Darling, Namie Takes You To Funky Town
Juavette Pulliam | 04/07/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Just in case you don't know Namie Amuro, you really should. This new single is from her upcoming album and let me say that every single one of her singles for this album have been solid. "Funky Town" is no exception and "Darling" should be appreciated as well. This new single has an R&B flavor to it that people can't help but love. I think this has all the potential in the world to sell greatly but some people think this is new territory for Namie in terms of music style. If so, she's putting her best foot forward.
"Funky Town" is just a great song to dance to that makes you want to get up and move. One thing I've noticed is that Namie keeps coming out with hits and her voice just keeps getting stronger. Take a listen to the ending of the song to hear some impressive vocals that only Namie could deliver. The only part that ruins the song for me is the third verse or the "breakdown" where the song switches gears from a great uptempo to a midtempo section. It doesn't completely ruin the song but it doesn't improve it. "Funky Town" is definitely absolutely one of the tracks to hear from Namie.
"Darling" is a great B-Side and she even gives us a throwback moment to one of my favorite songs by her as she says "Want me baby" [referring to Want Me, Want Me]. "Darling" is another track that can make you fall in love with Namie again or for the first time. The only real drawback to the song is that it's kind of repetitive but that's okay. A more uptempo track that will get you in the mood to move a little bit. The chorus is the best part of the song and that will get you hooked.
The PV for "Funky Town" is one of my favorite PVs from Namie. It's rather simple but effective. Namie dances with her dancers in a somewhat dark area and her moves [like always] are on point. She also dances in front of a background of Namie herself. No it's not just a picture of her, she's actually moving. Namie continues to show off her sense of style, wearing a cute little hat that she uses whenever she performs the song. The only problem I had with the PV is that Namie didn't show that emotion in it. I think a couple of smiles while dancing or something could pushed the PV over the edge.
"Funky Town" is one of Namie's best singles and if you miss it, you're going to regret this. I can see this song doing wonders on the charts and it could spell even more victory for Namie's highly anticipated album due out this June. Both "Funky Town" and "Darling" are memorable songs so why not pick them up. You can also take home the PV for "Funky Town!" Now that's a deal!"
