Search - Nana (Ft Mika Nakashi) :: End

Different from her other albums, but worth the listen.

Ana Rivera | Somewhere where Yankee Stadium isn't too far away | 07/23/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"'The End' is Mika Nakashima's first and last album released in connection with her work in the movie adaptations of the Japanese manga, 'NANA' (Seven). It's not a 'soundtrack' album exactly, but close enough. Its release (12.13.2006) came just four months before she released 'Yes,' but let me offer comments on this album before I venture further off subject.



In contrast to what she's done on her other albums, the songs on 'The End' take on a more uptempo form...not to mention a totally different style (in this case, rock). Although her voice is a lot gentler on most of the songs than what you might hear from the average rock band or artist (like Pink Floyd, Bon Jovi, and so on), she just goes into them with little or no trouble.



I liked practically every song on this whole album, but if I had to pick my favorites here, they would almost certainly be the two singles: 'Hitoiro' (One Color) from 'NANA 2' and 'Glamorous Sky' (from 'NANA'). 'Hitoiro' is a powerful mid-tempo rock ballad with an AC (adult contemporary) twist a la Sting or Phil Collins. Takuro (of the Japanese rock band Glay) co-wrote and produced this cut, which also comes in an 'ALTAnative [Punk] Version' on Track 10. Meanwhile, 'Glamorous Sky' (track 3) is a soaring, edgy, and powerful punk rock song co-written by L'arc~en~Ciel's Hyde, who plays guitar on this one. Did I mention that this was her first #1 hit?



Anyway, I've said enough. This album is worth the listen and the money if you're interested, or if you just wanna sing out your anxiety (YesAsia has it and her other albums for less, if you'd rather save money)."