Sodatsu Zassou (育つ雑草; pulling weeds) is Onitsuka’s 11th single and her first after switching labels. It was released on 2004.10.27 and was her last single before going on hiatus. Unfortunately the song never made an album, though the B-side was remade and put on her album LAS VEGAS released later on.

育つ雑草(pulling weeds) is perhaps the most unique thing Onitsuka Chihiro has ever done. It’s a full blown rock track with a dark sound and rebelious, pessimistic lyrics. Though she has dabbled in rock with tracks like Innocence and later Amphibious this is probably the heaviest she’s ever gotten. Even the cover is beautiful, but dark and her expression angry. The song opens with the sound of wind blowing (?) before breaking out into the fast, gritty rock part. Onitsuka’s voice is deep and bitter sounding. The lyrics are dark, contemplating the hypocrisy of the world and the feeling of being numb to everything, feelings of dissatisfaction with life: “I’m free, and yet not free in the least” and “Feelin’ like a stray dog, I’m dead right now” It’s a powerful rock track. I love the adlibbing, like her comparison to a stray dog it’s like a desperate howl. The song is so angry, so emotional. It’s awesome. There’s a part of me that wants her to make something more like it, but there’s part of me that realises this is probably going to be a one-off and that perhaps its better that way.

Rainman sounds very out of place after such a track as 育つ雑草, however it isn’t bad. The song is simple piano and voice, and it is entirely in English. It’s a quirky and cheerful song, totally contrasting to the dark and bitter song before it. It’s a nice wind down, but pales in comparison to 育つ雑草.

Rating: 5/5 (Amazing, highly recommended)
Favourite Track: 育つ雑草

Overall? 育つ雑草 is one of my favourite Onitsuka Chihiro songs. It’s a powerful, angry song but it still remains beautiful. Onitsuka Chihiro has a wonderful voice and she proves how versatile she is by doing such a track as 育つ雑草 is and doing it so well. The lyrics really stand out to me as well. They are incredibly powerful. Rainman is not a favourite of mine, it’s actually a very bland track for me. The single is worth listening to for 育つ雑草 alone and for that reason I will give it the mark I do : )

Sugar High is Onitsuka Chihiro’s third album released on 2002.12.11. On a random note, I love the cover to the album. She looks absolutely gorgeous and the white hair contrasting to the black clothes is striking- as is the placement of the words.

The album opens with NOT YOUR GOD. The song has very simple instrumentation, a constant piano part that only breaks into the full instrumentation after the first verse and continues to build up and build down. The lyrics are striking- and all in reasonably understandable English. I remember reading something, somewhere where Chihiro mentions how the song is about people expecting to much of someone and she wrote the song with that in mind. “Not your God” is like “I’m not perfect- so don’t expect so much of me”. It’s a beautiful song and I really do like the meaning- it’s quite rebellious but at the same time, it’s realistic.

Next is 声(voice) a calming piano based song with heartfelt, beautiful vocals. It sounds sad but at the same time hopeful. I love how Onitsuka uses her voice- especially when she reaches the higher notes and the adlibbing. The instrumentation is amazing too; soft and beautiful. It’s a slow and relaxing song- totally beautiful even if it’s way too easy to zone out listening to it.

Third is Rebel Luck, another song continuing in the same vein as 声 but with a stronger, more bitter feeling to it. The instrumentation has got that gospel influence (especially the organ towards the end) and it’s rather nice but I’m not sure I truly like it. The accented piano part can be a little harsh sounding. Onitsuka does sound stunning though and the song has a subtle power to it. I find like声 the song washes over me.

The album really changes now for the jazzy Tiger in my Love, a very upbeat and feel good song. Onitsuka always seems to add at least one track on each her albums that is unique to her discography, and sound, and this is definitely it. The song has a heavy beat and repetitive piano part, which begins to vary more and more as the song progresses. There’s also a little bit of guitar in there. Onitsuka’s voice is deep and breathy- sounding gorgeous. The way Onitsuka draws out that one “Tiger in my love” is so impressive too. It’s a very fast and exciting song; and the energy of it is totally infectious.

Back to the piano with Castle・imitation(album version).I’m not a fan of this song, it bores me in a way, although I admit in some ways it is still very beautiful. It’s got a very hopeful feeling to it, and the instrumentation is beautiful for the most part. Of course Onitsuka sounds beautiful. I love the repetition of “Ikite (live)” after the chorus. It’s a very catchy song too, because of this repetition. Not a stand out track, but is has that quiet beauty that a lot of Onitsuka’s song have.

