Ayumi Hamasaki Sekai

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-   -   [Koda Kumi] The 167th Thread – 11th Album 「Bon Voyage」 + Remix Album 「Driving Hit's 6」 (http://www.ahsforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=119416)

pimenta 21st February 2014 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gustavopc (Post 3063386)
Saw on FB, probably took from baidu: Previews from LOADED, Let's show tonight, CRANK THA BASS, On Your Side and U Know. Password is 140226

I can't listen from there ;_;

maze 21st February 2014 05:51 PM

another link: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=419444188190192

so Let's show tonight is a response to SHOW ME YOUR HOLLA. Lol
sad it's a short song.

This album is gonna slay hard<3

AyuHamasaki01 21st February 2014 06:09 PM

The songs sound so good. My favorite is LOADED.

Darkifrit 21st February 2014 06:19 PM

All the preview give me a good feeling!
My favorite is U KNOW!

Glad about the album so far ��

Minttulatte 21st February 2014 06:22 PM

Holy hell, I love this album already! 8DD I can't get any more excited for this~ <3

marty 21st February 2014 06:24 PM

I absolutely love BOYFRIEND? !!
But I adore everything from Grow Into One, really.

abestfah 21st February 2014 06:28 PM

I like all 5 songs preview, especially Let's Show Tonight, even if it looks like copying Show Me Your Burlesque by Xtina so much. Loaded is good work but i think Sean Pual's voice isn't smooth in the song same as T-Pain's rap verse in VIP. On your side is more beautiful than demo version make me think of Once Again that is lovely raggae.

ILoveGeniuses 21st February 2014 06:31 PM

@marty So do I!! :D :heart

AND OMG!! I :heart :heart :heart :heart :heart ALL THOSE PREVIEWS!!!!!!!!! :blove :blove :blove :blove :blove

Anyways, back to watching DMP for now. :D

abestfah 21st February 2014 06:34 PM

Why Loaded doesn't have its own PV, so shake-ya-hipped song.

tenshi no hane 21st February 2014 06:48 PM

U KNOW is my favorite <33 I feel like I've heard it somewhere before
I didnt expect to like Sean Paul's part but I did.

Hopefully the album will leak soon.

Zeke. 21st February 2014 07:30 PM

This album is like way too American circa 2004.

On Your Side can be enjoyable, but the only real memorable track from this era will be U Know.

I guess I'll add these two to some Kumi compilation playlists and ditch the rest. So disappointed.
Kumi usually is my savior when Ayu isn't doing it. I tend to listen to Kumi for fun and listen to Ayu for the environments she is capable of creating through her music. So in a sense, I take Ayu more seriously than Kumi. But this time Kumi couldn't even save me. :(

pimenta 21st February 2014 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maze (Post 3063392)

Thank you!! :D

I don't want to judge much from the previews, but I'm liking them so far :)
Second one is Let's show tonight? I'm reeeeaally linking that one :heart

ALfromHELLSING 22nd February 2014 12:31 AM

Holly Guacamole! Thanks for the previews, they sound frigging awesome! Loving them all.

Kaiouforever 22nd February 2014 01:27 AM

I keep listening to the snippet of SMYH. This album needs to leak ASAFP.

Ningyo Hime 22nd February 2014 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILoveGeniuses (Post 3063354)
Question. Am I the only person here that's not all that interested in remixes? I used to be obsessed with em like 7 years ago, but now I just don't really care all that much. Only things to make exceptions are Acoustic, Orchestra and Piano Versions sometimes for some reason.....

I used to hate remixes back in the day. When I bought English singles I never listened to them and thought they were a waste of space or filler :innocent but I quite like them now and give them a chance.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tenshi no hane (Post 3062850)
Makes sense. Thanks for telling me :laugh

Thats ok , I could understand how it would sound weird :laugh

happiholic★ 22nd February 2014 05:09 AM

Meh, not really feeling the album tracks. Too much clubby stuff.

chikocchi 22nd February 2014 06:25 AM

Not feeling these previews at all

Delicious n Bold 22nd February 2014 07:05 AM

I like club music and the previews do nothing for me. :(

toLOVE 22nd February 2014 07:46 AM

The album leaked on JPS!

Corvina 22nd February 2014 08:32 AM

It`s also up already on Jmp3
http://www.j-mp3.info/2014/02/bon-vo...oyage.html?m=1

tenshi no hane 22nd February 2014 08:39 AM

Already!? Yay! Thanks for the link, Corvina!

Heavenly 22nd February 2014 08:41 AM

Downloading right now !
Thanks !

I think that this album will be a hit or miss for Kuu, regarding the diversity of opinions here, you can just hate it or love it.

Corvina 22nd February 2014 08:46 AM

No problem.
Though it seems quality isn`t that good.
Can`t download and listen today as I`m not at home.

