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.

The Knife - Heartbeats

Name: The Knife
Song: Heartbeats
Label: Border, V2 Records
Released: 2002
Genre: Electronic
Style: Electropop
Language: English
Format: MP3 / VBR
Version: Album
Time: 3:51

Here's an indie classic, which actually only ranked moderately well until Jose Gonzalez recorded a cover that led to a re-release of The Knife's original. There's a strong tropical feel on this purely electronic track.

Anggun - Crazy

Name: Anggun
Song: Crazy
Label: Sony BMG
Released: 2008
Genre: Pop
Style: Electronic
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 128kbps
Version: Single
Time: 3:57

This is the English version of Anggun's new single, "Si Tu L'avoues" (If You Admit It), off her upcoming album Elevation. Go here to read my thoughts.

The Brunettes - Her Hairagami Set

Name: The Brunettes
Song: Her Hairagami Set
Label: Lil' Chief Records, Sub Pop
Released: 2007
Genre: Pop
Style: Indie, Twee Pop
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Album
Time: 4:43

This is a darker piece of odd pop off of this New Zealand duo's third album.

m-flo loves DRAGON ASH - WAY U MOVE -radio edit-

Name: m-flo loves DRAGON ASH
Song: WAY U MOVE
Label: Rhythm Zone
Released: 2004
Genre: Pop
Style: Dance, Electronic, Rock
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Single
Time: 5:06

Someone ripped me the radio edit of this song off a sampler release of m-flo's anticipated collaborative album back in 2004. The original runs a bit over eight minutes. Dragon Ash started off doing mostly hip-hop oriented works, but then incorporated more rock. Together with m-flo, the two groups created what I'd call a love child of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Daft Punk.

meister - above the clouds featuring BONNIE PINK

Name: meister
Song: above the clouds featuring BONNIE PINK
Label: DefSTAR RECORDS
Released: 2004
Genre: Rock
Style: Alternative, Dream Pop, Electronic, Pop
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Single
Time: 4:07

meister was a side project for Ryo Matsui, a member of the brilliant green. BONNIE PINK wrote the lyrics to "above the clouds" and also sings it. It starts off with a bare and soft electronic sound, then progresses into a thicker rock composition.

UA - Kono Sakamichi no Tochuu de

Name: UA
Song: Kono Sakamichi no Tochuu de (In the Middle of the Road)
Label: Victor Entertainment
Released: 2005
Genre: Rock
Style: Adult Alternative
Language: Japanese
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Album
Time: 5:44

I heard this song in the film Hanging Garden and liked it immediately. It takes two minutes before the music backs up and lets UA sing in her throaty and lethargic manner, but it's worth it. "Kono Sakamichi no Tochuu de" is a pondering rock track that swells into a stirring chorus.

Blondie - Maria (Radio Edit)

Name: Blondie
Song: Maria
Label: Beyond Music, Capitol Records
Released: 1999
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Single
Time: 4:09

Blondie needs no introduction. They were pioneers of nu punk and new wave, but they had a little trouble staying relevant in popular music during the '90s. They made a splash in the UK with "Maria" (went to #1), but it didn't even crack the top 75 in the U.S. Still, it's a really great comeback song (first single since 1982).

Hush - Hush

Name: Hush
Song: Hush
Label: Synnara
Released: 1999
Genre: Pop
Style: Jazz, R&B
Language: Korean
Format: MP3 / 128kbps
Version: Album
Time: 3:48

Hush was a Korean duo that had two singles - "Hush" and "Ae In" - off their only album. I detect a little sampling of TLC's "Waterfalls" on "Hush" (and a bit of "Take My Breath Away" on "Ae In" as well), a medium paced pop song with jazzy influences. Something about their creation leads me to believe that the label wanted a Korean version of DOUBLE. Not exactly, though.

