9 May 2013

Yoko Hikasa - Utsukushiki Zankoku na Sekai

Shingeki no Kyoujin ED

Tracklist:

1. Utsukushiki Zankoku na Sekai
2. Starting line
3. Utsukushiki Zankoku na Sekai (Instrumental)
4. Starting line (Instrumental)

1. Utsukushiki Zankoku na Sekai

A quiet and subdued piano solo makes an introduction to the pretty standard anisong-ballad arrangement, but only when the track unravels it becomes very powerful and touching, perfectly rounding up the polar opposites of triumph and despair, which are featured in the series. Likewise, Yoko's voice follows the strong arrangement in the same manner, being gentle at the verses, but blooming into its full energy at the choruses, accompanied even by some electric guitars and the varied instrumentation. The opening single for Shingeki no Kyoujin is not out yet, but the ending theme is equally as satisfying, if not even more.
Rating: 9

2. Starting line

Surprisingly, the next song is actually quite upbeat and high in tempo, reminding of the signature catchy techno-rock style from the singer Mami Kawada. As a contrast, this track could as well be used as an anime OP with its strength and explosiveness. Again, the vocals are not filtered even in this kind of a heavy arrangement, which is a decision I welcome, because Yoko's voice retains the power from the first song completely.
Rating: 8

Yoko Hikasa fits in the trend with the huge number of voice actresses becoming singers, but rare are ones which have the excellent debut single like this. In only a month, her second single will be released, so this was just the right thing to get my hopes up and wait for more good music. My overall rating for this single is: 8 ½

Also, this single marks the first review that was voted on by visitors. Click on the page "Upcoming Reviews" to vote for the next release you want me to review.

The comment box doesn't bite; be careful when feeding it, though.

6 comments:

  1. This was such an awesome single! I was surprised this was a debut, I want to listen to more of her stuff! In the verse of Utsukushiki.. I liked the strings addition and that low brass bit that added a little bit of orchestral feel, and then the contrast between the verse and the power of the chorus was great. The fast guitar lines in the chorus were sweet as well. And it was good that the B-side was pretty solid as well

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree! Unfortunately, we have to wait for more of her stuff, since it's only her debut...
      B-sides are usually cheap ballads and fillers, so it's great her composers did the extra work :D

      Delete
    2. Well, the single unfortunately has a cute white-pink cover... I really really hope it's not something cute. Even if it is cute, then it must be awesome Nagi Yanagi-style.

      Delete
  2. Utsukushiki Zankoku na Sekai...love, love, LOVE this song. Will be getting this single soon!

    It works perfectly as the ending after going through the rollercoaster of emotions that Attack on Titan puts viewers through.

    I too was surprised that this was her debut after hearing her in so many other songs. (~_~)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She had other musical work? I suppose those were character songs... yeah, they usually aren't that good.

      Delete
  3. I've heard this song before in another Anime does anyone know? Answer back

    ReplyDelete

9 May 2013

Yoko Hikasa - Utsukushiki Zankoku na Sekai

Shingeki no Kyoujin ED

Tracklist:

1. Utsukushiki Zankoku na Sekai
2. Starting line
3. Utsukushiki Zankoku na Sekai (Instrumental)
4. Starting line (Instrumental)

1. Utsukushiki Zankoku na Sekai

A quiet and subdued piano solo makes an introduction to the pretty standard anisong-ballad arrangement, but only when the track unravels it becomes very powerful and touching, perfectly rounding up the polar opposites of triumph and despair, which are featured in the series. Likewise, Yoko's voice follows the strong arrangement in the same manner, being gentle at the verses, but blooming into its full energy at the choruses, accompanied even by some electric guitars and the varied instrumentation. The opening single for Shingeki no Kyoujin is not out yet, but the ending theme is equally as satisfying, if not even more.
Rating: 9

2. Starting line

Surprisingly, the next song is actually quite upbeat and high in tempo, reminding of the signature catchy techno-rock style from the singer Mami Kawada. As a contrast, this track could as well be used as an anime OP with its strength and explosiveness. Again, the vocals are not filtered even in this kind of a heavy arrangement, which is a decision I welcome, because Yoko's voice retains the power from the first song completely.
Rating: 8

Yoko Hikasa fits in the trend with the huge number of voice actresses becoming singers, but rare are ones which have the excellent debut single like this. In only a month, her second single will be released, so this was just the right thing to get my hopes up and wait for more good music. My overall rating for this single is: 8 ½

Also, this single marks the first review that was voted on by visitors. Click on the page "Upcoming Reviews" to vote for the next release you want me to review.

The comment box doesn't bite; be careful when feeding it, though.

6 comments:

  1. This was such an awesome single! I was surprised this was a debut, I want to listen to more of her stuff! In the verse of Utsukushiki.. I liked the strings addition and that low brass bit that added a little bit of orchestral feel, and then the contrast between the verse and the power of the chorus was great. The fast guitar lines in the chorus were sweet as well. And it was good that the B-side was pretty solid as well

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree! Unfortunately, we have to wait for more of her stuff, since it's only her debut...
      B-sides are usually cheap ballads and fillers, so it's great her composers did the extra work :D

      Delete
    2. Well, the single unfortunately has a cute white-pink cover... I really really hope it's not something cute. Even if it is cute, then it must be awesome Nagi Yanagi-style.

      Delete
  2. Utsukushiki Zankoku na Sekai...love, love, LOVE this song. Will be getting this single soon!

    It works perfectly as the ending after going through the rollercoaster of emotions that Attack on Titan puts viewers through.

    I too was surprised that this was her debut after hearing her in so many other songs. (~_~)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She had other musical work? I suppose those were character songs... yeah, they usually aren't that good.

      Delete
  3. I've heard this song before in another Anime does anyone know? Answer back

    ReplyDelete