ALL about KOKIA

Karma its a funny old thing. One dastardly deed and somewhere down the line the repercussions
will bite you on the backside. Likewise, karma can also bring great rewards. The concept is one
with which Japanese songstress KOKIA is all too familiar not least because its the title of her
single from the opening of Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom .
It also defines her career as a musician. She had been involved in music from the tender age of
two-and-a-bit, when her instruments of choice were the violin and piano. Later in life she had stints
at music school in America and Japan before being snapped up by a major label while still at
university. She provided the theme to a PlayStation game, and her first few singles had been
penned by the same team behind one of the biggest hits from the previous year. If that wasnt
enough, the singles had also found their way into dramas and anime. Yet, even with such a large
amount of backing, exposure and her own extensive musical background, her releases barely made
the top 100 of the Oricon chart.

Yet, karma wasnt going to let all the hard work go unwarranted. As if by divine intervention her
fourth single Arigatou... made her a star. Though, not immediately. And not in Japan. In fact,
KOKIAs debut album failed to chart in her home country at all. Fortunately for her, its release in the
rest of Asia was an entirely different story and can be credited to Hong Kongs super star diva
Sammi Cheng. She released a cover of Arigatou... the same week that KOKIA made her Asian
debut, catapulting the Japanese singer to the stardom she was unable to achieve back home.
KOKIAs original version was eventually awarded third best song in Hong Kongs Best International
Song Awards. Suddenly, her career was back on track.
And thank goodness. W ithout Sammi Chengs success, a second major KOKIA album would have
been highly unlikely. And without a second album, her continued career in the world of the anime-

song would have probably died as

well. The opening
to Gunslinger Girl: Il Teatrino would not exist as we know it, the ethereal and haunting vocals
that set off the beginning of Origin: Spirits of the Past would simply not be, and a whole line of
yet-to-be- anime would have very different theme songs.
Her relative success outside of Japan, particularly Europe, has come from the exposure anime has
given her voice. In 2010 she conducted her first world tour (and by world, she clearly meant
Europe and Japan) which included dates in London and Ireland, the country which inspired the

creation of her seventh studio album Fairy Dance it also includes three covers of traditional Celtic
songs. The album, along with seven others are available digitally from the iTunes UK store courtesy
of Wasabi Records, yet both singles taken from Phantom (Karma, as well as closing theme
Transparent) remain unreleased in this region.
KOKIAs Karma and Transparent feature in Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom. Part
2 of the series is out on 12th March on UK DVD from Manga Entertainment.

KOKIA Pieces
Track Listing
1. KARMA
2. Insomnia
3. Transparent
4. Chinmoku
5. Fate*
6. Omoi
7. Nageki no Oto *
8. Koto no wa
9. Anata to Deatte
10. Road to Glory~for Dragon Nest White Version
11. EXEC_REBIRTHIA=PROTOCOL/.
12. EXEC_COSMOFLIPS/.
13. Hikari no Naka ni *
1. KARMA -I feel a little weird that KOKIA starts her outwork collection with the three singles preceding
this album IN ORDER in A-side, B-side lineage too. Anyways KARMA kicks things off with such
soothing chanting and a quiet atmosphere at first really made this song just pop for me when
it was first released. After the first verse the song gains a steady beat and KOKIAs ad-libbing
just wows me. It isnt as grandiose like Fate or EXEC_COSMOFLIPS/. but damn does it have
its good partsgreat start to the album.
2. Insomnia I do think that besides EXEC_COSMOFLIPS/., Insomnia sticks out on the album simply
because it is sung in a totally different language and thats Italian. However, the song does
nothing for me because its so much of a lullaby and the arrangement doesnt really go
anywhere while KOKIA is singing in a very legato tone so it feels like it moves even slower. Its
vocally very good, but this just puts me into sleep mode.
3. Transparent I did just review this single beforehand today, but Ive had this single for quite a while. I still
havent changed my opinions around at all since the singles review (god forbid that I reviewed
before this album). It does wake me up after Insomnia which is a good thing, but Im still
overall annoyed by that vague chorus. Oh well.
4. Chinmoku -Of the B-sides that were released in the era, Chinmoku is my favorite of the three just because
it doesnt drag and it has this feeling that I just find myself loving. Like I said on the single
review earlier today, Chinmoku is pretty and KOKIAs English in the line ~I wanna embrace
you~ just stands out. Love this tune!
5. Fate

