AKB48 delivers inspiring music and lyrics with their album Kamikyoku tachi, released in the US via Maru Music.
AKB48 is a girl idol group known not just for their chart topping releases, but also for their live performances given in their theatre in Tokyo’s electronic and anime district, Akihabara. They have already performed at Midem and Japan Expo in France. In 2009 they introduced themselves to American audiences with their show at Webster Hall in New York, and they returned to the States in July 2010, this time in Los Angeles to perform at Anime Expo. With sixteen tracks and three choreography videos, Kamikyoku tachi, brought to the US by Maru Music, is an album that serves as a great introduction to the group.
RIVER opens the album on a very strong note. Boasting a slightly mature sound in the melodies, it also offers some rap vocals and a hint of hip-hop, especially in the intro. Delivering messages like “Believe in yourself” and “Cross the river! You can do it!,” it offers an inspiring, persevering sound that will encourage anyone. Be sure to watch the choreography too, as the opening is basically a step routine and very interesting. The following Baby! Baby! Baby! Baby! is a jazzy, fun tune with brass and interesting digital synths.
The album continues with a top quality song. Ogoe Diamond is an emotional and inspiring proclamation of love with some very nice melodies. The music has a sense of urgency reflected in the lyrics: “I’ll run with all my might” and “I’ll yell to my voice’s limit.” Next up is Kimi no koto ga suki da kara, a speedy, energetic number with some nice guitar parts. The cute meter shoots through the roof however, and some listeners may find it a little excessive. The fifth track Shonichi has some interesting synths throughout and delivers another message of perseverance with catchy melodies.
10 Nen zakura is a pretty intense dance number with an element of obnoxiousness at times in the verses. Although it’s basically a love song, it has an interesting message: “Let’s meet in ten years.” The more mature sound returns with Tobenai ageha chou, which has a rhythmic, almost R&B style. Namida surprise is a cute, energetic birthday song with a lot of bass. In the lyrics, the girls basically throw a birthday party, wishing good luck and fulfillment of dreams.
Track nine, Choose me, is a fast paced but wistful song, where - as the title indicates - the girls are hoping their love will realize his feelings and choose them. The composition follows a racing pace and with wailing guitars and very catchy melodies, it’s a lovely number. The following Enkyori poster is another cute, hyper song. One of the strongest numbers is next. Iiwake Maybe is a fun, guitar-centric number, where the girls describe their crush on a boy at school, and they hide behind the word “maybe” when they say “I love you.”
Hikoukigumo has a bright but wistful sound and a message of longing. It’s followed by the thirteenth track, Majisuka rock n’ roll, an easygoing feel good rock piece. Next up is a lovely slow number, Sakura no shiori, where the girls sing choir-style accompanied by piano. Track fifteen, Jibun rashisa, is a cute ballad with a good message of every person following their individual path. The pace picks up again for the final song, Kimi to niji to taiyou to, which ends the album on a cheery, encouraging note.
The DVD includes choreography videos for Ogoe Diamond, Iiwake Maybe and RIVER, with various camera options the viewer can select from, including a solo version that films just one girl at a time dancing. This makes it easy for anyone to learn the dance moves for the songs.
For people who may doubt the musical quality or talent of girl groups, listening to this album and watching the choreography videos will leave no doubt in your mind as to why this group has become such a huge sensation. They may be young, but some of their songs are quite solid and the dances are pure fun.
