じゃじゃんっっ！！！Tackey's Love Revolution takes his career to new heights...♪♪

Tackey's eagerly awaited solo debut release delivers not only in terms of 3 great songs as Tackey flexes his musical muscle in composing his own lyrics & music showing the performer's growth as an artist in a most profound statement. The title track "Ai Kakumei" ("Love Revolution") features Tackey's very own lyrical composition as well as his involvement in co-writing the music itself! The main coupling with song "WITH LOVE" as well as the bonus track "Home Party!!" are even more impressive as Tackey penned both lyrics & music in entirety himself with only arrangement credits going to others.

"Ai Kakumei" is featured in 3 versions with Jackets A & B being limited editions while Jacket C was released offering a first press edition. While all 3 were indeed tempting I opted for Jacket A for its inclusion of the titles track's pv as well as Jacket C for its bonus track "Home Party!!" (not available on Jackets A & B) along with it's first press feature which includes 3 alternate cover art work jackets. Jacket B's version includes the pv for the main coupling with track "WITH LOVE" which features footage from Tackey's "Enbujou" stage performances.

Takizawa Hideaki's "Ai kakumei" Jacket A version can be ordered here from Cdjapan.

Takizawa Hideaki's "Ai kakumei" Jacket B version can be ordered here from Cdjapan.

Takizawa Hideaki's "Ai kakumei" Jacket C version can be ordered here from Cdjapan. (first pressing which includes 3 alternate covers is sold out though)

Scans of the 3 alternate jacket covers included with the first pressing of Jacket C's release are below:

To say that all of the cover artwork is absolutely gorgeous is quite an understatement as I fumble for the right words...let me just say that all of the photography is 100% pretty!! ^o^ The sepia and black & white coloring creates a memorable and dramatic appeal along with a look of sweet sophistication serving all 3 releases very well.


(The pv for "Ai kakumei" is above)

"Ai kakumei" begins with a dramatic introduction which quickly moves to a latin feel bringing instant references similar to Tackey & Tsubasa's "Venus" release. From the instant that the dance scenes first appear fans are treated to T&T's trademark choreography as the overall production doesn't stray too far from the duo's aura. Within just a few listens I'm absolutely in ♥ with the title track as its drive and flair are a now a new guilty addiction of mine. ^ ^ While I love T&T when performing together I do also really like hearing each sing solo as they often do on their album and single releases as each has such a different and distinctly appealing vocal style. While perhaps Tsubasa may be the overall stronger vocalist in T&T, I do find an unmatchable appeal in Tackey's slightly ♥nasal♥ voice. o(*´∀｀)o゛♪♪

A bit of an original twist is added to the very end of the pv as a little bit of post production footage closes out the pv in a most endearing fashion! Traditionally Japanese actors/actresses are presented with a bouquet of flowers as the end of production. ^ ^ Below is a joyous Tackey!.......


Ballads just don't come any prettier than the main coupling with track "WITH LOVE." It's such a beautiful composition both lyrically and musically and there's defintely an extra air of attraction to this song as Tackey himself penned both in entirety. Furthermore I feel that "WITH LOVE" stands up to any other accomplished composer's work out there as who could have ever guessed that Tackey was such an amazing composer deep down inside! ＼(^o^)／☆ The song builds itself perfectly going from a most intimate feel incoporating a solo piano as it eventually leads us to a choral ensemble climax all the while pacing itself immaculately layering emotion upon emotion in waves of moving literature, strings, and most memorable and sweet♪♪ melodies. ^ ^

And in hindsight I do regret not purchasing Jacket B as well as I so want to watch the pv for "WITH LOVE!!!!!" >_<

Jacket C's bonus track "Home Party!!" completes this singles' trifecta of musical flavors and as its title would suggest it's quite the wild child of the three in the form of a song meant to convey nothing but pure fun! ^o^ And as a special treat Tackey is joined by guest performers Yamashita Tomohisa of NEWS as well as Kanjani8's Yokoyama Yu & Murakami Shingo! Yamapi adds his unique appeal to the track while Kanjani8's duo here brings their special breed of addictive wacky fun~! And in the process another shade of Tackey's music writing ability is shared, as he penned both lyrics & music for "Home Party!!" himself!! =)

Although the pv is above I also uploaded the mp3 for "Ai kakumei" without realizing that it may have not been necessary.....so the mind wanders while caught up in Tackey's Love Revolution it seems. :P

  ^ ^