Tom Punks 22nd February 2014 08:48 AM

^ yeah i can second that the quality is pretty bad lol :( but thanks! gonna listen anyway :heart

Darkifrit 22nd February 2014 08:53 AM

Track by track opinion

Introduction ~Bon Voyage~ : A bit repetitive but not bad.
SHOW ME YOUR HOLLA : One of her best songs in a while. F-U-N.
LOADED feat.Sean Paul : Cool partysong. The chorus is catchy. The rest is a bit messy from time to time but i like it. Sean Paul and Kumi match well together.
Winner Girls : The verses are nice but the chorus is a bit repetitive. Okay song.
Imagine : Nice RnB ballad. Her voice is soft in it.
恋しくて : Out of place in the tracklist but i always appreciated that ballad.
LALALALALA : Then again, a bit out of place but not bad. PV is cute.
Let's show tonight : I like the fact it's an answer song to SMYH. Don't like the sound of it though. I'm okay with it since it's 1min long.
Interlude~Bon Voyage~ : This interlude is cool. I like it better than the intro. Fit well with TOUCH DOWN
TOUCH DOWN : The song is not bad, but i was never really into it. Chorus is cool.
Crank Tha Bass feat.OVDS : Too messy. I like the break but need to grow on me (will it ever grow on me ?).
LOL : Fucking awesome. My fav song from the album. Love everything about it :luv2
The chorus is so catchy (even the dumb HAHAHA Laughting out Load) and the break is hot. PV seem to be the best of the era as well.
Go to the top : Never like that song. Next.
Dreaming Now! : Actually my fav single of this era. It's cute and catchy.
On Your Side : It's cute and catchy. Love it.
U KNOW : This is another gem of the album. Her voice is amazing on it. The chorus sound so familiar to me.

Overall, i appreciate the fact the album is cohesive (with the exception of Koishikute & LALALALA).
Some album tracks are strong (SHOW ME YOUR HOLLA, LOL, U KNOW), others need to grow on me but at the end they save an era full of forgettable singles.
JAPONESQUE was definitely a better effort but I thought Bon Voyage would be much more disappointing.
I'll listen to it few times before to make a definitive opinion on it but it's not bad.

Ningyo Hime 22nd February 2014 08:54 AM

excellent thank you :)

Surreal17 22nd February 2014 09:04 AM

Thanks for the link :)...it's already downloading.

orangeakira 22nd February 2014 09:07 AM

I don't know how to feel about LOL. Her singing in English and Japanese is night and day. It is pretty good though.

I am in love with the composition for U Know. Kind of a weird thing to say, I know, but I just absolutely love the composition during the chorus, and how she sings it.

marcoba 22nd February 2014 09:10 AM

I can twerk to the introduction and the interlude all night... XDD.

toLOVE 22nd February 2014 09:14 AM

The good tracks are SHOW ME YOUR HOLLA, Let's show tonight (sounds have been long, the song's flawless) and U Know. And I agree with Heavenly. This album is a miss for me. I just can't get into any other songs. I was looking forward to LOADED and Crank Tha Bass, but they sounds really messy.

Darkifrit 22nd February 2014 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orangeakira (Post 3063491)
I am in love with the composition for U Know. Kind of a weird thing to say, I know, but I just absolutely love the composition during the chorus, and how she sings it.

Me too.
That song is perfection for me :luv2

Tom Punks 22nd February 2014 09:35 AM

Typing as I listen lol...

I'm surprised SMYH has grown on me somewhat (still a little grating) and I actually really like LOADED and Winner Girls despite hating all the previews for this album lol. I agree that LOADED is kind of messy but is it weird I enjoyed that about it? Imagine was okay on the whole too considering from the first 30 seconds I thought I'd hate it -__-. That sort of arrangement/sound is usually insta-vomit for me but.

Koishikute -> LALALALALALALALALALA tho... especially slapped right in the middle of the album bah. I wish she'd tacked LALALALALALALALALALA onto the end or something idk just anywhere but THERE.

I hate to admit to liking the random rapping in Crank Tha Bass just bc idk it just gives me 90s nostalgia lol LOL WHAT IS GOING ON IN THIS SONG ._. ok well that was weird.

idk the singles really killed this album for me tbh. :\ Not just that they're mostly forgettable (except IS THIS TRAP? which of course got axed) but that they completely ruin the feel of the album. TOUCH DOWN is the only one that doesn't stick out like a sore thumb tbh. And putting two interludes in a row was... a weird idea.

The album tracks are all a fun effort though. I don't know if it's just the lack of cohesiveness thanks to the singles or what but the album just doesn't really feel complete to me?

SKYia 22nd February 2014 09:51 AM

got the album, I'm off shopping so I'll listen on my way to the shopping mall and then write my opinion in the evening / at night / tomorrow morning ;)

tenshi no hane 22nd February 2014 10:00 AM

I'm looooove U KNOW, On Your Side, LOADED, LOL and SMYH :heart :heart Imagine and Winner Girls are pretty good too.

The only new track I don't like is Crank Tha Bass. It's not my style.

Darkifrit 22nd February 2014 10:31 AM

Album ranking time!
Here is mine

01. secret
The album has some fillers tracks but this era was the most amazing for me, especially visually. Make ma a huge fan of Kumi.
Best songs : Selfish, SHAKE IT, Trust you, hands, Hot Stuff feat. KM-MARKIT, Cutie Honey.

02. Black Cherry
The golden year for Kumi. singles were all amazing, album tracks were a bit lower level but the introduction & GU&M!! save it.
Best songs : Yume no Uta, Ningyo Hime, JUICY, Get Up & Move!!...

03. JAPONESQUE
High quality album. Singles were good, album tracks were even better. All the music videos were attractive. Good package.
Best songs : No Man's Land, ESCALATE, Lay down, Slow, Love Technique...

