 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
MISIA – Kiss In the Sky – Rhythmedia Tribe/avex trax
“Kiss In The Sky” is Misia’s latest full-length album, and her first since signing with music conglomerate avex trax via her management’s Rhythmedia Tribe label. Following on the heels of last year’s fantastic MISIA REMIX 2002 album, the new songs presented here are a bit of a mixed bag. Going for a decidedly more commercial feel, Misia juggles her soulful voice between her usual selection of ballads, urban pop and uptempo dance numbers.
She fares best on ballads like “Nemurenai Yoru wa Kimi no Sei (My Sleepless Nights Are Because Of You)” and the discofied “Taiyou ga Iru Kara”. Other songs like “Don’t Stop Music” suffer from dated-sounding production and instrumentation, coming off sounding like a Max Martin-produced Britney Spears leftover.
Misia’s voice is strong as always, but she would be better off working with producers who can bring her back to the R&B and House sound that she helped popularize in Japan. She is a true diva, and needs songs that can bring out her true potential. There’s no need to resort to cookie-cutter pop fluff.
Still, gems like the beautiful “Tobikata wo Wasureta Chisana Tori” (featured in the Star Ocean III PS2 game) on this album outweigh the clunkers. I’m just a little bit disappointed that “Kiss In The Sky” feels like a rehash of the “Marvelous” album, instead of a bold step forward into new territory for our Misia. Let’s hope her upcoming EP with So So Def’s Jermaine Dupri will help remedy the situation.
|
|
 |
Moulann – Introspective – Independent CD
“Introspective” is the full length debut of Toronto-based Moulann Chang, who recently topped the English-language ranking chart of Grooveasia.com. An accomplished singer-songwriter, she has written all of the songs on this album.
Skilfully produced by the artist with Adam Messinger, the album showcases her talent for writing melodic and catchy hooks, matched with emotional lyrics. Moulann’s voice shines on the plaintive “Over Again” and “Where Did Forever Go?”, accompanied only by piano. Although focusing mainly on ballads, there is a variety of sounds on the album.
Album opener “Dancing on a Cloud” is an energetic drum & bass influenced cut, while “Sweet Baby” explores an urban R&B feel, featuring Nasri from Toronto radio station Flow 93.5. An interesting contrast to most of the songs on the album is “Amitofo” which features Buddhist chanting over chilled electronic beats.
My only qualm for this album is that some of the songs are a bit on the short side, leaving you longing for more. Moulann’s next release will see her collaborating with different producers, and I look forward to hearing the results.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