Yeah, this song is epic and awesome to listen to. Its like walking to a battlefield or something
with KOKIA and his orgasmic vocals hahaha. From the marching style to the way the song was
handled altogether its no wonder Im just head over heels over this song. She needs more
songs like these since this is her at her best.
6. Omoi Its really hard to place this or Insomnia as the worst of the B-sides. With the latter it was
from the sleepy arrangement that didnt really go anywhere. Omois problem lies in the fact
that its way too long for me. However, the song is more interesting because of the
depressing tone of the song mixed with KOKIAs whispery vocals and low strings. It might be
interesting for the ballad fans, but this needed to be chopped in length.
7. Nageki no Oto
Finally songs that I havent already heard prior to this release! I really like the depressing
glow of this song as well which fits pretty nicely after Omoi. At least KOKIAs vocals are
more impressive here and I love the bass in this song a lot for some reason but this song
grows into something thats a lil like Fate almost but not as jaw-dropping.
8. Koto no wa Another ballad fills the headphones next with Koto no wa and since its only KOKIA with piano
and strings with light percussion. I get a wintry night kind of feel for the song and the mood is
very relaxed and yet kind of bright at the same time. I just get into a good mood whenever I
listen to this song and is one of the more pleasant and calming songs.
9. Anata to Deatte Another Insomnia on the album?!? Yeah, its the same exact feeling I get listening to this
track because its really slow and the legato singing is really dragging the song even slower
which puts me back into a sleepy kind of mood. I mean its a little more likeable than the Bside, but its very hard to fully enjoy since its just THAT SLOOOOOW.
10. Road to Glory~for Dragon Nest White Version
Wow, I didnt think she wouldve added Road to Glory on here because its A. The only song
represented from the mini-album from the era and B. I still quite like even if this is the third
time I reviewed it really. Its really adventurous of a song and kind of falls into the same
category as KARMA but with a lighter glow and a much prettier arrangement IMO. Later on
the song it does become stronger with erhu and brass mixed in with a marching beat ala
Fate. Its one of the albums best songs.
11. EXEC_REBIRTHIA=PROTOCOL/.

Ok, the strange titles for the next two tracks are because both songs are tied to the Ar
tornelico series of games. The first of the two tones down the epic factor to another ballad
but unlike the sleeper songs, REBIRTHIA=PROTOCOL starts out with a long passage of adlibbing before KOKIA comes in and she sounds kind of deeper than in the other songs which
threw me off at first but its a nice change. It isnt an amazing song as I hoped it would be
(considering Ive had the next song on replay for a long time).
12. EXEC_COSMOFLIPS/. -For a song to have such an interesting title like COSMOFLIPS, I was expecting something way
outrageous and outside of the box for KOKIA. It seems that she conjured up another Fatelike track and I fell in love with this completely. However, newbies will find themselves
confused or trying to figure out what the hell shes saying. Thats because this song is sung
under the fictional Ar tornelico language, Hymnnos. Its still pretty damn epic of a battlefield
type of a song has a lot of punch and of course KOKIA sounds OMG good. Yeah another grand
slammer of a song!
13. Hikari no Naka ni
Closing the album out is Hikari no Naka ni which kind of sounds like something left over from
her album, REAL WORLD since it has this Tunisian feel but in a more calmer and soothing
fashion. It does seem to slowly build into something better but also has a slow part as well
before returning to it. Its a nice closing song to choose for the album IMO.
Tracks Recommended
Fate
EXEC_COSMOFLIPS/.

Chinmoku

Road to Glory~for Dragon Nest White Version

Koto no wa

Song of Avoidance
Insomnia
Its been a long time waiting for this album to finally come out. Even though its credited as
an outworks album, I consider it a main album since the last three singles she released are
present on here with a bunch of other tracks that didnt have an official KOKIA release. If your
looking for an album to start with REAL WORLD and THE VOICE still tops the list but this
isnt far behind and made up for that boring mess in moment. Yeah, definitely check this
album out *RECOMMENDED*

KOKIA Kodoku Na Ikimono/Ano Hi No

Watashi Ni March 18, 2010
Filed under: KOKIA solarblade @ 5:41 am

Track Listing
1. Kodoku na Ikimono
2. Ano Hi no Watashi ni
3.
4.

Kokoro no Kisetsu

The Long and Winding Road

1. Kodoku na Ikimono While it isnt my first time listening to KOKIA, Kodoku na Ikimono is a piano ballad and since
people all the time rave the hell out of the fact that KOKIA is a great singer, I can somewhat
agree to it with this song. Her vocals are soothing and straightforward and can hit the notes
like so easily. While the song doesnt exactly go anywhere arrangement wise, its KOKIA who
fuels the song right.
2. Ano Hi no Watashi no Unlike the first song with dissonant piano chords, this one is more simpler in sound and even
more of a ballad than the previous track. KOKIA definitely has great volume control here and
her way of singing is very pretty but once again, Im kind of wanting a little more in the
arrangement because it can sort of get boring after awhile.
3. Kokoro no Kisetsu This is a little more like it, but looking at how long the song is I was prepared for the worst and
sadly it kind of happened because its another ballad, but with a few tricks under its sleeves.

