Album Review: Bonnie Pink’s Bonnies Kitchen
Released in 2017 under Pony Canyon, Bonnie Pink’s Bonnies Kitchen is a genre-blending journey through rock, pop, and J-pop that feels like flipping through the pages of her personal diary. The album packs a punch with its eclectic mix of tracks—some hauntingly introspective, others brimming with playful energy. It’s not just an album; it’s a vibe. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to spend time in Bonnie Pink’s kitchen if this is what comes out of it?
The design by Yumi Tochihara gives the album cover a sleek yet cozy aesthetic, perfectly matching the mood inside. Add to that the stunning photography from contributors like David Duval-Smith and Hiroto Kawahara, and you’ve got yourself a visual treat to go along with the auditory one. But let’s get into the music itself.
One track that sticks with me is “Evil And Flowers (Piano Version).” There’s something raw about how stripped-down it feels compared to other songs on the album. The piano carries this weighty melancholy while Bonnie Pink’s voice floats above it like smoke—soft but lingering. You can almost picture her sitting at an old upright piano late at night, spilling secrets no one else knows. It’s simple, yes, but simplicity done well hits harder than any overproduced anthem ever could.
Then there’s “It’s Gonna Rain!” which flips the script entirely. This song bursts open with a vibrant energy that feels like running barefoot through summer rain. The lyrics are quirky without being try-hard, and the melody worms its way into your brain for days. I found myself humming it during random moments—while brushing my teeth, waiting for coffee, even stuck in traffic. If this doesn’t scream replay value, I don’t know what does.
Tracks like “Friends, Aren’t We?” and “Your Butterfly” show off Bonnie Pink’s knack for storytelling, blending poetic imagery with relatable emotions. Meanwhile, deeper cuts like “犬と月 (Full Length Version)” offer a dreamier escape, pulling listeners into their own little cinematic worlds.
What makes Bonnies Kitchen stand out isn’t just the variety—it’s how cohesive everything feels despite jumping between styles. Whether she’s crooning softly or belting out high-energy tunes, Bonnie Pink keeps you hooked.
Reflecting on this album, it strikes me as less of a collection of songs and more of a mosaic—a patchwork of moods, memories, and moments stitched together with care. Listening to it feels like hanging out with an old friend who always has something interesting to say.
And here’s the unexpected part: halfway through writing this review, I realized I’d been craving orange juice the whole time. Maybe it’s because of the track titled “オレンジ,” or maybe it’s just fate. Either way, grab a glass before hitting play—you won’t regret it.
