Yuya Matsushita - Bird/4 Seasons

With his smooth voice and youthful charm, Yuya Matsushita has been making waves in the music industry. His third single of the year, Bird/4 Seasons, shows his softer romantic side as well as the energy that he has.

Soothing piano lingers in the listener’s ears during the opening of Bird as bass, violin and string pile on just before Yuya starts to sing. An orchestra glides and soars alongside him like the calm sea, following the pattern of most ballads. Compared to the TV-sized version of Bird, which was used for the anime “Kuroshitsuji,” the full version seems drawn-out in a few places. Overall, the full version is a brighter, more romantic ballad, whereas the TV-sized edition of the song contrastingly presents a solemn whisper of the melody at an appropriate length without overusing elements or dragging on.

An equally lengthy track, 4 Seasons is the polar opposite from its predecessor. The second A-side is a catchy up-beat pop number, mixing a typical fast beat with the usual synthesizers in the background that help keep the melody and mood afloat. 4 Seasons was also the theme for the annual fashion event in Kobe, "Kobe Collection 2010 Autumn/Winter," which Yuya performed at.

The third track, L.o.L., is a virtually unknown track and is the unexpected highlight of the single. Only included on the regular edition of the single and not affiliated with the anime single release of the same name, L.o.L. is a rare find. Standing for "Love or Lust," L.o.L. integrates the nice, relaxed voice found in Bird with a slower beat, much like in 4 Seasons, and it is ideal for a moment of relaxation.

According to CD Japan, the first press edition contains a wide cap sticker and a changeable CD jacket. Both limited and regular editions include the TV version and an instrumental track of Bird.