04. BEST ~second session~
Golden year. I always considered it as an album. Nice concept and diverse sound. Love the PVs story :)
Best songs : you, feel, Candy feat. Mr.Blistah, Love goes like...

05. Kingdom
Some album tracks were just fire and singles were good. Some PVs were cheap though.
Best songs : Under, Black Cherry, BUT, Aisho

06. UNIVERSE
Singles were weak but album tracks were amazing. Visually, it was a nice era.
Best songs : ECSTASY, No Way, You're so beautiful

07. TRICK
I loved the singles and some album tracks are amazing but too many fillers at the end.
Best songs : TABOO, Moon Crying, Driving, show girl

08. Dejavu
I loved the singles but to many sugar pop on this album.
Best songs : Lollipop, Suki de, POP DIVA, AT THE WEEKEND

09. Bon Voyage
Weak singles, some good album tracks.
Best songs : LOL, SHOW ME YOUR HOLLA, U KNOW

10. grow into one
I love the album as a whole. Though none of the songs are in my Top songs.
Best songs : one, one night romance, 1000 no kotoba, real Emotion

11. feel my mind
Some songs are amazing, the middle of the album is boring though.
Best songs : Crazy 4 U, Rock your Body, Rain, magic

12. affection
Just no.
Best song : walk

thinkingoutloud89 22nd February 2014 12:00 PM

She should have had the balls to exclude LALALALA and Koishikute... whatever
I thought I would not like the album thaaaaat much and I was right, but I tend to listen to playlists and individual songs much more often anyways, so i'll probably slap the songs in there somewhere...

my ranking according to last.fm. Kingdom is up there cause of BUT i think... and JAPONESQUE will probably grab the second spot over the years.

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/82...90/43/zdfg.png

abestfah 22nd February 2014 12:34 PM

Overall : Maybe because of being released after Japonesque, my most favorite album, make Bon Voyage is just good album which she has before new Best Album comes. My most favorite song from this era is “Is This Trap?” That I already bought single ;moreover, it's not included on the album. In fact, no need to buy but still some songs I have listened from Leaked album make me decided again to order it with Driving Hits 6,,,,here they are :

1. Introduction (4/5)
I still love “Trick's” the most but this is not bad, reminds me Summer Trip's intro.

2. Show me your holla (5/5)
When full PV came out, I fell in love with this track and practiced dancing^^, but it's less power to be lead album track.

3.Loaded (4/5)
Messy vocal but its beat tempts me to dance. Sean Paul's voice isn't smooth as putting it after finishing.

4. Winner girls (3.5/5)
Standard song like she ever did before, nothing is exciting..

5. Imagine (4.5/5)
There are always this kind of songs like No Way, Okay, Passing By, Slow on later albums. Imagine is the last out of them, but still be beautiful and good song as well.

6. Koishikute (4.5/5)
Even though it differs from other tracks because it is so Japanese song, it's very beautiful songs by sentimental vocal and orchestra. Now it's my most favorite ballad by her.

7. Lalalalala (3.5/5)
I love Summer Trip but not this song. It's ok but her many pop-rock songs are better.

8. Let's show tonight (4/5)
I love "Show me your burlesque" by Christina Aguilera, why don't I like this song?

9. Interlude (3/5)
It's so connecting with Touch Down but I don't like it, confusing interlude.

10. Touch Down (4.5/5)
it made me surprised how Kumi changed her look and music, but its result is very amazing for me.

11. Crack da bass (3/5)
Give me more time with it, this point is from first impression.

12. LoL (4/5)
One of her perfect songs on this album, catchy by its all elements. I wish hopefully full PV will have dance scene.

13. Go to the top (4.5/5)
First time I listened to it, I hated it. Until I know it will be on this album, listen open-mindedly, I love it and nod my head along chorus.

14. Dreaming now (3.5/5)
Good message of the song increases my point along with melody that is fun even if it's so-so song.

15. On your side (3.5/5)
Better than demo that leaked before, sunshine-like song which can consider to be cutest song on this album for me.

16. U know (4/5)
Kuu's “Live While We Are Young”? Cheerful melody an d western style which is produced Ok but so familiar. I think this song will be used for Towels-part in concert.

AyuHamasaki01 22nd February 2014 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abestfah (Post 3063512)

8. Let's show tonight (4/5)
I love "Show me your burlesque" by Christina Aguilera, why don't I like this song?

I couldn't figure out of what other song Let's show tonight reminded me but it reminds me of Show me how you Burlesque. :laugh

Surreal17 22nd February 2014 02:01 PM

I'm really happy with this album. It turned out to be really good. This is definitely TRICK ~Upgraded version~. I like all the new songs (the last song is predictable and a bit boring but still nice) and omg, even Koishikute sounds really good with the other songs! I'm even thinking to buy this album!
It really made my day!

My current Kumi top 5 :
Feel my mind
Kingdom
TRICK
JAPONESQUE
Bon Voyage

Kaiouforever 22nd February 2014 03:31 PM

The introduction needs to be turned into a full single. Seriously.

SMYH is my favorite song hands down.

The rest of the album is pretty strong - this is one of her best albums in a long time. Thanks Kuu!

inspire_rmx 22nd February 2014 04:47 PM

I'm only at track 3. but i absolutely love show me your holla and loaded. both are kick-ass tracks! I hope the remaining album is just as awesome!

