Yaida Hitomi - colorhythm

Musician Yaida Hitomi presented her seventh original album, colorhythm, under the sign of her so called “heart rock” in March 2008.

YES, which is used as intro, gives a first glimpse at the following twelve tracks. Those of you who have never heard anything from her before will have some slight problems with her nasal, almost childish voice. However, you'll get used to it remarkably fast if you're of a mind to. From Happy Spinner on, the buoyant, heartfelt, rousing and happy melodies will lift you up. They are always accompanied by dull electric guitars and Hitomi’s light-hearted vocals as well. From time to time in songs like Miracle Wiper and Siren, other style elements such as jazz and Caribbean beats, respectively, have found their way into the compositions.

Together with Oda Kazumasa, Hitomi wrote and sang the song Koi Bus. The title itself hints at the content of the sensitive ballad, and the song launches the ballad section of the track list. Following is Dokidoki no tsubomi, a Christmas song with a melody during in the bridge that almost everyone has heard before. Kimi Koso Michishirube increases the tempo and sparkles with some dynamic drum beats, heavy guitar chords, strings and a pure yearning chorus. The penultimate contribution to colorhythm is an enchanting song with acoustic arrangements that would fit beautifully into a love movie. .~period~ had been composed as the atmospheric closure and provides the album with soft ending, although the outro somewhat reminds of Utada Hikaru’s Simple And Clean.

For people who aren't distracted by the voice, you're offered solid pop-rock songs, spiced up by fantastic arrangements. The songs also attract attention through their interpretations. However, a piece of advice before listening: Hitomi’s voice isn’t pleasant to all Western ears; her unusual voice is the only reason this album isn't for everyone. Still Never Land Iki, Kimi Koso Michishirube and Not Enough are some of the songs that should have universal appeal.