Tracks:

1. KIRA☆KIRA☆

2. Zutto Futari de (DJ HASEBE REMIX)

3. Koi Kogarete (CLUB MIX)

4. KIRA☆KIRA☆ (Instrumental)

KIRA☆KIRA☆ is BENI’s 13th single and it was released on November 4th, 2009. This single reached #94 on the Oricon Weekly Charts and it has sold 792 copies.

KIRA☆KIRA☆ sure has grown on me since BITTER & SWEET. I guess now I’ve taken time to listen to it more, and I’ve come to really like it. Sure it wasn’t the best song off of the album (you should’ve done Beautiful World, gurl!) but I got over it. It has a cuteness about it, and I liked the chill atmosphere it had. BENI, of course, sounded really nice with the low-key instrumental. And what’s this? A new single in January!? GET IT, BB.

Oh boy… remixes. I didn’t like the DJ HASEBE REMIX of Zutto Futari de or the CLUB MIX of Koi Kogarete. The first remix sounded really weird with BENI’s vocals and it just didn’t seem to flow right with the loud beat and random guitar riffs. And the second remix was really annoying. I didn’t like the way her voice was sped up, since it had that weird thing it makes if vocals are sped up. At least the A-side is good?

Overall Grade:

Tracks:

1. Bitter & Sweet Intro

2. Kiss Kiss Kiss

3. Zutto Futari de (ずっと二人で)

4. Koi Kogarete (恋焦がれて)

5. Dakishimete (Feat. Dohzi-T) (抱きしめて)

6. Anything Goes!!

7. stardust

8. KIRA☆KIRA☆

9. GO ON

10. Shinjisasete (信じさせて)

11. STAY

12. nice & slow

13. Beautiful World

14. Mou Nido to… (もう二度と…)

15. Kiss Kiss Kiss (DJ HASEBE REMIX)

BITTER & SWEET is BENI’s 4th album and debut album under the Universal Music Japan label and it was released on September 2nd, 2009. This album reached #5 on the Oricon Weekly Charts and it has sold 70,308 copies.

NOTE: I’m trying a few new things out with this review. I decided to put the kanji up there for those that prefer that. At the end-review wrap-up I will put my top 3 favourite and least favourite (that will include 1 favourite/least favourite and 2 favourite/favourite album tracks.)

The Bitter & Sweet Intro serves as the perfect opening for BENI’s newest album under a new label. It also gives a little taste of what to expect on the album: slow R&B tunes that can get your fingers snapping, and hook you in with catchy synth. There’s also sounds of a storm in the background.

Kiss Kiss Kiss was our second single of this era, and it’s still catchy to this day. It sounds really westernized, thanks to the synth and snapping beats.

Our last single before the album was Zutto Futari de, a gorgeous mid-tempo ballad, as well as Koi Kogarete, our third single, which is pretty similar, but still is unique in it’s own way. BENI sings both song beautifully and it’s amazing to see how much she’s improved as an artist (especially if you’ve heard her avex stuff. Yikes!)

Our first full/new track is a collaboration with Dohzi-T, called Dakishimete. I didn’t really like this song for some reason, but the music has a chill tone to it and it’s kind of catchy. I just didn’t like the melody of BENI’s singing. Plus, I don’t really like Dohzi-T. His rapping is really monotone and awkward sounding.

Finally an upbeat track! Anything Goes!! is a great attempt at a faster, more Western sounding track. I loved the blaring synth and the playful manner BENI sings in. This song is just all around catchy and I got hooked from beginning to finish.

stardust serves as one of BENI’s more diverse tracks. With a combination of dance, R&B, and eletronics, BENI really nails it, and I’d love to hear more songs like this. This song was originally the first B-side on the Zutto Futari de single.

Can you believe KIRA☆KIRA☆ is going to be rereleased as a recut single in November? I know I couldn’t. While I like this simplistic, yet cute song, I much rather would’ve had a different song. As far as the song goes, typical snapping sounds and thumping beat, among some echoey chiming sounds.

GO ON is alright. I do like the piano with the beat, but this song is kind of underwhelming as the chorus comes around, which is easily predictable with it’s synth.

Shinjisasete is another simplistic, yet cute slow to mid-tempo song. I liked the repeating synth with the piano as well as BENI’s sweet vocals.

