Kie Kitano’s 2011 J-Pop Gem: A Little Chaotic, A Lot Memorable
So, I finally sat down with Kie Kitano’s 2011 album—yeah, the one under Avex Trax—and honestly? It’s kind of a wild ride. The whole thing screams early 2010s J-pop energy, where everything feels polished but still has that raw emotional edge. You’ve got tracks like “サクラサク” (Sakura Saku) and “絆” (Kizuna), which are just chef’s kiss. Let me break it down for ya.
First off, “サクラサク.” This track hits hard because, well, it’s literally about cherry blossoms blooming, but it doesn’t feel cheesy or overdone. Instead, it’s got this bittersweet vibe that sticks with you. Like, sure, cherry blossoms are pretty, but they don’t last long, right? That’s kinda what the song gets at—new beginnings mixed with saying goodbye. Plus, there’s a live version from a-nation’10 Tokyo included in the album, and hearing the crowd cheer along? Man, that gives me secondhand nostalgia even though I wasn’t there.
Then there’s “絆,” which is basically the emotional anchor of the whole project. The instrumental version is hauntingly beautiful, but when Kie sings it, wow—it’s next-level heartfelt. There’s something about the way her voice cracks slightly on certain notes that makes it feel super real. It’s not perfect-perfect, but maybe that’s why I can’t stop replaying it. Oh, and fun fact: the music clip album version’s edited differently, so if you’re into details, go compare ‘em side by side. Total nerd move, but worth it.
The production team definitely didn’t slack off here either. With Tatsuya Nagafuchi directing and names like Shigeo "MT" Miyamoto mastering the tracks, the sound quality pops without being overwhelming. And props to Yoko Aramaki for adding those lush chorus layers—they really tie things together.
But let’s talk about the random bits too, like the Off Shot Clips and History Clips scattered throughout. At first, I was like, “Wait, why is this random video footage audio here?” But after a while, it adds this weird behind-the-scenes charm. It’s almost like flipping through someone’s scrapbook instead of just listening to an album. Not everyone will dig it, but hey, it keeps things interesting.
What surprised me most though? How much heart shines through despite how busy the tracklist feels. Between the instrumentals, remixes, and alternate versions, it could’ve easily been messy, but somehow it works. Maybe it’s because Kie’s voice carries this unshakable sincerity that ties it all together.
Final thought: If you’re looking for an album that’s equal parts polished pop and quirky personality, this is your pick. Just don’t blame me if you end up randomly humming “サクラサク” during your morning commute. Oh, and shoutout to whoever decided to include two versions of “トドカナイ”—because sometimes life needs a little extra perspective.
