JPop doesn't get much hotter than this!

Kumi Koda's 12th single, entitled Chase, was released on 28 July 2004. The title track was used as the ending theme song for the variety show, さまぁ～ずと優香の怪しい××貸しちゃうのかよ！！

Chase, which was composed by Kazuhiro Hara and arranged by h-wonder, is pop song that has jazz elements blended into it. The songs open with a catchy tune played on a saxophone, followed by Kumi ad-libbing then after a distinctive "boom", the full instrumental comes into play. It really is a fun instrumental to listen to with its distinctive saxophone, its dance break played with a guitar and its short scratching sound at the beginning. You really can't help getting up onto your feet and moving what you have when you listen to this song and after you've listened to it, it's even harder to get it out of your head. What's more is the instrumental ends perfectly with the saxophone coming into play once again. However, a good instrumental needs some good vocals to make it a good song and luckily for us, Kumi delivered. Listening to Chase, it is clear that Kumi had fun recording it as it shows in her voice. I love how she sings the chorus and her ad-libs are actually good and suit the song. There's no over singing the song from Kumi this time.

Now, if you were to ask any fan of Kumi Koda what their favourite B-side by Kumi is, I'm sure that you'll find a lot who'll say that Heat is their favourite. A collaboration with reggae and dancehall duo, MEGARYU, Heat is one seriously hot pop/R&B cut that will make you shake your booty. Composed and arranged by Daisuke Imai, the instrumental contains strong reggae elements and the drum machine provides a powerful rhythm throughout the entire song. As for Kumi's vocal performance, well, what can I say? For the kind of song it is, Kumi delivered a flawless performance that is totally sexy. Even her rapping is good although I think that may be thanks to Jewels from Heartsdales, who I am SURE provided some vocals to that part of the song. And what about MEGARYU? Well, I don't know them outside of this song but their contribution to this song is great and fits in with the whole theme.

Single Rating: A+

Chase is an excellent single that deserved to do better on the Oricon charts than it did. With this single, Kumi showed that sexiness comes in different forms. It can be subtle and appear innocent or it can be blatant and almost in your face. I recommend that all Kumi Koda fans buy this single (if they haven't already) and all JPop fans should at least listen to it.