GAM [Thanks !]

Casey — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 20:21:44 +0000

GAM is the newest super group of Hello Project, composed of Fujimoto Miki and Matsuura Aya, my two favorite gals in the whole world. As you may already know, Aya is a successful solo artist while Miki will soon be the leader of Morning Musume. Thanks ! is their first single released on September 13, 2006. Tsunku has really created something big here…and I can’t help but wonder if he’s creating a definite place for Miki to go when she graduates from Morning Musume. Aya and Miki had been grouped together before in Gommatou, along with Maki Goto. Will this be the group that finally sticks? I hope so.

My Subjective Score: 9.5/10

1. Thanks !
This is a very infectious track! I love the fast-paced chorus and background music, which makes it great to dance to. Aya and Miki compliment each other very well. Thanks ! was a smart first single for the two.

2. Shinkirou Romance
A sweet longing love song that doesn’t fall into the ballad trap of similarity. I can already understand that GAM is going to try to be more of a mature and serious group.

Track 1: Thanks !

Track 2: Shinkirou Romance

Track 3: Thanks ! (Instrumental)

There are a lot of leg shots! If you’re not familiar the word “gam”, it also happens to be a slang term for sexy legs, supposedly. They are really playing this up big time. Aya and Miki are doing some sexy dancing behind a bright pink screen and flashing lights that is surprising. I can’t say they are hip-hop stars, however. Every know and then the girls are sitting in a huge leather chair, crossing their legs. The name of the single just should have been “Legs!”

Matsuura Aya [Suna wo You ni . . . NAMIDA]

Casey — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 05:38:43 +0000

Aya is my all-time favorite artist! She is not the greatest dancer or singer, though she has improved over the past few years, but her cuteness is alarming. You will be seeing many posts of Ayaya in this blog! Suna wo You ni … NAMIDA is Aya’s 19th single released on February 8th, 2006, and it reached the #5 spot on Oricon. Both of the songs are touching ballads that will put you in a relaxed mood.

My Subjective Score: 8.5/10

1. Suna no You ni … NAMIDA
A nice tempo for Aya to sing pleasantly with and to display her maturity. This would be a song I would sing when I’m in a “happy towards the whole world” mood and catching clouds, although the song is about a lost love. Go here to read translated lyrics. It’s a very beautiful ballad and well worth a listen to.

2. Happiness
This song fits perfectly with the one before in mood. It’s almost like Happiness is the continuation of the last. Both of these songs seem like they could be background music to a movie (not in a bad way!). I like the guitar and the piano throughout because it’s giving off maturity not only in singing ability but the accompanient choice. Aya’s at the point where she can move away from the silly pop if she wants to. I can see her doing a lot of enka when she is older.

3. Suna wo You ni . . . NAMIDA (Instrumental)
In case you want to sing along…

Track 1: Suna wo You ni . . . NAMIDA

Track 2: Happiness
Track 3: Suna wo You ni . . . NAMIDA (Instrumental)

Regular Version: Aya walking around and sitting on steps feeling blue. She looks great but there is barely anything going on at all so you’re not missing anything if you don’t watch it. Aya gives the right facial expressions to coordinate with the song… so that’s really the only thing to watch.

Close-Up Version: If you didn’t get enough action from the one before…

Hello Music! » Matsuura Aya

GAM [Thanks !]

Matsuura Aya [Suna wo You ni . . . NAMIDA]