Rank Yuki's vocalists

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Yuki uses a lot of songs in her soundtracks but she pretty much works with the same vocalists. Rank the vocalists from favorite to least and, if you want, provide some details.

  1. Yuri- Kajiura always uses her voice in interesting ways. Her voice is heavy and powerful but she consistently performs well.
  2. Eri Itou- Her voice is light and her singing is crisp and clear. Like Yuri, Kajiura uses her voice in a lot of different songs.
  3. Emily- I love her transparent and sad voice. Her songs in .hack sign were the reason I started listening to Kajiura and although it has been a long time since they last worked together, I still love listening to the songs she sang.
  4. Kaori- She has a lush voice and is also pretty versatile with her singing. I also love her singing, it's very emotional.
  5. Hanae-Her voice has a metallic quality that can get a little exhausting and sometimes I can't make out what she's singing. To make up for that, she brings a really unique energy to the action songs Kajiura usually has her sing.
  6. Yuuka- I like her singing and I like her voice. Madlax songs and the fictionjunction songs are great and I'm always happy to hear Yuuka sing.
  7. Yuriko- She is Yuki's longest collaboration who has performed in nearly everyone of her soundtracks. She's a versatile singer but her voice isn't always that interesting.
  8. Hikaru-Her voice is sharp and a bit nasally but I really like it. I can't explain why.
  9. REMI- To me, her voice is a cross between Eri and Yuri but sometimes she sounds like Hanae. I love her voice but Kajiura hasn't written a song for her that has wowed me yet.
  10. Kaori Nishina- It's been a long time since she's worked with Kajiura but the songs she sang in Cossette and Age of Aquarion are some of my favorites Kajiura has ever written.
  11. Keiko-She's a fun performer who brings a lot of energy to her songs and she has a wide vocal range. I just don't always look forward to her singing
  12. Wakana- Tragic. Her voice was amazing and her singing was filled with emotion. Songs like Earth Song, Ashita no Keshiki, and that one unreleased Hokuto no Ken song really blew me away. Now, every time she sings, it sounds like she's struggling to get the notes out of her mouth.
 
Of the ones I know from memory:

1. Wakana
2. Yuriko Kaida
3. Keiko
4. Hikaru
5. Hanae
6. Eri
7. Kaori
8. Emily
9000000. Yuuka (don't kill me :touched:)


By no means a technical "who is the best singer" list, just ranked by how much I like their vocals :cheer:
 
1. Hanae - I just really love her vocal control and her 'penetratingly cold' voice lol. Plus her works with Ensemble Planeta is divine.
2. Keiko - beauty, check. fun to watch, check. consistency, okay. alluringly sexy voice, check. I still need moar Keiko. I need Keiko solo kajiurago song.
3. Yuriko - her ability to sing from low to high is awesome, while I don't really like her lower register, her higher register is super. I really like the clarity in Yuriko's higher register.
4. Eri Itou - Kajiura utilises her voice beautifully in her works, and she's able to sing different kind of songs beautifully.
5. Yuri Kasahara - while her voice is too bombastic for my liking, she's a really awesome singer - and I enjoy some of her songs with Kajiura.
6. Clara Kennedy - I know her work with Kajiura is only in I swear, but what can I say. I have soft spot for contraltos and her freelance singing job is really good too.

7. Hikaru, Wakana, Kaori - I like their voices but their lack of consistency is really bothering me. Plus I don't really like Wakana's voice now. About Kaori, just please don't hate me, but I am really annoyed with the way Kaori sings in live vol.9 Japanese only special. The way she starts pushing whenever she tries to reach higher notes is :( but I like her voice texture so this is a bit dilematic for me.
8. Yuuka - lol I forgot about her. Her voice isn't really my cup of tea but then again almost FJ Yuuka songs are actually awesome so it's another problematic decision for me.
9. The rest of Kajiura English vocalists.

If it's only the utahimes (as in Kala-FJ girls), then the rank would be :
1. Keiko
2. Yuriko
3. Hikaru
4. Wakana, Kaori, Yuuka.