When nice & slow started, I was expecting a fast dance track, but my hopes were crushed when the slow beat came in. I don’t think something slow and fast mix well, so it’s no surprise I didn’t really like this song. BENI is really convincing in this song though, where she sings with a bit of sensuality.

I can’t believe STAY is almost a year old! This song was released way long ago last November as the B-side to BENI’s debut Universal single, Mou Nido to…. It was evident that BENI would mark herself as a R&B/western sounding artist when this song first came out. It’s just so damn catchy, though.

I can’t believe this. Beautiful World is BY FAR one of the best songs on the album. This song is all kinds of epic and amazing and omg I’m stanning out and running my sentences together please help. This song features an unknown male singer, alongside BENI. He pops up in the verses and is more prominent in the chorus. The chorus. Oh my GOD. It’s gorgeous! It has a really nice echoing effect and it’s definitely the highlight of the song.

Ooh gurl! Mou Nido to… will probably remain one of BENI’s best songs in her career, since it shows how much she’s changed since she’s switched labels.

You’d think it would end there… but it doesn’t. The ACTUAL last song is the SLOPPY DJ HASEBE REMIX of Kiss Kiss Kiss. Remember what I said about how fast and slow things don’t mix? Exhibit B: this remix. It features some of the original song, alongside a faster beat, making it flop. Tsk tsk tsk.

If you couldn’t already tell, this is by far BENI’s best album in her entire career as a singer. while I don’t like each and every song, BENI brings her best vocals to the plate and she sure as hell can hook you into a song. I’m happy she’s back to making music and I’m happy that this album did so well on the charts (it’s still in the top 10!) One thing I would like for the next era: SLUTTY SONGS. Please!

Favourites: Koi Kogarete, Beautiful World, Anything Goes!!
Least Favourite: Kiss Kiss Kiss, nice & slow, Dakishimete (Feat. Dohzi-T)

Overall Grade:

Tracks:

1. Zutto Futari de

2. stardust

3. With U

4. The Boy Is Mine feat. Tynisha Keli

Zutto Futari de is BENI’s 12th single and it was released on August 12th, 2009. This single reached #67 on the Oricon Weekly Charts and it has sold 1,251 copies.

BENI sure has been pumping out the singles since she switched over to UNIVERSAL earlier this year. Zutto Futari de is her latest. It’s another mid-tempo R&B track, but it’s still really good. Though, this whole mid-tempo R&B/borderline ballad stuff is getting a little boring. Hey BENI, where are the slutty dance tracks!?

I guess my comment was kind of answered. stardust is kind of like her last electronic B-side, CRUISE the WORLD, but this one has a more prominent beat and uses some layered acoustic guitar. I think this is a good B-side, but it kind of drags towards the end.

With U is a completely new B-side from BENI. Instead of loud, like her past B-sides have been, she goes down the acoustic pop route. At first I thought this track was kind of boring, but I’ve warmed up to it.

Our 3rd and final B-side is a cover of Brandy & Monica’s The Boy Is Mine. BENI collaborates with R&B singer Tynisha Keli, as the other girl who’s trying to steal BENI’s man… or Tynisha’s. Oh no they di’int! =O This cover sounds a lot like the original, but has a louder beat. Keli’s voice was really weird at first, since it’s kind of nasally and at a higher pitch, but in the end the girls harmonize pretty well and I thought this was a great cover of a great song.

Overall Grade:

Tracks:

1. Koi Kogarete

2. CRUISE the WORLD

3. FOREVER 21

4. Koi Kogarete (Instrumental)

Koi Kogarete is BENI’s 11th single and it was released on June 10th, 2009. It reached #70 on the Oricon Weekly Charts and has sold 1,266 copies.

BENI continues her hot streak with the bittersweet Koi Kogarete. For some reason, I’m OBSESSED with this song. Not only is the arrangment gorgeous, BENI STILL sounds stellar, and we’re into the 3rd single on her new label! Speaking of the arrangement, I’m pretty sure BENI has made her point that she’s more into R&B type stuff, which is exactly what this track is. There’s lots of beats that don’t let up, pretty synth, and some acoustics thrown in there. I’m really thinking this switch was better for her. It may not be charting wise, but musically and vocally BENI has never sounded better. Now, where’s that album!? I heard you have another single on the way! D<

For CRUISE the WORLD, BENI tries out some electro. At first, I wasn’t that moved by this track, but the thumping beats and the blaring synth actually work out. I liked that BENI was able to adjust to the style of song and she still sounded awesome, even if it is out of her element.

