The Idol Thread
 

Basically if an idol doesn't have their own thread then talk about them in here. I'll start.

This is an older group but I'm sure some people have heard of them before. CANDIES. I've been listening to them quite a bit lately.



One of my favorite groups. I wish they would have had a reunion.

Also Shizuka Kudo

This is one of my favorite songs



She's awesome. I haven't made a ranking of idols I like besides AKB but I'm pretty sure if I did she would be high in the ranking.

Lastly I'll go with a more recent group Sea☆A who although they are from Singapore they are trying to break into the Japanese market.



I can't say I'm a fan just yet but I am keeping an eye on them to see what their next release will be.

I thought this was pretty interesting: there's a new idol group from Vision Factory and Avex releasing their debut single on September 21 called "More Kiss / Song for You" - the odd thing is that they don't even have a name yet.

No name, yet their single is available for preorder on CDJapan already. :P

AVCD-16246 [CD+DVD]
AVCD-16247 [CD+Photobook]
AVCD-16248 [CD Only]

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't intrigued though...

That's interesting. I wonder what they will sound like and what the name will be? Since it's supposed to come out in September I'm sure there will be more info soon.

A few years ago I discovered SweetS! Their music is very candy pop-like, but it's nice to listen to on a warm summer day. :yes
Sadly they disbanded 2006. :(


My favourite song is Lolita - Strawberry in Summer




They were SO young, but very talented...I think! And it's sad that they didn't have more success!

I've heard of SweetS. I really should try listening to them more but from what I've heard they sound pretty good. Too bad they were not around very long. I like Love Like Candy Floss. What would you recommend from them?

Also

Looking at the group SUPER☆GiRLS site it looks like they have a 3rd single coming out. PASSPO's Vivi Natsu PV is out. I'd post it but it seems like it was removed now.

^ "Love Like Candy Floss" is a great song too! :yes

So far I've 14 songs by them and they're all really great. Besides "Strawberry" and "Candy Floss" I can also recommend "Lonesome Cherry", "Love Raspberry Juice", "Mienai Tsubasa", "Dear My Friends" and "Grow Into Shinin Stars".

The titles of their songs are always so cute and so are the songs themselves. :heart

If you want, I can upload the songs I have for you?!

I really like Shizuka Kudo's singles. It helps that they were written by Miyuki Nakajima (including the one listed in the original post, which is my favorite). Her albums I've listened to up until "Mind Universe" and I can't remember a single album track xD I'll definitely get one of her 'best of' albums at some point.

pre-dia is another relatively new group who has just recently released their second single on July 20, titled "Dream Of Love":



Ranging in ages from 20-25, the 12 members of the group understandably present a more mature image compared to most other idol groups.

Their first single, "Dia Love" was released earlier in the year on January 26 through the Jolly Roger music label and though they're still in their indie phase, I am optimistic about their future given they share the same management company as sister group PASSPO☆, Platinum Passport, and are very often their opening act, increasing their own visibility.

I could see them becoming really popular with the proper support of a major label behind them and look forward to checking out their first album whenever it releases. :cool

pre-dia sounds pretty good.

Thanks for the recommendations. I'll go take a listen to those. It's okay you don't have to but thanks :)

^^ Damita - Yeah you should :)

The second line-up for the Tokyo Idol Festtival 2011 was announced. The first line up has Idoling!!!, Sakura Gakuin, The Possible, SUPER☆GiRLS, Tokyo Joshiryu, Vanilla Beans, Fudanjuku, Passpo☆, and YGA.

The 2nd line up is

IDOL COLLEGE, usa☆usa Shojo Club, AeLL., GAL♡DOLL, Survive-ZERO, G☆Girls, SPACE GIRLS PLANET, W∞Anna, choice?, DEMPAGUMI.inc, 9nine, Nakano Fujoshi Sisters, VIC:CESS, Bitter Sweetz, Fanta☆Peace, Mugiwara☆Musume, and R☆M.

