Koike Teppei is back with an album. Never been a fan of Teppei, I bet this album has not much difference from his previous single �Kimi ni Okuru Uta� or �Brand New Way�. His style never runs, so simply I wasn�t expecting any new from him.

The title of the album amuses me: Jack in the Box. It reminded me a lot of a bozo springing out of a box when you open it. So is this album supposed to make me scream in horror or in delight when I start playing the songs?

The album opens with Aishitemo. Surprisingly, it�s refreshing new because the song background has other string instruments other than his boring acoustic guitar. His singing on the hand is lively, thus making the song overall listenable but forgettable. But this marks some huge improvement in his songs. Another song that marked this is AIR STYLE; it has backup singers. Oooh�

Scrolling down the list, the songs pace are getting slower with Teppei strumming his acoustic guitar returning to his old and original style.

I cannot help agreeing to myself that the song list somehow retains the listeners� interest by placing an upbeat song at the beginning and then followed by slower pace songs, and before listeners got bored we get to hear another upbeat tune and then back to slower pace.

Overall, I would say this album is an innovation effort put up by Teppei. But, there�s still so much more Teppei could have done to improve on his music pieces. The team behind him should help him to create more songs like Asihitemo and Smile to suit his age of 23. They should also do something to plain unattractive cover.

Worthy tracks: Aishitemo & Smile

Rating: 1/5

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Yamapi releases his third single at the end of July with the title One in a Million. At first, I thought the title was pretty common. Tell me, how many songs are there with this same name? I think Backstreet Boys has the same name too. I thought his previous single, Loveless, has a more memorable name. But the most important characteristic in the song is the tune right? I would say it catchy and addictive but only after listening 3 times. It took me quite awhile to like this song. At the beginning, I find Yamapi's voice weak and doesn't seem to blend in with the music. His voice is like a stick sticking out a picture. Strangely, this is what I notice in his Loveless song too. Well, I guess this is his style.

Another note is this lyric doesn't make sense or rather I don't understand what the lyric is all about. On lyric matter, this is his second consecutive time in releasing sad love song. The only thing I like about this song is its catchy disco-like tune. Listening to this song just makes me wanna dance along.

If you are a fan of Yamapi, this is a definite must buy.

Rate: 4/5

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