Besides that, its kind of just another KOKIA balladbut I do love the new splashes of
instruments thats added.
4. The Long and Winding Road As the only English song on the single, this was the most interesting song off the single
despite being the shortest as well. KOKIA in English is just mesmerizing and mix it in with the
acoustic guitar and cello parts and you get this rather sad tune, but I really enjoyed this song
the most off the single.

Since this is the last digital single representing the REAL WORLD album and my first single
reviewed for KOKIA, I was otherwise bored with the single with the English song being the only
thing thats remotely memorableLuckily, Kodoku na Ikimono is the only song that makes the
albums cut, well see where this goes

KOKIA REAL WORLD

April 3, 2010

Filed under: KOKIA solarblade @ 5:54 am

2.

Track Listing
1. Birth
Road to Glory ~ for Dragon Nest *
3.

6.

U-CHA-CHA

4.

REAL WORLD

5.

Saishuu Jouei

Love is Us, Love is Earth

7.

Dugong no Sora

8. Kodoku na Ikimono
9. single mother
10. Kimi wo Sagashite
11. Oto no Tabibito
12. Watashi ga Mitamono
13. Kono Chikyuu ga Marui Okage de

14. The woman

1. Birth Beginning KOKIAs album, Birth starts things off kind of mystically with piano and drowned up
percussion. I kind of like the songs flow and KOKIAs vocals suited perfectly with the pseudomarching arrangement. It really comes off as a lullaby to me and kind of an epic one at that.
The solo string parts are quite nicely done as well, but the only thing that got me was the
transition from the slow part to the louder part of the track. Then again, KOKIA sounded
amazing in that partwhat a good start!
2. Road to Glory ~ for Dragon Nest
Getting into our next song, Road to Glory continues this rather mystical sounding arrangment
but ties it in with a flute opening and an acoustic guitar entering a bit after. I was surprised at
the low-lying beat under the songs structure that gave it this cool and desert-y sound and
with KOKIAs vocals, it just worked for me. If I knew any better, I wouldve been likedid
Kajiura work on this? It sounds like a Kalafina tune, but done so well!
3. U-CHA-CHA Im starting to believe KOKIA really stuck it to the album by making it sound so worldly and
different. U-CHA-CHA sounds so different and with the song being a jungle-y type of song, I
was pretty impressed with it overall. She is layered like crazy, but given the way this song
reaches its climax rather quickly, I thought it was a nice song and it sounds more like it
shouldve been on Fairy Dance.
4. REAL WORLD After hearing those three songs and having this other-worldly feel, REAL WORLD just throws
you back down to Earth with this kind of happier sounding tune. Though Ill admit the way
KOKIA is filling this song really makes up for the rather pop/rock arrangement that seems to
be otherwise a wrench in the album. Some of the song KOKIA is filtered, but the chorus really
lets her shine quite nicely. Not as good as the previous three, but it reminds people that shes
more than that girl who sings slow and epic ballads.
5. Saishuu Jouei I honestly had no idea what we were going to get from our next new song, but Saishuu Jouei
starts with with some strange space ideas and someone rewounding something.After a little
bit it just kind of slows and stops and KOKIA comes in with ~Welcome to the magical world~.
I really dont know how to really classify the song because of its overall sound, but its slow
and takes you to another place. Mix in the various levels of vocal layering the song has to
offer and its almost hypnotizing.
6. Love is Us, Love is Earth Then we start moving away from the more complex arrangements to the more simpler
sounding songs starting with this track. Leaving the vocal layering, this song isnt too bad,
but its not as majestic as the previous songs were, and the hot mess of a title just kind of
bothers me a little. As the song moves along, it does bring back a stronger arrangement than
the classic piano/strings. Its a grower for me.
7. Dugong no Sora -Ok, well maybe Dugong no Sora really got me back in because its just so ethereal and just
right for me that it isnt terribly boring. Its slow-paced and the opening has a pretty lengthy
ad-libbing section but once KOKIA starts to sing, things just becomes immensely better. This
song really just fits perfectly with the albums cover art and all that. Its a pretty song
altogether and just felt nice.
8. Kodoku na Ikimono Then we start to get in the eras released singles (all digitally BTW), starting with the final Aside released, Kodoku na Ikimono. Strangely enough, my feelings for this song has been kind
of dashed because of its bare-boned sound when compared to all the tracks previous to this
one. Take the complexity out and leave the nice vocals from KOKIA and you basically get this
track. That being said, its not that amazing of a track, and here it just seems to be filler
material.
9. single mother Going to the 2nd digital single of the era. I cant believe this is longer than friggin Kodoku na
Ikimono and just like that song, its another piano ballad from her and Im sadly not feeling
this song as well. Would you believe its even more bare sounding? I mean I was really bored
with this tune and even KOKIA couldnt make it any more better. Sorry

