Wow!

This CD is Emi Hinouchi's second single, back when she was on Taku's Tachytelic label. It was released way back in 2003, so it took CDJapan several months to find it for me... but it was totally worth the wait!!

"Crying" is an amazing R&B/pop tune which Emi wrote the music and lyrics to herself. It was the first song that really got me into her music--most girls will be able to relate to her lyrics. This song especially struck a chord (no pun intended) with me, as she discusses the emotional trials of a rough breakup.

The second track is a live acoustic version of the Michael Jackson song, "Rock With You." Emi does a spectacular job with the English lyrics, especially when one considers that she is fully Japanese.

The third track is a band arrangement of her debut single, "Magic." It's still a lot of fun and very cute, but the band sound adds a sort of mature element to the song. I love that it's acoustic, and I'm fairly certain it was done all in one take. This only continues to prove what we already know--Emi Hinouchi's vocals are for real. She doesn't have to rely on autotune to sound good!

The fourth track is a remix of "Crying." The only complaint that I have with this song is that the title of the remix--"The Girl's Got Soul"--doesn't fit it at all. Instead of a soulful song, it sounds more like a beachy song--but don't get me wrong on this, it's still an amazing remix.

The fifth and final track is the instrumental of "Crying." It doesn't have any backup vocals, but it really makes you appreciate the song.