Takako Uehara - Shiroi Page no Naka ni

Name: Takako Uehara
Song: Shiroi Page no Naka ni (In the White Pages)
Label: avex trax, Sonic Groove
Released: 2003
Genre: Pop
Style: Ballad
Language: Japanese
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Single
Time: 5:02

Uehara isn't the best singer of the SPEED girls, but her quaint and tender vocals really make whispery ballads pop.

amplified - MR.RAINDROP

Name: amplified
Song: MR.RAINDROP
Label: DefSTAR RECORDS
Released: 2006
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop, Power Pop, Punk
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 128kbps
Version: Album
Time: 2:38

I've pretty much lost interest in anything "punk" but the Green Day influence on amplified's music is too strong to ignore. amplified is a three member band from Hong Kong based in Japan. The members are Chris Edwards, Terrence Ma and Kai-Yuan Neo. Their songs are in English and are generally pretty upbeat and carefree.

Penny - A Fan in Love

Name: Penny
Song: A Fan in Love
Label: BMG Korea
Released: 2002
Genre: Pop
Style: Ballad, R&B, Teenybopper
Language: Korean
Format: MP3 / 128kbps
Version: Album
Time: 4:16

Not sure why Sony decided to debut Penny after BoA and the other teenyboppers invaded Korea in the early 2000s. Penny is naturally a better singer than BoA, but the girl had terrible promotion (or lack thereof). "A Fan in Love" is a simple pop ballad with some R&B influence. Penny's voice is really fresh and just brimming for more growth.

Ruppina - in the name of love (ALL STRINGS Version)

Name: Ruppina
Song: in the name of love
Label: avex trax
Released: 2004
Genre: Pop
Style: Ballad
Language: Japanese
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Single
Time: 5:48

Ruppina was the pseudonym for Mai Kudou before she re-debuted as the scantily clad Mai. Her final single as Ruppina was the lovely ballad "in the name of love". Mai's voice is clear and serene in any incarnation.

Yumi Shizukusa - Missing you

Name: Yumi Shizukusa
Song: Missing you
Label: GIZA
Released: 2004
Genre: Pop
Style: Ballad, R&B
Language: Japanese
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Single
Time: 4:11

GIZA is an indies label in Japan that typically enlists talented female vocals (they no longer have any male artists), but their music leaves a lot to be desired sometimes. Yumi's got a soulful voice for such a tame demeanor. She handles this mellow R&B ballad well.

Blue - Guilty

Name: Blue
Song: Guilty
Label: Innocent
Released: 2003
Genre: Pop
Style: Ballad, R&B
Language: English
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Album
Time: 3:45

Blue is an English boy band that came about in 2001. They were pretty popular, but ended up disbanding in 2005. "Guilty" is the title song from their third album. It's slower and more romantic, and really shows off Lee Ryan's voice. Each member has gone solo with varying results.

HIROSHI FUJIWARA+SHINICHI OSAWA feat.CRYSTAL KAY - LOST CHILD (Dub Version)

Name: HIROSHI FUJIWARA+SHINICHI OSAWA feat.CRYSTAL KAY
Song: LOST CHILD
Label: Sony, Victor
Released: 2003
Genre: Electronic
Style: Ballad, Experimental, Pop, Reggae, Remix
Language: Japanese
Format: MP3 / 192kbps
Version: Album
Time: 5:10

This is a more minimal and dissonant approach to one of the more beautiful songs sung by Crystal.

Big Mama - Break Away

Name: Big Mama
Song: Break Away
Label: EMI, M.Boat
Released: 2003
Genre: Urban
Style: Jazz, R&B
Language: Korean
Format: MP3 / 256kbps
Version: Album
Time: 4:19

Big Mama was a group under a sister label to YG Entertainment, so they weren't necessarily direct family to other YG artists. The four girls got a lot of attention for their soulful voices and unconventional looks (they're not starving sticks, at least compared to the average girls of K-pop). "Break Away" was their first single. It's not for those who want something "club" or youthful. Fans of mature and polished music can appreciate this effortless R&B track sung by women who really understand the genre.