Haruka-GReeeeN [single review]
Intro
My Korean buddy who is also a big fan of Japanese music introduced GReeeeN to me. I still remember our conversation, I recommend him Utada Hikaru and he said “ewww Utada? She sucks, I heard Easy Breezy or whatever and it was a bad song!” Of course he said in a joking way, we always joked around and bash each other lol. However I got MAD when he talked about Hikki that way so we got into a fight…He said “you should stop being such a fangirl of Utada and listen to other artists like GReeeeN or Mr. Children or blah blah blah!” Well so later in the day I listened to GReeeeN and thought “wow they are pretty amazing!” (of course I did not tell my friend about it…:-P)
Why I suddenly want to review this single is because I’m been pretty down today…and hearing Haruka making me even sadder, it’s the perfect mood lol.
Info
Released: May 27, 2009
Oricon rank: #2 (weekly)
Sales: 94,920 copies
Tracklist
1. Haruka (遥か)
2. Koe (声)
3. 遥か彼方へ Piano Version
Review
The short intro of Haruka gives you homey and warm feeling with the quiet sound of music box. The vocal came in with nothing but simply piano playing in the background. The verse were sang in a mid-high note and sounds rather sad and lonely. I am very impressed with the vocalist’s vocal control and his way of expressing the emotions, his way of singing makes the simple chorus full of life. The chorus is definitely memorable and heart touching. After the first solo part the rest sub-vocalists joined in, give the feeling of unity to the song. During the second part of the song more instruments and beats were added. The song totally lived up for it’s name Haruka, which means “far away”, it feels like a homesick person singing about family, such a heart warming song, I am so touched with the amazing chorus and the vocals. The single cover also makes sense, a photo of a big loving family.
Koe’s intro also started with the sound of music box, however it did not began with vocalist singing a-Capella but with another verse of music, which sounded calming and peaceful. After the short verse the vocalist began to rap, in a slowly and paced way. The rap were lighthearted and loving, then the main chorus came after the rap, this time singing in a sorrowful and bittersweet tone. The overall feeling of Koe is sweet and calming, it’s pure harmony. There’s nothing very prompt or sudden going on but very constant and laid back. It sounds like another song talks about sweet memories.
The piano version of Haruka, to my surprise, was extraordinary and amazing. It successfully kept the sadness and warmth of the original song and adds its own uniqueness to it. Perfect song when you are looking at your albums or feeling down. (Don’t know about the album thing but…well it’s a very good piano version!)
Conclusion
Haruka is going to be on the top of my favorite single of the year list. Both A/B-side were amazing. It has so much meaning to it and is nice to have a single about family and life. Watch the MV if you are interested, I literally….like cried a little, maybe because I was in the mood of it. I love this single sooo much, it one of those songs that will touch your heart. Definitely recommend to all of you fellas. A perfect, well delivered sad/loving single.
Score: 5, perfect, amazing, HIGHLY RECOMMEND, a masterpiece
I prefer Setsuna.
ahh yep thats a very good single as well