Alexander Klaws - If I'm Not the One

Name: Alexander Klaws
Song: If I'm Not the One
Label: Sony BMG
Released: 2006
Genre: Pop
Style: Ballad, Piano
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 128kbps
Version: Album
Time: 4:07

I posted the cover by Nana Tanimura a while ago, and was right when I thought that it sounded incredibly westernized. Alexander is known for being on the German Pop Idol, but I know nothing else about him. His voice is, theoretically, better than Nana's. But it's so generic and kind of bland. You may say I'm crazy for thinking Nana's voice sounds more interesting. Well, call me crazy. Tanimura's huskier vocals grab me. The arrangement on the Japanese version is also superior. Klaws' seems too borderline CCM for my liking.

Robert Pattinson - I'll be Your Lover Too

Name: Robert Pattinson
Song: I'll be Your Lover Too
Label: N/A
Released: 2008
Genre: Rock
Style: Acoustic, Ballad, Cover
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 128kbps
Version: Demo
Time: 3:40

I'm a little thrown by my odd on and off obsession of this English actor. He's dirty hot and looks severely depressed (who wouldn't be with Twilight on their resume). So, I gave in and listened to some of his music. This is a Van Morrison cover, I believe. If you can ignore the mumbled lyrics and partially shoddy arrangement (it's clearly not finalized), you almost can't help but be swooned by Robert's voice. It's harsh and thick, and barely coherent. Yet it's still stuck in my ears.

Meisa Kuroki - Like This

Name: Meisa Kuroki
Song: Like This
Label: Sony
Released: 2008
Genre: Pop
Style: Dance, R&B
Language: Japanese
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Single
Time: 3:21

Model and actress Meisa Kuroki has a unique look (father is American, mother is Japanese) that really makes you do a double take. She recorded her first official single this year. It was never released physically and was only made available through digital means. "Like This" sounds like a cooled over Namie Amuro track - bouncy and dancing hip-pop. Kuroki's got an average voice, but this type of song isn't really vocally demanding. "Like This" was used as a song for Toshiba's media player, Sportio/W62T.

MC Solaar - La Belle Et Le Bad Boy

Name: MC Solaar
Song: La Belle Et Le Bad Boy (The Beauty and the Bad Boy)
Label: Elektra, Wea International
Released: 2001
Genre: Hip-Hop
Style: Rap
Language: French
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Album
Time: 3:12

This song garnered a little popularity outside France when it was featured in the last season of Sex and the City. It's a mellow track guided by the vaguely sensual raps of MC Solaar. The instrumental was produced by Hassan Ansari, and is rooted in French based hip-hop. Nothing dirty south, club or gangsta here.

MiChi - PROMiSE

Name: MiChi
Song: PROMiSE
Label: Sony
Released: 2008
Genre: Pop
Style: Electronic
Language: Japanese
Format: MP3 / 320kbps
Version: Single
Time: 5:01

Sony has definitely been trying to recruit some new "it" artists, but most of them have barely bleeped on the radar. MiChi was indies for a short while before being picked up by a major label. Her first cut is this effervescent electropop tune aligned with confident and assured vocals. While the song isn't groundbreaking by creative means, it breaks the mold of current solo female J-pop singers and is bracing. Will MiChi stick around for a second single? I'll keep my expectations low just so I'm not disappointed.

Tiffany - You and Me

Name: Tiffany
Song: You and Me
Label: MCA Records
Released: 1990
Genre: Pop
Style: Synthrock
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 128kbps
Version: Album
Time: 3:45

If you've seen the early '90s revisioning of the Jetsons movie, you'll probably agree that it's not very good. Aside from better animation, it suffered from the fact that, well, it's The Jetsons. The original cartoon was no Flinstones. The most memorable thing about it was the soundtrack. Namely Tiffany's (who voiced Judy) contributions. This one is the faster paced teenybop pop rock "You and Me". The saccahrine quality along with the electric riffs are made for solo karaoke in my car at night.

