Album Review: はばたくキミへ by 菅原紗由理 – A Whirlwind of Emotions That’ll Stick to You Like Bubblegum on a Hot Day
If you’re into music that feels like an emotional rollercoaster designed by someone who’s been through a lot, then buckle up, because 菅原紗由理 (Sugahara Sayuri) has got something for you. Her 2012 album はばたくキミへ is a genre-bending journey through pop, electronic vibes, ballads, J-pop sparkle, and even some modern classical sprinkles. It’s like she raided the pantry of musical styles and just went wild in the kitchen.
First off, let’s talk about the title track, はばたくキミへ. This song hits you right in the feels—like when you stub your toe but instead of pain, it’s nostalgia. The melody soars like a bird trying its wings for the first time (cheesy metaphor alert!), while Sugahara’s voice floats above it all with this delicate strength. The lyrics are uplifting without being overly sappy, which is impressive because Japanese ballads can sometimes veer into full-on tearjerker territory faster than you can say “tissue box.” I remember this one because it stuck in my head like gum under a school desk—it’s sweet, sticky, and impossible to ignore.
Then there’s サクラ. Oh boy, where do I even start? There’s the vocal version, all dreamy and heartfelt, perfect for staring wistfully out of rain-streaked windows or pretending you’re in a shojo anime montage. And then BAM—the instrumental version sneaks up on you like a ninja and punches you right in the soul. Stripped-down yet lush, it’s proof that sometimes less really is more. You don’t need flashy pyrotechnics or autotune wizardry; just let those piano keys whisper their secrets straight into your ear. Honestly, if this track doesn’t make you want to hug a tree or call your mom, you might be dead inside.
The rest of the album follows suit, balancing sugary sentimentality with moments of quiet introspection. Tracks like My Hero bring the energy back up, reminding us why Sugahara’s voice cuts through the noise like a samurai sword slicing tofu—effortlessly precise. Plus, having both vocal and instrumental versions gives listeners options, kinda like choosing between vanilla and chocolate ice cream. Both are great, but sometimes you just wanna savor the pure, unadulterated goodness of one flavor.
Visually, the album doesn’t disappoint either. Art direction by Ikuo Toyama and design by Hitoshi Igarashi give it a sleek, polished look that matches the music perfectly. Yas’s photography adds another layer of elegance, making the whole package feel cohesive. Kudos to For Life Music Entertainment for not phoning it in—they clearly cared about every detail.
So here’s the thing: listening to はばたくキミへ isn’t just about enjoying catchy tunes or appreciating technical skill. It’s about connecting with emotions that feel universal yet deeply personal. By the end of the album, you might find yourself reflecting on life, love, and whether you’ve watered your houseplants recently. Weird, right?
Final thought: If albums could be pets, this one would be a loyal golden retriever who occasionally steals socks from the laundry basket. Adorable, slightly quirky, and totally unforgettable.
