Ballads and Bows

ARCHIVED HTML - Ame - Rain

Note: This is not the second ending to Angelic Layer. Actually, Matsushita Moeko released two songs with very similar titles: "Ame", which is the song we're reviewing here, which was released as one of Matsushita Moeko's singles, and "Ame Agari", which means "After Rain", which is the title of the song for the second ending for Angelic Layer. This is a pretty common misconception among the PGSM fan community, and even I thought it was the same songs. Thanks to a correction by Mousey, I'm now aware that these are different songs ^ ^; Thank you Mousey! Now, enjoy the reviews =)

Dark Sailor Mercury - Ilse

Tone/Mood:

Very calm, very smooth. Moeco's voice is very beautiful. It reminds me to the act that Hina dumped Mamoru. It totally fits the lyric. The only thing that's missing, is that there is no Ame (rian). Moeco can act fantastically. She really an idol She already brought some singles before Ame and Hina in pgsm.

Placement:

Not in the series. They could have played it in the act that Hina dumped mamoru.

Memorable:

Yes, for the people who got dumped once or more times. It's for me. Not because of the lyrics, but because of Moeco's singing talent and her acting.

Lyrics:

Overall rating:

5 hearts. WOW! I gave 5 hearts to every song this month. Yep, this is really my month. Review all my favourite songs. How nice!

Sailor Mercury - Topaz

Tone/Mood

Ame start of with a beautiful part. And the singers voice come in and it's soft and sweet. The mood that it all gives is truly sad. I feel as if I want to cry as I listen to it. As if I am watching a sad love story and the lover leave each other.

Memorable

To me the song is, but to others it may not me. Its a slow love song. That type of song rarely memorable. But as a grown woman I love this song and I want to but the CD now.

Lyrics

OK one I read over the lyrics do you know what this song reminded me of? Have you ever heard of Hana Yori Dango? Its called "Boys Over Flowers" here in the states. Well, at on point in the story the male leads mother ruins the lives of the lead females friends and family. The girl goes to the mother and ask her what must she do to stop this. Well, the mother says never see my son again. Really telling her that is to poor to be with her rich son, she has plans for her son and the girl is not part of them. at this time the girl had been kick out of her home due to she could not pay rent and the lead male let her live in his house as a maid. Well, The girl packs her things and leaves the house. She waits outside the fence. The rain starts to fall. The girl is soaked. At this The lead male drive by and sees her. Running out of the car he hurries to the girl. "What are you out here, you will get sick!" he says. Her face if blank. "I don't wish to ever see you again. we can never be" she say. He is taken back by her words. Only days ago they final were happy together and the girl had give him his first kiss of her own free will.( if you read or watch the story you would learn the he forced the first 2 or 3 on the girl) "Its my mother"he say. "I am sorry, I do not love you" she replies. His heart is shattered and he turns and leave. She had hope the rain would wash all the feelings away and take all the pain. It doesn't. (for more on Hana Yori Dango - http://niko-niko.net/hana/hana.php)

OK well that was long. well I mean just read the words in this and song and you will see how I feel the words fit this scene in that story. They aren't to a "T" but fit pretty well. The girl in the song say good bye but the memories and his warmth just will not wash away in the rain. She says how the boy pulls he close as if he was trying to say we will fix this. But getting nothing from her he leaves. Only at this point once he is gone does she know she love him

Overall Rating

I give this a 10! OK, OK a 5. I love the sound and the words. It just gets to me. It gets to my heart. Likes its the sad love story we all dream of and will fix but the end of the story.

Princess Sailor Moon - Kaitlin

Tone/Mood

Ahhhh Moeko! I love youuu! Our dear, sweet Hina is singing. It's definately a typical ballad, what with the plinky-plunky music. Her voice is REALLY mature sounding! This also sounds like it could be an ending song... more like to a movie though. While the credits roll. This song makes my heart ache when she hits certain notes. She is REALLY into the song, and I can feel it too. The song depresses me a bit, but I guess it's in a good way?

Placement

On her CD.

Memorable

Yes, if you like Moeko.

Lyrics

Now these are lyrics with a meaning!

"I cried as hard as I could. I want to be held tightly, but
You're so far away and now I love you."