10. Kimi wo Sagashite At least the first digital single of the era was a bit more nicer to me than the previous songs. I
get this rather light R&B sound coming from this track and while that is pretty experimental
(not like her previous efforts, but). I kind of like Kimi wo Sagashites more honest feel and
its kind of sad/hopeful in sound so thats also a plus for her. KOKIAs vocals arent like as hard
and loud, so this quieter side of her is nicejust wished she had better arrangements like this
in those two previous songs.
11. Oto no Tabibito I really liked that this song has this rather Native American feel to it which once again fits the
mood of the album and right there brought back the awesomeness from KOKIA. Once again,
her vocals are up in the higher register and she cannot get anymore better than this one.
While it is a ballad, its got more style than those digital singles and her voice is just great
then again it could be the vocal layering again thats pulling me in.
12. Watashi ga Mitamono Once again opening with an ethereal flow, Watashi ga Mitamono seems to be the most
simplistic of the new songs and thats not a bad thing at all because KOKIA really gave the
song some color. Actually, this song kind of reminds me of a stronger sounding Kodoku na
Ikimono since they both are similar in the way its a piano/strings song. I dont mind it too
much, but its my least favorite of the new songs.
13. Kono Chikyuu ga Marui Okage de Another ballad, Kono Chikyuu ga Marui Okage de kind of bridges in between the real simplistic
songs (the digital singles) and the more filled ones (Watashi ga Mitamono), now that being
said, Im kind of like the song, but its far from the other ones here. I like when the heavy
drum beat is added like its the heartbeat of the song. Oddly, its slow paced feel makes the
song go by very quickly, but I like the emotion put into the song.
14. The woman As the albums promotional track and final song as well, The woman wouldnt have been the
song Id choose to represent the album, but I guess this works quite nicely since its just really
pretty sounding. KOKIA definitely loves holding her notes in a legato-like style, but I dont
mind it at all. The song does feel empty, but I think it was on purpose. Just like Love is Us,
Love is Earth, this song is definitely a song that has to grow on me.
Tracks Recommended
U-CHA-CHA
Saishuu Jouei

Road to Glory ~ for Dragon Nest

Dugong no Sora

Birth

Song of Avoidance
single mother
While this is my second album Ive heard from KOKIA (THE VOICE being the first), this one is
definitely a strong album, but then again what isnt strong from her right? The album couldve
been perfect if it wasnt for those weak digital singles that she added to the album. They
didnt fit right especially with the amount of really amazing songs on here. I also was
wondering why there wasnt no weird song from heryknow like Follow the Nightingale
Still pretty strong album once again.

KOKIA KARMA

April 16, 2010

Filed under: KOKIA solarblade @ 3:47 am

Track Listing
1. KARMA
2. Insomnia
3.
4.

KARMA (instrumental)
Insomnia (instrumental)

1. KARMA
KARMAwow. I mean this song is quite enchanting and filled with mysterious wonder
because of the way its presented and with KOKIA also providing some of the background
stuff, I was surprised at this. I thought when it grew louder and gained that heavy beat, that
was when I fully noticed the song was going to just get epic in every way. Its a very
interesting song and one of those songs thatll always be KOKIA.
2. Insomnia
As for the B-side Insomnia is a bit more forlorn than KARMA was. While I didnt think the Aside was really a ballad, Insomnia is definitely a ballad but a mystical one at that. I love the
harmonizations through the song and with the bittersweet piano melody, this song felt nice to
listen to. Makes you drift to another place in my opinion.

As it is KOKIAs debut under the great Lantis label, KARMA was really an epic single of sorts.
The A-side being so dramatic and so crazily good. Insomnia also was nice and took charge for
being a slower song. *RECOMMENDED*

KOKIA Fate

May 26, 2010

Filed under: KOKIA solarblade @ 3:04 pm

Track Listing
1. Fate
2. Omoi
3.

Fate (off vocal)

4.