My favourite track and the one that really stands out here would have to be 漂流の羽根(Drifting Feather). The song is stunning: even more so than infection. It’s made up of just the voice, piano and a cello. The instrumentation is absolutely stunning, and so powerful, especially when it builds up for the instrumental solo. The piano and the cello sound so good together- and it gives the song such a rich, dark feeling. Onitsuka’s voice is also stunning and powerful, filled with emotion. The song sounds so sad and filled with regrets. It is undeniably one of the most beautiful and moving songs I have ever heard. I love the way it slowly builds up, then builds down and quietly it just ends. It’s an amazing composition: an incredibly song. It’s worth seeing her live performance of this too.

Next is 砂の盾(Sand Shield). The song continues with the sorrowful feeling of漂流の羽根. It’s got an air of sadness, or hopelessness. This is also a really pretty song; the deep bass adds a heavy and powerful atmosphere- almost a surreal feel, a dream like quality to it. The song is dark and beautiful.

Unfortunately the good tracks cannot continue. Track 8 King of Solitude is a very annoying song. I don’t like the piano part to this one so I tend not to bother listening. The song that follows is much better. BORDERLINE is a very dark sounding song where once again the piano dominates. The “Feel across the borderline” is extremely beautiful, almost ethereal. It’s a wonderful song, driven forward by Onitsuka’s beautiful and emotional voice (again her voice takes on that breathy tone, which sounds so good). I love how the song builds up though- the violin part introduced halfway is really good. The ending with the adlibbing/random words, the backing vocals, and the entire instruments is very powerful- almost an agitated feeling to it. It’s seems like a nice message of hope to end the album off. I can’t help but feel it has a darker meaning though.

Rating: 9/10 (Excellent)
Favourite Track: Tiger in My Love, 漂流の羽根, BORDERLINE

This is a good album from Onitsuka. However there are some tracks that are not bad, but they don’t really have much effect…they are just there. And then there are a couple here where even Onistuka’s voice cannot save them. However there are also some incredibly beautiful songs here. For one 漂流の羽根- and I’ll say that it’s is a must listen. Other great tracks are Tiger in my love, BORDERLINE, 砂の盾 and NOT YOUR GOD. I liked how Onitsuka experimented using fully English lyrics for the song, much like Our song on her last album. This is still a strong album but it’s not a personal favourite. I am still in love with her lyrics and her voice is amazing. Her stuff is always relaxing to listen too, but this album apart from a few tracks doesn’t go beyond something nice to listen to every now and then. It’s also quite amazing that this is called an album when it’s only 9 tracks.

This is Onitsuka Chihiro’s second album released on 2002.03.06.

The album opens with ROLLIN’, a very upbeat song with prominent soft rock instrumentation. There isn’t really any piano in it either, which is different for Onitsuka. The first time I heard it, I was surprised by this track because of that. However much like tracks on her last album, it’s still a soft and mainly acoustic piece. Onitsuka sounds beautiful, of course and puts all the right emotion into it. It’s really upbeat and hopeful with only a slight edge to it that makes for a great album opener.

Next up is 茨の海(sea of thorns). The album tones down a bit from the upbeat ROLLIN’ for a soft piano based piece. This song has very beautiful instrumentation, especially the piano part. I love how the song then builds up; it introduces a drum and the flute which give it a bit of a folk touch. Onitsuka sounds amazing too- especially her ad-libbing and drawing out of the end of words. Her voice sounds very pure in this song, which make the song sound fragile. The song is hopeful sounding with a darker edge. It definitely has that quiet, gentle beauty about it. Overall, one of my favourites of hers.

Third is shadow, carrying on in similar vain to 茨の海 with beautiful piano based instrumentation [I also love what I think is a cello]. The instrumental solo is amazing too. It’s so eerie and haunting in a way. Some of the synth that comes in at the end also contributes to the slightly ominous edge to the song. Onitsuka sounds amazing, having perfectly controlled lower pitch in the verses before she raises the pitch of her voice effortlessly for the chorus. Like 茨の海 the song sounds fragile, but shadow is darker and more obviously painful. It’s is a dark, sorrowful sounding song. Yet beautiful and emotional with that same quiet, haunting beauty about it.

Then it’s everything, in my hands comparable to We can go on her debut, it’s an upbeat song with that gospel influence. It’s not a bad song but it’s not my favourite. I don’t like the backing vocals, or the instrumentation at times. The instrumentation with the strings sounds… 70’s disco. Not a favourite of mine. Don’t really think it’s that great to listen to either.