This is the part I think of whenever I have to go away from my boyfriend for a while. That's a very honest sentiment.

"You gently pull my hand close,
searching for the final words
But I don't cry or anything like that
The tears are the rain's fault"

I like this because it's almost like she's trying to make herself believe that she's not really crying. Like if she says it's just the rain, then it really is. The lyrics are very pretty.

Overall Rating

4 - I love Moeko but I'm not always in the mood for a ballad like this.

Princess Serenity - Elly

Tone/Mood

I think people can understand that this song is very 'japanese'. Not just because of the lyrics, either. If you've ever listened to the OLD Japanese love songs from the '50's (yes, I'm one of the few people who have probably done this, because I love Akira Kurosawa, and because I'm addicted to the movie Adrenaline Drive that was released around...wow, 5 years ago I guess. It featured a lot of old '50's Japanese music though) you'll understand. The melody most likely has something to do with this.

Placement

No, thank god. I'm not even sure why this song was made into the ending of Angelic Layer. I don't like it much there, and I certainly wouldn't want it spoiling PGSM

Memorable

If you're a Moeko fan, I suppose. I think the girl is very pretty, but her singing skills are...nil. She has no business singing, period.

Lyrics

The rain is cold, but I want to get wet
so the memories & the tears will wash away

I've got to mock this line. You need to get wet to feel better, eh? Go find a prostitute then? Man, that was inappropriate. Sorry, I just can't stop thinking about that connotation, LOL.

The rest of the lyrics are made up of your average sappy love tune. Rain and crying...who would have guessed the literary connection there? Sheesh. Find a new song writer, PLEASE Moeko!

Overall Rating

I feel generous even giving this rating. This song is just plain boring! It's super polite, the lyrics are trite, and the beat is really outdated. Techno, please! I feel like this song should be just a little more modern sounding for it's placement in Angelic Layer.

Sailor Neptune - Ruth

Tone/Mood

Ah...so perfect to my ears. I love Moeko's voice! So mellow and sweet. I'm going to be honest, I didn't even know she could sing! It wasn't until she left PGSM that I saw a post with this song attached. I fell in love with her voice the second I heard her sing. Back to the song-this is a love ballad and something to slow dance to. *Swoons over melody*. Perfect song!

Placement

-----

Memorable

I believe so. I mean she WAS Mamoru's fiance in the show so a search went on and as soon as people found out that she sang and had singles out, people either downloaded or bought her stuff. And this song people claimed to be top notch. And I have to agree. Her voice ranks right up there with Chieko! ^_^ Anywho, this song is very pretty and I have no doubt people will love this song.

Lyrics

"The rain is cold, but I want to get wet
so the memories & the tears will wash away

You gently pull my hand close,
searching for the final words
But I don't cry or anything like that
The tears are the rain's fault"

*Cries* No pun intended there. She's so sad that he's going but blames tears on the rain. This indicates that she's trying to be strong and keep a happy face on. But deep down she's torn apart and doesn't know what to say to make the goodbye less hurtfull.

The lyrics are beautiful AND they make sense! What more could you ask for?!!

Overall Rating

5 hearts! I don't know but this song so kicks the others "butts" by far. Moeko just has a beautful voice and this song just makes me want to hug somebody and hold on tight and never let go. Go Moeko-san!

Sailor V - Jessica

Mood/Tone

The track is slow and gentle, but seems to make too much effort of creating the mood they were aiming for. It just seems almost too well fixed together.

Placement

None

Memorable

I don't think it's a very memorable song, I don't like it myself and despite listening to the song many times its not the sort of track that gets stuck in your head.

Lyrics

You gently pull my hand close,
searching for the final words
But I don't cry or anything like that
The tears are the rain's fault

They aren't particularly poetic and just seem like the girl is recounting what happened and brushing it aside. They aren't memorable or nicely constructed, its as if they were just slung together to take up lines.

Overall Rating

1/5 - Despite not liking the song, it is sung reasonably well.

Tuxedo Mask - Kero-chan

Tone/Mood:

An excellent ballad from Moeco, she has a beautiful voice which fits perfectly to her angelical look. I love the beginning of the song, the combination of instruments with her voice, makes you, not only want to hear the melody, but to really get into it, feel it.