FOREVER 21 is in a tie for my favourite off the single with the A-side. I LOVED this track. I get an island vibe off this song and it sounds like the perfect song for a lazy day at the beach. BENI’s vocals are sweet and fit extremely well with this upbeat track, and the chorus proves that with the catchy opener “forever loving you.” The chorus is definitely the highlight of the song and towards the end you hear it A LOT.

Overall Grade:

Tracks:

1. Kiss Kiss Kiss

2. Signal

3. Mou Nido to… DJ HASEBE REMIX

4. Kiss Kiss Kiss (Instrumental)

BENI’s Kiss Kiss Kiss was released on April 8th, 2009. It’s her 10th single and it charted at #40 on the Oricon Weekly Charts, selling 2,945 copies.

Kiss Kiss Kiss was described as a youthful love song, so I was thinking of a cute, lighthearted ballad. Much to my surprise it’s actually an upbeat R&B song! BENI has proven she’s good with R&B and I think she’s defined her sound as a new artist under UNIVERSAL-J. Anyways, this label switch has once again proven to be good. BENI sounds very crisp and refreshing throughout the song. As I said, this song is an R&B song so expect some snapping and other various beats. I definitely give her two thumps up, and I hope she continues to put out great music!

As for Signal, well, BENI chooses the sleek and stylish dance-route. Once again, BENI has made another fantastic B-side. I really like this song and it has a lot of reddeming qualities. Mainly for the loud piano chords that are in most of the song, which really make the song more appealing. During most of this song you can hear phone beeps and other chatter, which I thought was a little annoying, but they get drowned out by the amazing music. Another great B-side from BENI.

The DJ HASEBE REMIX of Mou Nido to… takes an interesting take on the R&B ballad. It makes it more lively, adding some upbeat acoustic guitar, a tambourine and other various synthetic beats. It keeps a lot of the original song as well though. Like, the strings in the background. At times I thought this remix was annoying, mainly during the chorus when this annoying stock vocal comes in. I still prefer the original though, just because it was sweet and sincere.

Overall Grade:

Tracks:

1. Mou Nido to…

2. STAY

3. Mou Nido to… (Instrumental)

4. STAY (Instrumental)

BENI’s Mou Nido to… was released on December 10th, 2008. It’s her 9th single overall, but her debut single under the new stagename ‘BENI’ as well as her first with Universal Records. It debuted at #20 on the Oricon Weekly Charts, selling a total of 9,365 copies.

After almost half a year of being inactive, Beni Arashiro is BACK, but this time she’s got a new name and a new label. This label changed seem to make a huge different, considering when she was Beni Arashiro, her releases barely made it within the top 100. I guess it was due to the fact that her collaboration with rapper Dohzi-T, entitled Mou Ichido… feat. BENI, did so well making it to #16 (I think). Mou Nido to… is her response song, and let me just say this is by far her best work in a long time. It borrows the chorus from Mou Ichido… and changes it to fit in with the song. This song is more acoustic/R&B, while the original was almost all R&B. BENI sounds better than ever and I think these changes were a good idea for her. Not only does she sound better, she’s charting WAYWAYWAY better, and I’m happy for her. After this single, I can’t wait for what she has in store for us in the future.

The B-side, STAY, is very westernized and sounds like something that you would hear on the radio in America. xD It’s a lot more upbeat and uses more hip-hop and a lot more R&B elements, as well as a little synth. BENI sounds even better in this track than the A-side, thanks to the amazing harmonization affects. I also like the “AYYYEEEE…” in the background of the chorus.

Overall Grade:

Tracks:

1. BAD GIRL

2. Mermaid

3. Losin’ control

4. Loved

5. Luna

6. How Are U?

7. Paradise

8. Mirror mirror

9. Sweet but Empty

10. Koibumi (Studio Live Version)

11. No pain, no gain (English Version)

Beni Arashiro’s GEM was released on April 25th, 2007. It’s her 3rd album and debuted at #126 on the Oricon Weekly Charts, selling 1,568 copies in its first week.

BAD GIRL starts the album out on an aggressive note. This song oozes sensuality because of the thumping beats, aggressive synth, and the lyrics. Beni sings the song in a playful, yet sexy tone. I really like the urban sound to it, because it’s nice to hear her trying out something more mature.

