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Ripples...
+ Learn Some Japanese
Reviews,,,
Here you will find a few opinions/overviews of an anime/jpop concerts (or CDs) that either myself or a friend viewed. Hopefully, you'll get a better idea of these shows after reading these.
The Sixth Day
Title: The Sixth Day ~Single Collection~
Artist: Camui Gackt
Distributor: NIPPON CROWN
Composer: Gackt C.
All lyrics by: Gackt C.
Type: Album
Tracks: 14
Version Reviewed: Japan Version
Grade: 98% (A)
When I first heard about The Sixth Day, I admired it as the newest product of Gackt, the beautiful man and talented singer. Ooh, a single collection at that. Nothing more. One of these days I'll rustle up enough money to buy it, because I love Gackt. Shortly after its release, however, reviews flooded in about the album being "redone". Upon closer inspection, I discovered that Gackt had in fact kept this little detail a secret. No one knew that the songs had been re-sung, and in some cases, rearranged. This thrilled me and the thought of favorite songs re-vocalized by Gackt-sama drove me to purchase it as soon as possible.
A clever collaboration, ranging from Gackt's very first single, "Mizerable", to his most recent, "Last Song". All 14 tracks have been re-sung, with either added guitar parts, vocal layering, or little twists in the flow of the songs that weren't in the original versions. A white, pure disc is enclosed in a spiffy plastic mold with a slide in case and cover. The Japan Version comes with two color booklets; one has a kind of chronology of Gackt's career thusfar, and the other one has lyrics with pictures from the music videos. I also got a mini 2004 calendar (3 cards) and a pill case (?) that fanatics (and dreamers) could argue was a kind of condom wannabe. Gackt is big, all right.
An system is evident in the order of these tracks, and to get you going on your very own Gackt high is "OASIS". A new introduction graces your ears, with short riffs which are the signature element of this song, beeps, and a mysterious strings part in the background. The familiar instrumental begins, with Gackt's voice, which is considerably more clear and built. I haven't studied his vocal progession or anything, but I can tell you that it has improved considerably. Musical elements are added and perfected in this energetic piece, which only contributes to the superb quality of this song.
"Sekirei ~seki-ray~" holds intact the first chords of the harp, and Gackt's smoothly flowing voice. The vocals are crisper, the bass guitar drawing your attention and causing you to appreciate it more. Gackt infuses emotion into the lyrics, with immense feeling. His improved talent causes this song to surpass its glory upon the first release.
Ah, a masterpiece, only to be truly perfected by remastering vocally and musically. The intro, slightly altered, sent chills down my spine. After the initial verse, his rich voice delivers those low notes effortlessly, without the the fuzzy effect that was present in the original. Alas, is that a hint of another vocal part in the chorus? Indeed! Only for "the last secret garden", but still an improvement. Gackt's voice definitely pushes this song even further than before. At the bridge, it seems more mystical, with strings and a deeper string bounce. Well done, please do hit repeat.
"Kimi ga Oikaketa yume", bouncy and happy as ever. Again, a richer guitar sound, and fine bass. Gackt seems to jump around the notes without a hitch, flying smoothly into the lively chorus. This is one of my less-liked songs, and the remake leaves something to be desired.
"Wa.su.re.na.i.ka.ra", let's cut right to the chase. There is no intriguing intro this time, straight to the electric guitars. I simply cannot get over how full his voice is on this CD! It's fantastic. He can only get better (unless he keeps on smoking -_-). Certainly an energy-filled song, a pleasure to listen to, but even moreso now. The harmony is a tad bit more pronounced. Overall, a wonderful piece, ever classical.
I have to say that the original version of "Tsuki no Uta" was pretty, but otherwise not too noteworthy to me. WELL, on this album, the acoustics sing out to me like never before. Gackt sings with every fiber of his being, drawing you into his web of longing portrayed in this song. In the middle, following the artfully performed instrumental, remains as my favorite part of this song: "Sleepless nights and mornings of sighs�/Your favorite ballad of the moon�", and everytime I hear it, I get goosebumps. If you don't, there's seriously something wrong with you. Simply gorgeous.
To set you back on your active Gackt high is "Mirror". A definite favorite from the Mars album, this tune is back with a bang. Nya nya. I always think of this performance during his live concert. *sigh* I don't think "Mirror" can get much better than this. Gackt is very enthusiastic, backed with his bass and electric guitars, and You's divine violin. I swear, there wouldn't be a lot of diversity in Gackt's songs without You's talent. Stunning. If this song didn't reign in enough fans the first time round, it sure will this time.
An instant favorite if there ever was one. Who could not love "Vanilla"? Gackt's catchy tune about sex. What could be better? A sexy technoish intro, aishiteru. Gackt's all over this one. I, and I'm sure millions of others, like to think that he's singing it to us fangirls. He belts out his vibrato with much gusto in the verses. Never fear, "Kami-sama" was not left out. At the climax of this hot aria, as the trumpets and guitars build up, a girl moans, "It's coming!". Priceless. I so admire how Gackt easily flips up into the upper register. You are my vanilla, baby.
To keep the pary going is Gackt's first single after breaking up from Malice Mizer, "Mizerable". There are noticeable differences backing Gackt's verses. More vocal layering in the chorus! It's a real treat and very much appreciated. Some vocal effects utilized in the original are omitted, but does not take away from this song at all. I adore the violin! Clearer, basking in all its glory. It's a fresh way to look at a golden oldie.
"Lu:na", one of Gackt's more hard core rock songs with the crazy guitars and wacky beeping noises. His improved voice once again brings out the full potential of this song. I love his throaty shrieks. Gackt is on fire. This is such a great song, with varied elements (take for instance the finger symbol thingies, clearly Latino). This is some headbanger material, all right.
To pull you down into Gackt's softer material, a remake of his newest single, "Last Song". I can't say I note numerous differents in the instrumental department. But, even for such a recent song, this version is bursting the seams with feeling. Sing, Gackt-sama, sing.
"ANOTHER WORLD" seemed to grab a different audience than Gackt's usual material. More poppy rock instead of rock. Gackt really has fun singing this one again. Really quite funny song, taking into consideration that he is beat up in the video by gangsters and gets back at them by shooting em at the end. Indeed, strange. Can't say I'm overly fond of it; a lot of "fans" were roped in by this song. Hey, have fun.
"Kimi no Tame ni Dekiru koto", a very upbeat piece. The sweet lyrics are enhanced by Gackt's fervor to assure his love. He's so cute. This version definitely made me like the song more.
Closing, we have a true work of art, "Saikai-Story". If this song doesn't give your heartstrings a healthy tug, nothing will. I feel his emotion so much more than in the original. So vibrant, passionate, tragic. A beautifully performed song, "Story" stands out the most for me on this album. The violin really brings out the tone in this song. My favorite part:
utsumuite furueru kimi o
kono ude de dakishimetakute
kono sekai no dare yori mo kimi o
mamoritai to kizuita kara
I want to hold you in my arms
as you stand there trembling, head downcast.
Because I've realized that what I want
is to protect you, more than anyone else in all this world.
I feel those lyrics from the bottom of my heart. Mushy songs like this are one reason why I love Gackt; he can be loud and creative, or tender and loving. I'm no romantic sap, but I must admit that when it comes to Gackt, I melt into a puddle. Gah, I love this man so much. Go buy this album, you fool! There's no way you can regret it.