Anggun - Tentation

Name: Anggun
Song: Tentation (Temptation)
Label: Warner Music France
Released: 2008
Genre: Pop
Style: Electronic, Hip-Pop, Orchestral
Language: French
Format: MP3 / 320kbps
Version: Album
Time: 3:18

Anggun's new album is out this month. I must say, it's... not what I expected. Luminescence was going in a different direction for Anggun - electronic, surreal and a little more accessible to the mainstream. Elevation, on the other hand, is similar, but several tracks have a very noticeable hip-hop influence. Not the dirty south or 'hood variety. More like bass rich, upscale and fanciful hip-hop. No, Anggun isn't spilling rhymes or changing her singing style. The arrangements are just elaborate and lively. "Tentation" is a sample of what I mean - dramatic with strings, and heavy and rhythmic beats.

BoA - Eat You Up

Name: BoA
Song: Eat You Up
Label: SM Entertainment USA
Released: 2008
Genre: Pop
Style: Dance, Electronic, Hip-Pop
Language: English
Format: MP3 / VBR
Version: Single
Time: 3:11

Bloodshy & Avant take on the hefty project of recording BoA's first international song. Yes, her staff finally decided to give it a go. Not sure why now, but what's done is done. "Eat You Up" is a poptastic piece of dance fluff that has a beat that will bore into your head. The lyrics are weak, but BoA's thick accent keeps them at bay. Most of BoA's new Japanese songs are mostly miss for me, but I shamelessly like "Eat You Up".

Battles - Atlas (Radio Edit)

Name: Battles
Song: Atlas
Label: Warp Records
Released: 2007
Genre: Rock
Style: Electronic, Experimental, Indie
Language: English
Format: MP3 / VBR
Version: Single
Time: 4:10

Battles is an American band that I'm not the most familiar with.  It's made up of several former members of other bands, and the lead is Anthony Braxton's son.  "Atlas" is a barely coherent track comprised mostly of electrorock.  The lyrics are muttered and repetitive, hardly audible.  There's an energy throughout this song that just grabs you.

K's Choice - Not an Addict

Name: K's Choice
Song: Not an Addict
Label: Sony Records
Released: 1996
Genre: Rock
Style: Alternative, Post Grunge
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 128kbps
Version: Album
Time: 4:48

K's Choice is a Belgian duo that is known stateside for the hit "Not an Addict". It's a moody track that's been labeled as a metaphor for love, but it's actually about drugs. The imagery is beautiful, stark and real.

hellphish - Fantastische Farben

Name: ECBM
Song: Fantastische Farben
Label: N/A
Released: 2005
Genre: Electronic
Style: 8 Bit, Indie
Language: N/A
Format: MP3 / VBR
Version: Album
Time: 4:20

My friends and I watched this really compelling yet overzealous documentary called The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters. It was about two guys competing for the highest recorded score ever for Donkey Kong. One of the DVD's special features was 8 bit themed art, backed by some original 8 bit inspired music. One of which was this bass-tastic electro track from an obscure artist named hellphish. It sounds like it's straight out of a vintage video game and really adds something nostalgic to dance music.

Divine - One More Try (Radio Edit)

Name: Divine
Song: One More Try
Label: Pendulum
Released: 1999
Genre: R&B
Style: Cover, Pop
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 320kbps
Version: Single
Time: 3:42

Divine, known for its #1 song "Lately", scored one last top forty cut from their only album. It was a George Michael cover. Michael's presence was already familiar with the Billboard's R&B chart so it's a pleasant surprise for these three girls to give tribute to the king of contemporary blue eyed soul pop. The arrangement is not too distant or remarkable, but is just right. Divine's performance is controlled and rich.

MiChi - Fxxk You And Your Money

Name: MiChi
Song: Fxxk You And Your Money
Label: Independent Label Council Japan
Released: 2008
Genre: Electronic
Style: Dance, Electropop, Indie
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Album
Time: 3:42

MiChi is a newcomer to J-pop. Born in England, MiChi migrated back and forth between there and japan. She's bilingual and has an active role in her songwriting. She released an indie EP in Japan this past summer. It was half covers and half original material. Now, she's signed to Sony and is going to be releasing the single Promise in mid-October. "Fxxk You And Your Money" is an electropop track from the aforementioned album. It samples the 90210 theme song and is a little vulgar at times. MiChi is no squeaky clean J-pop songstress. She's got some flavor and is just getting started.

Billy Joel - Why Should I Worry?

