J-pop Feature: Kokia

The J-pop world is filled with throwaway synthesize pop tunes with high pitched females squeling to the song that gives you a damn headache. Not surprisingly people don't see that there is actually good tunes in the scope of it.

An anime would feature an opening to grab your attention to make you want to watch the show and an ending to go with it that feature these J-pop idols trying to make it as singers. Some are really boring or does not touch my taste so I immediately skip them so that I can get to the actual show quicker. There are exceptions if the J-pop tune is catchy enough or just good enough to listen to.

Yes its in another language I don't know. Does anyone seriously listen music for the lyrics. If its pop, if you're going to look at the lyrics, its just a repetitive cycle of words that when you read is just blatantly childish, don't try to find deeper meanings to them. (I got one less problem without you), (bang bang into the roof) really? Yeah just listen to the tune.

There are two artists that are pretty exceptional to the medium. Music I seldom heard before. That is this person and Kalafina (I think I'll make a post of them). They go off from the usual pop, rock, electronica of the usual J-pop. Kokia takes a more classical version of pop. Offering more ethereal vocals instead of energetic vocals to grab the person attention. She also goes into various genres such as folk and soul. She is pretty much jack of all traits, master at all!!

Show rather than tell  TOP 10 of Kokia songs I know (so hard!!!)

#10 Tatta Hitotsu no Omoi

I love gunslinger girl. However I didn't watch past episode 1 of the second season where this opening came from cause the show went to another studio and it looks awful. Really catchy and the song gives a sense of empowerment. Maybe I'm being biased

#9 Anate to Daette

Not the biggest fan of book girl the movie. This is nice though. It's kind of like a lullaby. The melody at the end makes me not want it to stop listening to it.

#8 So much love for you

Most of her songs sound like this as either its piano ballads or feel good pop. I guess this deserve something to stand out for standard J-pop. She can do cheerful upbeat very well. You definitely know what the song is trying to say even if you know none of the words. (that music video is the most awkward thing I've seen today)

#7  I Believe

This is probably the most vocally challenging song from her. I honestly thought she was cracking on the high notes cause it sounds so weird, but that's just her weird run she likes to do. This song is really a stand out. Fantastic live though she sounds coarse and out of breath at places but still great. (I can't breath-th-th-th). b.t.w. to the music aficionados out there, is the note at the end a G#5? cause that's impressive.

#6 Road to Glory- for Dragon Nest White Version

I have no idea what video game this is featured in. Most are in the top 10. From the first verse, you are already transported to a mystical world. I think these video game songs are so great is the background music, Its like an orchestra in there.

 #5 Karma

You know its hard when you put this song so low on the list. Karma is probably the first song I heard next to "fate". Practically just beautiful. There is no words to describe it. What a majestic opening.

#4 Kioku no Hikari

This ones interesting. I haven't watch Spaceship Yamato 2199 but this is just too good. It opens with a beautiful layering of vocals harmonizing together until the explosive chorus and you seemingly think that it will go on forever. Did you get goosebumps from it. Love it, A+

#3 Fate

Starts of with the usual beautiful choir and into some sort of battlefield as the trumpets blare into a wonderful chorus. I love it. The final part is orgasmic, I like that it's bombastic but also delicate at the same time. Not a fan of Broken Blade though

#2 EXEC_ REBIRTHIA= PROTOCOL

The final two are from the game. This song begins pretty unimpressively. Then to the verse it sounds better, ok ok its going somewhere. Then transitions to the climax and then I'm thinking this is the best song ever. So powerful when the harmonies come together.

#1 EXEC_ COSMOFLIPS

Pretty much a stretch. I put it here cause I listen to this the most. I find this extremely catchy and the beat is pretty rhythmic. Yes its a bit simple but I like it regardless. Kinda has the military vibe "fate" has in it. The song is in a made up language, the above too.