Omoi (off vocal)

1. Fate
Can this woman do bad? Fate pwns the crap out of both KARMA and Transparent in one
fall swoop. Yes, this song is an anime tie-in tune, but the way its sung and the march of
epicness just made the song feel so regal and just right. I love how KOKIAs vocals just sway
in with the song and her ad-libbing throughout is just enchanting. I didnt think she could pull
off something more better than KARMA or EXE_COSMOFLIPS/. but BAM, here we are XD
2. Omoi
The B-side of the single opens up with a pretty strings solo and it sounds kind of sad with the
chords playing like that. While in Fate, we could barely tell what KOKIA was saying, luckily
Omoi makes that clearer for us and her airy vocals are quite relaxing and fits with the rather
empty arrangement. Its odd there is little to no percussion in the song, but its melancholic
feel makes the right choice to be the B-side.

It seems that since KOKIA made the leap to do anime songs for Lantis, she has not made one
mistake yet and with Fate, I think she has made an amazing single out of it. Both songs were
different and they felt totally connected at the same time. I love the epic castle sound of Fate
and then the saddening Omoi. It might not be her best single (havent heard her previous
stuff) but damn is this amazing *RECOMMENDED*

KOKIA Road To Glory ~Long Journey~

Filed under: KOKIA solarblade @ 2:21 am

September 6, 2010

1.

Track Listing
Road to Glory ~for Dragon Nest White Version~ *
2. Daybreak
3.
4.

For little tail *

For little tail ~once~

1. Road to Glory ~For Dragon Nest White Version~

So seeing that Road of Glory from REAL WORLD got redone for its tie-in and was placed as
the opening song for this mini-album (or so I think). To be honest, I dont hear much
difference between the two songs since they both have the same very ethereal flow and
sound. It might have been sung a little differently, but I really dont see whats different from
the mini-album version of this and the album one. Still, its one of the more intriguing and
mysterious songs shes done in recent times and I enjoyed this quite a bit. Very silky and
smooth vocals throughout and the layering was done nicely. Still impresses me.
2. Daybreak Luckily the two other main songs for the mini-album are brand new. Though I wonder if its
more of REAL WORLD leftovers since a good portion of that album was thought of when
KOKIA was in Tunisia. Daybreak has an adventurous glow to it which always works for me.
Though there is a huge crack moving from the verses to chorus since it just changes the flow
almost instantaneously which is a bit of a negative here, but once again KOKIAs vocals are
superb, but that chorus was just a little too weirdly executed.
3. For little tail
The thing that actually sounds like itd fit in the video game, For little tail sounds a little
different than the other songs because theres actual piano being used and some wooden
percussion instrument. It almost seems regal in places and it kind of takes away the Tunisian
ideas that the previous songs had. KOKIAs vocals also seem a bit higher. Out of the three,
this one left the biggest mark on me and thats good.
4. For little tail ~once~

Im not sure what to call thisa remix?, or an acoustic version. I mean yeah compared to the
track before, this has less things going on fully and all thats left is this dinging and drums and
acoustic guitar. Of course this being said we get to hear more from KOKIA and actually it
sounds tribal here. Add the fact that it was resung was a better idea.

4 tracks should not be considered close to being a mini-album. I dont know why its tagged
as such even when this is more or less a re-cut. I couldnt tell the difference in Road to Glory,
but I still enjoy it nonetheless and its probably for the best. As for Daybreakit felt like
leftover material from REAL WORLD and so thats good that there were more songs. For

little tail and its edit were the best songs for sure and reminds me of KARMA and Fate. I
ended up liking this, even though I dont agree with the mini-album tag.

KOKIA Sakura No Ki No Shita/Hikari No Kata E

May 4,

2011

Filed under: KOKIA solarblade @ 2:15 am

1.
3.

Track Listing
Sakura no Ki no Shita *
2. Hikari no Kata e *

Sakura no Ki no Shita (Instrumental)

4.

Hikari no Kata e (Instrumental)

1. Sakura no Ki no Shita
Oh hey random shimasen that opens up Sakura no Ki no Shita. While its another one of her
anime singles, I felt this was a slight step down after Fate for sure but this song is pretty a
lot less darker than said song. KOKIAs vocals of course sound pleasant to listen to and mixed
with a little backup here and there to make it sound more ethereal. Its definitely good like
KOKIAs other songs, but after Fate this is slightly under it.
2. Hikari no Kata e
As for the other A-side on the single, it feels like more of the stuff she released on the digital
singles that were leading up to the release of REAL WORLD. What I mean is, its pretty
much a basic ballad from KOKIA with just piano being the lone melodic property to the song.
Likewise, I wasnt a fan of the A-sides from the digital releases and it still stands with me. I
guess Im just that bored when KOKIA does bare-boned music.
I wonder when well get an album with these anime singles since this single isnt being
featured on her upcoming album, moment. I do think Sakura no Ki no Shita is just as good
as her other A-sides of recent (a little better than Transparent) but Hikari no Kata e was a bit
of a borefest.Like I said, KOKIA does better when the arrangements have spice to em and
not so basic.