Name: Billy Joel
Song: Why Should I Worry?
Label: EMI
Released: 1989, 1996
Genre: Pop
Style: Musical, Rock
Language: English
Format: MP3 / VBR
Version: Album
Time: 3:34

Oliver & Company was the precursor to Disney's return to musical animated movies, but it wasn't as much of a hit as The Little Mermaid the following year. Still, it has some great songs. Billy Joel scores big with this fun musical number full of energy and soul. It's nowhere as cheesy, lyrically or musically, as most Disney songs nowadays.

Five - When The Lights Go Out (Radio Edit)

Name: Five
Song: When The Lights Go Out
Label: BMG Records
Released: 1998
Genre: Pop
Style: Dance, Teenybopper
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Single
Time: 3:50

The '90s were ripe with boy bands and Backstreet Boys and 'N SYNC dominated. However, "When the Lights Go Out" is such a classic that I cannot deny its wonderful cheesiness. I especially adore that break "rap". If I recall correctly, Shinhwa's "Hey Come On" samples this song just a bit. There were two versions of the song - the British and the U.S. version, which has the rap performed by Abs instead of J. This is the original mix.

IU - Mi Ah

Name: IU
Song: Mi Ah (Lost Child)
Label: Seoul Entertainment
Released: 2008
Genre: Pop
Style: Ballad, Electropop, Orchestral, R&B
Language: Korean
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Album
Time: 3:41

While I don't keep up with most K-pop anymore, I found something about this new song to be intriguing. IU is a fifteen-year old girl with a budding voice, and probably draw similarities to Joo. Her first single is "Mi Ah", a contemporary power ballad fused with strong pop elements. Much like Onerepublic's "Apologize", "Mi Ah" explodes with an electronic chorus seeped in subtle R&B. While you wouldn't expect this from the Lee Soo-Young like sound overall, this track is an emotional and eye opening debut.

[announcement] return

So, I disappeared for about a month or so. I was getting a little frustrated with a visitor who was ruining the experience for me. I added the star ratings just to make it easier for people to "comment". However, someone thought it would be funny and rank every entry with 1 star. It's childish and maybe they didn't mean for it to be so harsh, but it just fueled my lack of interest in pursuing updates.

Well, I'm gonna give it a go again. No ratings as for now. But I would appreciate if people could leave comments.

LISA - Leave

Name: LISA
Song: Leave
Label: avex trax, Rhythm Zone
Released: 2008
Genre: Pop
Style: Electropop
Language: Japanese
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Album
Time: 3:59

LISA seems to have won over some floundering fans with her two recent EPs. In J-pop, it's not uncommon for an artist to keep manufacturing the same type of song over and over. LISA is versatile and tries to keep away from that. She's done it all - dance, hip-hop, pop, R&B, rock, ska. Well, LISA has finally jumped on the electronic bandwagon and recorded this scorching electropop song. Most people will write it off as her trying to go eighties, but those people probably also think Tommy february6 is genuine retro. "Leave" is a lofty track with a repetitive progression that will have you bouncing your head. The unheard of indie punk band TRIOL is her backup in the music video, but I am unsure if they helped write "Leave".

mink - One Suitcase (Stonebridge Vox)

Name: mink
Song: One Suitcase
Label: avex trax, Rhythm Zone
Released: 2005
Genre: Pop
Style: Dance, Electronic, Trance
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Remix
Time: 4:43

The original version of "One Suitcase" is one of my favorite mink songs ever. Mexican singer Fey recorded an inferior version called "Aqui Estoy" that garnered some popularity. This remix of mink's rendition is somewhat standard - some industrial and trance influences with an undulating beat.

Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) [Single Version]

Name: Whitney Houston
Song: I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)
Label: Arista
Released: 1987
Genre: Pop
Style: Dance, R&B, Synthpop
Language: English
Format: MP3 / VBR
Version: Single
Time: 4:50

This signature hit of Whitney's early days just displays that she had so much going for her - a voice and a great set of songwriters. Originally "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" was a slower song, but thankfully someone changed it before the final recording. The mix we all know today is a magical piece of pop with a Caribbean percussion motif.

Duncan Sheik - On a High

Name: Duncan Sheik
Song: On a High
Label: Atlantic Records
Released: 2002
Genre: Pop
Style: Adult Contemporary, Soft Rock
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Album
Time: 3:38

Duncan Sheik could never replicate the success of "Barely Breathing" in future musical ventures, but he decided to record a more pop album with Daylight. "On a High", a minor hit on the Billboard's adult top forty chart, is indeed more light hearted than singles previous to it. The chorus is incredibly fetching and the composition has a sunny and upbeat demeanor.

