Beni Arashiro - Luna

Winner of the "New Artist of the Year" award in 2005, Beni Arashiro has managed to juggle a solo career, her part in the group Bishoujo Club 31, university studies, a successful modeling career, and an acting career. Luna is her eighth single, her first to be released in 2007, and placed in the top hundred singles in the Oricon charts.

Luna opens with a lovely vocal melody from Beni Arashiro with a touch of strings. Slow and mellow with a slightly R&B feel, Luna is an obvious choice for a radio favourite. The music itself is not the most interesting and those at all craving a rock tune will be sorely disappointed. Pop fans should enjoy this track, however; though the music lacks some punch, Beni Arashiro's voice is clear and lovely to listen to.

No pain,No gain is next and is a track with a touch of unexpected funk and soul. Singing in a slowly lower pitch, Beni Arashiro's voice is solid and rather soulful with a very different sound than what the listener first heard in Luna. With guitar and some vinyl scratching, No pain,No gain is a groovy, fun track. The third track is a cover of American group TLC's Diggin' on You. A touch slower and lacking some of the attitude of the original, this is an interesting and surprising cover as Beni Arashiro again demonstrates her ability to switch over to English seamlessly and her smooth vocal work. The final two tracks are instrumental versions of her original songs on the single, Luna and No pain,No gain.

For rock or harder music fans, this single should be avoided as they'll find little to like here, aside Beni Arashiro's voice. For those who like their music with a touch of R&B and are interested in a new voice in the pop music scene, Luna is a fine introduction.


For more information about Beni Arashiro, check out the official site.