KOKIA – KOKIA∞AKIKO ~balance~

May 10, 2009 at 6:40 AM | Posted in KOKIA | 5 Comments
Tags: albums

KOKIA∞AKIKO ~balance~ is KOKIA’s 9th studio album and it was released on March 18, 2009. The album reached #51 on the Oricon Weekly Charts. On the same day, she released a “companion album” of sorts titled AKIKO∞KOKIA ~balance~ on an independent label.

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Starting things off is Hananoen, a slow, ambient, “new age” kind of track. KOKIA always seems to be starting her albums with these slower songs lately but at least they’re filled with gorgeous vocals. The music has flowing piano, strings, and woodwinds that acclimate during the instrumental sections. The adlibbing in the background is pretty too.

The next track is more upbeat and cheery. Usu Momoiro no Kisetsu has pleasant, European inspired sound thanks to the accordion that plays a big part in the music. There is also a gentle band arrangement that includes drums and guitars. KOKIA’s vocals in this song are great, despite the overall simplicity. She sounds absolutely lovely.

The acoustic based +sing follows and it starts pretty slow but it eventually picks up the pace. The chorus is the main highlight due to the enthusiastic vocals and KOKIA ending it with sing it, sing it, sing aloud. The song is nice, but uneventful at the same time.

Featuring a darker, Celtic-like sound is Douke. Next to the conventional acoustics, the music adds piano, light drums, and a cool violin solo during the bridge. KOKIA’s vocals are deeper and stronger in this song as well; the chorus showcasing this the most.

Some of the album’s more unique songs are up next. I love to see KOKIA mix it up a bit and she does exactly that with usaghi, which features an Hispanic inspired arragement. The guitars are quick alongside the light beats and violins in the background. The vocals in this track are amazing and I loved the adlibbing that she does during the chorus.

Possessing a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere is Yoake~rebirth. The music is pretty different from the other tracks and features sweeping strings next to tolling bells and a really gentle electric guitar. The instrumental sequences are kind of unsettling but have a great ambience to them.

Another surprising track is Gematria. I got an Hispanic vibe from this song too because of the acoustics but what makes it stand out are the constant background vocals that repeat the same phrase over and over. I’m not exactly sure what language it is, since it could just be gibberish too, but it sounds pretty cool. KOKIA performs this song with opera style vocals as well and I loved it.

The next track is one that is purely composed of vocalizing. Hoshikuzu no Vocalize is similar to songs such as her version of Ave Maria and Lydia~Fairy Dance in that there are no lyrics whatsoever. The music is gorgeous and very calming with its gentle strings and piano, but the main focus is definitely on KOKIA’s voice. Once again showing off those amazing opera style vocals, she gives another stellar performance.

Then we have life goes on, a piano based song that’s in English. I liked the lyrics and they present a message about personal strength and perseverance. One of my favorite lines is life goes on and I’m still here. It’s simple but effective.

More pretty songs coming up! Senka no Hana makes use of a lone piano next to perfect, flowing vocals. The piano arrangement is so heartwarming and I loved that little solo during the bridge. Once again, she turns simplicity into something beautiful.

Kono Mune no Kurushimi ga Itooshii Hodo ni Ikite felt like a reiteration of the previous track to me. It’s more upbeat, has stronger vocals, and features a band arrangement. The verses are calm but the chorus becomes more involved as drums and organ come in. The song also includes a saxophone near the end, which adds some character.

The album ends with my favorite track. INFINITY is simply beautiful and it’s over 7 minutes in length, making it the longest song on the album. While it took me a while to start enjoying the other songs, it was this track that instantly clicked with me because it has such a pretty and memorable melody. It starts off slowly with some low key strings but it later adds flowing adlibbing sequences and quiet percussion. I like how the song combines all of these elements near the end and it really sounds marvelous. On that note, the album closes in the most perfect way with this song.

When I first listened to KOKIA∞AKIKO ~balance~, it didn’t really leave an impression on me since the album is quite laid back for the most part. However, after a couple of listens, I really began to appreciate it. To me, this album is like a combination of her past two efforts aigakikoeru ~listen for the Love~ and The VOICE. It has the simplicity of the former with an emphasis on vocals heard in the latter. Almost every track is distinct in some way and shows off a different side of KOKIA, once again proving her versatility as a songwriter and also as a vocalist. If I had to choose my favorites for this album, they would be Usu Momoiro no Kisetsu, usaghi, and INFINITY. As of now, I really enjoy the album and I think it contains some really thoughful, inspiring material.

Overall Rating

 4½ stars

Tracklisting

1. Hananoen (花宴)
2. Usu Momoiro no Kisetsu (うす桃色の季節)
3. +sing
4. Douke (道化)
5. usaghi
6. Yoake~rebirth (夜明け～rebirth)
7. Gematria (ゲマトリア)
8. Hoshikuzu no Vocalize (星屑のヴォカリーズ)
9. life goes on
10. Senka no Hana (戦火の花)
11. Kono Mune no Kurushimi ga Itooshii Hodo ni Ikite (この胸の苦しみが愛おしいほどに生きて)
12. INFINITY

Note: My favorite tracks are highlighted in blue!