If it were pre-2012 then :
1. Keiko
2. Yuriko
3. Wakana
4. Hikaru
5. Kaori and Yuuka
 
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1. Yuriko Kaida - easily the best vocalist out of the Kajiura utahimes. She has the widest vocal range thus far and she can handle any song Yuki throws at her (canta per me and Himitsu remain as some of my favorite Yuriko songs). She's very, very consistent and delivers a truly excellent vocal performance every time. A shame she's always stuck with the high harmonies in many of the FJ Lives. Yuriko needs a lot more leading songs. And more love.

2. Hanae Tomaru - especially unique timbre to her voice makes it easy to see why Yuki uses it so much. Her falsetto is fantastic and I've no complaints.

3. Hikaru - of the vocalists I know from Yuki, she's the most versatile in tone, delivery, role and genre. She can be low, high middle, whatever harmony, and to top that off, a lot of my favorite songs from Yuki feature Hikaru prominently, and I just love hearing her shred line upon line, especially like she does in Magia, consolation, signal and heavenly blue. What makes her rank so highly on my list? She carries the songs she sings because she knows how much expression she needs to put in without going under or over. Her only downside is her technical skills, or lack thereof. And more recently, her voice change, which has not done her justice at all.

4. Kaori - she has the cleanest, clearest, most even tone out of the utahimes. Her forte is progressive ballads, and FJ wouldn't be FJ without Kaori to deliver the verses beautifully. She may be inconsistent in terms of technical skills, but nonetheless is always a joy to listen to, even if she doesn't have the most diverse repertoire.

5. Keiko - a more consistent performer than Wakana, Kaori and Hikaru, but my main problem with her is that she lacks the capability to carry a song. It's not because of the lack of songs that have her as the lead, but rather when she is, her vocal delivery is less than satisfactory. She lacks control over her delivery, expression and volume. She either shouts too much or is too airy, or doesn't stick to her lower register when it's called for. Her tendency to slide up and down notes is more prominent than other vocalists too. Her pitch control is fine, and better than the other two Kalafina girls, but Keiko needs to learn how to correctly adjust her singing style to each song like Hikaru.

6. Wakana - if it weren't for Wakana's glaring voice change, she'd probably, wait, not probably, would be number 1, but alas, what made her so captivating to listen to is now no more. She really did have the voice of a goddess. She was a fantastic vocalist with one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard. She was the highlight of the songs she sang. She left me speechless every time. Too bad it's all gone and we have honky Wakana. She's improving, I guess. She has to work on her breathing too since it can get really loud.

7. Yuuka - yeah, I've got no words. I really like the songs Yuki composed for her, but I'd probably like them even more if it wasn't Yuuka singing it. She's more technically correct than Wakana, but her voice doesn't impress. She can't carry any of her songs except maybe nowhere, Silly-Go-Round and Yorokobi.
 
1.- Eri Ito: Muh favorite singer ever! I find her voice pretty versatile, and I love the few types of voices she uses.. She's also cute, and her speaking voice is kawaii. I also love the few theater performances I've found.
2.- Yuri Kasahara: Absolute powerhouse. Although I think Kajiura doesn't really use her abilities to the fullest. She needs to unleash the beast!
3.- Hanae Tomaru: Hauntingly beautiful. The voice you would hear in heaven.
4.- Yuriko Kaida: Great singer, that unfortunately is stuck singing chorus. She needs more solos for both FJ and soundtracks!
5.- Remi: Really lovely voice. To me, she sounds like a combination of Hanae and Yuriko. I also think this is how old Wakana could've sounded if her voice hadn't changed, and she continued to practice.
6.-2006-2010 Wakana: Her normal singing voice commanding, and her higher/head voice was pretty sweet and gentle. Too bad it's gone.
7.- Fion: Still surprises me how versatile Kajiura is. I was extra impressed when guronty revealed that she sang the KnK 1 battle theme. Like Yuriko, she needs to sing more.