Following a similar urban style, but a lot slower paced is Mermaid. I really like the urban vibe it has. Beni raps the first lyric section, and I kinda like it. She adds some spunk in her voice, to add some affect on the song. But the song doesn’t really start to shine until closer to the end.

I really LOVED Losin’ control. I thought the song was neat because Beni raps the main verses and sings the chorus. I thought it was a neat, synthy dance track. The second best new song on the album.

After a string of aggressive songs, it’s nice to hear something a little more laid back. Loved is a jazzy song, with a nice brass instrumental. Beni’s vocals are at their best and she gives it her all, and she definately pulls it off.

I like the opening for Paradise, acoustic guitars always get to me. The song is kind of a bubblegum pop song, with a heavy beat. I like how whimsical Beni’s voice sounds and it’s nice and all, but after a while it gets repetitive.

Mirror mirror begins, and already I don’t like it. It’s WAAAY too sloppy. It then turns transitions into the first verse, the first part is ick. Her voice is waaay too deep for the song. The second part of it, however, is a lot better. But this song was just a big turn off, after hearing the other songs, and generally liking all of them.

My second favourite song, is Sweet but Empty. It opens with beepy sounds, some muffled electric guitar and what sounds like a xylophone. The verses are more rock sounding but when the chorus begins, the more pop elements come into it. The lyrics are neat, about how she compares her life to pie. xD

By FAR her best ballad EVER, is the studio live version of Koibumi. The instrumental is SO amazing, as well how well she adds emotion to her voice. I love how sad it sounds, the strings and the piano, omg. Easily her best ballad, next to Luna.

The english version of No pain, no gain… is well, in English. Like I said before, I like the instrumental part but Beni’s voice is really bad, so my opinion still stands.

To my surprise, I really liked GEM. She really did a good job on the album, with the exception of a few songs. But overall it was really, really good. I think this album has a nice variety, and if you haven’t heard Beni Arashiro, you should definately look into her.

Overall Grade:

Tracks:

1. Luna

2. No pain, no gain

3. Diggin’ on you

4. Luna (Instrumental)

5. No pain, No gain (Instrumental)

Beni Arashiro’s Luna was released on February 28th, 2007. It’s her 8th and charted at #77 on the Oricon Weekly Chart, selling a total of 1,558 copies. The title track was used as the theme for the drama Warui Yatsura.

Luna is so amazingly pretty. D: It’s a ballad with akind of R&B twist. Beni’s vocals are wonderful and are probably at their best. At some points she sounds little choppy, but it straightens out and is good almost throughout the whole song. In the end, this song is actually pretty dramatic.

When No pain, no gain starts out, it sounds alright, but as soon as she starts singing in that lower pitched tone… I wanted to hit next. It makes her voice sound really bad, almost like she’s forcing herself to sing. it also makes it sound choppy and weird. The music is a little more aggressive, and isn’t all that bad, it would ust be ten times better if she didn’t sing the way she did.

I was really bored with the cover of TLC’s 1994 track, Diggin’ on you. The verses and the bridge weren’t all that great, because Beni sounded dead. I like the chorus though, her voice picks up and just sounds a lot better. The music is really laid back and has some clapping beats, and a little acoustic guitar.

Overall Grade:

Tracks:

1. How Are U?

2. Surrender

3. Time after Time

4. How Are U? (Instrumental)

5. Surrender (Instrumental)

Beni Arashiro’s How Are U? was released on September 20th, 2006. It’s her 7th single, and it failed to make a debut on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart. The title track was used as the ending theme for the TV show Shinkangaku☆Keyword de Eikaiwa.

I really enjoyed How Are U?. I like the cheerful atmosphere it has. Beni’s vocals are fresh and sound great, among the soft, yet consistent beat, and the acoustic guitar. I really like the chorus because when it begins everything comes together and some clapping beats are added. I’m really impressed at how crisp her vocals sound too. It’s a shame it didn’t chart though, it’s such a great song.

Surrender is neat. The lyrics are cheesy, but I really like the instrumental part of it. The fast-paced acoustic guitar, and the percussions and trumpets, with a tad of synth. The song is almost in all English, except for some Japanese here and there in the chorus.

I really have heard better covers of Time after Time, and I didn’t really like this one. I like the instrumental part of it, but Beni’s voice sounded really weird except in the chorus, she sounds really nice. The instrumental has got a calm acoustic sound.

Overall Grade: