Suzuki Ami - Potential Breakup Song

Pontential Breakup Song - Ami Suzuki joins ALY & AJ is the last single Suzuki Ami released in the year 2007. It was used as the theme song for Fukasaku Kenta's latest film XX - Makyo Densetsu, in which Suzuki also appeared as a cast member. The title track features the vocals of American pop duo ALY & AJ and is a collaboration and cover of their song of the same name, which was released in May 2007.

The single opens with Potential Breakup Song, which will immediately strike Suzuki fans as somewhat unusual with its prominent guitar sounds. Her music often only spotlights a prominent bass. The guitar play, especially the solo, give the song a "digital rock" style, rather than leaving it entirely eurobeat, techno or pop. The digital beat is also light and fast - almost skittering - which is intriguing, but also a bit of a disappointment because as incredibly catchy as the melodies of this song are, a heavy dance beat would have undoubtedly been well-suited to this number. Another unusual area is the lyrics, some of which is in English, though the majority of the words are Japanese. These differences are attributable to the fact that this song was originally done by Aly and AJ, but Suzuki has done an impressive job at keeping the number's original essence while lighting it up in her own distinctive way. The mix of her futuristic electronic sound with a mellow rock style provides a magical contrast.

With the next track, Feel the Beat, we return to the club sound and more engaging, heavier dance beat that we come to anticipate from Suzuki's songs. Most of the attitude and the mood of the track is derived from the coupling of that beat with the bass, which is ominous and hot. The majority of the vocals are sung in a whisper, so the melody isn't as catchy or as noticeable as usual. Due to the less than stellar vocal part, this is one of Suzuki's less exciting songs, certainly not one you’d put on repeat as it gets to be repetitive on its own. But for the purpose of dancing en masse and getting lost in a moment, or as background music for an event - this one gets the job done.

Tracks three and four are alternative versions of Potential Breakup. The first remix, a collaboration with renowned musician and producer Sugiurumn, is a little slower and has a light techno beat as opposed to the fast skittering one in the opening track. This version feels light and beautiful and is more relaxing than the original. Though lovely in its own right, it could have been incredible if the hot physicality and thudding beat of Feel the Beat had been transferred to Potential Breakup Song. Track four is the instrumental version for the original, an interesting addition that places the focus on the rhythm and soulfully singing guitar, particularly during its solo.

Though we may expect more from Suzuki in regards to the second track, the first more than makes up for it. Potential Breakup Song presents us with a new, surprising sound that manages to simultaneously feel like classic Suzuki, which is quite a feat. As a song you can dance to, drive to, put on repeat and just simply listen to, the first track makes this single worth your time.