2009 Highlights and Lowlights
I’m procrastinating from studying taking a break from studying to write my first LW post in months. Not only that, I’m excited to write for LW for the first time in ages, so please be kind to what may be evidence of my poor and deteriorated writing skills (more than it usually is I mean). I’ve said for years that I wanted to do something like this, but I was never able to throw one together in time before the new year rolled around, so the solution is to do it early for 2009 (and I don’t really care for anything else that’s going to be released in the next two weeks).
Highlights
1. You may steal her night, but you can’t steal her crown. (Namie Amuro)
How is it possible that this woman released 1 single and 1 album, and still commands without faltering? Once again, this year was all about Namie (well last year was a big EXILE year, but when is it ever not?). Highly successful tour, DVD, single, album, she’s still riding a very strong wave when she came back into full-fledged prominence back in 2007. I’m not complaining though, I’m still waiting for Amuro to hit another musical rut, but she continuously proves me wrong by producing entertaining music and always with style and character.
2. It may not be heaven, but pretty close. (Kalafina)
Wakana, Hikaru and Keiko work in such beautiful harmony, I can never get enough of them. I was so ecstatic that they continued with their career after their big Kara no Kyoudai tie-in, most recently releasing a single with no tie-in, “progressive” (seriously, they deserve tie-ins for every single they release). It’s like getting presents everytime they announce a new release. Always a great group to look forward to.
3. From this point on, there’s no turning back (BENI)
Nothing made me happier (except Amuro) than to see BENI enjoy mainstream success this year. All “boring mid-tempo R&B songs” comments aside, she was solid. So she hasn’t exactly explored multiple genres, she’s only been with UMJ for about a year, and this style is new for her at the least. BENI established a fanbase and support by being consistent. She now has a promising career where she can grow and explore as an artist. Definitely keeping my eye on her for next year.
Lowlights
1. “GIVE ME UP”? Grant requested. (Tamaki Nami)
That may be a bit harsh, considering I still occassionally listen to her (and I still keep up), but that doesn’t mean most of her material has done much for me this year. In contrast to BENI, Tamaki has been all over the place with the type of music she’s releasing, leading me to wonder where she plans on going with her career. She does look like she’s having a lot more fun with this new label of hers, and though I don’t completely hate her new songs (I kind of liked “Friends!” – it was cute), she just wasn’t very memorable, even more of a disaster than anything else this year.
2. You said it, That Ain’t Cool. (Koda Kumi)
Yes, yes, I know “TRICK” wasn’t this horrible album, and I agree. However, it was a bland, run-of-the-mill Kuu album. Token ballad, token hit-it-hard hiphop/R&B track, cutesy pop stuff, cheesy ballad, it’s nothing I haven’t heard before. What was “3 splash” again? I barely noticed she was about to release a single with some kinky-looking video that was supposed to be cute? How about the sisterly disaster of “It’s all Love!”, and the collab/remix album combo? I admit, DRIVING HIT’S (I still laugh at that) wasn’t as bad as I thought it was, but I still wouldn’t listen to it. Seems like a typical year for Kuu, except she failed to secure any truly attention grabbing releases (I used to like one release by Kuu per year, despite not really liking her as an artist).
3. It’s a bit premature to be viewing her as “history” (ayaka)
I mean this with all due respect. It’s a shame that she is putting her recording career on hold indefinitely, and the Jpop scene will really miss a talent singer-songwriter such as herself. I wish ayaka all the best in her future and hope she regains her health during her time off.
Quick Best of 2009
Artist of the Year: Amuro Namie
Album of the Year: Kalafina: Seventh Heaven
Single of the Year: YUI: again
PV of the Year: 1. Sakamoto Maaya: Magic Number; 2. Kalafina: Seventh Heaven; 3. Amuro Namie: FAST CAR
Best Dance in a Music Video: BoA: Energetic (she basically competed with herself)
Totally agree on Amuro dominating the year! PAST < FUTURE was certainly a fantastic album.
I really liked the Energetic music video as well!