LAZINESS STRIKES

8.- Deb Lyons
9.- Emily Bindiger
10.- Margaret Dorn
11.- Yuuka
12.- Keiko
13.- Hikaru
14.- Chiaki Ishikawa
15.- Kaori
16.- Current Wakana
17.- Asuka
18.- Saeko Chiba
 
here's my list:

1- Yuriko
2-Hanae
3-Yuri
4-Remi
5-Wakana (2006-2010)
6-Keiko
7-Margeret Dorn / Fion
8-Deb Lyons / Eri Itou
9-Hikaru
10-Kaori
11-Chiaki Ishikawa
12-Current Wakana / Emily
13-yuuka
14-Asuka

Mostly I admire Yuki for her soundtrack stuff and I am keen on orchestral elements rather than pop.

I dislike Asuka's voice a lot; pure definition of cheap pop for me. Yuuka is more gentle and the songs written for her are really nice but still she leans on the pop side. Having said that, I almost care the same for number 8-14 but the order still applies.

I put Fion tied with Margeret Dorn but I naturally can't help but caring more about the osts than her voice that I often forget what it sounds like.

Keiko could be a rising star, she might sing jazz in the future which would be lovely. Keiko, do that now.

For me Yuriko, Hanae and Yuri are among the best and the order is not important. Remi's voice is also heavenly but not quite there yet perhaps and somehow it fits Kajiurago well. Wakana has a lovely voice except it suffers miserably for a long time. There is a vast difference between the wonderful voice in Hikari no yukue and Hikari fuku (I always go "oh no.." near 00:28-00:31 ... ). She hasn't lost it completely of course and I can't comment on the prognosis.

More Yuriko, Hanae and Yuri please. Off to listen to Let Stars Fall Down featuring Yuriko and Hanae!
 
Actually there's a video of Keiko singing jazz, accompanying the female saxophone duo that she mentioned in Kalafina Record. I only heard it once...I wonder if someone still has the video?
 
I TRIED BUT I COULDN'T FIND IT AGAIN. I downloaded it but it was on my old computer, which is already too old and I think it's broken beyond repair now :sob:
 
Kugayama said:
^ Kaori Oda singing jazz would probably be under Harajuku BJ Girls. I couldn't find any with saxophone but did find these:
Click to expand...

They were talking about Keiko, not Kaori.

I'd really like to hear jazzy Keiko too.
 
It's not in her old duo.

Keiko in Kalafina Record said:
The first singing job I did was as a guest vocal for a female sax group called IARA, singing their vocal songs at live performances.
Click to expand...

There was a video of her performance with this female sax group, and I watched it once. Too bad I couldn't find it again :(
 
^ it wasn't really jazz, she sang Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours
 
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I think I might have heard these before. I actually meant, make a whole jazz album for her. Perhaps with Rie Akagi as the flute :)
 
Hmm okay!

1- Kaori - She is my favorite singer ever, I just love her voice so much. Can't deny other singers have more 'skills', but she is the one who appeal more to me. I like how her voice is so versatile, clear, powerful and emotional. I love her in FictionJunction, Sound Horizon and all her collabs, even her solo career. After watch the elemental live in Osaka, my love for her grew even more. She is just amazing!

2 - Remi - She is amazing in Sound Horizon and I was really happy when she started working with Yuki Kajiura. So glad she has some solo works now! Her voiceis so elegant and amazing, I love how Revo uses her skills in Sound Horizon and I hope I'll be able to watch her performance with Kajiura someday.

3 - Keiko - How not to love her? I mean, her voice is unique, it has a lot of power and darkness, but also emoticon, can't explain. Her energy during live performances is really something, I was really moved by her rendition of Nohara in Osaka. Such a voice! Keiko, Kaori and Remi are my favorite trio ever, would have them instead of Kalafina anytime *shot*

4 - Eri Itou - Just fabulous.

5 - Yuriko - I always liked her, but after Osaka live I have no words to express how much she is important to FictionJunction. Her harmonies and kajiurago are flawless.

6 - Wakana - I used to dislike her a bit, even if I love her voice, maybe because of her vocals problems in the past. But since Osaka elemental live I have the feeling she is better and I was amazed by her beautiful voice. Her tone is so tragic and dramatical.

7 - Hikaru - I disliked her too, but she grew on me and now I really enjoy her performances. Her voice is also versatile and she has a strong presence. I'm happy she is always improving.

8 - Hanae Tomaru - She has a lot of potential and really beautiful voice, but I disliked her performances during live #9. Of course, her vocals are amazing, but I find her rendition of the songs a little boring. I prefer the more powerful version by FJ. But her voice is still beautiful and unique.