[announcement] in lieu of updates

I just wanted to remind people that if you are downloading, it would make me more than happy to get some feedback - comments and ratings. Both of which are lacking in the recent updates. Thank you.

The Pierces - Secret

Name: The Pierces
Song: Secret
Label: Lizard King, Universal Records
Released: 2007
Genre: Pop
Style: Alternative, Indie
Language: English
Format: MP3 / VBR
Version: Album
Time: 3:49

Gossip Girl watchers will recognize this track from the episode "Hi, Society" during the ballroom dance scene. It's kind of a sinister sounding song, which another website aptly described as devilish pop. I detect an organ or some kind of air driven instrument, adding a creepy quality to "Secret".

The Tigers - Mona Lisa no Hohoemi

Name: The Tigers
Song: Mona Lisa no Hohoemi (Mona Lisa's Smile)
Label: Polydor
Released: 1967
Genre: Pop
Style: Group Sounds, Rock, Vintage
Language: Japanese
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Single
Time: 2:34

The Tigers is a '60s pop rock group led by the famous Kenji Sawada (who also starred in a few movies such as Happiness of the Katakuris). They had a score of hits during they hey day, including this one. Their genre is generally described as "group sounds", a popular style of sixties J-pop. "Mona Lisa no Hohoemi" is a mix of enka, ballad, vocal pop and rock 'n' roll.

Alexz Johnson - I Don't Know If I Should Stay

Name: Alexz Johnson
Song: I Don't Know If I Should Stay
Label: The Orange Records Label
Released: 2007
Genre: Pop
Style: Piano, Power Ballad
Language: English
Format: MP3 / VBR
Version: Album
Time: 3:33

Alexz's vocal power comes alive on this bleak power ballad.

Ringside - Tired of Being Sorry (Radio Edit)

Name: Ringside
Song: Tired of Being Sorry
Label: Flawless Records, Geffen
Released: 2005
Genre: Rock
Style: Indie
Language: English
Format: MP3 / VBR
Version: Single
Time: 3:20

Ringside is an indie duo made up of actor Balthazar Getty and musician Scott Thomas. They've never scored any major hits and are still unheard of to most, but their song "Tired of Being Sorry" has won some international notice thanks to a cover by Enrique Iglesias. His version is more pop sounding and doesn't retain the dark and grainy quality of Ringside's. There's a Spanish sway to the arrangement that makes it enticing, too.

Lucky Soul - Lips are Unhappy

Name: Lucky Soul
Song: Lips are Unhappy
Label: Ruffa Lane
Released: 2006
Genre: Pop
Style: Indie, Twee Pop, Rock
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 160kbps
Version: Single
Time: 3:38

Lucky Soul is a London based indie band. Their sound is cute and innocent, shown clearly by the female lead's higher pitched voice. The vintage pop band sound of "Lips are Unhappy" is full of glee and a winning melody.

Lyrico - I Say I'm Sorry

Name: Lyrico
Song: I Say I'm Sorry
Label: Sony
Released: 2002
Genre: Pop
Style: Adult Contemporary, Power Ballad, Piano
Language: Japanese
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Album
Time: 4:42

Lyrico is the stage name for Harumi Tsuyuzaki. She went by her birth name for her early days as a recording artist, but she switched over to Lyrico in 2001. Off her first album as Lyrico is this very Mariah Carey geared power ballad with westernized vocal theatrics and a dramatic piano score. Lyrico has an impressive, if not too technical, vocal range that many J-pop singers lack.

Boomkat - The Wreckoning

Name: Boomkat
Song: The Wreckoning
Label: Mercury France, Universal International
Released: 2003
Genre: Pop
Style: Dance, Electronic, Hip-Pop
Language: French
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Album
Time: 3:09

Boomkat is a sibling duo led by actress Taryn Manning (8 Mile, Hustle and Flow, A Lot Like Love), and backed by brother Kellin. They've never had a big hit, but their debut "The Wreckoning" was a #1 on the Billboard's dance charts. Although Taryn's not the greatest actress, she caught me by surprise with her singing. She's not some powerhouse songstress, but more of a fiery vocalist leaning towards spitfire lyrics much like Nelly Furtado. This song of spurned love is a product of dance pop and hip-hop, and is just of full of passion.