The next track is Our Song, a gentle and acoustic ballad sung all in English. The lyrics are beautiful and for the most part the pronunciation is OK even if a bit accented. Onitsuka sings this beautifully; sounding so tender, filled with love and giving such a romantic feeling to the song. She also reaches higher notes perfectly (she does sound a bit breathy but it works!). It’s a very relaxing, and beautiful song. Simple but full of emotion.

Following the trend of romantic songs comes 流星群(Meteor shower). Maybe it’s the influence of Our Song but it sounds like it has those same sort of romantic feelings, just more bittersweet. It starts with quiet piano then crescendo’s to the chorus where Onitsuka sings with a lot of force. The song continues to move between quiet and reserved, to loud and strong, ending loudly with full instrumentation. It’s very dramatic. Gone is that quiet beauty of earlier tracks replaced with a more powerful and dramatic ballad that is equally moving.

Track 7 is LITTLE BEAT RIFLE. At first I hated the religious feel (and lyrics) to it, but it’s grown on me. Onitsuka still sounds beautiful and the instrumentation is quite nice too. The lyrics are hopeful, about forgiveness (I think). I’m not a fan of “God is watching you” but it’s not the worst thing. The song is pretty simple, and doesn’t stand out but is nice.

Track 8 is Arrow of Pain. Originally, track 8 was going to be “A horse and a Queen” but was later removed because it didn’t fit with the album, and then left to her comeback album LAS VEGAS. Arrow of pain is a slow and sorrowful song with warped sounding, movie soundtrack like, instrumentation. I think the lyrics are about unrequited love, and Onitsuka portrays this pain and longing well. It’s another dark, sorrowful and very beautiful song but with its own special feel.

Second to last is perhaps her most well known song, and for sure it was this song which made me fall in love with her music. I still remember reading on some graphics site a recommendation to watch the PV, which I did intrigue by the screen caps shown, and immediately I fell in love. It was shockingly beautiful. It’s Infection: a haunting, and completely painful song. The song is dominated by a sorrowful piano part and deep, emotional vocals from Onitsuka. It starts of quietly, building up the end where Onitsuka belts it out- her voice powerful and emotional. Just like the song. It’s an amazing song. It’s powerful, dramatic and moving. The only thing I dislike it how Onitsuka gasps for breath towards the end. She is usually so professional when she sings, but she slips up here (lost in the emotion?). One thing I dislike, and one thing singers shouldn’t do, is gasp loudly for breath like this right?

Lastly, to finish the album it’s CROW. I don’t like this song, the instrumentation really annoys me- especially the chimey thing (bell?).  Onitsuka sounds beautiful of course. I think leaving it at infection would have ended the album just fine, though I suppose Onitsuka would want to end on something more hopeful- like this.

Overall rating: 8/10 (Good)
Favourite tracks: 茨の海, 流星群, Arrow of Pain, Infection

This is partly another amazing album from Onitsuka Chihiro and partly not quite the same standard as her last. The good thing is she has successfully expanded her sound again for tracks like ROLLIN’ and流星群 but there are also the signature and beautiful piano based tunes. However in a way I personally don’t like it as much as insomnia, because despite stand-out tracks there are some weaker tracks on here that despite Onitsuka’s beautiful voice- still aren’t that good. The good ones are amazing, the bad ones are pretty irritating and then there are the “meh” ones which make for nice, relaxing listening. Overall it’s beautiful and nice to listen to, but it’s let down by a couple of weaker tracks.

I’ve been meaning to review Onitsuka’s albums probably since I started the blog, never got round to it. She is one of my favourite artists after all. So here is Onitsuka Chihiro’s first album Insomnia released on 2001.03.07.

The album opens with 月光(Moonlight), her second single which gained fame from it’s tie-in to the TRICK dorama. It’s a beautiful, laid back song with a darker edge. In contrast to the album version that follows later, this one is piano with violin backing. Like a lot of Onitsuka Chihiro’s songs the piano has a dominant part, often just simple repeated chords. Some strings come in later too; however, the song is driven mainly by Onitsuka’s powerful and emotional vocals. 月光also happens to have some very beautiful lyrics. It’s quite a simple song, but it carries a lot of emotion that makes it quite beautiful and moving.

The second track is イノセンス(Innocence). This one is a lot different from anything else on the album (and rather unique for Onitsuka Chihiro overall). The song opens with piano and a heavy beat, overlaid with synth sounds, giving it a dark and ominous atmosphere. The repetitive piano and beat continues through the song as Onitsuka comes in. Her voice remains beautiful throughout, naturally. The highlight of the song is the way it builds up to the loud rock chorus. The transition from quiet and calm piano and vocal to loud and angry rock makes it a powerful and emotional song. The song continues to vary throughout ending with the full rock inspired instrumentation. There is also good use of backing vocals throughout. The lyrics are emotive and angry, and this is certainly the mood of the song. There is something angry and desperate about this song, and I like it. It’s a very dark but beautiful track.

