AAA - "Q"

In September 2006, AAA presented a real summer single titled ”Q” - although the theme is hardly clear when looking at the jacket artwork, which has the musicians posing in a huge Q. This single is also one of the last with Goto Yukari.

Right away, with the first leisurely-paced beats, the Beach Boys vibe is evident. The winning pop hymn also has a hidden trump card, which is the dynamic refrain. A surprising Wild West nuance comes into play in the bridge, and it makes the already entertaining song even better. Unfortunately, the live version of Hallelujah was chosen as the B-side. The mostly hip-hop influenced song has energetic vocals and sounds great live, but coming through the speakers, it sounds dull and seems displaced. The following instrumental tune of ”Q” is much better; the powerful “who” calls remain in the song.

The genre mix of the A-side is really fun and invites for repeated listening. However, the B-side can be skipped - or at least watched on a live DVD, where it works better. Other than that, AAA delivered solid pop music with this single.