Arashi - Step and Go

Arashi's first single of 2008 is only two tracks strong but it certainly doesn't take any prisoners; right from the explosive opening it's clear that Step and Go is going to be another upbeat, catchy pop track.

First impressions of the title track Step and Go are generally good; the song has a tangibly addictive pop sound that leaves no room to wonder whether or not you're supposed to have fun listening to it. It's instantly enjoyable, though it may take a few times listening to it before what at first seems like too many drastically different, separate parts manage to pull together into a cohesive whole. In terms of sound, this song has it all - brass, keyboard, synth - blended so well together you might not even notice after listening to it what exactly it was you were listening to.

The vocals are what you'd expect from an Arashi release - clear, strong lines taken on by all five members and delivered with confidence. The uplifting chorus will leave you wanting to join in after a couple of plays, and as is typical for the quintet, there is also a rap written and delivered by Sho Sakurai.

Not unusual for an Arashi B-side, Fuyu wo dakishimete is an inoffensive but perhaps slightly boring song. A typical counterpart for the more upbeat single, this track is a slightly more laid-back, piano-driven song that was used as the theme for the recent C1000 Lemon Water commercials. There's nothing to fault in the song: it can be enjoyable, but isn't going to grab you instantly. Despite the weather, February still feels a little late to release a winter-themed song, but the relentless enjoyability of Step and Go will carry the single through on its own merit.

At first listen, Step and Go probably won't stand out of the crowd, but the upbeat, poppy feeling is immensely catchy, and it's bound to grow on you. Before you know it, you'll want to hear more - and with the single entering charts at the number one spot, Arashi still looks set in good stead from their year of enviable achievements in 2007.