Delicious n Bold 22nd February 2014 05:00 PM

The final track is all that I really wanted from Kumi: 8-bit experimentation. I'm implessed and rearry happy with her right now!
I definietly know fu Kumi is: going back on my iPod after about a year.

Minttulatte 22nd February 2014 05:07 PM

I thought it might leak while I decided to spend some time with the amazing Kingdom Hearts and it did. But oh well, I'm just going to wait until Monday to listen to this~ <3

Gustavopc 22nd February 2014 05:12 PM

I love how Kuu's albums always leak when I'm traveling or simply can't be at home to download it for a good while :grumpy Cant wait to hear it omggg

kaled kalil 22nd February 2014 06:11 PM

^ I was working during the leak, I had to go to a mall and use their internet to download the album lol.

ALfromHELLSING 22nd February 2014 06:55 PM

I'll be waiting for my copy of the album to arrive. Hopefully it's not gonna take long.

NintendoHTF1242 22nd February 2014 07:04 PM

I twerk so well to TOUCH DOWN I live for this song

Sean Paul didn't mesh well with Kuu at parts in LOADED but still a pretty cool song!

U KNOW is the best song ever bye

Zeke. 22nd February 2014 07:22 PM

Can we not twerk tho? Lol.

Is the leak true quality? Or an attempted upscale?

pimenta 22nd February 2014 08:01 PM

Just finished listening to the whole album AND I FREAKING LOVE IT :heart :heart :heart

My only complains are that Let's show tonight is way too short for how great it is, it's like a waste of potential, and Image is kind of weak (not bad, just weak), but other than that I seriously LOVE it!! :blove

I don't know how she managed to release such an amazing album after such a weak period of her career (imo), but she did and it's awesome *-*

This album even made me like GTTT! Like, I almost couldn't believe it, but I actually enjoyed listening to it quite a lot while listening to the whole album, and I used to really dislike that song! It's the exact same thing that happened with me with Physical Thing back then, that I only started liking it after UNIVERSE came out...

ren'ai 22nd February 2014 08:36 PM

Anybody got the 320kb rip link?

EDIT: found a better leak here: http://kumi-land.blogspot.co.uk/ credits: youshikibi

marty 22nd February 2014 08:39 PM

I'm gonna wait for my copy to arrive, BUT IT'S SO HARD!!
Glad to read a lot of people liked it! :heart

Zeke. 22nd February 2014 09:30 PM

I don't think that 320 kbps version is true 320. Someone had to reconvert it, it still sounds pretty crappy and flat.

Totally in love with U KNOW. It's definitely the track to remember from this era. Seriously, she could've crafted an entire album around this style.

pimenta 22nd February 2014 09:41 PM

I downloaded the 320 from jpopsuki, but honestly it doesn't sound perfect... It's good for now though, it's stil early for the album release.

Corvina 22nd February 2014 10:08 PM

Just my first impressions after listening to it twice.
Biggest surprise: I`m totally in love with Crank Tha Bass!
Didn`t expect that, but it`s so addicting. So heavy, almost grunge like. Wow.
Apart from that, I love the second half of the album, from Let`s show tonight onwards.
Weakest new song is LOADED, again something I didn`t expect. Imagine needs some more listens as well.
Koishikute fits in pretty well after all, but they should just have eliminated LaLaLaLaLa...
I will make a proper review later, after more listens.

emi♡ 22nd February 2014 10:10 PM

...well, there are two lossless versions at JPS, so looks like I'm gonna get one of those based on what you guys are saying lol

It's interesting how much they list her as a composer. I mean, I'm sure she just helped direct the way the melodies go, but, it's cool.

Delicious n Bold 22nd February 2014 10:46 PM

Finally gave the album a good listen.
U KNOW is the only good song, the rest go straight to the recycle bin.
Gonna put IS THIS TLAP on my iPod and thus Kumi's two best original songs since Japonesque.

orangeakira 22nd February 2014 10:50 PM

The only song on the album I don't like is koishikute. I am 110% done with her ballads she could make a mega-mashup of all her ballads and I wouldn't be able to tell the difference it would just sound like one long song with the composition changing every few measures.

U know is my shit. Definitely my fave song right next to Show Me Your Holla.

ren'ai 22nd February 2014 10:56 PM

Love love LOVE the whole album. She delivered with several excellent dance tunes(SMYH, LOADED, Let's show tonight, U KNOW) her classic album-style ballad(Imagine), and awesome new styles with LOL and CRANK THA BASS. Even the "cuteish" (if we have to call them that) Winner girls and On your side are amazing.
The lyrics and all may not be anything special or deep and filled with engrish, but they're mostly fun songs that all fit together. Oh kumi I love you.

Gustavopc 22nd February 2014 11:39 PM

Bon Voyage is one of her most cohesive albums from the last years, along with Dejavu imo. It also reminds me a bit in Dejavu when it comes to the first and the second half seeming to have each one its concept, and still the whole things working well together. From the new tracks, I really like Winner Girls, CRANK THA BASS and LOL. Imagine is also good, but could have been better, it's not sweet nor deep so it feels like it's going towards something but nothing never happens at all. LOADED is a mess, maybe I'll get used to it, tho I really like the verses we've already had in the preview. And Go to the top even sounds better now between LOL and Dreaming Now! hahahahaha

I'd give the album a 4 out of 5, really good work :yes

toLOVE 22nd February 2014 11:42 PM

If Kumi does not make "Introduction 〜Bon Voyage〜" a full song, then I'm gonna snatch all the weaves she's going to use for her upcoming tour.

emi♡ 23rd February 2014 12:06 AM

My...running disjointed commentary lol
Spoiler:
This intro though! <3

And this intro to SMYH, gonna be epic in concert.

