Kou Shibasaki – Aoi Hoshi [ single review]

I feel like it was only yesterday that I’ve listened to Love Searchlight (her previous single) and now she’s back with a new one again. Aoi Hoshi is a mid-tempo ballad bringing a contrast to the electronic influenced single she released before this. Well, it’s not a horrible song but it didn’t leave much of an impression either. Mediocre at best.

I’m actually leaning more towards summer day which is more upbeat and has nicer melody. I’ll go as far to say this track is my favorite from this single. The relaxing pop tune makes me think of sunny clear day and ice-creams and just strolling around the back alleys of Japan (don’t ask). The final track is just odd. Namida wa Uchuu ni Furu actually made me think of a totally different singer. I wouldn’t have recognized Kou Shibasaki’s sound if I didn’t see the tracklist. It’s just weird. It’s got synths and her voice…imagine vocaloid. I can’t. The higher pitched parts just makes my ears bleed. I wish they didn’t distort her sound and just use her normal vocals. Would’ve worked better imo.

Highlight: summer day
Score: 7/10

Kou Shibasaki – Love Searchlight [review]

I’m not familiar with Kou Shibasaki’s songs so I can’t judge or compare this with her previous. So I’ll just focus on what I think on this single. Theme song for the movie “Detective Conan: Ijigen no Sniper”, Love Searchlight is very heavily influenced with electronica and her voice is autotuned, like a LOT. The funny thing is, I treat it just like how I would towards PERFUME’s music. So I don’t think it’s horrible but perhaps if you like her original vocals, you’ll probably wanna stay away from this. Personally, I find it catchy. It’s quite short too clocking only 2:58min, making it a perfect little guilty pleasure. She sounds back to normal in midtempo Chikai. A generic tune so I’m not feeling this mediocre track very much yet but it’ll probably grow.

Highlight: Love Searchlight
Score: 7/10

Watch Love Searchlight video here