Next is the album version of BACK DOOR, which compared to innocence is a lot more toned down. It has a beautiful, sad sounding piano part. When Onitsuka Chihiro comes in she sounds sad, and her voice is filled with longing. For sure it’s a very sad song, with powerful lyrics. The backing vocals are a bit annoying, and when the chorus comes it sounds quite sudden although I do like how the chorus starts so strongly then softens down. It’s another beautiful song. The piano part is really pretty and once more Onitsuka gives a wonderful vocal performance. It’s really calming to listen to, with a soft yet emotional sound.

Carrying on the trend of melancholic piano based songs with beautiful vocal performance from Onitsuka Chihiro comes edge. The track introduces that gospel influence that sometimes becomes apparent in Onitsuka’s songs. Although it starts with quite prominent piano part, gentle rock instrumentation comes in at some point. The instrumentation is really nice and Onitsuka sounds lovely, whilst again there is good use of backing vocals. I love how it sounds so hopeful, even as it also sounds quite soft and sad. It’s another stunning and emotional song. Onitsuka Chihiro sounds so beautiful.

Next up is We can go, a very upbeat and hopeful song which has a stronger gospel feel both due to the mood the instrumentation creates, the rhythms and the English lyrics in the chorus. Like edge it has that soft, acoustic feeling due to the gentle rock instrumentation combined with piano and other things. It’s such a relaxing song with very good instrumentation, and of course Onitsuka Chihiro sounds great. I find listening to it too much it becomes irritating though- perhaps because of that gospel feeling. I am not a fan of the ending especially with the backing vocals.

The album tones down again for call, a powerful and emotional song that is beautifully sung. It has that dark atmosphere the earlier tracks did. Starting just with piano the song builds up introducing more sounds, but the piano and vocals are the most prominent part. The song has a quiet beauty about it, and at times is almost haunting with the emotion it presents. Onitsuka Chihiro sounds really good both in the deep, low pitch verses, then raising her voice effortlessly for the rest of the song.

Then it’s another dark track for the album version of Shine. The song relies on the piano and vocals. The piano’s rhythm lends a dark sorrowful atmosphere, as do Onitsuka’s desperate and at times angry vocals. Despite the simple instrumentation, it’s a very dark and emotional song which is filled with obvious sorrow that makes it extremely moving and powerful in that quiet, and soft way that so many of Onitsuka’s track manage to do.

Track 8 is cage- sounding light and airy it still has that underlying edge to it. The song has an upbeat and fast instrumental part, contrasting to the tone of Chihiro onitsuka’s voice- sounding bitter, especially in the chorus. I love how it is so light and fast yet at the same time, just as dark as the tracks before it. I think maybe although it such a dark song in a way, Onitsuka wants the prevalent feeling to be of hope and moving forward past those feelings. Really it’s just another beautiful and emotional song.

After cage is 螺旋(spiral). Onitsuka sounds very sad, and again the instrumentation is soft but doesn’t sound really that dark or sorrowful. The synth lends it that dark and ominous feeling that was present in Innocence, but much like cage the prevalent feeling is of hope. The chorus especially hints at this desperate hope that it will be OK someday. Onitsuka Chihiro puts so much emotion into those 4 lines, it’s absolutely stunning. I really love this song.

Then it’s 眩暈(dizzyness), carrying on the trend of piano bases tunes blending sorrow and hope with beautiful instrumentation and amazing vocals. The chorus especially is very strong, I like the way she accents certain notes. It’s a beautiful song. It’s very slow though and can drag on.

Lastly it’s the album version of 月光, which unlike track one is solely piano and voice. The same applies for what I said about the first version, because this one really isn’t that much different.

Rating: 10/10 (Excellent)
Favourite Track: 月光, イノセンス, 螺旋

This is a fantastic album from Onitsuka Chihiro. It’s a relaxing album to listen to, despite the dark feelings of the songs. Mainly, I love the songs quiet beauty. The songs for the most part are pretty acoustic but not dull and manage to convey so many emotions. They have the same kind of style but each carries new feelings, and a new sound to set it apart. Onitsuka Chihiro’s voice is also powerful, conveying and adding even more emotion the song and it’s admirable how her voice sounds amazing both deep, yet reaches higher notes effortlessly. I think it’s amazing, simple as that. This is one of my favourite albums from Onitsuka Chihiro; it shows off her talent perfectly. The weaker tracks are great, and the stronger tracks are absolutely amazing. Definitely something you should listen to if you haven’t already.