Yay for PASSPO, Nakano Fujoshi Sisters/Fudanjuku, 9nine and DEMPAGUMI.inc
Some of the other acts are okay too. Hopefully afterwords footage appears on Youtube like there is some from last year. The last Tokyo idol festival was on DVD so hopefully this one will be too.

I found out about Onyanko Club while looking up AKB and omg I love their songs :luv2 .. Their videos are so much fun to watch because of all the 80's fashion :thud. I really like older mangas (from the mid 80's and 90's) so this was like seeing them come to life :laugh. The girls are really cute too.



edit: I'M LISTENING TO THEIR PANIC THE WORLD ALBUM AND IT'S SOOO GOOD :thud :heart .. Every song on it is absolutely wonderful ! Many of the girls have solo albums as well and I can't wait to start listening to them as well :luv2. I feel like I found a treasure :laugh

If I recall correctly, Onyanko Club served as the inspiration for Morning Musume and pretty much every single idol group that's been created since. But I've checked out none of their stuff yet. Need to rectify that.

Man, totally missed this thread and I'm the one that insisted you make it, Amrai. lol i fail @ lyfe D: Lots of good stuff posted here, definitely will check them all out.

Right now I'm checking out a new Avex idol group called Fairies. They're young but they aren't typically cutesy or funny, their debut single ("More Kiss") has a cool traditional R&B sound to it:





^This is "Song for You" the second A-side that has more of a rock vibe to it. I love the dance, lol.

[EDIT]OMG I'm a total spazz I just realized FIRSTKLAS and I are talking about the same group! :roflmao

^Haha, yeah, that's the same group I mentioned in the second post. :laugh

Tokyohive posted a story earlier in the month that sums up the news about their first single pretty well (covers, tracklists, etc.) and I had meant to repost the info here but I wasn't sure how to go about it since it was already written so well. :P

I'm not sure how I feel about Fairies yet. I like that they're from Vision Factory (so you can trust that they'll be trained really well) and how they're doing an R&B-influenced sound but I'm a little weary because they're so young. It's not that I think it's inappropriate or anything and I do understand that their ages are so that they can grow and have longevity as a group (since they're probably not going to have graduations) but it also feels like they're too young to really sell the image and sound they're presenting. I'm worried it's gonna be like "Mini Pops" versions of J-R&B hits for the first few years. :/

Anyway...

SUPER GiRLS are going to be releasing their third single "Joshiryoku Paradise" on October 5, 2011 (one week after their first concert DVD) and the PV is already up on YouTube:



The discography section at their official site has covers and tracklists up for all four editions. The radio drama version features "Jenny" dolls posed as the girls on the cover. When I first saw them, I was a little freaked out because I thought the girls were wearing doll masks or something. :S

Overall, I like the song. It's a good follow up to "MAX! Otome Gokoro". :yes

Not much of a SUPER GIRLS fan but the song and PV are quite good.

And I have that same worry about Fairies. I really like this group but it is weird seeing young, skinny preteens taking on such a cool and sensual image that is usually reserved for the mid/older teen idols. I believe they can get a good following of young girls that look up to and admire them as well as wotas but there's that possibility that because of their image and their ages, their music and talent won't be taken seriously. VF seems to be trying to handle them carefully, by having them debut with an A-side that's cool and sexy and a second A-side that's more energetic and fun. I imagine if the 'More Kiss' style proves faulty, they'll opt for the cute, pop rock style of 'Song For You'. They're getting a lot of attention and promotion (as opposed to other idols) for their debut though so it'll be interesting to see how they fare. If they do good, then I'm definitely making a thread for them. :P

Oh and the full PV for "More Kiss" is out:



And on the TIF2011 front, Afilia Saga East (the awesome group I posted below) has been dominating the past two days with eight appearances and four packed setlists so hopefully this means an appearance on the DVD/bluray this time around for them. :)

Afilia Saga East is interesting. I'd checked out their debut album, whitism, shortly after it released and I have to say that if there is such a genre as "hardcore idol" they'd certainly be it. Not because they do hyper, "positive genki!" music or anything, but more like because of their characters, costumes, and concept. If being an idol means embodying the fantasies and ideals of your audience, ASE certainly does that in a hyper-real kind of way. :cool

Some more idols news...

