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Kiss Destination - Gravity
Review by: Diana Kou
Who IS True Kiss Destination?
Let's sit and think for a moment.
Perhaps a quick jog of the memory will lend a helping hand? TKD
are Tetsuya Komuro (Producer, GLOBE member) and newcomer Asami
Yoshida. "What significance do these two play", you
ask? Ever think of the ingenious music behind the game, 'Dance
Dance Revolution'? Well that's where TKD steps in - - They
supplied roughly 8 songs for the Arcade Version of the game! (I
personally have NOT played the game, only because it's always
mobbed! ^^())
I obtained this wonderful album
from my good friend Troy "Yen" Gonzalez, recording
engineer at True Kiss Disc, Honolulu. He participated in the
recording of tracks 1, 2, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 16.
This CD is TKD's second album, whereas the first was a Limited CD
Album entitled "TRUE KiSS DESTiNATiON", catalog number
TRUEKC 101.
Tracks on "Gravity" are
listed as follows, along with a short review for each song:
(Songs with an * were featured in the Arcade Version of Dance
Dance Revolution)
Track 1 - Gravity
This is simply one of TK's 'intro' sequences, opening with
the sound of a ping-pong ball falling, and a short poem recited
by Asami.
Track 2 - Everybody's Jealous
TKD's fourth major single release, featuring the smooth
sound mix of Pachelbel's Canon in D Major in the background.
Reminds me of Evangelion!
Track 3 - Future of the Day
TKD's fifth major single release; This song is quite
repetitious, but as all the other songs, smooth and interesting
to listen to, with an awesome beat.
Track 4 - Africa *
TKD's first single major release, as well as the sixth
analog single, being their rendition of the oldie song. The beat
has been 'updated', so to speak, and the nice mix of Japanese-English
dialogue is used quite frequently here.
Track 5 - Victim (united
states mix) *
TKD's third and fourth analog singles. This song almost
sounds like something Namie Amuro or GLOBE would do, indicating
it's particularly 'unique' and continuing usage of beats.
Track 6 - Girls, Be Ambitious!
(album mix)
TKD's second major single, as well as seventh analog single.
Whoever has sampled this song agrees with me that it is
definitely one of the best tracks of this album! The beat is
great, and Tetsuya's short raps coincide perfectly with Asami's
singing.
Track 7 - Dedicated to You
This song reminds me of TLC's later sounds, although the
title of the exact song escapes me at the moment. This has a
quaint R&B feel to it, as well as several word/piece excerpts
from "Silent Night" and "Joy To the World"
mixed into the song.
Track 8 - How Do You Think? (gravity
mix) *
TKD's fifth analog single. This song is pretty repetitious
in itself, but Asami's rap sessions are definitely cool. The beat
is a bit bland, but Asami sure makes up for it.
Track 9 - Can You Dig It?' (gravity
mix) *
Nothing different than my comments for track 8, however this
song is a bit more amusing. The beat is great though; I can now
see why it was used in DDR.
Track 10 - Interlude -www.komuro.com-
This is a pretty good interlude track, as TK always adds
those little scenario/dance streams on albums he produces. I
could have definitely seen this placed into a DDR game, however...
it wasn't! It flows right into the next track, entitled...
Track 11 - Responsibility (manhattan
b. mix) *
I really 'dig' this song. All of the elements of the song
compliment eachother perfectly; The wide array of instruments
such as guitar, mixers, piano and such work together really well,
despite what one may think.
Track 12 - Precious Moments -When
Will I See You Again- (tk mix) *
TKD's first and second analog singles, rendered from the
classic love song. Of course, this version is a Japanese-English
mix of dialogue, as was 'Africa'. I like the variation of style
on this album, and this is a pure reason why.
Track 13 - Over & Over (bob
brockman mix) *
TKD's third major single, as well as eighth analog single.
This is a good song. One of the more upbeat, yet mellow, songs.
Again, almost a beat that GLOBE would feature.
Track 14 - Sugar Baby Love
This is probably my second favorite songs, if not first, of
the album. TK supplies the smooth sounds on his piano, with the
help of some other beats and instruments. I could totally imagine
Asami in a 'bar-club' type scene if this was made into a music
video - - The flow of the song is so relaxing!
Track 15 - Long & Winding
Road
I know I keep comparing songs to GLOBE and Namie Amuro, but
this song is definitely a ballad/song I'd expect of Namie Amuro!
I suppose that's what happens when they all have the same
producer, neh? This is also a great way to complete an album, as
then followed by...
Track 16 - Sugar Baby Love (early
morning version) *
I like this version a tad more than the other (track 14), as
it only consists of TK's piano works and Asami's soft humming to
the beat of 'Sugar Baby Love'. These two really make a great team.
Two songs of which are also
featured in DDR and performed by TKD but are NOT featured on this
album are "Hello Again" and "Pure Mind",
which are probably earlier or newer works of the group (most
likely the latter).
Should you get this CD? If you
like various beats with a jazzy and game-like dance mix to it,
definitely! If you're also a fan of DDR, it is a total must!
Trust me : You will not be disappointed with this album! I must
also make note that Asami Yoshida has one of the most crisp and
clear Japanese-Pop voices I've heard, which really makes her
stand out compared to other female J-Pop artists out there.
For the curious, there is a short
sample MP3 available of three songs on this album from myself and
mixed by Kaneda-kun. This sample consists of songs 'How Do You
Think', 'Responsibility' and 'Long & Winding Road'.
If you haven't already, check out
my review on Namie Amuro's "Genius 2000" album also in
this issue of AF. That's all the time for me this month -- Catch
you later!
Want to
hear a sample of Kiss Destination - Gravity?
3 songs: How
Do You Think, Responsibility, Long
& Winding Road
MP3, 22 KHz, 32 kbps, 170KB, 0:42 - click
here to listen |
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