1. hitori jenga
I am frightened by any song that starts off sounding like it could be from the Austin Power's soundtrack. It has that... funky, shagadelic feeling. Can you dig it? I can't. Not only that, hitomi's voice is so grating. The melody itself isn't so bad, but is really repetitive. I was singing along within 30 seconds and I've never heard the song before! I guess if you like 60's-ish music, you might like this song, but probably not. Good lord, it annoys me. There are some good parts, like the key change, but they can't save this song.
Rating: 2

2. beru to hon to kyandoru (bell, book and candle)
If you have any familiarity with the above reference to Catholicism, you'd expect this song to have a bit of a religious feel. That it does. It starts with some quiet organ music, and then hitomi enters singing gently. Her voice is better here, though still not strong enough to maintain the emotional tone this song is going for. I should also point out that this song feels a bit like an American country song. Scratch that, it feels a lot like a country song. Where's Reba when you need her? The male backup singer only adds to the illusion. And is that a steel guitar? Yikes. This song is better than the last one, but it's certainly not what I was expecting.
Rating: 2

3. Creamed Potatoes (LIVE)
Despite always being intrigued by the title of this song, I'd never heard it before. A live version probably isn't the best introduction, but oh well. At least it begins with some electric guitar playing a simple, if catchy, riff. The crowd is clapping along, yay yay, and we wait and wait for hitomi to start singing. Her voice is surprisingly good live; she's mostly on key and is obviously having fun. The song itself though doesn't have anything that really makes it exciting. At least it's upbeat. I get the feeling that Yaiko (or whatever fans call her) is trying too hard to be the next Shiina Ringo. Which is absurd, because no one is as cool as Shiina Ringo.
Rating: 3

4. aitai hito (LIVE)
This starts off nice and quiet, with a subtle little melody and some nice vocals. Then we get a beat, kinda nice to groove to, and things are looking pretty good. The guitars enter, and the song is actually getting kinda cool. Yaiko's vocals are a little annoying and off, but not terribly. Of all the songs on this single, this one is probably my favourite, though that's not saying much. I can't figure out why she's so popular. Ah well. If you want to hear a good female Japanese singer, I again urge you to find some Shiina Ringo. As for this single... well, does anyone know of a good bonfire?
Rating: 3

Overall Rating: 2 out of 5 (because the only original songs on here SUCK)



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