Ebisu Muscats have opened an official site and will be releasing their fifth single Ropponpon Fantasy on 2011.10.12

As usual, the single comes in three editions but this time two of them are CD+DVD:

UPCH-80254 [CD+DVD] [Regular Edition] w/ PV
UPCH-89107 [CD+DVD] [Limited Pressing] w/ live footage
UPCH-89108 [CD Only] [Special Price Edition]

Each edition has a different last track which is a live version of one of the subunit songs that first appeared on their first album back in May.

I'm rather disappointed with the tracklists, to be honest. I'd hoped that with the creation of the subunits (Hercules, Purukawa, and Ebisu Rotary Shimai) there would be new, unique songs on each edition of their singles from now on, but since it looks like they're still scrimping on material, like they've done with their previous singles, I don't think I'm going to bother buying them anymore. ...besides, any new subunit songs will probably end up on the next album anyway. :P

This is an idol group from the early 90's called "Sakurakko Club"! Most of the members were the first half of SeraMyu (Sailor Moon Musical).

^ Pretty cool. Then again I love Sera Myu.

In some news Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku released a short version of the PV for their new single Motto Hashire!



and PASSPO will have a live show on the 26th of November with Afilia Saga East and Dorothy Little Happy.

Sea☆A's PV for their second single is out.



It's also on their official channel along with other videos of the girls.

http://www.youtube.com/user/seaaofficial

Wow i actually love both ofSea☆A 's songs ! and i usually HATE idol songs better than most idol things i've heard from jJapan recently X) gunna follow them from now on! i hope they succeed~!

Idol music is definitely an acquired taste. I started off liking a few acts and finding most others boring but in a few years time, it developed and now it's mostly all I listen to. Stuff like Watarirouka Hashiritai and Sakura Gakuin I would have found to be snorefests just a year ago but now, can't get enough of them. XP Glad you found a group you like. :)

Deli Deli Delicious is definitely miles better than Dream Shooter and the PV is so fun, wacky and cute I love it. :luv2

Another debut to report... :D



This is ChocoLe.

They are a trio of middleschoolers signed under Watanabe Entertainment who will be releasing their debut single, ミルクとチョコレート (Milk to Chocolate), on December 28 via Avex. The song is the third ending theme for the anime SKET DANCE and began airing in October. The group consists of Kaede Hashimoto (who is also a current member of Idoling!!!), Kurumi Takahashi (a gravure idol), and Ramu Tamagawa (a fashion model).

Gravure association aside (:/), my first impression of ChocoLe is quite favourable. I think they're cute and I like their outfits and the song is pretty good, if standard, idol music. I really can't see them lasting very long or ever doing anything "revolutionary" but I doubt that's one of their goals. I think they're just here to have fun and make people feel good with positive energy and music and that's good enough for me. :)

Official Homepage: http://chocole.net/

I am currently checking out Fairies as well.

Their second single: [2011.12.21] HERO / Sweet Jewel

It's another double a-side.

A bit on info on the group: http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Fairies

I recommend this!! It's a hip-hop idol group "tengal6" and this is their debut song "Put Your Hands Up!"

Heard of ChocoLe a while back I see they finally debuted. tengal6 actually sounds pretty good. At first I thought I don't know but by the end the song it was nice. It's different. I'll keep an eye on them.

In some news
PASSPO's first major album is out.

Check in

Regular Edition
Limited Edittion with Photobook Type A
Limited Edition with Photobook Type B

Kaho is going to graduate from PASSPO due to a back injury.

This is MMJ their single came out on December 11th. This is a preview of the PV.



and the live version.


　　

I'm sad about Kaho graduating from PASSPO. She was one of my favourite members (along with Naomi :heart). It's even worse since she's leaving for health reasons and not because she wants to. ;_;

The live version of the MMJ song sounds better than the studio version, it has more energy in it. Though, I think the song in general would be a lot better if it had more production to it. Right now, it sounds a little too much like karaoke.

