SnM

AHA! SMART ATTACK! Well, not really. I'm behind on everything, but I figured I'd check up on SnM and see what they've been up to, and let me tell you; a lot!! So I want to cover some of their stuff before I'm way way behind with them as well. Here we gooo!

ValeriA’s 11th release brings together a wide range of genres and languages to create a beautifully otherworldly feel. From the Celtic inspired Anataboshi to the Chinese ballad Tears from Polaris, ValeriA shows once again how versatile they can be. Released May 31st, 2010.

This was released around the same time BOYSTYLE!'s latest album was, and I've already blogged about. I downloaded this full album at the time as well and have heard all the songs on it a number of times, but I haven't gotten around to it until now. In this whole entry I'm going to be brief, unless it's something that has really struck my fancy. Because there is a lot of new stuff and I'd rather write a little and let y'all get a bit of info on them all!

01 - Sweet Dreams are Made of This
02 - Anataboshi
03 - Mayonaka no Shadow Boy
04 - Children of the Night (lilmenchi solo)
05 - Tears from Polaris
06 - Hoshi wo Mezashite (English ver.)

*All download links provided in thread~

(covers by Aqua)

The first track is currently unavailable, due to reasons explained in the official thread for this release. Now on to the tracks! As I mentioned, I'm not going to do into detail on them all, just sort of blab about the album and what I like.

For starts, I'll go ahead and say it; Mayonaka (03) was a slight disappointment. For some reason it's mixed really quietly and I think that took away from it's overall sound. The girls are marvelous, but it's not my fave. Hoshi wo Mezashite (06) is quite pitchy (mainly in the beginning, then a little here and there the rest of the song), but I really like the chorus!! It's wonderful.

Now! For favorites (of the group songs), I'm a bit torn between the 2nd and 5th track, but I think I'm going to go ahead and say that Tears from Polaris (05) is my fave. First off; it's Mandarin which I love the sound of, ohemgee. It's also a song I'm unfamiliar with; the melody is very pretty. And lastly; the vocals are gorgeous! Those three things won me over instantly. I definitely recommend it. Best track IMO.

Anataboshi (02) is such an upbeat song that makes you want to dance, but what really made me like this is the awesome singing, blending and overall sound!! This group of gals are fantastic together! The energy is at a good level for the most part, and there is a great mix of voices- adorable, cute and lovely! All parts of the dub are fabulous, but I think I like the chorus the most.

And lastly, the 4th track is a solo by lilmenchi; Children of the Night (04). She hits a lot of lovely notes, has terrific energy and a nice delivery. You can tell she gets into it, which always makes listening more enjoyable and puts a smile on my face. She did a really nice job! This album was mixed by her, Miri, Elsa and Kristy; so props to all of them. And to all of the ValeriA ladies!

(covers by Zelina!)

From here on out, these are albums that have only been released in the SnM forums, and not yet put up on their official site. Shugo Chara! (Released June 21) Singers: Ameimi, Amy, Aqua, Ariah, Aura, Buggy, Butterfly, Cacchin, CappnNono, Elaina, Elsa, Fairy, Katie, Kiko, Koichiyo, Kokoa, Kyttyee, Lilmenchi, Menami, Miri, Rena, Solaire, Umi, YamiRin. CClyrics.

01 - Kokoro no Tamago
02 - Minna Daisuki
03 - Honto no Jibun
04 - Renai ♥ Rider
05 - Gachinko de Ikou

*All download links provided in thread~

I'll admit that I haven't downloaded anything other than the 2nd and 4th tracks. Minna because I adore the song. And R♥R because I read really good feedback on it & Buggy mixed it. It's just that I've heard the other songs on this album a lot, Buono is popular -x wx- So I wasn't up to hearing any of the other songs again right now.

I suggest you don't follow in my tracks; download everything! lol. I'll get around to the rest of the tracks later. As for the two I did download ~ Minna Daisuki (02) turned out nicely, very kawaii actually! The girls sound darling! I agree with what Miri said in her comment, "Mixing for the most part was pretty good; everything was timed really well. Lots of energy at certain parts, but others were a bit laggy as well." But overall it's sweet.

And Renai ♥ Rider (04) is sensational! I know I've mentioned before that I like the chorus of this song the most, but the other parts are still good (Chorus > pre-chorus > verses). Buggy did a superb job mixing this, and the girls who participated are charming & sound fabulous.


Aw shucks, there is a lot more I want to blog about, but it's heading towards 3am so I'd better sign off for the night. At least I can keep downloading SnM releases and listen to'em until I blog about them again!! And y'all should totally check out Sekai no Melody, they release some amazing dubs~