Alright. So I’ve listened to the album twice, and I feel like leaving a review like I did with Lantana. Also, I’m probably going to say “[Insert song here] reminds me of ______”, which isn’t a dig at the songs’ originality as much as it is that I really like making connections.
Before that, though, I’m going to briefly update a few of my Lantana opinions from last year.
-Yep, Akane is still my favorite of the album, with Yūgao and Inochi no Hana as a second and third.
-While I did like both End Roll and Tameiki, they’ve both grown on me even more and I love listening to them.
-I feel the exact same about Be Yourself as I did last year, lol.
-Nanairo’s grown on me. There’s a nice, nostalgic quality to it and I do generally like the composition. The arrangement and the effect on Keiko’s vocals are still kinda ugh but I don’t mind it as much anymore.
-I still dislike Ray, but not as much as I did last year. Also, after listening to a LOT of Hikaru Utada over the last year, I’ve realized that I have no problem with Hajimari wa’s composition or genre, just Keiko’s voice. So while I still heavily dislike the track, I understand why now.
-I’ve really soured on Change The World’s Color. The arrangement is still good but the song is just too long and doesn’t stand out. I find it kind of boring, actually.
With that out’ve the way, let’s get started!
TRACK 1: Nobody Knows You: I love this one a lot. I’ve mentioned that the arrangement has a cinematic quality to it, and I stand by that. I also really like the incorporation of the cello. I can see why people dislike the structure, but it doesn’t bother me whatsoever. I think the bridge is really lovely, the verses are dark and unnerving, and oh that chorus is just perfect. The one part that’s a tad odd is the last title drop, but I suppose it works and it‘s very minor. Excellent start!
TRACK 2: 通り雨 (Tooriame): I adore this one, too. It’s such a sorrowful ballad, with a lovely atmosphere and Keiko’s emotional vocals. I especially love the song’s climax and the verse/pre-chorus repetitions. It’s just gorgeous and it really does hit me hard emotionally. Just perfect.
TRACK 3: 桜をごらん (Sakura wo Goran): Ugh. I’ve never liked this one very much. The verses aren’t terrible, and nor are the title drops, and generally Keiko’s inflections and the instrumentation is solid. My problem is the weird electronic effect with when she’s belting. It sounds terrible and makes me cringe every time. Especially the ‘HANAHIRA’ part. I’ve tried getting used to it since March but it just hasn’t worked whatsoever.
TRACK 4: ミチタハカケル (Michite wa Kakeru): I listened to this one a couple months ago, but managed to completely forget what it sounded like. The song started out very intense, and I was liking it, but then it turned into generic upbeat effects and I realized, “Oh. This is CTWC 2.0, isn’t it?” And yeah, that was about it. I like the verses, and Keiko’s vocal stamina is impressive, but then the chorus comes on and just loses me every time. I wouldn’t say it’s a lost cause, though, but just kinda eh.
TRACK 5: ラテ (Latte): When the song started I was like, “Wait, is Keiko doing Lofi?” And that gave me a good laugh. Anyways I was expecting something chill, and I got that, and I love it. It just flows so well together and is very pleasant. I don’t know what else to say, but it’s a great song!
TRACK 6: 八月の空 (Hachigatsu no Sora): I think it’s a pretty good atmospheric track, and I like it. I don’t love it yet, though, but I feel like it will grow on me. There’s a nice, melancholic tone to the chorus in particular. Honestly, it sounds like something Chiaki would write. I also really like the synthesized flute towards the end!
TRACK 7: 現実のメタファー (Genjitsu no Metaphor): A solid upbeat track. I don’t like it as much as End Roll, but the chorus is fun and I do like it! Just probably on Hachigatsu’s level, if I’m being honest.
TRACK 8: キミガネムルカラ (Kimi ga Nemuru Kara): I love it. Just like Tooriame, the vocals and instrumentation are on point. They should definitely bring back Eji in the future! It reminds me a lot of Hikaru Utada’s ‘Boukyaku’, as the slow, inevitable countdown to oblivion. Ugh, it’s so good!
TRACK 9: 笑ってやる (Waratte Yaru): Hey look, it’s Akane’s composer! Anyways, he continues to make fantastic songs. I think the mostly English lyrics were a very ambitious choice, and the bookend flute is perfect. The song is just awesome, honestly, and I’m so glad they brought that composer back. This one certainly stands up to End Roll!
TRACK 10: Revolution: I gotta say it: this isn’t Keiko. I do love Inochi no Hana, but I don’t think XYZ wrote this song with Keiko in mind, and it really doesn’t work. The lyrics are incredibly cheesy, the verses bore me, and Keiko sounds like she’s straining herself with the high notes. ‘Revolution’ is such a cool title, but this is probably the worst track of the album for me.
TRACK 11: Lost: Ooh, I love this one. It’s very Kajiura-esque, particularly like the start of ‘When The Fairytale Ends’. The Celtic elements also blend very well with the style, and it’s very fun! I will say though that the end of the choruses are particularly unnerving, as the song is a bit ‘Doll-like’, but that just makes me love it even more!
TRACK 12: Burn In The Wind: What can I say? I love it. It’s such a lovely way to close out the album. It’s a bit like ‘Alleluia’ in that regard. Both songs were things that I listened to at just the right time, and I am filled with a level of gratitude that I can’t even express in words. Just . . . Thank you, Keiko. Thank you.
Anyways, Dew was a really solid album. It wasn’t perfect, but I think it was still great! Also, thanks for reading my rambling thoughts! Well, I’ll have to listen to the Fena soundtrack, and hopefully review it in a few days!
Instant Favorites: Nobody Knows You, Tooriame, Latte, Kimi ga Nemuru Kara, Waratte Yaru, Lost, Burn In The Wind.
Like But Don’t Love: Hachigatsu no Sora, Genjitsu no Metaphor.
It’s Alright: Michite wa Kakeru.
NO: Sakura wo Goran, Revolution.