LOADED was kinda forgettable for me tbh And I don't think it's what I wanted when Sean Paul was in it.

WINNER GIRLS totally just sounds like a koda song lol I like the bridge part (I think) a lot. I like the arrangement too. It's kind of messy, but it works somehow. Reminds me of a big party.

Imagine I guess is the -low- of the party lol idk about the composition of this song. It's a bit messy too in the chorus. I like the arrangement because I like the simple r&b-ish ballads, but I feel like it and the melody really overpower her vocals which should be the highlight. I don't like this song that much, but I think it could be really epic if she had an orchestral or piano version. Hope for the concert.

Someone said they didn't like Koishikute in the album, but I feel like at least the intro is a nice transition. I'm not a ballad person at all lol

LALALALALA is cute for live, not really my type though either. I like her vocals, She has such charisma.

ooooo this transition :D I love the jazzy kuuuuuu
These interludes tho! Bon Voyage <3 WHY ISNT THIS A FULL SONG -_-

I like the intro to Touchdown though. This song is so omg ghetto. I don't really feel like it fits the album tbh, and damn it's long lol Kind of atmospheric.

Crank tha bass - I can't believe she decided to have a song like this lol idk how I feel about it yet. That bridge part again though. Best part, why doesn't the whole song sound like that!

Here's LOL, and it sounds like Crank's prettier sister. I like it lol I feel like it should be annoying, and it kinda is, but fun,

omg this song? lol Goin to the Top? Go to the Top. I like the intro. This song actually fits really well. Who knew lol

Oh I remember this song! Dreamin Now <3 So happy song. I needed LOADED to be the heavier, sister song to this song.

This song is so mellow <3 I like it! On your Side~

What is this intro! U KNOW~ Okay, this song reminds me of One Direction :laugh But I still love it.

I really love the flow of the tracklist. Even with the abrupt ballads. Those last three songs though! :heart

Anyways, yey! :D Good production from her! I'm happy with it. Very pleased. You know, I mean, some of these songs might never be as good as songs like Driving, or TABOO, or hell, even Love Technique, or ESCALATE or Lay Down from the last album....but I feel like she put forth a good effort and I really, really love the FEEL of the album.

It's just like how I loved the feel of Namie's FEEL. This album isn't so uplifting and happy in the same way, it's just like, FUN. Pure fun.

And I'm really happy with what she's done with some of these arrangements, and her melodies are pretty good on the whole.

ilovekodaa 23rd February 2014 02:11 AM

https://31.media.tumblr.com/df1e3283...g7qvo1_500.jpg

asdjlkdsjalkdjsalkjdlaksjkladjs <3.

OyTony 23rd February 2014 02:47 AM

God Crank Tha Bass is amazing! Go Kuu this album is something special~

emi♡ 23rd February 2014 02:55 AM

kyary is included now? lol

toLOVE 23rd February 2014 03:24 AM

Wonder how much will it flop, lol.

Gustavopc 23rd February 2014 03:41 AM

No wonder whhy Kuu is holding a ring buoy in that Shibuya promo pic, gurl is trying not to sink all the way down on Oricon

jiarongisme 23rd February 2014 04:37 AM

Listening to Bon Voyage now and here are my thoughts on the album tracks:

I love SHOW ME YOUR HOLLA. I always have. Favorite album track of this album hands down.

I've highly underestimated LOADED! The preview made me think that it was gonna be a crappy song but it was so hot!

Winner Girls leaves a lot to be desired. It feels quite incomplete to me.

Imagine is very reminiscent of early 2000's Kuu! It would fit into feel my mind/BEST ~BOUNCE & LOVERS~ easily :laugh

Let's show tonight NEEDS to be longer. At least for the tour. Damn it's so good.

Crank Tha Bass is pretty repetitive and got kinda boring after a while. I can imagine a pretty epic dance break in the middle of the song live though.

I was on the fence about LOL when the PV came out. I still am. I can't decide whether to find it obnoxiously annoying or plain catchy.

On Your Side is such a great feel good song. Dat chorus <3 Somehow it reminds me of You are not alone. Maybe it's because of the R&B element of the song. But damn, probably the best album track after SHOW ME YOUR HOLLA. Wish it was longer though.

U KNOW is so good too! Great song to close off the album. I really like it!

Overall, Bon Voyage isn't JAPONESQUE/Black Cherry/secret for me, but as everyone has said, it's pretty damn cohesive and consistent in terms of quality (Koishikute feels horribly out of place though). It's definitely a good album! :yes

Delicious n Bold 23rd February 2014 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gustavopc (Post 3063649)
No wonder whhy Kuu is holding a ring buoy in that Shibuya promo pic, gurl is trying not to sink all the way down on Oricon

Don't bother with the shovel, I'm already dead and buried.

