So, after about two weeks without a post, I’m back. Last week was spring break so, clearly I was taking a break from work and everything. The week before that was the last week of the quarter, so work was kinda… not fun. So, what music have a I decided to blog about this time?
Today we’re going to be looking at Teriyaki Boyz’s new single - Zock On, as well as Utada Hikaru’s (somewhat) new album - Heart Station. Man, how tricky of her to name her SINGLE AND her ALBUM Heart Station. First we’ll be taking a look at Teriyaki Boyz.
Artist: Teriyaki Boyz
Single: Zock On
Track List:
1. Zock On feat. Pharrell and Busta Rhymes
2. I Still Love H.E.R. feat. Kanye West (Low Jack Three Remix)
3. Instrumentals
A look at Zock On feat. Pharrell and Busta Rhymes:
When I first listened to the song, I kinda didn’t like it. I was thinking the entire time that it could’ve been better. But after a few more listens, it grew on me. The beat is kinda unusual, but at the same time, it’s very typical of hip hop beats - repeating the same thing over and over again. Now, I’m not a “hater” of hip hop or anything, it’s just that, it’s too simplistic and as far as mainstream artists go, none have tried to break this. Anyway, this song is one of those typical hip hop songs, but it’s a little different at the same time. I’ve probably heard more complex hip hop songs or ones with better lyrics, but hey, this is the Teriyaki Boyz that we’re talking about here. Anyways, overall it’s a pretty decent song.
Grade: 7/10.
A look at I Still Love H.E.R. feat. Kanye West - Low Jack Three Remix:
I was a pretty big fan of the original track, and knowing that Verbal is in the group, I had a feeling that the remix version had to be different, yet stay true to the original. The lyrics haven’t changed at all, something which I was hoping to be slightly altered - knowing m-flo. Then again, this isn’t m-flo that we’re talking about now is it? Anyways, the beat is pretty different from the original - as well it should be, considering that this IS a remix - and it’s creative enough to keep me interested. Now, when I think of hip hop, I definitely wouldn’t think of this track that they laid out and oddly enough, it works - and it works WELL. I think that the fusion of the two different genres of music works well - the track that they use is definitely not one would think of when thinking of hip hop tracks. I think that this version flows really well and does justice to the original.
Grade: 8/10
Final Thoughts: The one thing I really like about Teriyaki Boyz is that they’re different from other hip hop groups in that they’re getting international attention. Fusing American hip hop with Japanese hip hop and even going so far as to get American producers to produce some of the songs is pretty amazing. But they don’t stop at getting producers, they get famous American hip hop artists and get them to join in with the Teriyaki Boyz. Doing any lyrics in English in Japanese songs isn’t uncommon, but it’s that they’re getting American artists and producers that amazes me and fills me with hope. I’m glad that there ARE people looking to other places and seeing that yeah, there ARE artists out there who can do the same things. I like that these producers and artist have an open enough mind to try doing a collabo with other artists not within their country and you know what? It works. I look forward to more Teriyaki Boyz, I can say that much.
Artist: Utada Hikaru
Album: Heart Station
Track List:
1. Fight the Blues
2. Heart Station
3. Beautiful World
4. Flavor of Life -Ballad Version-
5. Stay Gold
6. Kiss & Cry
7. Interlude
8. Celebrate
9. Prisoner of Love
10. Take 5
11. Boku wa Kuma
12. Nijiiro Bus
13. Flavor of Life (Bonus Track)
Since this is an album, I’m not going to break down each individual song, as that would take too much time. Sorry, I’m not THAT dedicated, then again, I’m pretty sure you all knew that considering the fact that I don’t blog every day, or every week for that matter. Anyways, out of the 13 songs on this album, only 5 are new. Now, let me say right now, I’m a pretty big fan of Utada. I like most of her songs. For the most part, this is a very solid album; what you would expect of Hikki. The problem here is, she put all of her recently released singles and put it on this album, though 5 new songs is a pretty large amount I suppose. All of the songs are pretty slow-ish. These AREN’T songs you would get up and dance too. They’re just not. Maybe head bobbing, but definitely not songs you dance to. Nijiiro Bus and Celebrate are pretty upbeat, and are a nice change of pace in comparison. Not that I don’t like the other songs, I do, it’s just that having an upbeat song in there is refreshing.
Grade: 8.5/10
Final Thoughts: I’d like to see more upbeat songs from Hikki. A little faster, happier, more cheerful. She has a great voice, and she’s able to control it well - She doesn’t hesitate to show off her range. The only thing is that, I’d like to see her try something different, something that no one would expect of her. Except, maybe not rap. Though, a rapping Hikki would be fine too =P Now that I mention it, I kinda wanna see that. COME ON HIKKI! GIVE US ONE RAP SONG! Get Verbal to help you out =P
Interesting find for the night: Wise. I kinda randomly searched him up (for those who don’t know, he’s part of the Teriyaki Boyz), and listened to a few of his songs. I can say that I like what I’ve heard so far. Right now, addicted to Alive. It’s very upbeat and is just an overall feel-good song. The MV reminds me of Takacha’s Movin’ video =P
