With only 26 years, Shouta Aoi already has a vast music career going back to his past project titled “SHOWTA.”. Counting everything since Shouta Aoi first started his music career he has given enough proof to back all the comments behind his flawless angel-like voice. Although initially not fond of his own voice because of its high pitch not normal for a guy, he has turned it into a weapon of destruction to many fangirls around the world with it’s silkness and sweetness.
“Virginal” might be his first single release as Shouta Aoi, a complete change of direction and image when recalling the times of SHOWTA, but it doesn’t fail to impress. The single is made for all pop enthusiasts and proves to be a good work by both Shouta and Elements Garden.
Now for the details regarding the single:
Single: Virginal Label: King Records Genre: J-Pop Release Date: 15/01/2014
Tracklist:
| 1. | Virginal | |
| 2. | ユメノツヅキ | YUME NO TSUZUKI |
| 3. | Virginal (off vocal) | |
| 4. | ユメノツヅキ (off vocal) |
Track by track analysis:
1 – Virginal
The title track “Virginal” shows Shouta’s voice at it’s best. Starting off slowly and sweetly the song progresses to a dancefloor anthem as soon as we reach the chorus. Vocal wise the work is of the best quality, if there’s one thing out of many that Shouta is good at is at singing, the highs, the lows, he catches everything making the vocal track shine. Regarding the instrumental we get the typical up-tempo pop song with some mix between dubstep and the synths / piano leading the main pop track. An interesting mixture. 4/5
[youtube=http://youtu.be/VDq1XKTb8WU]
2 – ユメノツヅキ
“Yume no tsuki” is a ballad more rock oriented with guitars leading the way taking the place of the synths that so well led “Virginal”. A beautiful song from start to finish where Shouta’s vocal skills are shown to it’s fullest with many parts of the song available to make a total focus on his voice completely making us forget that there’s an instrumental going on on the background. The instrumental goes barely unnoticeable on the pre chorus and on the first verses of the song, reaching the outro we are presented with a guitar solo totally fitting for the song, nothing that aggressive but with enough emotion to support the lyrics. Nothing out of the ordinary but a good track nevertheless. 4/5
Final rating: 4/5
A good first single setting a good pace for his next singles. “Virginal” is not a top work of art or a completely mesmerizing single but it’s a good enough release to be at least listened to a few good times. The first track is clearly more dancefloor oriented while the second track is a good ballad to show another side of Shouta’s talent. Interesting overall and worth your time.
The single is available on CDJAPAN for all overseas fans.
