Review: Koishikute by UVERworld

Hey guys! This will be my first review so I hope you enjoy! I have decided to review UVERworld’s 11th single 恋いしくて(Koishikute) because they are my favorite J-rock band and if it weren’t for them I wouldn’t be the fangirl I am today. So, I hope this review isn’t too biased because of that. The album came out 9/10/08 but the actual first press limited edition single+DVD I imported didn’t arrive to my house till later this week but, I am alright with that. Yesasia.com is kind of slow but the prices are reasonable (and they give free toys!). So after doing a fangirl squeak I ripped open the package I popped in the CD.

The first track was “Koishikute.” Now before that moment, I had not heard a clip or seen the video (even as a big fan I have my reasons for this) but, as soon as I heard it, I felt like I was listening to the OST of a drama. It starts off with a nice violin and piano combo and then enters with some acoustic guitar and singing. That all builds up to a heavier chorus. The translation I found tells me how simply beautiful the lyrics are and that it is a very sad song. The whole thing keeps a melancholy feel to it for majority of the song. However, it all builds up at the end almost giving of a sign of hope and then finishing smoothly.

Next track was “志 -kokorozashi-” which, is a remake of a song by Reigo5 with some additional lyrics added by Takuya. I haven’t heard the original version but if this is the remake, then it must have been just as freakin’ awesome. This is my favorite track on this single. There is no heavy guitar or drumming for the most part and they lyrics are rapped most of the time. Its something nice to kick back and relax to because its has an easy feel to it.

The last track was called “over the stoic”. This music was written with the effort of all the members and it totally has that UVER feel it. The majority of the song is instrumental. I really enjoyed the bass solo in the middle and the lyrics towards the end of the song. It’s an upbeat song so I assume it’s somewhat positve but, sadly I can’t even tell with the random Engrish English words thrown in and what the message is being given. I guess I need to brush up on my Japanese!

Overall, I really enjoyed this single a lot. Takuya’s singing has improved a lot along with his Engrish English. Nobuto also got some more shine with the solo bass part. It’s also really cool to see UVERworld collaborating together more often instead of just Takuya. The group has really improved and you can hear it with this single.  I give a 9.2 out of 10 but the fangirl in me gives it a screeching 10!