"Namida no iro"...a taste of C-ute's flamenco spice!!

C-ute returns with a release bearing much more substance than their previous single "LA LA LA shiawase no uta" and while sales have reached 32,334 they haven't quite reached their previous plateau held by "Tokaikko junjou" but still it holds a slight edge over their previous offering "LA LA LA shiawase no uta." I actually enjoyed "LA LA LA shiawase no uta" for what it was...but "Namida no iro" I feel really gets C-ute back on track and the immediate evidence is presented with this releases' jacket covers which shed a much more mature and down to earth take on the group's members. A great argument can be made in whether idol groups are much better suited in uniform or in individual representative clothing as they are presented on both covers of their latest offering...I however feel that a mix between the two offers a much more favorable image for fan appeal as well as representation as an idol group. Both jackets are really gorgeous...not in a fluffy sense but rather in a sexy sophisticated kind of way and just as "Tokaikko junjou" did before, the aesthetic appeal of "Namida no iro" follows suit beautifully and it's almost as if "LA LA..." was a momentary detour in the group's plans. Don't get me wrong though...as listening to "LA LA LA..." can still make me happy on any given day! Both covers have a nice edge to them with the LE being a bit more favorable in my opinion  and I just have to note just how seemingly quick C-ute is growing up! And absolutely EVERY member looks  so beautiful here!! There's just such an aura of maturity amongst them here and instead of singling out any particular members and gushing over them like I would normally do for much too long!, and as I imagine my favorites are already obvious I'll just leave it at that. ^-^ While the accompanying pv DVD single is still about a week away from release a nice bonus included with the LE is the inclusion of the "Dance Shot Ver." of the pv! The upcoming PV DVD single looks to include a "Close Up Ver." , original version, as well as making of footage which I look forward to seeing sometime late next week but for now the "Dance Shot Ver." is a pure joy to watch in the time being! "Namida no iro" is a wonderfully spirited song written in the vein of Tsunku's previous Momusu track "Iroppoi Jirettai" as it's flamenco flavoring here is a bit more underlying and subtle but nonetheless effective. While its predecessor is much more dramatic and sensual, "Namida no iro" takes a much more cloud nine route in flamenco land and it's probably a much more welcome and suitable approach given the youth of C-ute as a group versus that of Momusu....something of course that could be debated as well. The only dare I say "downfall" of "Namida no iro" is in the vocal arrangement which is perhaps far too dominated by 2 single members that being my favorite C-ute member! Maimichan...and Airichan. As groups mature and develop vocally producers tend to play favorites in making the "face" of a group widely visible and C-ute's development is none other than a following of this trend. That being said, I feel the song would have really benefited from a far more vast choice of solo member vocal offerings...something that however is beginning to look further and further less likely as the group progresses. I'm still a believer in the eventual rotation of members over time given the spotlight in particular releases...something that can be seen readily in the older discography of Momusu to some effect but as UFA has seemingly already decided which members will hold prominence in an almost exclusive club at this point as far as shashinshuu's are concerned so may be the case with their musical releases..at least with their singles as album tracks tend to share the singular spotlight love a bit more "fairly" it seems. I've always been a fan of ensemble vocal arrangements and "Namida no iro" thrives in this aspect as the sweet melodies flow with a lovely ambiance in this manner. Maimichan is stellar as usual but I must make an extra note of Airichan's vocals as with this release there seems to be a definite turning point in that her development as a vocalist has improved even more than what it was just recently or perhaps it's just the demands of her lines which require her to hit new heights as she does in this title track. But in either case it's "Clear" why Airichan is being given the spotlight so strongly as no doubt vocal coaches as well as producers have a much better taking on the group's overall reaches and limits individually within the group. Airichan really shines on this single and I'm really happy for her! ^-^

The coupling with track "Darlin I LOVE YOU" is one of the best b-sides to be penned by Tsunku in recent releases in my opinion and what's remarkable here is how similar vocally both Berryz Koubou's and C-ute's versions sound! When I listen to the two versions one after the other it's really just those scattered solo lines which give away which version is being listened to for the most part and even in that it's quite a subtlety. You gotta love the amped up ska energy which embodies this composition and the tight vocal arrangements in the verse and pre-chorus sections are particularly impressive throughout! Mmmmm...and then the sweet ensemble chorus! ^-^ Here have a listen for youself!...this song will make you want to bounce off the walls!...and it definitely could have been an A-side!!! This is C-ute on Red Bull: I find that the simplicity of the set used for "Namida no iro"'s "Dance Shot Ver. creates such a well stated elegance for this song's presentation and it even helps to emphasize the choreography in a sense whether intentional or not. The darkening auburn sky as a backdrop compliments the forefront scenery of pure white giving off a very pleasant hue in the pv's appearance and I just really love the geometric shapes too! And I'm so happy that their cover outfits are being worn as well as I love how everyone looks in their individual attire!...as there's a nice blend of sexiness and realness to them. And appropriately a little bit of "Iroppoi Jirettai" is seen borrowed here with the similarity in the traditional flamenco hand clapping poses but as "Namida no iro" isn't in the same way a "sexy" song with the likes of "Iroppoi jirettai" in its sound or arrangement neither is the overall choreography here and it makes for a perfect match as the dance is much more light hearted and fun in a true sense. Each and every member in C-ute has proven time and time again to be an exceptional dancer in their own right and you can really sense that maturity and development which only comes with time in this given profession as you watch this version of the pv. And if the dance version's this great, I can't wait to see what the PV DVD single's versions will offfer! ^-^ Nakki! <3