Koda Kumi - MOON

Set in a minor key, the opening chords of Moon Crying are dark, yet subtle within the confines of a typical ballad number. Koda Kumi’s strong voice pines without giving way to vibrato and it accompanied by piano. With several unexpected key changes throughout the course of the track, one expects a pattern. However, an a cappella version of the track not featured on the single drives a much more haunting sound to the ears.

That Ain’t Cool is an underexposed B-side hit, featuring a smashing collaboration with Fergie. Surely such a song could appeal to the Western market, yet sadly, it remains unreleased in North America. Both women are powerful and innovative as Fergie opens in the first verse and Koda Kumi mirrors - although technically repeating - the lyrics in the second verse.

Once Again creates a tropical, laid-back mood. It seems to be a relatively unheard of track, more so than That Ain’t Cool, as it’s appearance on video sites is virtually non-existent. Even so, Once Again is a reasonable track. Lady go!! continues in the same laid-back mindset, presenting itself like a Perfume song: catchy, fun and upbeat in a falsetto voice. Set with the ingredients of a feel-good pop song, the piano and light bass melt together perfectly, and it will leave you with a smile.

Overall, MOON contains a rapturous mixture of tracks, each representing a different set of emotions from the next. Karaoke versions of all four tracks are also included on the release.