Tracks:

1. Nakitai Nara

2. Kuchizuke Shiyou

3. Nakitai Nara (Instrumental)

4. Kuchizuke Shiyou (Instrumental)

Hitomi Shimatani’s Nakitai Nara was released on March 19th, 2008. It’s her 27th single and it debuted at #34 on the Oricon Weekly Charts, selling a total of 4,969 copies.

I will admit, after something as explosive as Shinku, Nakitai Nara really is a downer. Not only is this song extremely depressing, but it’s kinda not all that special.  The simple string and acoustic guitar arrangement is a little too simple. I think it’s pretty though, but Shimatani definately excels at faster, more up beat songs. But like I said, this song is pretty, but it has its fair share of flaws.

The B-side, however, is much more enjoyable. Kuchizuke Shiyou is also a ballad, but much more pleasant, and very easy on the ears. This song has a much more simpler arrangement, only consisting of cute piano chords and very charming accordion. The most memorable part about the song is the cute line: “soutou kuchizuke shiyou, sora ni hoshi ni yoru ni.” This should’ve been the A-side, IMO.

Overall Grade: