Kiyoharu's summer single isn't quite the splash it could be.
Even after two active decades in the music business, Kiyoharu still has plenty to deliver to the music world. His latest single, DARLENE, was released a week ago, and he also has a new album coming out at the end of July. DARLENE comes in three versions, all of which contain the title track and a cover of Frankie Goes to Hollywood's Relax.
DARLENE alternates between timid and contemplative verses and a stronger, more emotional chorus. The two parts go well together, but the chorus does get to be rather repetitive. The guitars are very pretty to listen to, but nothing really new. There's little else to say about DARLENE, as it's neither a great nor terrible piece; it possesses all the qualities of a Kiyoharu piece: it's got a hook that'll keep your attention through the song, well-played guitars, and his emotive vocals. There are dozens more like it throughout his career.
Relax and Something in my House are the two covers that Kiyoharu performs on this single, and they could not be more polarized than they are in terms of quality; Relax is slightly frustrating and an example of a mediocre cover. A cover of the controversial 1983 debut single by British dance-pop band Frankie Goes to Hollywood, the song's suggestive lyrics are not out of touch with Kiyoharu's image or previous works throughout his career - to put it blatantly, remember PORNO STAR from his SADS days? - but it's not quite on the mark. Though the original is quintessential 80's pop, it has a nostalgic quality to it that makes it iconic and fun. On the other hand, Kiyoharu's rendition is so 80's that it just sounds cheesy and outdated. Kiyoharu's vocals don't do any justice for the song either, and he sounds silly rather than naughty.
What makes Relax even more frustrating is Kiyoharu's cover of Something In My House by the 1980's new wave band Dead or Alive. This cover is quite good, and thus it is slightly perplexing as to how Kiyoharu managed to do covers of such varying quality. Something In My House is only available on the type B, making it even more special as a track that Kiyoharu fans should try to get a hold of. This cover keeps the original's energy and darkness, and Kiyoharu injects some modernity and sexiness with his vocals and raspy guitar. His voice gives a smooth and sensual flow that only he can create, and he keeps the electronic synthesizer to a minimum to keep it from feeling cheesy.
If you purchased the regular edition of DARLENE, you'll get a new song, You, as the third track. A slow and emotional ballad, You is very sentimental and touching; you might tear up a little bit while listening to it. On a more technical note, it also reminds listeners of Kiyoharu's unique vocal abilities: if you wanted to describe his singing in this song, you might call it vocal rhythmic gymnastics. It's full of ups and downs, but nothing is harsh or choppy - everything flows like water. The instrumentals are fairly quiet and not necessarily the most exciting, but they allow the song to be what it is.
DARLENE isn't the most exciting single, and while it might not be worth buying all the versions of the single to get all of the songs, it still deserves a chance. DARLENE is a very typical Kiyoharu piece, and even though Relax is annoying, you'll at least have Something In My House and You to look forward to.
