Channel-Ai Community Blog - JPop reviews, articles

Ayumi Hamasaki’s 39th single instantly became a chart topper in 2006. With two powerful brand new songs, Hamasaki displayed her vocal abilities and released a single with high quality and a funky style which will definitely attract attention.

sHaKy LeGs is the debut single from Channel Ai Productions which will leave you bemused and amused at the same time. With country and rap in one song, one pretty much cannot go wrong. This single was a cover of eyn’s original single and was released commemorating his birthday.

After L’Arc~en~Ciel’s announced hiatus in 2000, the members started solo projects in 2001. tetsu’s solo project is TETSU69, and according to him, the “69″ stands for his birthyear and the all caps is for aesthetic reasons. His CDs were to be released under the name “SPROUSE”, which became his new (but now seemingly defunct) record label. His first single was the double a-side “wonderful world/TIGHTROPE” which peaked at spot #5 on the Oricon charts. In November 2002 his first, and to this date only, album was released entitled “Suite November”. Let’s see how L’Arc~en~Ciel’s bassist and leader fares on his own.

Ayumi Hamasaki’s recent album, released on New Year’s Day has raised many eyebrows and has again topped the charts. Hamasaki has portrayed an experimental and powerful side of herself as she produced a variety of genres within this album. This album focuses more onto her career, her take on feminism and life itself.

Chieco Kawabe’s fourth single in 2005, which was a double A single provided a more experimental and daring side of this young artist. With her use of English phrases inserted in the lyrics and her sweet vocals Chieco provides us with an excellent single with an upbeat, catchy song and a soothing and emotional ballad.