9 - Other vocalists, I'm lazy.

10 - Emily - Just don't like her voice, can't explain why. Doesn't appeal to me. But she is indeed a good singer.

11 - Yuuka - Even if I like her voice, I dislike her performances (a lot). I can't understand why she is so popular. But the songs Kajiura composes for her are so good...
 
1-Keiko. As I am an alto in choir, I am s astonished at how controlled , warm and deep Keiko's voice is, especially with a cute and very different talking voice. She always gives a fantastic performance and adds so much depth to songs. One of the greatest contra-altos I've had the pleasure of hearing and meeting. Keiko's voice is hope.

2- Yuriko- her voice is stunning. I wished she did more verses in the LIVE MATERIALISE . Add her voice and you've add another level of epicness. Also I love how she's got this beautiful feminine angelic voice yet she's really a tomboy! What a contrast! Yuriko's voice is the sky

3- Hanae - another fantastic voice! Her and Yuriko should do duets more often! Also the Ensei live with Keiko was stunning.

4- Kaori- she has a cute voice and a voice I could listen to for hours. She's truly growing as a musician!

5- Wakana- Paris redeemed Wakana for me. Like storytelling lyrics her voice can be " up and down we will go again etc etc" . 2008 voice she'd be number 2, because her old voice was just gorgeous. Still she's in my top 5 and she is improving keep at it! !

6- Hikaru- Hikaru has improved the most. She used to be so nasal , but now she uses her chest and it really suits her! She can be sweet or strong, very flexible in songs.

7-Chiaki- soothing voice. Loved her in See-saw and Bokurano's opening Uninstall

8- Yuki Kajiura- I loved her little duet with Revo in Dream Port! Also she's pretty cool in zodiac! Her see-saw songs were hilarious, she had so much energy dancing on the keyboard XDDD

9- Emily , took me a while to get used to her voice. I've really preferred FJ's covers on her songs, but Emily still has a whimsical voice ..maybe it's the american accent I don't know XD

10- Yuuka. The worst for me. My ears just can't take her voice. Sometimes it's sweet but most of the time it's too nasal. It's almost like having too much sugar in a sweet , my tooth or ear aches in this case! Still, the Madlax remix was her best for me. Asuka as well. I find her voice bland...soothing but bland?!

Ah I forgot Remi! Remi needs to be in more songs, I love her HB kajiuran!
 
For a different ranking:

Yuki Kajiura live vol. #10, in no particular order: Hikaru, Keiko, Wakana, Kaori Oda, Yuuka Nanri, Yuriko Kaida, Hanae, REMI, Eri Itoh, Emily Bindiger, Aira Yuuki, Yuri Kasahara and YK herself;

FictionJunction CLUB LIVE at Zepp Tokyo: Hikaru, Keiko, Wakana, Kaori Oda, Yuuka Nanri, Yuriko Kaida and YK herself;

other events: Hikaru, Keiko, Wakana, Yuuka Nanri, Aira Yuuki, Kaori Oda, Chiaki Ishikawa;

vocalists yet to see: several - who outside the above would others most like to hear live with Yuki Kajiura?

I'll vote for Tokyo Philharmonic Chorus.
 
Kugayama said:
For a different ranking:

Yuki Kajiura live vol. #10, in no particular order: Hikaru, Keiko, Wakana, Kaori Oda, Yuuka Nanri, Yuriko Kaida, Hanae, REMI, Eri Itoh, Emily Bindiger, Aira Yuuki, Yuri Kasahara and YK herself;

FictionJunction CLUB LIVE at Zepp Tokyo: Hikaru, Keiko, Wakana, Kaori Oda, Yuuka Nanri, Yuriko Kaida and YK herself;

other events: Hikaru, Keiko, Wakana, Yuuka Nanri, Aira Yuuki, Kaori Oda, Chiaki Ishikawa;

vocalists yet to see: several - who outside the above would others most like to hear live with Yuki Kajiura?

I'll vote for Tokyo Philharmonic Chorus.
Click to expand...
I'll vote for clara kennedy, deb lyons, and margaret dorn.
 
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