Dream 23rd February 2014 07:23 AM

I have to listen to the album a few times before having a final opinion but my first impression is definitely GREAT.

maze 23rd February 2014 08:36 AM

Gosh 3:30 am already and I cant get my excitement down. One of the best jpop albums released in the last years. Cant stop listening. God bless this flawless woman.

That meme tho. LoL

AyuHamasaki01 23rd February 2014 10:01 AM

I absolutely love the album. :luv2 One of her best albums imo but it could've done without Koishikute though.

Darkifrit 23rd February 2014 10:06 AM

After hearing the better quality rip (still not perfect though), i love Imagine, LOADED & Winner girls even better. Still in love with LOL, U KNOW & On Your Side.

I'm excited to assist to the live this year. I hope she will deliver a dynamic performance and that the show will be as huge as she announced.

tenshi no hane 23rd February 2014 10:13 AM

I translated Imagine~

Imagine (translation)
Spoiler:
I wonder why. I felt so perfect in my skin back then
Yet I’m no longer the way I was that day. I am today’s me
I’m off to the next stage. I want to believe in miracles
Everyone has freedom

Give me one more, give me one more
If you give me a chance, give me courage
I know I’ll be smiling tomorrow

*Everyone has choices
We can continue. We can stop
Try to fly even when the sky is dark and the nights are scary
To give wings to our lives…
Let’s paint our feelings
Like the clear blue sky
Everything will change now

Imagine
So let go

Things which I had cherished for so long
Left my side
I felt lonely and sad

But eventually I found new things to cherish
"We all lose things and gain new things"

Give me one more, give me one more
Give me strong willpower
Such as that of birds that fly away when the rain falls

*repeat

Everyone fails sometimes
The one paying the price is no one but you
No matter what anyone says, I’m myself
Like I said, let me go
I’ve been reborn
Believing me

*repeat

It’s a miracle that we could meet
In this vast world
Be it small or big, I know it meant something
To give wings to our lives…
Let’s paint our feelings
Like the clear blue sky
Everything will change now

Imagine
So let go

Heavenly 23rd February 2014 01:27 PM

I didn't listen to the whole album, only to SMYH, Introduction & Interlude, and LOADED (+single songs).
I'm keeping the rest when I'm getting the album ♥

So far, I think it's a really cool album, maybe the most Western album she has done (like Namie did with FEEL).

The only thing I have to critic, is the fact that she kept Koishikute and GTTT, and left out IS THIS TRAP? and XXX. Koishikute an GTTT are soooo old compared to this current era ! It doesn't fit !

Eewyi 23rd February 2014 01:33 PM

This album is just AMAZING.
I can't say anything more, I'm so hyped. One of my fav albums.
And I cry because Let's show tonight is a masterpiece, but so short ( T ___ T )

Gustavopc 23rd February 2014 01:48 PM

Just fell in love with Imagine cause of the lyrics, Gosh! Thanks a lot for translating!

pautilhosan 23rd February 2014 02:20 PM

*.* watchu waitin' on... *.*

==> Live Tour ~Let's Party Vol.2~

1. Can We Go Back (Prog5 Handz-Up Electro Remix)
2. POP DIVA (KOZM(R) Remix Lucas Valentine)
3. Hey baby! (FUTURE HOUSE UNITED Remix)
4. Whatchu Waitin’ On?

Neil 23rd February 2014 02:38 PM

OMG Touch Down is a JoJo cover <3

Surreal17 23rd February 2014 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tenshi no hane (Post 3063672)
I translated Imagine~

Imagine (translation)
Spoiler:
I wonder why. I felt so perfect in my skin back then
Yet I’m no longer the way I was that day. I am today’s me
I’m off to the next stage. I want to believe in miracles
Everyone has freedom

Give me one more, give me one more
If you give me a chance, give me courage
I know I’ll be smiling tomorrow

*Everyone has choices
We can continue. We can stop
Try to fly even when the sky is dark and the nights are scary
To give wings to our lives…
Let’s paint our feelings
Like the clear blue sky
Everything will change now

Imagine
So let go

Things which I had cherished for so long
Left my side
I felt lonely and sad

But eventually I found new things to cherish
"We all lose things and gain new things"

Give me one more, give me one more
Give me strong willpower
Such as that of birds that fly away when the rain falls

*repeat

Everyone fails sometimes
The one paying the price is no one but you
No matter what anyone says, I’m myself
Like I said, let me go
I’ve been reborn
Believing me

*repeat

It’s a miracle that we could meet
In this vast world
Be it small or big, I know it meant something
To give wings to our lives…
Let’s paint our feelings
Like the clear blue sky
Everything will change now

Imagine
So let go

The lyrics for Imagine are very beautiful. thanks :)

Especially this part - Let’s paint our feelings
Like the clear blue sky
Everything will change now

freedreamer 23rd February 2014 04:27 PM

On first listen, U KNOW is AMAZING!!!! LOL i Loveeee. The Intro is fantastic! Winner Girls is nice! Loaded is insanely god at the end hahaha

I think Imagine..is trying to step into the shoes of Slow and No Way, but to me, it doesnt have as much magic. I love the verses though.

I thought Let's Show Tonight was an interlude gosh lol! this would flow so well with SMYH i think haha. it's really good! Love the beat.

Crank Tha Bass is not my kinda song but i applaud her for trying something new.
Not feeling On Your Side so much too.

