Girl's BOX LOVERS HIGH Original Song Collection

In March 2008, the soundtrack of the movie "Girl's BOX THE MOVIE ~LOVERS HIGH~" was released. The movie included some of the most beloved idols of the time acting and singing. Girl's BOX LOVERS HIGH Original Song Collection features many tracks from the movie and also two brand new songs. Six tracks are contained on both versions, and with the CD+DVD press you get to see some music clips and making of clips.

One of the actresses, Hasebe Yu, performs with her girl band DRM (formerly known as dream). They open the soundtrack with their single LEO. Instead of the expected eurobeat tunes, their music is old-fashioned, accompanied by trumpets, leisurely-paced groovy bass lines and synthesizer chords. However, the song preserves the familiar dreamy character of the girls. Nagasawa Nao continues with a very rousing dynamic rock tune, To you. The track also contains a strong electric guitar solo, and the only caveat to the song is the kitschy, quiet start and end. The beginning of To you acts as some sort of primer for Kayou Aiko's sugar-sweet song Runaway girl, which can be compared to the musical style of Otsuka Ai and can only be recommend to real pop fans. The track also offers a surprisingly witty and rousing electric guitar solo.

The next singer, Hoshii Nanase, has an usually bright childish voice that doesn't really fit with her mid-tempo ballad, but nevertheless the track is very thoughtful and has a beautiful acoustic guitar melody. Furthermore, Dawn is standing on my back is one of the bonus tracks, which was recorded only for this release. The same goes for Saitou Michi's HOLD ON. The song begins with a drum intro and quickly develops into a dramatic tune with sinister vocals, rock guitar and bass chords. The dramatic sound becomes a hopeful and dreamy melody quite quickly, and then the track ends a bit abruptly. The song collection is closed with the title track LOVERS HIGH by Kingyo, the girl band which auditioned in the end of the movie. The track is fast and is definitely eurobeat in style. Despite the fact that all the girls are singing, Yu's vocals stand out the most, and she also has the most solo parts within the song. However, the track plays with changing tone and speed shortly after the short rap part, and this gives the song a confusing touch.

The collection is pretty short at only 26 minutes, and the choice to feature Dawn is standing on my back is a poor one. Ignoring these facts, all movie and pop fans will still be impressed by the pop tunes and wonderful voices. The best of the collection are To you and HOLD ON.