Kumi Koda - Wings (album review)

Kumi Koda has been promoting her new mini-album WINGS on TV and radio, which was released on January 18th, 2023.

I love this album so I just want to cut to the chase. Here's my track-by-track review!

1. Wings

"Wings" is a song that's about spreading your own wings and flying towards the future.
It's a mid-tempo ballad that is not only beautiful but powerful as well, unlike the typical piano ballads you hear in the J-Pop world. It sounds pretty ethereal and makes me feel like I'm floating in the clouds when I listen to it.
Keeping in mind both the album concept and the music video, I think the overall concept is executed extremely well. The "Wings" theme also reminds me of the lyrics in her song "Dance In The Rain". I believe the line about spreading your wings is taken from the song as reference. It is very likely intentional because she often repeats her favorite themes & messages in her work.
This song is also the theme song for the "Ikemen" game series.

2. Hello yesterday

"Hello Yesterday" is a cheery little tune about the importance of not only moving forward, but embracing your past self as well. The melody is simple but the message is pretty solid and is given room to shine here. With this, she has put out yet another song to encourage her fans and listeners and there's nothing wrong with that! Everyone has good memories behind them, even people who feel like they have mostly negative ones haunting them.Kumi said in an interview,
"The title is odd, saying hello to yesterday and all, but talking to my director helped me see how meaningful it could be. I put it in the chorus and what I wanted to say is that, the you of yesterday - your self in the past who has made mistakes and even failed at times - its okay to greet and acknowledge them. I want to be able to be that kind of person who can look back positively on the past as well."

3 & 4. BLACK WINGS - Interlude & Trigger

These songs showcase her "fallen angel" side. It's a cool song with a dark edge and the chorus, verses and bridge are layered with different sounds and synths which enhance her voice. She does some interesting things with her voice in this as well. It's cool to see her trying out different styles and tracks every album!There's a bit where she says "It ain't over" near the end, which sounds like she's telling us her success and career is going to continue on even from here on out. There was a time where she was out of the public eye, but she came back strong, in my opinion.I also feel like she paid homage to the "It's not over..." at the end of "KO-SO-KO-SO". I absolutely love how she sprinkles essences of her older songs into her new ones. It's a lot of fun finding these little hints and moments as a fan.

5. Heaven Tonight

This track is a light pop song that is easy to listen to. I think the mood and sound of the song is a bit similar to a song on her 2022 album "heart", called "RED". I think people who enjoy that song will surely like this track as well. I thought it sounded a bit like the BGM of a cafe or a calm, relaxing place in a video game. It's a really cute song.

6. it's K magic

"it's K magic" is a personal favorite of mine that really gives you strength and encouragement when you listen to it! The lyrics contain messages like "seize the opportunity" "It's up to you to change your life" and "don't be afraid to take risks". It's a very intense, uptempo song with a hint of K-pop. There are a bunch of sounds overlapping in this one as well -- it certainly is a lot to listen to! I'm sure it'll make some people's heart race when they listen to it. Just like the rocket she uses as a metaphor for herself in the lyrics of "Killer Monster", I feel like I can blast off with my hands to the sky when I listen to this track.This song was also written in commission for baseball player Yuta Kuroki. It was at his request since he is apparently a big fan of hers!Of course, the "k magic" stands for Kumi, who is very ambition and has the "magic" in her to be able to challenge anything. In reality, magic is unnecessary. It all depends on your hard work & motivation if you want to succeed - which is also embedded in the lyrics of the song.

"If you want to be proud of your future self
It's up to the you now
there's only one answer
You just gotta do it.”

"WINGS" is a wonderful mini album, so I hope it reaches the ears of many listeners!