The singles are good for me haha

pimenta 23rd February 2014 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heavenly (Post 3063686)
The only thing I have to critic, is the fact that she kept Koishikute and GTTT, and left out IS THIS TRAP? and XXX. Koishikute an GTTT are soooo old compared to this current era ! It doesn't fit !

Actually, GTTT fitted perfectly after CRANK THA BASS and LOL in the album imo, I was even surprised myself because before I listened to the album I still didn't like that song, but now I'm actually liking it because it fitted the album really well!
But koishikute trully sounds misplaced... I liked it in the album though, it's nice to have a ballad there, it kind of balances the album nicely :)


So I've listened to the album many times already and I seriously think it's tied with UNIVERSE as my favorite Kuu album right now, I just love it so much!! :heart

Zeke. 23rd February 2014 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pautilhosan (Post 3063696)
*.* watchu waitin' on... *.*

==> Live Tour ~Let's Party Vol.2~

1. Can We Go Back (Prog5 Handz-Up Electro Remix)
2. POP DIVA (KOZM(R) Remix Lucas Valentine)
3. Hey baby! (FUTURE HOUSE UNITED Remix)
4. Whatchu Waitin’ On?

Omg I would've murdered to be at this concert. Love these remixes! Listen to them practically every day lifting since they were released.

I love that kumi does this. So rad.

tsumekaze_ 23rd February 2014 05:20 PM

This album is gorgeous.
Solid, beautiful, very kumi style. It turned me into a stan. LOVED IT.
I can't get why IS THIS TRAP wasn't included ARGH I CAN'T GET OVER IT. it would have been perfect.
I love all the songs, I was really fond of the singles already so yeah.♥
Go to the top is perfection, TOUCHDOWN, LALALA, dreaming now!♥
The only songs I could have lived without are CRANK THA BASS and let's show tonight, but I praise her for trying something different and doing it well, it's just that they aren't my cup of tea. I also have to let LOL grow on me a little because that chorus with the hahaha it's a bit strange, but I liked it as a whole and it def will!
Also Imagine, bleeeh. Nice lyrics but another r'n'b ballad, I can't stand it, skipped it after a while. I love koishikute and it fit very well with the flow of the album!
Also loved LOADED, winner girls, on your side, U KNOW, show me your holla and the interludes.

Irish_Ayu_Fan 23rd February 2014 05:24 PM

For me, LOL is the best on the album! Closely followed by Dreaming Now and Loaded.

Corvina 23rd February 2014 05:37 PM

Kuu appeared in a Gay Club in Tokyo tonight as a surprise. :)
Photos here:
https://m.facebook.com/KodaKumiFranc...pe=1&source=46

She also had a show appearance on FM Osaka today and a lots of fans were there.
Photos here:
https://m.facebook.com/KodaKumiFranc...pe=1&source=46
And here:
https://m.facebook.com/KodaKumiFranc...pe=1&source=46

AyusakiFan 23rd February 2014 08:03 PM

I didn't see this posted here so here is the link to the full LOL PV:

LOL PV

brener 23rd February 2014 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corvina (Post 3063722)
Kuu appeared in a Gay Club in Tokyo tonight as a surprise. :)
Photos here:
https://m.facebook.com/KodaKumiFranc...pe=1&source=46

She also had a show appearance on FM Osaka today and a lots of fans were there.
Photos here:
https://m.facebook.com/KodaKumiFranc...pe=1&source=46
And here:
https://m.facebook.com/KodaKumiFranc...pe=1&source=46

:thud

she killed it!! thanks for sharing, she was stunning at the club... look at her body :tipsy

marty 23rd February 2014 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsumekaze_ (Post 3063719)
I can't get why IS THIS TRAP wasn't included ARGH I CAN'T GET OVER IT. it

That's exactly how I felt when JAPONESQUE was released and they left Say Her Name out. AND I'M STILL NOT OVER THAT, lol.

All these reviews make waiting for my damn copy so haaaaard!!
Ugh!

SKYia 23rd February 2014 10:45 PM

OMG, I so don't know how to feel after listening to this album. There's no song I feel like listening on repeat (talking about the new songs only), I listen to LOL and On your side and they are good but no 'WOW factor' included. Imagine is something I have to listen to a bit more. Let's show tonight is very similar to SMYH and yet I totally dislike it (while I love SMYH), Interlude may grow on me, not sure, I have listened to Crank da bass twice and I can hardly classify it as music, the beginning is too weird to me and then it has this singing moment at 2:20, ......., headache. Finally U Know is nice but it sounds so american (katy perry or dunno), so not Koda Kumi, but I like it, it's fun, I guess.

I can say this album is a step up, she feels more matured (and old style songs like Koishikute, Go to the top and Dreaming now, even Lalalalala feel very off to me -although some fit the album but the feel like old Kuu vs new Kuu)

I feel bad that there's not even one song where I'd like to crush replay button and I feel I may not listen to this album unless I see it live and maybe like it better then. So much for being overexcited.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pautilhosan (Post 3063696)
*.* watchu waitin' on... *.*

==> Live Tour ~Let's Party Vol.2~

1. Can We Go Back (Prog5 Handz-Up Electro Remix)
2. POP DIVA (KOZM(R) Remix Lucas Valentine)
3. Hey baby! (FUTURE HOUSE UNITED Remix)
4. Whatchu Waitin’ On?

