[Digital Single] YUI’s ‘Laugh away’

SINGLE REVIEW: YUI- Laugh away

I’m glad YUI is managing to be active again after that long break caused by the DVD release. I hope she at least got to rest a bit during that time. Sony seems to be nicer to their talent than avex, so hopefully she doesn’t even need it that terribly. Anyway, I believe this is YUI’s first digital single, and I’m proud to review it on this site. Without further ado, YUI’s ‘Laugh away.’

———

Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. Laugh away is exactly what I was looking for from YUI. A complete return to her older, more down-to-earth style. The song opens with classic YUI acoustic chords and a fantastic melody. This song isn’t quite identical to her past works in that it’s very happy. Most of her previous songs had a very solemn or important message to them. This song also has an important message, but a happier one that can be conveyed in a more upbeat nature. And you know what? In the PV, she SMILES. I mean like, her mouth opens. And there’s something that resembles happiness. Recorded. On video. One of YUI’s best PVs in a long while. Not that she’s never happy, she just never seems to smile. Another thing to like/find funny about YUI. Anyway, to the actual song. There are still hints of YUI’s recent stylings (violin, electric backing guitar), but it is so absolutely refreshing all the same. The verses are pretty laid back, but definitely faster than most of her post-2nd album singles. The chorus is an explosion of joy not seen from YUI in her current era. I love the way she sings this one because of the previously unheard power she puts behind her notes. Even though I love YUI, she’s not an incredible vocalist. She’s good, but she’s not groundbreaking. And you know what? That’s okay! Even though she doesn’t have vibrato or any technique really, she manages to create great music. This song is a great example of perfect YUI-esque composition. The verses and chorus contrast but both convey the same idea, which is hard to do for people who weren’t professionally trained to do so. I’m really impressed with this track, and I’ve already listened to it like let’s see… Ha, 148 times. You should all go buy this single, I know I will. It’s going to be like two bucks, and it’s totally worth it. I am going to sing this every time I go to karaoke for sure. Hands down YUI’s best single of her current era. Not a question in my mind.

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

Overall Grade: A+

SINGLE GRADE: A+