Marginal #4 are back with a new single. “Choooose me” not only marks the unit’s 10th single release but also showcases the group’s growth and fresh sound that comes along with it.
Title: Choooose One Label: Rejet/Pythagoras Production Release date: 07/06/2017 Genre: J-Pop/Jazz
Tracklist:
1 - Choooose One
2 - ピエロ
Track by track analysis:
1 – Choooose One
For those of you that are fans of the group’s brighter songs this one is for you. “Choooose One” is an unusual song for this group, mostly known for their pop-rock tunes and sometimes danceable pop tracks. This time around, fans are graced with Marginal #4‘s brightness, something we don’t usually find on their songs, at least instrumentally. Peppy synths mix with a mid-tempo bassy beat provided by the synthetic drums and mild, electronically processed guitar riffs, and while the result might not look appealing on paper, as you listen to the song it actually sounds fairly good. It’s not overly tacky like some of their previous upbeat songs which is a plus, and it doesn’t require any of the members to sing in odd or unfitting keys. This is, indeed, a game opening track, there’s no way around it. It’s exciting, fresh and sounds great. 4.5/5
2 – ピエロ
Pierrot is a surprising song even on Marginal #4‘s repertoire. It’s fun and classy all at the same time. Jazzy pop is one of best ways to showcase great vocals. This group is owner of 4 distinctive tones, ones more polished than others, but all of higher quality than what most groups have on their lineups. Their balance is not often put to test, especially when most of their songs are on the excited side rather than, R&B, ballads or laidback jazzy tunes, but it’s with songs like this one, quieter and more open to vocal flowery that we get to hear their vocal quality. And while we rave about their vocals we can’t forget that it’s not often that this group is graced with such an instrumental. Funky bass and playful guitar riffs are the core of this song, adding some brass and rhodes piano work to up its quality. Add the vocal performance and this laidback song manages to standout easily from the rest of their songs. A hidden pearl in a single that might go unnoticed by most people. 5/5
Final rating:
“Choooose One” is a single that stands out for not having Marginal #4‘s trademark sound. The title track has some peppy touches but nothing that the group has ever fully tackled. We were worried that this song might actually join the repertoire of bad songs of theirs but thankfully, those doubts vanished when we listened to the whole track. Yes, it’s a fun track and also yes, it might sound a little bit cheesy, but it’s bearable to the point that we actually enjoyed the performance.
On the other side we have “Pierrot“, a jazzy pop song that leaves a good feeling on every listener. Its quieter instrumental and carefully crafted melodies are more than enough to draw our attention but it was the vocals that made us go “wow” with the whole song. Of course, in the past, they had sort of similar songs – in mood only -, the best example is “Masquerade” but even that song wasn’t jazzy, it was more on the latin, salsa style, more upbeat and insanely danceable from start to finish. “Pierrot” is a nice change of pace, especially from a group that, lately, has been releasing a lot of music and, in order to avoid sounding lazy and predictable, needed to change things around a little bit.
The vocal performances have reached a new high for them. Every single one of the members is sounding better than ever – with major kudos to Toshiki Masuda that continues to polish his vocals to the fantastic level of quality we got on this release. This single also proves that, when nothing is forced on the members – mainly when it comes to the vocal direction -, it turns best when they sing comfortably with their natural vocal tones. And while this release doesn’t have any heartbreaking ballad to make the group go all out with their high notes, both songs proved to be good enough to showcase different sides from them.
“Choooose One” is, in our opinion, one of the most entertaining and unpredictable releases in Marginal #4‘s repertoire. A must listen.
“Choooose one” is available for purchase on CDJAPAN for all overseas fans.
