Aesthetic Rhapsody

Artist: Yui
Release Date: October 7, 2009
Label: Sony Music Japan
Personal Rating: 4.5/5

1. It’s all too much
2. Never say die
3. again (YUI Acoustic Version)
4. It’s all too much (Instrumental)
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Unlike some of the other artists, Yui does not take forever to release a single! (Her last one was Again which she relased during the Summer earlier this year.)

It’s all too much still has that Yui touch. There’s still the acoustics, piano and light rock that has been stuck on most of Yui’s song for the past releases but with a little twist. The whole arrangement since her last single has taken a huge step up the J-pop ladder and her vocals made the song even more memorable! Again was really good but It’s all too much was even better.

The second A-side had the title that I would ahave least expected Yui to sing about. (I don’t know why) Anyways, Never say die may have had a pretty cold title but the song is actually pretty upbeat and energetic! Just like It’s all too much, Never say die had all of the usual Yui components but with a huge improvement arrangement-wise!

This has been one of the most unique tradition of J-pop singles; to include Acoustic versions from the previously released A-side. again (YUI Acoustic Version) still had that awesomeness. The arrangement has less intrumentals and maintained almost everything from the original song.

Personal Rating: 4.5/5

Artist: Yui
Release Date: January 17, 2007
Label: Sony Music Japan
Personal Rating: 3.5/5

1. Rolling star
2. Winter Hot Music
3. I remember you ~YUI Acoustic Version~
4. Rolling star ~Instrumental~
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If it wasn’t for watching Bleach, I wouldn’t even be reviewing a Yui release right now! (Life was actually the first song that I heard from her.)

Rolling star was the second song from Yui used in Bleach. Although this was a popular opening theme back in the day, I honestly got tired of the song really easily. I thought that the fast paced instrumentals and vocals were really too fast which made the timing of the guitar sound a little off. I’ll admit that I liked it the first time I heard it but the song isn’t really the best song from Yui.

Winter Hot Music also sounded a little draggy. It’s taken on a slower pace compared to Rolling Star but there’s nothing really special about it.

The I remember you ~YUI Acoustic Version~ is just like the original only the instrumentals have changed. (Just like the other acoustic versions.) I thought that the original was better, though.

Personal Rating: 3.5/5

Artist: Yui
Release Date: June 13, 2007
Label: Sony Music Japan
Personal Rating: 4/5

1. My Generation
2. Understand
3. CHE.R.RY (YUI Acoustic Version)
4. My Generation (Instrumental)
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Like the usual Yui, My Generation is a very uplifting and mid-tempo track that never fails to make you feel happy. It’s kind of reminds me of some of her old tracks only that her voice doesn’t sound as awkward. Another signature Yui element included was the expertly played electric guitar in the background. It’s nothing new but it’s still worth listening.

Now, Understand really didn’t have that same “omph” feeling from My Generation. For the most part, it’s more of a ballad than the usual acoustic or pop but it’s still an appealing track to listen to.

The CHE.R.RY (YUI Acoustic Version) keeps the same arrangement as the original except with different background isntrumentals. CHE.R.RY just happens to be one of my favorite Yui songs so I thought that the Acoustic version was also an interesting listen.

Personal Rating: 4/5

Artist: Yui
Release Date: September 26,2007
Label: Sony Music Japan
Personal Rating: 3.5/5

1. LOVE & TRUTH
2. Jam
3. My Generation (YUI Acoustic Version)
4. LOVE & TRUTH (Instrumental)
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Although Yui is popular for her fast tempo pop and rock style, she plays with the more sorrowful style. LOVE & TRUTH starts at a very gloomy tempo but then the electric guitar played in the background doesn’t pick up the pace until at least 1/3rd of the song is played. Not to mention that her vocal style became more ballad-like and attempts to make the song sound beautiful. I guess she did a decent job but I wouldn’t really call this my favorite Yui song.

Just as the title suggests, Jam has more of that rock feel. For some reason, I didn’t really think that the ballad genre suited Yui’s vocals because when it comes to her rock and pop music, I think the vocals…fit in more. With “Jam” however, is a different story. It’s like those kind of songs that are good but could have been better.

Yui always added an acoustic version of the past A-side as an addition to her singles. In other words, the original version of My Generation (YUI Acoustic Version) was the A-side of the past album. This time, she did a better job on making the song sound more acoustic.

Personal Rating: 3.5/5

Artist: Yui
Release Date: June 3, 2009
Label: Sony Music Japan
Personal Rating: 4.5/5

1. again
2. Sea
3. SUMMER SONG (YUI Acoustic Version)
4. again (Instrumental)
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As everyone says, again is one heck of an A-side. Looks like she’s back to her face paced and energetic style compared to the styles used in the past few releases! Except that this style is much similar to one of her old releases, “Rolling Star.” Just by the first listen, I was quickly able to tell that Yui used more effort for her vocals to sound better. Looks like a big step for you, Yui!

Like most of Yui’s and other J-pop singles, the B-side doesn’t normally surpass the A-side. But come to think of it, Sea actually had stronger vocals for the most part. Although I thought that the style of the song was more laid back, the vocals just…you know, sounded at best. Despite better vocals, I still prefer “again.”

Personal Rating: 4.5/5