Idol College - Shoujo Sotsugyou / YOZORA

I'm trying out another new artist today! Actually, I like these short reviews a little better than the long ones. I'd rather share more songs than share more of my own opinion. That's the reason why I started blogging -- to share what I love with other people!

So today I listened to a group called Idol College. Oh how I loathe group names with the word "idol" in them. It's so unoriginal. Apparently the group started out under the name B.L.T. Idol College (now I want a sandwich...), but they switched out all their members and became simply Idol College. Shoujo Sotsugyou / YOZORA is their second single since the group change.

The first track on the single is "Shoujo Sotsugyou". I love this song so much! It's incredibly catchy and fun, and I'm pretty sure you can never go wrong with a little electric guitar. The echo effect when they sing the title words is so cool and infectious! I definitely wouldn't say it's anything to make them stand out above other idol groups, but it's still a very strong single, and the girls are really cute.

There's not much to the video except a few short scenes and an adorable dance shot, but I really recommend watching it if you want a happy, catchy song to listen to.



The second song is YOZORA. Do I have to review this? I have no idea why this is even an A-side. It's such a boring song. It's like there's no climax; the song is always at the same spot, it's almost monotone. It's like a boring anime theme. Actually, now that I think about it, it probably would fit an anime well. But as a regular single, it's just not up to par.

The name of the song means "night sky", so of course we get a rooftop dance shot. It's weird though because it keeps alternating between sunset and pure night. And the dancing is just so awkward. The video also has random drama scenes that I can't seem to understand (I've never been good with drama scenes anyway; I always have to get someone to tell me what's happening).

So in summary, let's just say… this was the first of the two videos that I saw, and it almost made me never want to watch another Idol College video again. I know it's harsh, and like I say with all other songs I dislike, maybe it'll grow on me. But unless it appears in an anime, I'm really not interested.

To be honest, I think I actually would've liked it if it had been a B-side.

Another Ballad? - Kono Machi MV

This is a really awesome title card!

C-ute has officially released the music video for their new single "Kono Machi"! And I'm finally back from being ill and having loads of school to do! You know what that means? It's review time!

After Kimi wa Jitensha's huge success last year, it seems that they have decided to see if releasing a ballad will work a second time. I have no idea how well this will sell, but at least it's a decent song choice (originally by Moritaka Chisato). In fact, as I'm writing this I'm singing the song in my head. It's such a lovely melody that I can't help but to love it!

Now let's get to the music video, shall we?

This music video is very simple. It starts out with close-ups, which are actually really close-up! I somewhat have a hatred for those types of close-ups, where all you can see is their face. However, since C-ute is basically the prettiest group in Hello! Project, I think it's okay. :)

Airi's earrings are adorable; I want them!

A few shots of the town are shown, and soon the members are singing in front of them. It's pretty cheap (why couldn't they film on location like they did in Kimi wa Jitensha?), but I actually love the tiled effect on the image; at least it's unique! Each member has a different part of town that they sing in front of (and fake like their walking through).

That must be the train they catch to get home! *chuckles*

This was totally just an excuse to add another Airi picture.

Beautiful use of split screen here!

Besides these scenes, the only thing left in the video is a scene of them in the grey room sitting on boxes. I appreciate this scene because of the fact that a similar scene was taken out of a certain music video... Wakuteka Take a chance

How are you all so pretty???

Because this is yet another ballad, it's hard for me to do anything but compare it to the one from last year. I normally don't like to compare things, but it's impossible not to in this case.

I like the song much better. In fact, I didn't even like Kimi wa Jitensha when it first came out. I thought it was much too overdramatic and it just didn't fit my taste. This song, however, is more sentimental and lovely. It's easier to listen to and sing or just hum along with. The use of monologues was cute as well. Even though it's not their most spectacular single yet, it left a good impression from the moment I first heard it.

I love the outfits for the video as well. Last year's singles had rather boring costumes, but these are just so cute! The necklaces are beautiful, the skirts are adorable, and the shape is very flattering on all of them, especially Mai! Their hair is done simply but beautifully, and I really don't have any complaints for the entire ensemble.

So there you have it: a simple video for a simple song. Is it enough? I think so, and I'm glad it differs from their last ballad, but maybe to some it is too boring. Be sure to watch the video and let me know what you think!

Happy 2013!

I'm sorry I'm a little late, but I hope everyone has a great 2013! My personal goal is to not waste as much time. I want to make my year worthwhile. Do you have any goals or resolutions this year?

This is a rather short post but I just wanted to update you all. I have been very sick for the past week, and while I probably could blog more, I just really don't feel like it. Whenever I'm sick, using my brain just makes it worse. I really wanted to review Girls' Generation's "I Got a Boy", too. :( Well, I guess I don't really need to, because I can just sum up my opinion in two words: it sucks.

Anyway, I probably won't blog again until I'm fully recovered. I'm really sorry for the inconvenience!

Let's hope 2013 brings us lots of good music and other fun things, okay?

Love you all!

- Shayna :)