SUPER GiRLS will be releasing their second album EveryBody JUMP!! on February 1, 2012 (the same day as Kuu's newest album):

http://i39.tinypic.com/w81auh.jpg
AVCD-39057 CD Only
※ First press bonus: Picture disc (1 of 12 designs)

http://i40.tinypic.com/2sadqoh.jpg
AVCD-39056 CD+DVD Regular Edition
※ First press bonus: Four-fold cardboard sleeve packaging

http://i42.tinypic.com/qss8ya.jpg
AVCD-39055 CD+DVD Limited Edition
※ Limited edition bonus: Hardcover slipcase and deluxe booklet

CD:
01. Welcome to ♥ S☆G Show!! II
02. 女子力←パラダイス (Joshiryoku Paradise) ※3rd SG
03. 絶対自分前進宣言！ (Zettai Jibun Zenshin Sengen!)
04. がんばって 青春 (Ganbatte Seishun) ※1st SG
05. メガ★トゥインクル (Mega★Twinkle)
06. シェルターなんかいらない (Shelter Nanka Iranai)
07. 夕焼け空に、また明日 (Yuuyake Sora ni, Mata Ashita)
08. My dream
09. MAX！乙女心 (MAX! Otome Gokoro) ※2nd SG
10. BELIEVER
11. EveryBody JUMP!!
12. Dear～未来の地図～ (Dear ~Mirai no Chizu~)
13. 笑顔の羽根 (Egao no Hane)

Only three songs on the album are previously released. I'm really surprised at that, actually, since this is Avex were dealing with and they can be notoriously cheap when it comes to recycling single tracks for albums. They didn't even include any of the b-sides that had commercial tie-ins. :)

Regular Edition DVD:
01. がんばって 青春 (Music Video)
02. MAX！乙女心 (Music Video)
03. 女子力←パラダイス (Music Video)
04. EveryBody JUMP!! (Music Video)
05. EveryBody JUMP!! (Music Video Making)

Limited Edition DVD:
01. がんばって 青春 (Music Video)
02. がんばって 青春 (Music Video Making)
03. MAX！乙女心 (Music Video)
04. MAX！乙女心 (Music Video Making)
05. 女子力←パラダイス (Music Video)
06. 女子力←パラダイス (Music Video Making)
07. EveryBody JUMP!! (Music Video)
08. EveryBody JUMP!! (Music Video Making "Chouzetsu" ver.)

<Bonus Contents>
01. CM Collection
02. Dance Video Collection
● みらくるが止まンないっ！ (Miracle ga Tomannai!)
● ときめき色の風とキミ (Tokimekiiro no Kaze to Kimi)
● がんばって 青春 (Ganbatte Seishun)
● MAX！乙女心 (MAX! Otome Gokoro)
● EveryBody JUMP!!

I'm not sure if the CM collection only includes those for EveryBody JUMP!! or if it's for all their releases up to now since their official site doesn't specify what it consists of.

The dance video collection is probably live performances since "Tokimekiiro no Kaze to Kimi" doesn't have a PV.

Overall, everything looks really good. I'm glad Avex didn't skimp with this release and include everything that was previously available on a single. It makes buying them and supporting SUPER GiRLS worthwhile since they'll (hopefully always) contain exclusive material. :yes

Yeah hopefully Kaho will be seen in media or something again one day. I wonder how SUPER GIRLS will do up against Koda Kumi?

The group BiS released their single Primal on their Soundcloud last night. It sounds pretty good.

Just wondering, but does anyone want to create a thread for Fairies (avex girl group; group is being managed buy vision factory) in the Artists & Band Section?

I am starting to get into this group, but I don't really want to be the thread starter/owner, so I was wondering if someone wanted to take the initiative to create the artist thread for them. :)

A artist thread would be good. Do we have enough interest for a artist thread?

^ Thx for making the thread. Yup, since a few ppl have posted in their artist thread. :)

No problem. Good to see the thread is doing well.