LISA - Ikenai Onna

Name: LISA
Song: Ikenai Onna (A Woman Who Can't Get Anything Done)
Label: Rhythm Zone
Released: 2002
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop, Post-Grunge
Language: Japanese
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Single
Time: 4:31

I always found this to be one of the better B-sides from LISA's discography. It's vastly different than most of the songs she's ever done. She takes a little from Shiina Ringo on this dirty pop rock number. It's not the type of ska rock found in "Babylon no Kiseki", but something not as clean or commercial.

Madonna - La Isla Bonita (7" Remix Edit)

Name: Madonna
Song: La Isla Bonita (The Beautiful Island)
Label: Sire, Warner Bros.
Released: 1987
Genre: Pop
Style: Latin
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 160kbps
Version: Single
Time: 3:59

This is the single remix of Madonna's last single from her third album. It's considered a ballad because of the slower tempo. Although a ballad is technically a song that tells a story, not necessarily because of pace. It's just become accepted now that slower songs are ballads despite lyrics. Anyway, "La Isla Bonita" is a Latin influenced pop song that makes you swoon.

Mai Fukui - Ai no Uta

Name: Mai Fukui
Song: Ai no Uta (Love Song)
Label: avex trax, J-more
Released: 2008
Genre: Pop
Style: Ballad
Language: Japanese
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Single
Time: 5:00

Mai Fukui is a brand new Japanese singer whose first single's title track is being used in the series Koi Zora. "Ai no Uta" is a medium paced song with the workings of your usual melodramatic J-pop ballad. Mai is vocally reminiscent of the singer solo artist ayaka.

La-Ong Fong - Tarng Jai Diew

Name: La-Ong Fong
Song: Tarng Jai Diew (A Different Heart)
Label: Spicydisc
Released: 2005
Genre: Pop
Style: Indie, Twee Pop, Rock
Language: Thai
Format: MP3 / VBR
Version: Album
Time: 3:44

The good thing about Thai pop is that most of it is really cheap to buy. The bad thing is that there's little diversity. I finally found an interesting and more original group. La-Ong Fong is a Swedish pop influenced band that debuted in the early '90s. Their last release was an album called Cozy Collection, but some of the tracks may be covers, including this one. Forgive my lack of knowledge since most info about them is in Thai. "Tarng Jai Diew" is cute twee pop rock. Relaxing, soft and adorable.

Michelle Branch - Breathe

Name: Michelle Branch
Song: Breathe
Label: Maverick
Released: 2003
Genre: Pop
Style: Rock
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Album
Time: 3:31

I found it sad that "Breathe" didn't chart as well as "Are You Happy Now?", which I consider inferior on several levels. "Breathe" is the pop song that always manages to put me in a better mood. It's a slice of rock just made to make you smile.

S.E.S. - Yume wo Kasanete

Name: S.E.S.
Song: Yume wo Kasanete (To Dream Again)
Label: VAP
Released: 1999
Genre: Pop
Style: J-Pop
Language: Japanese
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Single
Time: 4:50

Again, another S.E.S. song. I wasn't sure how to classify this type of track since it's not slow like a ballad or fast and super danceable, and it's pretty void of the R&B seen in their latter works. Still, "Yume wo Kasanete" is a cute song that's perfect for spring - warm and happy. The girls remade the song in Korean, "Kkoom Eul Mo Ah Suh (Just in Love)", on their 4.5 album.

Melanie C - Independence Day

Name: Melanie C
Song: Independence Day
Label: Milan
Released: 2002
Genre: Pop
Style: Rock
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 256kbps
Version: Album
Time: 4:20

Melanie C's song "I Turn to You" is usually the song most people remember from Bend It Like Beckham, but I think this joyous and positive pop rock song by her on the soundtrack is far better.

Christina Milian - AM to PM (Radio Edit)

Name: Christina Milian
Song: AM to PM
Label: Def Soul
Released: 2001
Genre: Pop
Style: Dance, R&B
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Single
Time: 3:33

Bloodshy and Avant wrote Milian's first single, which barely broke the top thirty stateside. For some reason, Christina's first album wasn't released here, but was a hit in Europe and Japan. "AM to PM" is one of if not her best track. It's a fiery piece of dance pop.

