Perfume JPN Review
I’m quite late on this review, but having recently gotten into Perfume’s intricate discography, I think this review is necessary. Perfume’s JPN is very polarizing; it behaves as if its both a best-of album and a full album (it was not promoted as a “best-of” album but rather as a full one). Unlike Utada Hikaru’s last two Japanese albums, which were quite cohesive, JPN is quite messy. It really feels like a splattered mess. I must add that it isn’t because of the sound, but because of prior knowledge of how the album was constructed. Knowledge is power, and sometimes it can subject you to a different way of thinking. In my case, I view it as a mess due to the fact that Perfume apparently make songs for commercials with albums in mind for later (according to Nakata, feel free to correct me). Although I like albums to be made cohesively with a completely finished product in mind, Japan doesn't think so as well. But, that doesn’t mean that JPN is garbage. Quite the contrary, some of the songs that are actually worth your time are actually WORTH your time.
NOTE: I’ve decided to review this album in a polarizing way to reflect how polarizing this album is among Perfume’s fandom: I will only count each individual song I like and divide the total by 14 (the number of tracks in the album). I feel like this method evokes a feeling of “disposable pop album to which you only listen for certain songs (IE Rihanna) or buy one song from on iTunes” but I believe that polarizing albums call for polarizing review methods.
The Opening
The opening didn't impress me much. It was calm, relaxing and I liked some of the chords and synths. But it isn’t a “true song” so I’m not going to count it in the end. (I must impress upon you that LEVEL3’s first song is an actual song. Maybe it’s to counteract those who thought that LEVEL3 is basically JPN2).
Lazer Beam (Album Mix)
I liked the original song for a hot minute during winter 2012. However, I realized that the song stopped giving me “life” so to speak. It started to feel flat, boring and uninspired. Then Nakata brought out the album mix. I really like it. Unlike the original, I can actually handle this song over and over. It sounds great with good headphones. I think I like it because, as I listen to it, I expect the key changes. When they occur drastically at the 1:35 and 2:30 periods, I feel like I’m listening to a badass version of Lazer Beam. It’s like it “matured”. Definitely recommended.
Glitter (Album Mix)
The original song is a song that I liked for 20 seconds then disposed of like Paris Hilton’s singing career. The album mix also changed my views of the song. As I said about Lazer Beam, it feels like the song “grew up”. The extended intro also helps too. That “pikapika” is really cute and adds something new to the song. I know that “pikapika” means sparkle or something in Japanese (like one of those onomatopoeia “gorogoro”, “boroboro” or “dokidoki”), but sometimes it feels like they’re going to use thundershock! I know that I gave this song a bit of praise, but I can’t recommend it. For all the positives that I’ve mentioned, there are an equal amount of negatives: the song drags, their voices (although cute, along with the pikapika) are annoying, and the repetitive tune of the song doesn't blend well with the arrangement and still feels bland to me. Overall, just stick to the Album Mix of Lazer Beam.
Natural Ni Koishite
I’m on the fence with this one. I have it on my iPod, but I never ever choose to listen to it. I was going to tell you what JPN songs I have on my iPod but that means I would give away the entire review. I cannot do that. Natural Ni Koishite is easy breezy and so Japanesy. There’s nothing wrong with the song per say. However, it does tend to drag and it never leaves its “comfort zone” or has any interesting melodies on which I can latch. I removed it from my album as soon as I realized how good Lazer Beam Album Mix was. Skipping this track wont harm you
My Colo(u)r
However, do not skip this song. I paid it dust because I didn't care about the four album tracks for Perfume’s second best album JPN. But then I listened to it and fell in love. I am absolutely crazy for the synths. It does drag but damn, those synths. They blend perfectly with Perfume’s auto-tuned voices. I am not going to pull a Glitter on you and say that I wont recommend it. The song is 100% worth your time and money.
Toki no Hari
This song is as messy as Ayuma Hammysaki’s 15th anniversary celebrations. It should never have seen the light of day. Ever. I can handle cute (kyary pamyu pamyu, utada’s boku wa kuma) but the marching drum makes me want to cry.
Nee
As much as I hate Toki no Hari’s cuteness, I love Nee’s cuteness. It compliments the synths. At least Nakata knows when to compliment the girls’ voices when its time (advertisements, commercials) or during the random stroke of pure luck (Night Flight, Edge, Game). From the bubbly synths to the breakdown at the end, everything is perfect and just works.
Kasuka Na Kaori
This is a song that I absolutely dislike. The title is a different thing altogether, and the kanji in kasuka is visually pleasing. But the song is sleep inducing boring, like most of Lana Del Rey (in my opinion of course). Off to 575.
575
The haiku song. I love it. I remember when I was asked to write haiku in grade 9 for a project. So I wrote a whole page full of haiku. However, you’re only supposed to write 3 lines. Instead, I wrote about 12-15 singular haiku poems and tried to make it cohesive. I was marked harshly for this, however, as “it’s only 3 lines maximum” and “not writing 3 lines about 12 times”. Nakata did this and I really like it. I like the lyric flow and the bootleg raps that the girls execute very well. It’s a slow jam but it’s not boring per say. It won’t put you to sleep like Lana Del Rey did for me (if you ever need a lullaby, Video Games is your answer, or even 23:20). Highly recommended.
Voice
I’m off the fence with this one, in a good way. I hate the Engrish. I wish that the Japanese would at least attempt to speak English properly (grammar and phonetically). I seriously thought it was “Everything you need to use your voice” but it’s “Everything you need to know. The voice.” They have the actual sounds to make the words, even in a bit of an Engrish way, but whatever. The song is great. The explosive chorus is like a climax every time I listen to it. I never look forward to a chorus in a song, but this song is different. The instrumental is awesome as well.
Kokoro no Sports/ Have a Stroll
I’ve decided to review these two together. I shall keep it short and sweet for you. Both songs go nowhere and they’re very monotone to me. Someone once said that Nakata was asleep when he made this album. Maybe he was. These songs sound like he was being forced at gunpoint to make something before the deadline.
Fushizen Na Girl
Finally something kick ass. One of Perfume’s best songs in my humble opinion. Ignoring the horrid English again (no excuses, we live in 2013 and even in 2010, there was no excuse). I absolutely adore the instrumental. I love the do-do-do-do in the verses along with the subtle lalalas from the girls as well. It’s catchy, fun pop music. Perfume’s Nakata at his best.
Spice
A slice of ethereal, repetitive pop music. This works in its favour, however. The song is just pure bliss to listen to. Even though it’s repetitive, it does not feel that way. They song’s key shifts and subtle blips take your mind off of the slightly interesting lyrics. A great way to end the album.
My Favourite Tracks:
- Lazer Beam (Album Mix)
- My Color
- Nee
- 575
- Voice
- Fushizen Na Girl
- Spice
TOTAL: 5/10
(7/14 songs)