KOKIA Moment

May 20, 2011

Filed under: KOKIA solarblade @ 4:29 am

Track Listing *
moment ~Ima wo Ikiru~
2. te a te

1.

3.
4.

Otona no Ookami

5.

Daijoubu Daijoubu
6.

7.
8.
9.

from 16

Hontou no Oto
Yasashii Shirabe

Sora Detsu na Gatteru

Ai to Heiwa to Ongaku to

10. 5-tsu Me no Kisetsu

11. Mou Ichido
1. moment ~Imi wo Ikiru~
Starting the album off with the title track, moment does start off slowly with a nice enough
piano-based melody and light and fluffy vocals from KOKIA. After a bit accordion (or what I
think is) appears to make it sound a bit more interesting and it does. The problem is is that
theres no real climax to the song and just simmers to try to get there. Its something I dont
really appreciate but whatever KOKIA sounds wonderous.
2. te a te
Unlike moments sound, te a te does a little better of a job making things a bit more
memorable. Theres something magical about the song that makes things stand out a little
bit more than normal. It could be also from KOKIAs vocals that sound like she compined a
little bit of opera with a smidge of shima-uta as well. Its different, but somehow its relaxing
vibes worked better than the first track.
3. from 16
Our next track takes things even more quieter by making the arrangement be mostly acoustic
guitar and piano (but more of the former). The problem is here is that it reminds me of those
digital singles that nearly bored me to death. You know, Kimi wo Sagashite and single
mother and the like. It just doesnt pop out at me really and almost puts me to sleep.
4. Otona no Ookami
After waking up from the last track, I was hoping for something a little more exciting for the
next song and I was actually surprised with this one. KOKIAs vocals take a deeper tone and

she sounds beautiful with this strings-based tune that includes bongos. Its pretty damn
mysterious and definitely reminds me of Dugong no Sora. Epic track ^_^
5. Daijoubu Daijoubu
I guess Otona no Ookami was going to be placed between the two tracks because they both
dont do much for me. Daijoubu Daijoubu is probably one of the quieter songs here since its
essentially piano and KOKIA. Im always for KOKIA ballads and all, but this is lacking
something quite terribly and these kind of songs struggle to be memorable (at least to me,
this kind of songs dont do anything cept put me to sleep).
6. Hontou no Oto
I mean, Hontou no Oto does a better job at filling the sound out a whole lot more than
Daijoubu Daijoubu did. Still, this song continues this list of songs on the album that just
doesnt pique my interest. I mean it has piano as wellits just a little more broad in sound
and thats itnothing really to make it pop.
7. Yasashii Shirabe
After taking that lengthy nap, Yasashii Shirabe does somewhat remedy the problem of the
album and thats a good thing. As basic of a ballad it is with piano and strings, Yasashii
Shirabe actually sounds different and KOKIAs vocals actually made me pay attention,
especially with the different tempo changes in the song. Pretty song overall.
8. Sora Detsu na Gatteru
After so many ballads, its kind of nice to get something that has a beat. It still is pretty slow
but I ended up liking this a bit since the tune has a more ethereal vibe when put against the
other tracks. It gets better when the light percussion comes in and KOKIA starts to show her
vocal colors a bit better as well. Not as strong as Otona no Ookami but its pretty good.
9. Ai to Heiwa to Ongaku to
Ack, another piano-only tune. The only thing that really stands out on this song is KOKIAs
vocals where shes hitting high notes with simple ease. It should be a song that would grab
attention since low-lying strings pop up after the first chorus, but it still fails to capture my
interest in fullthen the marching drums come in and it basically brought me to say its like
moment ~Ima wo Ikiru~.
10. 5-tsu Me no Kisetsu
At least the vibe for our next song is sounding a bit more happier at least and they brought
back the accordion as well. I cant believe Im saying this but that is a godsend after all this
on the album. It sounds pretty good for a ballad and KOKIAs vocals are pretty grand here.
The thing is that the arrangement feels too light for some reasonat least the accordion parts
are sweet enough.
11. Mou Ichido
This definitely might fit as being the last track well, but we already have a quiet song with the
same properties. I dont think theres much that really seperates this and Daijoubu Daijoubu
much and thats a pretty bad disappointment. I will say, it does grow in sound, but its
shortlived as it goes back to the minimalistic sound. Sorry we have one, we dont need
another KOKIA!!!
Tracks Recommended
Otona no Ookami
Yasashii Shirabe

te a te

5-tsu Me no Kisetsu

Song of Avoidance
Mou Ichido
KOKIA has always intrigued me with her albums like THE VOICE or REAL WORLD and her
Irish mini. However, when it came to moment, something went wrong for me. It seems like
she was going for a mediterreanean feel with the title track and 5-tsu Me no Kisetsu but
somehow got bored and made the other balladswell boring and lifeless. For me, she really
bombed after REAL WORLD. Sorry KOKIA, but to keep things alive, you need the music to
give it life too.ugh

