T.M. Revolution x Nana Mizuki - Kakumei Dualism

Valrave the Liberator 2 OP 

Tracklist:

~ Type A ~

1. Kakumei Dualism

2. Kakumei Dualism (Tv Size)

~ Type C ~

2. Kakumei Dualism (Nana Mizuki Only)

3. Kakumei Dualism (T.M. Revolution Only)

1. Kakumei Dualism

Subdued guitar chords open the song, along with Nana's vocal lead, followed by T.M., who involves way too much excessive vibrato, making him sound ridiculous and amateur, until the song unravels in a strong, ani-rock arrangement. With dominating guitars and violins present in the background, this may be more of both of their domains, as opposed to the techno-inspired Preserved Roses, which incorporated less elements of anison and more of J-pop. Although, as brimming with energy as it is at every corner, the melody sounds too forced and an artificial gain of energy and strength, unlike the sudden breakdown in the middle eight section continuing into harmonies I'd prefer for the whole track instead of the already present ones. Kakumei Dualism, again, sounds more commercial and less artistic, and, even though it will eventually grow on me, it will become boring fast as well.
Rating: 8

2. Kakumei Dualism (Nana Mizuki Only) & 3. Kakumei Dualism (T.M. Revolution Only)

Unfortunately, as with the previous collaboration, the parts where one sings is left out in the other version, as I'd love to hear Nana exclusively sing the whole song, since T.M. performed poorly. On the other hand, his part sounds almost comedic and like a parody to a good vibrato and vocal control.
Rating: Unrated

It's a shame that music from two such renowned artists will be bought mostly because it's popular and mainstream, not because it actually has much artistic value like they separately do.
My overall rating is: 8
Will I return for an another listen: Maybe.

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Nana Mizuki - Vitalization

Senki Zesshou Symphogear G OP
Space Battleship Yamato 2199 ED (Track no. 2)

Tracklist:

1. Vitalization

2. Ai no Hoshi

3. Dramatic Love

1. Vitalization

Even after several attempts to write about it, Vitalization still manages to slip through with its overwhelming amount of epic, making it next to impossible to do justice to. A chopped-up pile of heavy synthage opens the track, exploding into a suddenly deep ambient and Nana's almost operatic vocals. Being even crazier than Synchrogazer, the complex arrangement utilizes every imaginable kind of techno and electronic samples, from 8-bit chips, over sub-woofers and extremely hard, strong dubstep sequences right before the salve of the insanely fast, seizure-inducing chorus. As not to forget the roots of her music, on the top of all the trancelike spins a single hypnotic violin is added as well, making another venture into techno-anison. In contrast, Nana's voice flawlessly slips from heavily layered tones to the impressive pureness similar even to one of Yuki Kajiura's vocalists. Summing up, the effectiveness of it might just be present there because it's all new and unique, but it will definitely be present in the legends as one of her best songs, and a masterpiece.

Rating: 10

2. Ai no Hoshi

Suddenly, the atmosphere completely changes, with a silent piano slowly playing in the background accompanied by a touching violin. The dreamlike, soft scenery gains a bit of tempo afterwards, joined by drums and an acoustic guitar, and even a harp, but it still leaves the serene impression unimpaired. Accordingly, Nana's vocals have the main spotlight here, soaring up to heights and returning even deeper, all while following the moving melody and tear-jerking chord progressions which make this song so special. The fans are somewhat split on either Ai no Hoshi or Vitalization being the better song, but all I can say is that it's definitely up to the challenge of the famous tie-in it was given.
Rating: 10

3. Dramatic Love

Closing the single, Dramatic Love is perhaps a bit of a load-off for Nana because of the lack of the overall seriousness and vocals stunts, being more like an upbeat, filtered version of DISCOTHEQUE mixed with the 80s catchy charm. For some reason, aside the uplifting and happy instrumentation, heavily techno-related elements from Vitalization appear occasionally, such as deep pulsations, slightly noticeable dubstep and such, which together with the piano and bells creates a quirky game-like feeling, especially in the middle eight section. There are some unusual harmonies present, but the song is very enjoyable and caters to her more J-pop oriented fans. 

Rating: 9

Considering this single is yet to officially come out in Japanese stores and charts, fingers crossed that it will reach the #1 spot it definitely deserves. I was rather too rash to say Jiyuu e no Shingeki is the best single of the season, since Vitalization has a fair chance at beating it, especially in the eyes of a devoted fan. My overall rating is: 10 - RECOMMENDED.

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T.M. Revolution x Nana Mizuki - Preserved Roses

Valrave the Liberator OP

Tracklist:

1. Preserved Roses

2. Preserved Roses (T.M. Revolution Only) - Regular Edition

3. Preserved Roses (Nana Mizuki Only) - Regular Edition

4. Preserved Roses (Anime Ver.) - Limited Edition

1. Preserved Roses

Mecha anime always have, and always will have the best music for some strange reason, and Preserved Roses reaffirms the rule in a very impressive fashion. Even after numerous listens, the track feels energetic and uprising, being quite synth-heavy electronic and upbeat. Two of the strongest and most dramatic voices collaborate here, and while the title suggests that both have an equal share, the reality is that most of the time Nana is leading the main melody while T.M. Revolution just serves as harmonic background. Still, the chorus almost negates any drawbacks on both of their singing roles, as the signature vibrato dominates the short but enjoyable 3 minutes. The only flaw one might find here can be the lack of complexity for something called the greatest anime song duo, but it is modeled after the mainstream flow of J-pop which doesn't necessarily imply the lack of artistry in it.

Rating: 9 ½

2. Preserved Roses (T.M. Revolution Only) & 3. Preserved Roses (Nana Mizuki Only)

Unfortunately, instead of having each artist sing the whole song, both tracks are a bit empty since the gaps T.M. or Nana are supposed to sing are just plainly left out in one song or the other. It does not make for real listening I thought we will get, and it is still not a full instrumental (which would be nice), but I imagine it would be good for maybe... karaoke purposes? Imagine singing alongside either one of them; personally, I find Nana's part to be easier. Be free to comment your preferred version.

Rating: Unrated

Seeing as an actual web site was opened regarding the two major musicians collaborating, I won't be surprised, and actually will be very happy if they announce some future work together. The question is, can it live up to the high standards Preserved Roses set?

My overall rating for this single is: 9 ½ - RECOMMENDED

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Nana Mizuki feat. T.M. Revolution - Preserved Roses PV

The single is not out yet, but who cares when you get an awesome music video to back it up?
Ignore the title "Short Ver.". This is the full video and song.

Valrave the Liberator OP

What do you think of the video? Personally, it's very mainstream, but that's exactly what Nana needs to get her popularity now that she's on a roll. Post your opinions in the comments below!

Sidenote: We hate Sony Music Japan from now on.

Today Was A Great Day For Anisong

I'm pretty sure hardcore fans of the two already knew, but the biggest names in anime industry announced a collaboration. Nana Mizuki x T.M. Revolution

I'm fangirling so hard now.

Doesn't Nana-san look pretty darn awesome in the clothes?

The single is due to be released on May 15th, and the collaboration Youtube channel posted a preview of the single... which is limited for viewing only in Japan.

BUT, the anime it is tied to aired today here, and the song is featured at the end. The episode itself is epic as well.

Oh, and they are going to perform together on Music Japan.

This day just keeps getting better.