BOO - FRENCH GIRL!!!!!

Name: BOO
Song: FRENCH GIRL!!!!!
Label: CCRE
Released: 2008
Genre: Electronic
Style: Dance, Electropop
Language: Japanese
Format: MP3 / 128kbps
Version: Album
Time: 4:03

I came across this song mostly because it was produced by m-flo's TAKU. I can usually call a TAKU production in the first five seconds (e.g., anything from Emi Hinouchi's first album, some Crystal Kay tracks), but I was quite surprised at "FRENCH GIRL!!!!!". It's got a serious bass line and it's not the sugar shine pop that is new m-flo.

Park Ji-Yoon - Kiss in the Dark

Name: Park Ji-Yoon
Song: Kiss in the Dark
Label: Seoul Records
Released: 1999
Genre: Pop
Style: Jazz, R&B
Language: Korean
Format: MP3 / 128kbps
Version: Album
Time: 4:09

Ji-Yoon's unique voice took a backseat when she switched labels and let JYP produce her. Not to say she didn't have some songs from her fourth and fifth albums that showed off her vibrato ("Baek Jo" and "Hwan Sang" are good examples). This fleshly pop track has a mature sound to it and it explores Ji-Yoon's vocal prowess in the chorus.

Tatyana Ali - Daydreamin' (Single Edit)

Name: Tatyana Ali
Song: Daydreamin'
Label: MJJ Music
Released: 1998
Genre: Pop
Style: Dance, R&B, Teenybopper
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 128kbps
Version: Single
Time: 4:03

Tatyana Ali is better known as playing Ashley Banks from the hit sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. In the late '90s, she decided to record an album with help from Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins and Will Smith. I can't help but make the comparison to Samantha Mumba and Crystal Kay when I hear this sweet radio jam.

Genki Rockets - Never Ever

Name: Genki Rockets
Song: Never Ever
Label: avex trax
Released: 2008
Genre: Pop
Style: Ballad, Piano
Language: English, Japanese
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Album
Time: 4:34

Genki Rockets is a Japanese virtual project group. The voice of the lead singer, "Lumi", is actually composed of several voices (including Rachel Rhodes and Nami Miyahara) and the music videos features a composite to create "Lumi". "Never Ever" is the only ballad off of their first album. It's simply beautiful. At times, I imagine that it's poppy enough for the mainstream, and then the dramatic touches make it suitable for a sad scene of some kind of media. "Never Ever" is sung in English, then Japanese.

Taylor Dayne - Tell It to My Heart (7" Mix)

Name: Taylor Dayne
Song: Tell It to My Heart
Label: Arista
Released: 1987
Genre: Pop
Style: Dance, Freestyle, Synthpop
Language: English
Format: MP3 / VBR
Version: Single
Time: 3:37

Taylor's voice was deep and assured, making some of her not so great songs of the '80s stand out. "Tell It to My Heart" is, though, one of her best to date. It has a kinky beat throughout that makes this single so memorable.

BoA - Amazing Kiss (Korean Version)

Name: BoA
Song: Amazing Kiss
Label: SM Entertainment
Released: 2002
Genre: Pop
Style: Dance, Sugar
Language: Korean
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Single
Time: 4:28

I really miss the magic that went into BoA's older singles. The writers really seemed to have an interest in composing a good track. "Amazing Kiss" was penned by BOUNCEBACK (a duo that has worked with SweetS, Hitomi Shimatani, hiro, Nami Tamaki), but BoA wrote the lyrics for the Korean mix. It's a melancholic piece of semi-dance pop sweetness.

[announcement] moving

If you're reading this, you've found the new home for utaslut. Now, I'm musicshoufu. Someone was spoiling the fun at the old blog. Enjoy and let's keep it peaceful.

Miyu Nagase - Just 4 your Luv

Name: Miyu Nagase
Song: Just 4 your Luv
Label: Sony
Released: 2004
Genre: Pop
Style: Dance, Rock
Language: Japanese
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Single
Time: 4:10

Miyu Nagase is from ZONE, a four member Japanese girl band. She released two singles at the end of 2004 before disappearing until 2007. The first of her two Sony singles was "Just 4 your Luv". The press release was claiming that her solo music would be R&B influenced, but this song is kind of far from it. If anything, it's similar to the dramatic dance pop that Koda Kumi released during her first two albums.

