Beyond the Sea ~ The Style. Edition

Tracklisting
1. Minna Sora no Shita (みんな空の下)
2. Arigatou. (ありがとう。)
3. Koi Kogarete Mita Yume
     <2009/4/22 Nippon Budokan Live ver.>
     (恋焦がれて見た夢
     <2009/4/22 日本武道館 Live ver.>)
4. Minna Sora no Shita <Instrumental>
5. Arigatou. <Instrumental>

This is ayaka’s 12th single and it was released on July 8, 2009. The single reached #4 on the Oricon Weekly Charts and sold 31,305 copies.

I’M GOING TO MISS YOU, AYAKA. =(
Minna Sora no Shita is her last single before her extended hiatus and she definitely made it something to remember. This song is gorgeous and I find it quite mesmerizing. Her previous single had a more reserved sound, but ayaka steps it up this time around. The music sounds more immense and grand thanks to graceful strings and stronger percussion. Plus, compliment that with her amazing vocals and everything just comes full circle. I love the chorus the most because it’s not only beautiful, but catchy and memorable as well. A wonderful song from beginning to end.

Like much of her album tracks, the B-side showcases the cheery, upbeat side of ayaka’s music. Arigatou. is filled with bouncy brass and piano so the music is very lively. The same can be said about the tempo since there is a consistent drum beat. In the end, the overall atmosphere of the song is guaranteed to raise the spirits of those who listen to it.

Included on the single is a live version of Koi Kogarete Mita Yume, the touching ballad from her previous single. Performed at the Nippon Budokan, ayaka is only accompanied by a lone piano as she sings. It’s perfect just like her other live performances but this one is special since everything sounds more raw and intimate.

Overall Rating

5 stars