HOTEL
[2014.08.06]
I love summer because it means new Koda Kumi's music! After the lovely Bon Voyage, which impressed me way more than JAPONESQUE, my expectations for the new summer single were incredibly high.
Honestly, none of the three previews got me really excited but it's always like that with Kumi so I wasn't worried at all as I knew that I was going to love this single as usual.
Point in fact this single is hot! It has a different vibe from the the previous Summer Trip and I think it's a stronger release. The whole hotel concept is cool and original. Here's my review:
01. Intoduction ~Check IN~ I kinda hate these terrible intros in her singles but at least this isn't as bad as the Radio Koda on Summer Trip and it makes sense with the theme of the single
02. HOTEL I love when Kumi sticks to this fresh RnB-Pop, the beat here is amazing! At first I didn't like the spoken verses but after a few repeats I fell in love with the whole song. The chorus is beautiful and the MV is just wonderful and original. HOTEL instantly became one of my Kumi's favourite songs. The only downside: too much autotune on some vocals through the end of the song 9/10
03. Interlude ~Secret Room~ Finally a good interlude! It sounds like a secret party is happening in the next room and it goes perfectly into the next song!
04. MONEY IN MY BAG is a strong, upbeat RnB song with a great urban beat and crazy synths. I really like the verses and how Kumi flows over the track. The chorus is strong, simple and straighforward but catchy and effective. Despite being short the song also features a good break down before the final chorus. Since it's short and simple it feels like a disposable and ready to listen song but it's still great and aggressive and I just love the sound of it 8/10
05. Interlude ~Last Night Dream~ Another quite useless interlude but again, it all makes sense since the concept of the single is very strong and consistent. Now get me some champagne!
06. Turn Around is a sweet and soft RnB ballad with a gentle production and Kumi's silky vocals embellish the song. I really love her falsetto here and I am so thankful that for this single she recorded a ballad like this which reminds me of Kiseki and Gentle Words instead of another predictable power ballad...a pleasent surprise 7.5/10
Final Virdict:
All of the three songs are amazing. This summer single really made my August this year! Musically it is very choesive with a heavy RnB influence while Summer Trip felt like a chaotic mess with three songs of three different genres.
The concept is also very good and original despite it could suggest the overnight of a top class escort who's welcomed in a hotel, has a customer, takes the cash, puts it in her bag but finally ends up alone with just some extra money and her champagne...
Still, the package is very detailed with beautiful artworks by the subtle colours, great MVs with awsome choreographies plus our Kuchan is prettier than ever! HOTEL debuted at #7 on the Weekly Oricon Chart selling 19,196 copies. It has now sold more than 21,570 physical units.
One of my favourite Kumi's single
HOTEL: 8+/10
Pillis, Koda Kumi Italian Fan Club
