Aesthetic Rhapsody

Artist: Himeka
Release Date: November 25, 2009
Label: Sony Music Japan
Personal Rating: 4.5/5

1. Hatenaki Michi
2. Sora wa Oshietekureru
3. Hatenaki Michi (Instrumental)
4. Sora wa Oshietekureru (Instrumental)
5. Hatenaki Michi (Anime Edit) [Anime edition bonus track]
——————————————————————
Looks like Himeka was able to maintain her rising star repuation by releasing the incredible Hatenaki Michi ! This is definitely something unique when it comes to anime music and should definitely be one of Himeka’s best work up to date! (Well, there had only been two releases) I just love how her voice was already beautiful to listen to and this time, she had just taken a step p to make her vocals sound even more beautiful!

Then there’s Sora wa Oshietekureru that wasn’t really as serene but it does share the same upbeat style that was used in Asu e o Kizuna and still has the use of her awesome vocals.

Personal Rating: 4.5/5

Artist: Himeka
Release Date: May 27, 2009
Label: Sony Music Japan
Personal Rating: 5/5

1. Asu e no Kizuna
2. Sayonara Solitaire
3. Asu e no Kizuna (Instrumental)
———————————————————————–
I was looking for an artist with a few releases to feature another artists and I came upon Himeka! This happens to be her first release so I was like “Let’s add her!” And here she is with “Asu e no Kizuna!” I also loved the fact that the B-side song was a cover for (in my opinion) the most beautiful anime ending.

Usually in debuts (especially if Japanese is their second language!), artists would have a really hard time controlling their vocals when it’s getting recorded. Himeka is the total opposite. Sure she has some pronunciation problems here and their but the sound of her voice was like “b-e-a-utiful!” Although Asu e no Kizuna is a J-pop-oriented song, you could still tell that her voice can really sing!

Apparently, I also found out about Himeka when I heard that she was doing a cover for Saeko Chiba’s Sayonara Solitaire. (Which happens to be my favorite anime ending theme.) Unlike the original, the instrumental on consists of the piano, making the song have more of a romantic feel. (Chiba’s version had drums along with strings.) Plus, you could really see the emotion put into the song. Although her voice isn’t as high pitched as Chiba’s, it’s still a pretty nice song.

If I were to choose between Chiba’s or Himeka’s version, I’ll probably have one heck of a hard time deciding since they’re both really well sung.

Personal Rating: 5/5