitive, and to me if something gets too repetitive it gets boring, but still it’s an interesting song.
Rating
4 stars
Filed under: Utada Hikaru | Tags: J-POP, JPOP, Prisoner of Love, Utada, Utada Hikaru, Utada Hikaru Prisoner of Love
Tracklist:
1. Prisoner of Love
2. Prisoner of Love -Quiet Version-
3.Prisoner of Love (Original Karaoke)
4. Prisoner of Love -Quiet Version-(Original Karaoke)
This is Utada Hikaru’s 21st single. This single is a re-cut single, which is her second re-cut single. This single was released due to popular demand, and it’s easy to see why. This song is phenomenal! It reached number 3 on the Oricon charts.
Prisoner of Love is a pop ballad and opens with strong English Vocals that 
are extremely catchy. When I first heard this song I just wanted to belt it out wherever I went. The beats are extremely strong. It has a strong string line, and mellow synth beats. The lyrics are the one of the best in a song I have heard, and they are extremely bittersweet. The English sprinkled throughout the song, creates an authentic feel to it. Hikki shows no sign of slowing down, as her singles keep getting better!
The “Quiet” version of this song obviously is quieter and creates a sadder feel to it. The vocals are just as strong, but it has a stronger piano line. It is relatively similar to the original song, but since there is less synth beats is makes it feel more genuine, however it doesn’t capture all the atmosphere of the original.
Prisoner of Love, is a very strong ballad, the vocals are relaxed but at the same time very powerful. This bittersweet song is amazing, however I do prefer the orginal version over the “quiet” version.
Rating
4½ stars