Now for some more idol news.

BiS messed with fans minds when they said their song IDOL would be a more traditional idol song and posted a preview of the PV with themselves in maid outfits.

When the actual PV came out however they showed a more metal rock style going different from the usual as they typically do and they slapped their manager for putting fans through this.



Then recently they announced they joined avex and have added 2 new members. Michibayashi Rio and Wakisaka Yurika. They will apparently have their major debut in the summer.

This thread needed an update. I'll try to keep it updated.

Alice Project the people behind Alice Juban made a new group called Steamgirls. Their concept seems Cyberpunk although they are apparently going for Steampunk idols. As you can see this leads to many bright colors.

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/535...smainimage.jpg

Let's have some of their music do the taking for them.



On 3/6 it looks like there will be a Alice Juban x Steamgirls release so that should be interesting.

BABYMETAL released their latest single if you haven't head it already



It has a power metal feel to it. I believe the song is on iTunes as well.

Momoclo's new album will be called 5th Dimension and will be released on 4/10.

^
Those chicks need a bit of voice training though. Idek about the concept. But the singing is so lacking :no

Yeah a little rough around the edges but I think they can improve.

Tokyo Idol Festival once again has a good line up. http://idolfes.com/2013/

BABYMETAL's new single out on the 19th

^ I love this song!

It's a really good one :) apparently it's sold well. 21,999 or around there.

BABYMETAL are perfect!!!!! I just learned about them a few days ago and am so in love with them <3

I love BABYMETAL, I have all their singles (except tokidoki morning, it goes for around 8,000 yen on YAJ :irked ), I can't get enough of them! :luv2 I hope they release an album soon!

I'm kind of evaluating the characteristics of Tanaka Reina...is she more of a "beautiful" girl or more of a "cute" girl, if anybody have a choice? I'd consider her more of a "cute" girl - a "classic idol" girl, to be more specific...

Aren't idol girls supposed to be more of "cute" girls?

I'm SO FREAKING EXCITED about BABYMETAL's new album coming out next month!! :thud

http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=TFCC-86461

It says there will be 13 thirteen tracks. I'm hoping they won't include every single one of the b-side songs as it lists on CDJ, but I'm sure we'll get a more concise tracklist closer to the release date. I just love the proposed CD+DVD cover:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...psd57a28ce.jpg

^ Unfortunately, that tracklist is already confirmed :(

Erm... could anyone please post the romaji for the BABYMETAL tracklist? I can't recognize the titles lol

1. BABYMETAL DEATH
2. Megitsune
3. Gimme choco!!
4. ii ne!
5. Benitsuki ~aka tsuki
6. Tokidoki morning
7. おねだり大作戦 Onedari ?? (Scrounge battle?)
8. 4の歌 (Song of 4?)
9. Uki uki midnight
10. Catch me if you can
11. 悪夢の輪舞曲 (Nightmare rondo?)
12. Headbanger!!
13. Ijime, dame, zettai

Until someone can do a proper translation, that's what my limited Japanese and google came up with... :innocent

I just pre-ordered my copy at CDJ tonight, super excited to have the single PVs on the album at least. :luv2

Kinda disappointed, but I hope those 3 new tracks are amazing enough to make me forget about that. Seriously, BABYMETAL DEATH isn't even a decent song. :S

Thanks so much Earth Maiden! And yes, sucks there are so few new songs :(

CDJapan sent my copy off today, I can't wait to hear the new tracks. :love

So on BABYMETAL's facebook there was an announcement about an upcoming concert happening on the 10th of January in Saitama. There was also a link for non-Japanese citizens to apply for tickets. I applied for one, but even if I don't get one via the lottery option (I've had no luck with ticket lotteries at all this year :irked ) I'll be going to see them. I leave Japan on the 11th of Jan so that timing is so perfect. :luv2

Tempted to start up a BABYMETAL thread, since they don't have their own but would anyone be interested in discussing them?

Me!
Saw them live this year and I am slowly catching up.
Never noticed this thread before honestly.