KOKIA Transparent

August 25, 2011

Filed under: KOKIA solarblade @ 5:25 pm

Track Listing 1. Transparent

2. Chinmoku
3.
4.

Transparent (instrumental)
Chinmoku (instrumental)

1. Transparent I get an interesting feel when I listen to Transparent which as an eerie glow that almost sounds
like VGM music in the beginning which was the first thing that caught my attention. I will say
that since its the A-side placed between KARMA and Fate its just a little strange to not
see the vocal layering here. I will say that the glow of the song made me enjoy it but damn
could you have redone the chorus where it isnt ~transparent, transparent, transparent
etc.~. Otherwise, its not bad but definitely the weakest of the pieces era.
2. Chinmoku As for the B-side I thought it sounded a little R&B-ish in the first few seconds before KOKIA
comes in ad-libbing. It does seem a little more spooky than Transparent but at the same
time it has a really nice icy glow to it that actually pulled me in quite quickly. It kind of moves
like a snail, but thats alright since Im entranced by her dreamy and magical vocals lol.

To me of the three singles released for the era, Transparent is the weakest one, but it does
have the best B-side simple because Chinmoku really took me to a different place with its cold
and moving piece. Transparent wouldve been alright if it wasnt for the icky chorusstill both
tracks are on the album soooo xD

KOKIA New Day, New Life

Filed under: KOKIA solarblade @ 4:35 am

Track Listing 1. New Day, New Life

2. life ~Seimei no Hibiki~
3.
4.

New Day, New Life (without vocal)

life ~Seimei no Hibiki~ (without vocal)

1. New Day, New Life Ohhhh, this is interesting that New Day, New Life sounds breezy and quite pretty from KOKIA.
I have to say that I love these kind of songs and she actually blew me away with this one
because while it has this hopeful and bright feel, I cant helped but be lulled away by KOKIAs
soft vocals in both verses and choruses. It might not be epic KOKIA, but this is just as good
and Im loving this track!
2. life ~Seimei no Hibiki~ The B-side though is a bit of a surprise because it starts with some male, talking. Im not sure
what language shes singing but its definitely different and is a giant switch from the breezy
New Day, New Life. It kind of reminds me of the stuff on REAL WORLD but upbeat and Im
enjoying this as well. Its really good! Maybe something off of pieces as well!

As this is the first of three simultaneously released singles, New Day, New Life has raised my
interest a full jump for sure. The leading song was bright and poppy but not so much that its
tastefulhowever the main star is life ~Seimei no Hibiki~! Its just so unique and fresh for
KOKIA and she sounds AMAZING in it. Though I still wonder what language shes singing
because I know it cant be Japanese. Now Im curious to how Memorial days and Hikari wo
Kasanete will sound! *RECOMMENDED*

KOKIA Memorial Days

Filed under: KOKIA solarblade @ 5:49 pm

January 24, 2012

Track Listing 1. Memorial days

2. 0 Kara no Hajimari
3.
4.

Memorial days (Instrumental)

0 Kara no Hajimari (Instrumental)

1. Memorial days As a theme for the GUNDAM series, I was kind of excited to hear Memorial days, though I
wasnt expecting something so quiet to come from KOKIA (especially after New Day, New
Life). Its really light and it has KOKIA singing in a higher pitch than Im used to which is
different but she sounds OK. Its nice that more instruments join in after a while with just her
and piano. Im just not really into the song as much as her other A-side.
2. 0 Kara no Hajimari The B-side unfortunately goes in the same direction as Memorial days as a ballad but she
sounds a little better here actually. Im stull bummed that its still essentially piano before
underlying strings join in but I preferred this to be the leading song to be honest.

Boring single is kind of boring here and I had rather high hopes for this single to be honest.
Neither Memorial days and 0 Kara no Hajimari really spoke to me and she clearly has better
ballads in her repetoire to throw out so Im rather surprised that it just didnt work.

KOKIA Hikari Wo Kasanete

Filed under: KOKIA solarblade @ 7:33 pm

February 1, 2012

1.
3.

Track Listing Hikari wo Kasanete

2. Faraway

Hikari wo Kasanete (instrumental)

4.

