On a musical world trip with Shimatani Hitomi.
In 2007, pop singer Shimatani Hitomi presented PRIMA ROSA, a many-faceted album which made you feel like you were on a world trip. Where the journey leads to and for which songs this is true, well, we’re going after those questions now.
A song of love named Ramblin’, accompanied by soft synthesizers and electric guitar arrangements, starts off the hour long album. After the quiet start, the song quickly displays its mid-tempo character. The following tracks could be described as pretty lighthearted and breezy. However, Dragonfly seems really threatening, and within the whole song you get the feeling of being chased. The atmosphere can be attributed to the fast rock tune, the low sounding guitar and Hitomi’s lively vocals.
The artist provides a fast change in mood with Psychedelic Future; here, fun is in focus, and you can hear that in her style of singing, in the bright trumpets and in the impressive drum solo during the bridge. The following Camellia would fit perfectly in to a Viennese opera: it's a romantic ballad accompanied by strings, sensitive vocals, a piano and some woodwind instruments. The track wins with its tempo and refrain, and the electric instruments that join in never detracts from its character. Destiny -Taiyou no Hana- exceeds expectations as well and impresses with an outstanding composition of classic instruments. Furthermore, the song has a Ukrainian touch.
The travel continues from Ukraine directly into the deepest part of Russia. As you listen to Prague no Onna, you can suddenly see snowy palaces and dancing couples. Like in Destiny, Prague no Onna combines classical instruments in a captivating way. After the yearning ballad Koimizu -tears of love-, the rousing PASIO picks up the pace and provides a taste of South America. Keeping with the Latin theme is the Spanish sounding El Dorado.
Hitomi takes the listener to China afterward, and we get familiar with the leisurely-paced ballad Haru Machibito. Brand new Dream is a calm song that comes to life through its dreamy, classical arrangement and strong bass. And almost much too soon, Futari de Iijanai and the last song of PRIMA ROSA bring the album to a close. Hitomi sings with Suzuki Masayuki on the last track, and together they bring this song to life.
PRIMA ROSA is a must have! The atmospheric arrangements of classical and modern instruments and captivating vocals will catch the eye of young and old, and it will evoke many emotions among the listeners. Kimi no Koe, Camellia and Destiny in particular, make this album shine.
