Nakajima Megumi - I love you

Nakajima Megumi is probably best known for her debut as Ranka Lee in popular anime "Macross Frontier," a role for which she had to fight off fierce competition in a nationwide talent search. Having been featured on numerous anime soundtracks so far in her career, I love you is the first full-length album which is all her own.

The album consists of 12 "love letters" that start from April and end in the next March. This most likely follows the format of the Japanese academic year. April is Shining On, an extremely happy pop song featuring a staple of acoustic rock instruments and string backing. Megumi describes her feelings for the recipient of this song as a "glittering melody," and the lyrics are a simple expression of the desire to remain beside this object of affection. She possesses a pure, clear voice very like that of her Victor Entertainment 'sempai' Sakamoto Maaya, and this song could easily have been performed by her as well. Sorairo LOVE LETTER and white heart rhythm have a similar, optimistic feel.

Some of the songs are para-para style pop filled with dance beats which are currently extremely popular with school girls. Raspberry Kiss is the first of these, and with lyrics such as "love for you, love for me" and talk of "rose pink love" it is full of the innocence and cuteness of adolescent puppy love. July's song Sunshine Girl is an even faster-paced track and is appropriately summery and energetic. The song describes Megumi and her beau enjoying the long hot days together, albeit in a very innocent manner such as holding hands and fantasizing about kissing. This is a cheerful, cheeky number and has a sense of joie de vivre about it.

Some slower tunes are positioned between the upbeat pop to break up the pace. The bossanova tracks Yubisaki no ame and her third single Jellyfish no kokuhaku are easygoing, as are the groove and swing beats of CALL ME. None are outright ballads, with the exception of Watashi ni dekiru koto, a quiet, sorrowful piece which suits Megumi's soft voice very well. The emotion of the lyrics is conveyed nicely, and the gentle piano and string arrangement allows her voice to remain the focal point. However, there is also constant harp strumming throughout, which is unnecessary when it is sentimental enough, and it almost pushes the song over into sappiness.

January's song Tenshi ni naritai is also her first single release under her own name. More of a pop-rock song with heavier use of wailing electric guitars and speedy bass, it has a more exciting arrangement along the same sort of lines as the "Macross Frontier" song Northern Cross. The more challenging melody allows Megumi to make better use of her range and belt out more powerful vocals than the rest of the songs do.

The album finishes in March with her second single, NOSTALGIA. It's not a very original sounding track, beginning with a token chime glissando leading into a softly sung chorus and continuing with the old acoustic rock/violin combination with little variation. Despite this, it is quite endearing, perhaps because of its wistful feeling which stirs up nostalgic memories of partings from past friends or lovers.

The limited edition of the album comes with a character song CD containing four bonus tracks: her version of the "Macross Frontier" opening song LION, the online game "Tartaros Online" theme song Tartaros and character songs After The Heart Rain and Sugao de Fall In Love from anime series "Basquash!" and "Kampfer" respectively.

This debut is what most would expect from a girl scouted for her singing and acting abilities. It is a typical "idol" album with pop tracks to perform with cute choreography to, as well a few more serious ones to show off the vocals. For idol and Ranka Lee fans, the album won't disappoint. For others this album will come across as overly saccharine, as it is a relentless outpouring of the emotions and nostalgia of youth. However,those who enjoy unashamed light pop will revel in this celebration of young love.