Placement:

It can be found in her solo album. Thanks to PGSM I knew that she wasn't only an actress but a very good singer.

Memorable:

If you are a fan of her or if you like nice ballads, this song can't be missed. It has the perfect elements for a "romantic evening" background song.

Lyrics:

Though they lyrics are kind of sad, the melody has like a 'hope' tone. I can say that, even though the lyrics talk about something sad, the melody tell us that we don't have to give up everything, that there's still hope for everything.
My favorite part:

The rain is cold, but I want to get wet
so your warmth will wash away
The rain is cold, but I want to get wet
so the memories & the tears will wash away

Overall Rating:

It's an excellent song, she is an excellent performer, and there wrote nice lyrics. 5 stars! XD

Sailor Uranus - Nickole

Tone/Mood:

This song has a very soft, calm, yet sad subtle touch and quality to it. I really like how calm a feeling the background music has to it, and how Matsushita Moeko's voice portrays with it.

Placement:

On the Matsushita Moeko CD, whichis a pretty darn good CD as a matter of fact.

Memorable:

Heck ya! This song has such a pretty and serene decency to it that makes you want to remember it.

Lyrics:

The rain is cold, but I want to get wet
so your warmth will wash away
The rain is cold, but I want to get wet
so the memories & the tears will wash away

I cried as hard as I could. I want to be held tightly, but
You're so far away and now I love you.

These lyrics are very sad, yet calm, perfect for listening to in the rain! In fact, I was listening to this song during the rain, so I got a pretty good feeling of it!

Overall Rating:

A definite 5! I am really liking this song, (I've heard it on one of her CD's!) and the rest of the songs for this March! Keep 'em coming in April, next month! ;)

Sailorasteroid - Sailor Pluto

Mood:

I love Hina! (I say that in the hopes that it will screw up a search engine someday) She's got an awesome voice, and this song is so sweet. They're a perfect match, with Moeco's voice having awesome range. It reminds me why I prefer slow love songs to upbeat pop. A warning, though: be sure you have a good sound system, or the s-sounds will be obscured with static and the effect will be lost.

Placement:

I actually believe this is a cover of a song done by several other artists. But since I've never heard those versions, who cares?

Memorable:

Oh, yeah. From the opening violin strain leading into the synth know when it's Ame coming on.

Lyrics:

"The rain is cold, but I want to get wet." Well, my ecchi instincts perked up at that, but the song is so sweet that I'll ignore the double entendre. Most importantly, it's Moeco's clear enunciation that makes the lyrics work.

Overall:

A PGSM subplot that may not have been faithful to the prior versions results in the fandom hearing this song? Call that unmei, or fate, or providence, but don't take the song away. Five.

Sailor Luna - Emo-chan

Tone/Mood

I like the tone to this song. It has a very sincere and loving sound to it. I like the intstruments used in it as well.

Placement

N/A

Memorable

I think if you are a die hard Moeco fan you'd remember this song, because it sounds different than her other songs.

Lyrics

I cried as hard as I could. I want to be held tightly, but You're so far away and now I love you. The rain is cold, but I want to get wet so the memories & the tears will wash away

I Think that says the whole meaning of the song. The words are very pretty and they fit the rhythm of the song.

Overall Rating

A 4 and a half. I really liked the song.

Kuroki Mio - Kara

TONE/MOOD:

It's nice to hear a song in this set that will just be content with being a ballad. Some in the group this month seem to want to be upbeat when they could easily be slow and do just fine. This one feels nice and comfortable, unpretentious, and not afraid of being sentimental. Some of the synthesizer felt out of place - I would have liked this a lot more 'unplugged' - but as it is, very enjoyable.

PLACEMENT:

I'm not sure, but I want the CD.

MEMORABLE:

Definitely. I've never heard Moeko sing before, and I'm pleasantly surprised to find how good she is!

LYRICS:

Like I said, this song isn't afraid to be sentimental, and I like that. The lyrics fit very well to the music, and while it covers a fairly common theme - standing in the rain - I don't feel like it's stale at all. Very sweet.

OVERALL RATING:

4 out of 5. Some of the instrumental was a bit distracting from the feel of the song, but it was otherwise excellent. I can't wait to hear more of Moeko!