Faraway (instrumental)

1. Hikari wo Kasanete So we had an A-side tied to GUNDAM and one for the Tales of series, however we now get
a .hack tie-in for Hikari wo Kasanete and I wasnt surprised that the song was a ballad. Once
again the melody of the song isnt amazing or anything but its simple and just has the lullabytype. Its a small step up from Memorial days but still kind of boring for me.
2. Faraway But oh no, we have to get even MORE softer for the B-side in Faraway. Its kind of what I
thought of 0 Kara no Hajimari in that its maybe a little too soft for me. I will say this did
somewhat entrance me because of how breathy KOKIA is in the song plus how echoey it gets
in some parts. This might be the better song but I dont know

KOKIAs third single released on the same day kind of isnt very surprising or memorable for
that matter like New Day, New Life. Essentially if youve heard the Memorial days single
then youre getting the same treatment for Hikari wo Kasanete. Both songs are ballads and
the B-side does rank a bit higherbut still kind of forgetful (once again) >.>

KOKIA Yume Oibito

Filed under: KOKIA solarblade @ 9:53 pm

March 13, 2012

4.

2.

Track Listing 1. Yume Oibito

Yume Oibito (Piano Version)

3.

Yume Oibito (Instrumental)

Yume Oibito (Piano Version) (Instrumental)

1. Yume Oibito Dang, KOKIA really likes her ballads huh? I mean in recent times her ballads have been oddly
very boring despite KOKIAs amazing vocals. Yume Oibito its like the other ballad A-sides
shes released so far in the era which is not a good sign IMHO. Im just overall not impressed
here.
2. Yume Oibito (Piano Version) Just to add salt to the already existing wound, she puts out a piano-only version of the song
and Im even further bored by it. I mean yeah the vocals are pretty great, but it just doesnt
seem like it makes up for the bored and tired arrangement.

While I think KOKIA is a great singer and all, her singles as of lately have been mostly
disappointments and makes me wonder how well shell do with an album of these. Yume
Oibito is just too plain for meits like Memorial days but less because it has an even more
boring piano version of it. Girl, needs to pick up the slack badly!

KOKIA Battle Of Destiny

Filed under: KOKIA solarblade @ 8:24 pm

March 3, 2013

Track Listing
1. Battle of destiny *
2. Aete Ureshii Nyan
1. Battle of destiny
When I heard that this song was tied to Dragons Nest, I was SO DAMN happy because the last
song she did for the series Road to Glory was bloody amazing and I can see the similarities
between that and Battle of destiny because this is the epic KOKIA Ive really wanted all last
year but ended up getting a lot of bland! This song is really awesome and the fact I think
KOKIA is singing in a different language is clearly proof of how amazing she really isuntil
2. Aete Ureshii Nyan
We move into the B-side which is a TOTAL 180 from the epicness of Battle of destiny
because up to this point of my enjoyment of KOKIA Ive never heard her voice sound so high
and cutesy doing this nyan thingDAMNIT STOP FOLLOWING MOMOKO!!! I really would love
to know why she did a song like this because I cant think of any other way at the moment
this is just a bit too absurd.

KOKIA is once again on a release streak for some reason but the album thats coming out
doesnt have ANY of the singles shes done since Sakura no Ki no Shita so its weird to me.
Battle of destiny is a pretty amazing track and definitely is a great track to be from the same
series as Road to Glory was. Aete Ureshii Nyan howevergross and really not the type of
thing KOKIA should do more often.blech! I wonder what Kioku no Hikari will turn out like
now

KOKIA Kioku No Hikari

Filed under: KOKIA solarblade @ 12:26 am

May 7, 2013

2.

Track Listing 1. Kioku no Hikari

Where to go my love? (single ver.)

3.

Kioku no Hikari (instrumental ver.)

1. Kioku no Hikari After the last GUNDAM theme, Memorial days failed to really impress me, Kioku no Hikari
comes into play and I already feel like she put more effort into this single than in the single
before. Her angelic and beautiful voice really spoke colors in the song and she just gave this
EPIC kind of glow! This definitely fits the series to a T and definitely was what I expected the
first time around! Mysterious, yet profoundgreat song!
2. Where to go my love? (single ver.) So the B-side is a new version of the title track of her most recent album (though the album
was pretty much a bore like moment was). I will say that the album version was the song I
most remember from the album so seeing it get a single version was exciting. After Kioku no
Hikari, this song is really a bit of a struggle to care about because of the slow tempo and
drawl it has because its really KOKIA holding the song up with her voice. Not bad of a version
but I like the original more!
Even though KOKIA is going through some tragedy in her life, she did put out this single which
really did fix the things that I didnt like about Battle of destiny and that was there was no
silly song as a B-side and instead gave us a solid revisioned version of Where to go my love?
Kioku no Hikari though is the GUNDAM theme I was waiting for and I was definitely happy
about it! Good single overall!