[Single] Arashi’s ‘Step and Go’

SINGLE REVIEW: Arashi- Step and Go

I didn’t mind Arashi’s last single, but I really wasn’t blown away by it. It’s fun to watch Arashi on TV since they are all great characters, and I’ve been able to do it alot lately due to heavy promotion of Step and Go. They’ve been on every show week after week, so I’m guessing this single is going to sell well. However, you can’t judge quality by sales. Let’s see how they did; Arashi’s ‘Step and Go’.

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Step and Go starts off with Arashi… saying they’re gonna Step and Go!! Whoo…! No, I actually do like the energy in this song. The percussion and sparse synth work well together, and though the upbeat nature is typical boy band, they pull it off. The melody in this track is so much catchier than that of Happiness. They’ve been advertising this as a ‘graduation song’, but I don’t really see what they’re graduating from. This song, though considerably better, isn’t that different from their average pop. I actually enjoyed the rap segment because of the short breaks of actual singing. It relieved my annoyance that they weren’t singing. Plus they were at least talking fast to the point I was impressed. I like the squeaky synth featured in this track, but I just wish it was a bit more present instead of just in the intro and instrumental breaks. This song is much more my taste than Happiness‘ blandness. As expected it features grammatically correct but odd and awkward English. I’ve learned to ignore that. The composition is good, but there are a few boring moments that I wish they had fixed up a bit. Oh well, I’m just happy that I’m not asleep half way through. Their vocals are well done, though I still don’t hear any gorgeous power notes. I’m waiting for an impressive ballad. I think that they could pull it off. Maybe.

Vocal Performance Grade: A- — Musical Performance Grade: A — Composition Grade: A-

Overall Grade: A-

I hate the world sometimes. Fuyu wo Dakishimete was gorgeous for four seconds until the percussion came in and averaged it up. The song begins with gentle acoustic guitar that almost instantly expands into a big fluffy pop song. Well, overall it’s not too bad. The melody and composition are nice, but I’ve had enough pop. Vocals are also nice, but again I’m done with this upbeat happiness, I’d really like a break. The strings, brass, piano chords, and percussion create a full background, but it’s all a waste when theres nothing really unique or engaging about the track. Sure it all has the potential to be engaging, but it’s just not. I don’t know, I guess this song will appeal to some, but I can’t find the light in this song. I’m being drowned in repetitiveness. It has all the ingredients, it’s just didn’t turn out right.

Vocal Performance Grade: B+ — Musical Performance Grade: B+ — Composition Grade: B

Overall Grade: B-

SINGLE GRADE: B+