OMG, that florescent make up, awesome idea!Q!!!! I wanna watch the whole thing NOW :)

abestfah 24th February 2014 12:55 AM

I love how she promotes this album, I hope it's sold well, however I proud of her for giving great album again :)

Let's Party vol.2 is such an awesome concert by her, regret it's just provided for fanclub only.

CoriKaru 24th February 2014 01:03 AM

First Kumi Album I'm excited to listen to since nothing.

ALfromHELLSING 24th February 2014 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tenshi no hane (Post 3063672)
I translated Imagine~

Imagine (translation)
Spoiler:
I wonder why. I felt so perfect in my skin back then
Yet I’m no longer the way I was that day. I am today’s me
I’m off to the next stage. I want to believe in miracles
Everyone has freedom

Give me one more, give me one more
If you give me a chance, give me courage
I know I’ll be smiling tomorrow

*Everyone has choices
We can continue. We can stop
Try to fly even when the sky is dark and the nights are scary
To give wings to our lives…
Let’s paint our feelings
Like the clear blue sky
Everything will change now

Imagine
So let go

Things which I had cherished for so long
Left my side
I felt lonely and sad

But eventually I found new things to cherish
"We all lose things and gain new things"

Give me one more, give me one more
Give me strong willpower
Such as that of birds that fly away when the rain falls

*repeat

Everyone fails sometimes
The one paying the price is no one but you
No matter what anyone says, I’m myself
Like I said, let me go
I’ve been reborn
Believing me

*repeat

It’s a miracle that we could meet
In this vast world
Be it small or big, I know it meant something
To give wings to our lives…
Let’s paint our feelings
Like the clear blue sky
Everything will change now

Imagine
So let go

Thanks for the translation! Very beautiful lyrics indeed.

orangeakira 24th February 2014 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pautilhosan (Post 3063696)
*.* watchu waitin' on... *.*

==> Live Tour ~Let's Party Vol.2~

1. Can We Go Back (Prog5 Handz-Up Electro Remix)
2. POP DIVA (KOZM(R) Remix Lucas Valentine)
3. Hey baby! (FUTURE HOUSE UNITED Remix)
4. Whatchu Waitin’ On?

This was AMAZING! I can not wait to see the entire footage. The next time someone tries to justify why Ayu "can't" perform remixes live because it's "too hard" I'll show them this footage.

happiholic★ 24th February 2014 05:53 AM

a) Loooooooove Kuu's look at the gay club. Glad to see her supporting the community.

b) LOL's full PV made me like the song more. Thanks for posting!

c) I already love Imagine, despite that I haven't listened to it yet. Thanks for the translation! Just starting Winner Girls... which leads to...

d) I loved Loaded. Well, loving what I've heard so far all in all. It might be too soon to say, but I think I like this album more than I thought I would after hearing the previews.

e) Listening to Imagine now. Its pretty. The chorus <3

f) Wait... did someone call Touch Down a JoJo cover? I thought that was just a demo?

~StarCatcher~ 24th February 2014 08:08 AM

Imagine lyrics fir her latest interview so well.
So she really changed at least concerning her music style.

I really want to hear Bon Voyage and watch Let's Party vol. 2 so desperately after all your awesome critics♥

brener 24th February 2014 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoriKaru (Post 3063771)
First Kumi Album I'm excited to listen to since nothing.

same here, this is the first time ever that i'm excited about a kumi album :spinning

it's so unusual in japanese music industry to don't release an album for more than one year that when it happens with some well known artist like kumi we get more anxious about it! :yes

i hope for good numbers!

junniorkopke 24th February 2014 08:59 AM

Kumi peformed XXX and LOADED in a gay club yesterday, and surprisingly there's a fancam. ♥

http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/s...eId=0_06_02_99
Pass: kodakumi
Credits: kinot

She looks stunning and so happy. ♥

~StarCatcher~ 24th February 2014 09:11 AM

Cool she performed XXX, I will watch it as soon as I am at home.

Did you guys know that Kumi released three digital best albums last year.
Summer Single Collection, Complete Best and Winter single collection?
I only knew of the last one.

Does any of you have any link to them?;-)

Minttulatte 24th February 2014 11:12 AM

LOL PV was awesome. I really loved it♥ And Let's Party Vol.2 looked awesome in that remix medley video. I was so happy to see Whatchu Waitin' On performed live. It was one of my favorite songs from 2012 so it was nice. It also brought me some nice memories from that year. I totally overplayed the song then. I think it had over 330 plays at some point lol. :D I hope someone makes a audio rip of the whole concert if possible because I love to listen those so much~

It was also very nice of her to make a surprise visit in a gay club. I felt jealous that they got so close to her. It would have been an awesome experience for me as well♥

I'm just about to start listening to Bon Voyage and will come here to give some feedback on it later~

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~StarCatcher~ (Post 3063809)
Cool she performed XXX, I will watch it as soon as I am at home.

Did you guys know that Kumi released three digital best albums last year.
Summer Single Collection, Complete Best and Winter single collection?
I only knew of the last one.

Does any of you have any link to them?;-)

Those can be easily made by yourself too, if you got the songs in mp3 on your computer. That's what I did since the songs aren't even different from the originals. ;3

~StarCatcher~ 24th February 2014 11:23 AM

Okay cool.

I was searching for the albums, because I thought maybe there is some difference in certain songs.


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