Sailor Jupiter - Joy Azama

Tone/Mood

I first heard this song after I downloaded it through this website, and playing it in my laptop while I write a song review. While listening to it, I am intrigued with its opening beat, and oh my, the voice is exceptional! I didn't expect it from a side character in the PGSM-LA series. I think Moeko's voice rivals that of Kawabe on this month's singers. This song makes me smile, and oh, cry? This song evokes a lot of emotions from me, I'm sure emotional people will be attached to this song. It reminded me of a Sailor Moon anime song entitled 'Takishido Mirajiko' or something like that (I'm sorry if I got the title wrong, but one thing's for sure, I loved the song). This song is romantic and mystical as well - the ingredients, for me, that make a great sentimental song.

Placement

Not placed in the PGSM series, only on CD.

Memorable

Definitely memorable for me! Loved the song, loved the voice, I'm even contemplating on getting her album. I'd put it in *Repeat* mode anytime.

Lyrics

In the rain that disappears one by one
Everytime I gaze at you, I get sad
Without opening the umbrella, we're silent
Goodbye my love

I cried as hard as I could. I want to be held tightly, but
You're so far away and now I love you.

The rain is cold, but I want to get wet
so the memories & the tears will wash away

You gently pull my hand close,
searching for the final words
But I don't cry or anything like that
The tears are the rain's fault

Wow, I just mentioned earlier that this song makes me want to cry, and my, the lyrics have proved that it is definitely a tearjerker. I am also a sucker for Goodbye songs, and added with the title (rain); I fell in love with this song. This song is about a person who has to face a hard chapter of her life, and that is bidding farewell to a loved one. Its message is somewhat similar to Ayaka's 'Sayonara ~ Sweet Days' and loads of English songs such as 'Goodbye' of Air Supply, 'Goodbye' of the Spice Girls, 'Walkaway' of Geri Halliwell', and many more. Very nice lyrics, makes me feel mushy and emotional.

Overall Rating

5 out of 5 hearts! I'm very impressed with Moeko. I think she's the best singer in this month's featured singers, Kawabe came in a close second. Her voice is clearer for me compared to Kawabe, and Moeko articulated the lyrics better than Kawabe. I think she delivered this song with genuine feelings, you could feel it. Funny thing is that this song applies to her character (Hina) in the PGSM-LA series. It applies to the time she said her goodbyes to Mamoru. They should include this song in Act 0 considering that a part of it (or is it a special feature in the DVD?) is a story about Hina after the Mamoru breakup. I love this song! ^_^ Also, may I add that her voice could also rival that of Fushigi Yuugi's Satou Akemi, or Yoko Ishida. I've heard that she has already sang an opening theme (or is an ending theme) of a certain anime, and I say that her voice is really qualified. Good job Moeko! (Although I hated Hina for taking Mamoru away from Usagi, but that's beside the point).

Sailor Mars - Akarui

Tone/Mood

If mellow is the word used to say you're between "kinda" happy and "kinda" sad, then this one is just like that for me. The tone of the song in itself doesn't invite to dancing, but somehow, without looking at the lyrics I knew there HAD to be some sad meaning to the song.

Placement

None. But I bet there could have been some use of this song.

Memorable

I don't sing this song... yet. But it's beautiful.

Lyrics

Well... the voice is good (heard other songs from her and the voice is good). The music reminds me of older songs. The lyrics ?

Let's see...

The rain is cold, but I want to get wet
so your warmth will wash away
The rain is cold, but I want to get wet
so the memories & the tears will wash away

This is my favourite part. I quite don't get the whole meaning though:the "final words" mean the guy is going overseas or something ? Or is he just breaking up ? Anyway, whatever option you choose, it's simple, yet effective n_n .
Overall Rating

3 stars. Not because I don't like the song at all, but because, while it's simple, efficient, and the voice flows with the music, I'm convinced Moeco can do WAY better. Look for the song Ame Agari, you'll understand. *hugs Moeco*

Prince Endymion - Alex

Tone/Mood:
"Ame" is Hina's first song! I have tp admit that it is a GOOD peace! The melody is soft and Hina's voice is lyrical. This song really makes me happy!
Placement:
-
Memorable:
"Ame" is memorable to me. I like it,it's new to me, but that doesn't matter!
Lyrics:
I DO love "Ame"'s lyrics! I love rainy wheather and this peace is about rain:

