Fair Shake Reaction: Maningen - Atarashii Gakko!

Maningen - Atarashii Gakko!

(Genre: Jpop)

More Atarashii Goodness below:

Maningen (Music Video)

Maningen (Choreography Video)

Otonablue (Live on First Take)

Katriinka Reaction (to Otonablue)

Front Row Live Ent. Interview (at Head in the Clouds '23)

Fair Shake Reaction: Ichijikikoku - Atarashii Gakko!

Ichijikikoku - Atarashii Gakko!

(Genre: Jpop)

May these lead you to the Leaders:

Otonablue (Music Video)

Janaindayo (Music Video)

Suki Lie (Music Video)

Janaindayo (Dance Practice)

Otonablue (Live on The First Take)

Fair Shake Reaction: Snack Time - Atarashii Gakko!

Snack Time - Atarashii Gakko!

(Genre: Jpop)

Links to binge during Snack Time:

Pineapple Kryptonite (Music Video)

Free Your Mind (Music Video)

Making of Snack Time (Recap Vlog)

Head in the Clouds 3 (Performance Recap)

Intergalactic (Cover Video)

BM5's April 2021 Favorites

Favorite Song

ASAP - StayC

The instant I heard the chorus from the teaser, I was so excited! After the video dropped, I had it on loop for days. I wouldn't be surprised if I reached 100 plays of the song itself within the first 24 hours of release. The composition of this song is so perfectly done, I knew this is going to be a song of the year contender. The flute-like motif, the great vocals, addicting rap, and infectious choreography made this my absolute favorite song in a month full of amazing music. Some from my biases, so that's saying something...

Favorite Online Concert

Songs For You - Tinashe

Tinashe is an underrated talent in my opinion. She makes some pretty great music and is able to dance, as well, making her a great performer. This online concert was proof of that with much of the Songs For You album on the setlist, alongside some other popular songs in her discography. Now there may not actually be live vocals, but the untrained eye most likely wouldn't be able to tell. Yet, regardless she puts on a superb show that I can recommend to any fan of contemporary R&B.

Favorite Music Analysis

The Most Elegant Key Change - Adam Neely

I love my music theory videos, especially when they are able to show where it and the average listening experience collide. In this video, Adam Neely breaks down the amazing writing choices in "All by Myself" and how Celine Dion's performance of it touches the listener. It also shows how music's ability to affect people emotionally is powerful, and being able to wield that power is a feat in itself. Videos (and songs) like this always remind why I love music so much.

Favorite Music Video

Night Before the Exam - ATARASHII GAKKO!

I love these girls! At first, I wasn't sure the basis of the song was; I just liked how the words matched with the beat. Then, I finally understood that it was like cramming for a vocabulary test. Ingenious! The Japan Leaders continue to bring their signature style of performance in this one take video with all the charm and energy as expected. They always bring different sounds to the table and concepts that get people familiar with Japanese culture. This is something that I'll always appreciate along with jumping around with every jam they release!

Full April 2021 Favorites playlist: sorry it's a lot this time (f.k.a. click here)

BM5's January 2021 Favorites

Favorite Music Analysis

Understanding Toxic - 12Tone

12Tone is a channel I like to check every once in a while and binge. Yet, this is one of the more recent videos that I just had to share. Britney Spears' "Toxic" is a song that I have always held as one of the few tunes of hers that I genuinely enjoy. This musical analysis really breaks down the reasons why it's always so pleasing to my ears. This video, along with other videos, thoroughly make me understand how music theory is so fascinating and why those who incorporate it in their songwriting leave me happy. Learn a little bit more about how "Toxic" is one of those gems.

Favorite Cover

Ex - Kiana Lede (Covered by Ailee)

I always enjoyed this song from Kiana, so to hear another one of my favorite voices cover this was a match made in heaven. The fact that this is also just her voice and piano was so beautiful to my eardrums. Honestly, that's all I have to say. With Ailee, it's never a hard sell.

Favorite Music Video

Nainainai - Atarashii Gakko!

Over the past few months, I've been seeing releases from this group through 88Rising. I always thought that they have a great energy and vibe including their little video lessons on Japanese culture. Though with this music video, I must say that I'm certainly a newborn fan. I put this on and just want to shake and dance in my room, singing along in my poor attempts at the language. They have quickly become the first Japanese group that I'm going to truly follow.

Favorite Dance Video

2020 Dance Medley - AleXa

Although 2020 had a lot that wasn't going for us, it was also full of fantastic choreography to Kpop title tracks. Who would be able to do it all, though? Don't you need the full groups? Not quite. Just one AleXa! As I've mentioned in past posts, I've really been following her journey since debut and I can see why she won those dance cover contests in the past. She truly tackles each style with such ease. Therefore, I look back at last year with a smile by watching such talent on display!

Full January 2021 Playlist: click here