Jordan Knight - Give It to You (Radio Edit)

Name: Jordan Knight
Song: Give It to You
Label: Interscope
Released: 1999
Genre: Pop
Style: 2step, Dance, R&B, Teenybopper
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 160kbps
Version: Single
Time: 4:21

Jordan Knight, formerly of New Kids on the Block (granted they're back together now), went solo in '99. This song is written by him, Jam & Lewis (of Janet Jackson fame) and Robin Thicke. It's a stylish dance pop song with underlying R&B and waltz tones. "Give It to You" was a one hit wonder for Knight.

El DeBarge - Rhythm of the Night (Radio Edit)

Name: El DeBarge
Song: Rhythm of the Night
Label: Gordy
Released: 1985
Genre: Pop
Style: Soul
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 256kbps
Version: Single
Time: 3:54

Requested by Ireth.

Evan and Jaron - Crazy for This Girl

Name: Evan and Jaron
Song: Crazy for This Girl
Label: Columbia Records
Released: 2000
Genre: Pop
Style: Rock
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Album
Time: 3:22

This charming one hit wonder is sung by the identical twin brother duo Evan and Jaron.

[announcement] 3-0-0

300~

I've posted three hundred songs in this blog. Please continue to visit, comment and give some ratings. Also, spread the word about utaslut.

Just so you know, requests are welcome.

eriko with crunch - EVERYDAY, BE WITH YOU

Name: eriko with crunch
Song: EVERYDAY, BE WITH YOU
Label: TOY'S FACTORY
Released: 1999
Genre: Pop
Style: Cover, Dance
Language: Japanese
Format: MP3 / 320kbps
Version: Single
Time: 4:31

Eriko Imai of SPEED had two solo songs before the group disbanded (the first time around). This was one of them. It's actually a cover of a song by the group HIM (or HIM-egg). hiro's "As Time Goes By", Hitoe's 57 Move's "INORI" and MAX's "Ginga no Chikai" are also HIM covers. "EVERYDAY, BE WITH YOU" is an energetic track with influences of Europop within. Eriko went by "eriko with crunch" for her first few solo releases because she had a set of backup dancers known as "Crunch".

Lee Jane - Gwan Shim (High on Your Love)

Name: Lee Jane
Song: Gwan Shim (High on Your Love) (Concern)
Label: SM Entertainment
Released: 2002
Genre: Pop
Style: Dance
Language: Korean
Format: MP3 / 128kbps
Version: Album
Time: 3:22

Lee Jane had a short career. I think she was in an NRG song (or was it a music video?), and then she made her debut in late 2002. Her title song is pretty catchy, I won't lie. Vocally she's just average, but that's sometimes standard in K-pop.

Natalie Imbruglia - Smoke (Radio Edit)

Name: Natalie Imbruglia
Song: Smoke
Label: RCA
Released: 1997
Genre: Pop
Style: Alternative, Ballad, Piano
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 128kbps
Version: Single
Time: 4:02

The third single from Natalie's debut album in the U.S. was this emotional piano ballad. It sort of flopped, but it barely got any promotion. And to be honest, it's depressing. "Smoke" speaks of Imbruglia's father issues. With lyrics like, "Why, bleeding is believing/You're hiding underneath the smoke in the room", you can't help but feel something more than whatever you got from Imbruglia's singles prior to this one.

Sugar - Hyun Myung Han Ee Byul

Name: Sugar
Song: Hyun Myung Han Ee Byul (A Sensible Separation)
Label: SM Entertainment
Released: 2005
Genre: Pop
Style: Dance, Latin
Language: Korean
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Album
Time: 3:37

Sugar had three Korean albums and two Japanese albums before disbanding. Even after the member change. The title song from their third Korean LP was this Latin influenced pop track.

Gotye - Hearts a Mess (Radio Edit)

Name: Gotye
Song: Hearts a Mess
Label: Creative Vibes, Independent
Released: 2006
Genre: Rock
Style: Electronic, Experimental, Indie, Trip-Hop
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 320kbps
Version: Single
Time: 4:37

Gotye is a Belgium born songwriter that's based in Australia. His style ranges from big band to jangle pop to just plain gloomy like on "Hearts a Mess". Gotye's voice is beautiful and affective on this seething track.