"In the rain that disappears one by one
Everytime I gaze at you, I get sad
Without opening the umbrella, we're silent"

The main drawback of the lyrics of most songs, including "Ame"'s ones too, is that rain is associated with sadness and bad feelings. It'd also like to add that I like "Ame"'s lyrics because they so loving!
Overall:
Um...none? The reviewer never did this section u_u;

Nephrite - Frosted_Rain

Tone/Mood
Too mellow. The song reminds me of good ol' 80's retro mellow-love songs. No trace of pop here in this song. Truly, she is a talented singer and a beautiful actress.
Placement
It's nice if it is placed on PGSM where Hina left Mamoru. Setting: Airport and raining. Too bad it didn't happened :-(
Memorable
So cold... (brrrr...). Reminds me of lonely nights during rainy seasons. Good to listen to this song to make me sleep on a rainy night.
Lyrics
You gently pull my hand close,
searching for the final words
But I don't cry or anything like that
The tears are the rain's fault

Umm... the rain is making you cry? Wow, it's the first time I've heard that reason. It's like I'm crying underwater. The water is making me cry!!! LOLZ!!!

I cried as hard as I could. I want to be held tightly, but
You're so far away and now I love you.

Love is getting to be stranger and stranger more in these present times.
Overall Rating

It is not my favorite song from Moeco. Too sad. Too mellow. I prefer Sunflower or A Place in the Sun. I give this song 3 out of 5. Good song for sad, sad people and those who had a broken heart.

Kunzite - Loreal

Tone/Mood:
Aww, it is such a sad song. Still, her voice is very hypnotizing. She really makes you feel bad for her and anyone else who has been dumped.
Placement:
Not in the series but I am sure this could fit in somewhere.
Memorable:
The song has a nice sound to it. I liked the instrumental part.
Lyrics:
In the rain that disappears one by one Everytime I gaze at you, I get sad Without opening the umbrella, we're silent Goodbye my love

What sad lyrics! The thing is, I can really see this scene playing out in the series.
Overall Rating:

I will give this song a 3. It's nothing special but, a whole lot better than some of the other songs.

Sailor Pluto - Ciao

Tone/Mood
A nice slow ballad makes a change from the usual peppy songs from the PGSM girls. It's a bit slow for my liking but Matsushita-san's voice is lovely, for all that. It makes the song a bit more...plaintive than it normally would be with anyone else singing. I think I have heard this song before, but I'm not sure where or when.
Placement
Not in the series.
Memorable
I think I've heard this song before, maybe in an advert or something else online. I wonder if the tune is recycled from something else, or if this song has been used in another show. Matsushita-san has been a singer for some time, or so I understand so it is entirely possible. I guess it just goes to show how memorable it really is.
Lyrics
The lyrics are particularly poignant, given the character that Matsushita-san played in the PGSM series, as she could easily be talking about the situation between her character, Hina, and Chiba Mamoru, the man she's grown up with and loved all her life. I particularly like this part:

Ame wa tsumetai kedo nurete itai no
Anata no nukumori wo nagasu kara
Ame wa tsumetai kedo nurete itai no
Omoide mo namida mo nagasu kara

which is one of the saddest parts of the song. (I tend to go for the more dramatic stuff LOL)
Overall Rating

This must be a record. Two songs in a row that I really really like. This one gets a slightly higher score of 5/5 hearts, because the song is stellar, and Matsushita-san's voice is just so lovely *sighs dreamily*

Sailor Uranus - G.E.Artemis

Tone/Mood:
The music is odd. It�s sort of techno ballad? XD Moeko�s voice is beautiful, especially in this song. I particularly like when she sings Sayonara, watashi no koi. There�s a long pause near the end, which I find unnecessary, but it�s not a big deal.
Placement:
It�s on one of her singles.
Memorable:
It is to me, because a lot of her other songs are crazy-pop, this one stands out as Moeko�s more serious song.
Lyrics:
Sure, the lyrics are rather generic-sad breakup in the rain-but I like them nonetheless. They fit the music, and vice versa.
Rating:

Moeko�s best song, no question.