ARCHIVED HTML - Cry Baby

Cry Baby, while released on the Shining single by Kawabe Chieko, is also the second ending theme (episodes 14-26) from the anime series by Production I.G called "Otogizoushi", which is basically about the feudal era of Japan. Production I.G. is also responsible for the animation sequences in hit films such as Kill Bill Vol. 1-2. If you liked the animation styles in that movie, you'll definately like the rest of Production I.G.'s work. They are also responsible for anime like Sakura Wars, Blood: The Last Vampire, Ghost in the Shell, and Furi Kuri (even though Furi Kuri's storyline was done by Gainax Studios, the actual animation company responsible for its artwork is Production I.G.) Kawabe is actually associated with some amazing works outside of her own!

Dark Sailor Mercury - Ilse

Tone/Mood:

It starts very calm. Nice ballad. It's very relaxing. I'm really amazed. Chieco can sing so high ( I mean the part in the end, just before cry baby cry) and beautiful (the Kono shunkan o ga ikite iru, boku ni shika dekinai koto ga aru). Much better then Moeco, Komatsu, everyone. Only I don't get why the melody is the same as "Little Wing". Only Little wing is more calm, and somehow I like that calm way a little bit more

Placement:

Not in the series.

Memorable:

Yes, it's for me. It was the first song after Shining! I heard that wasn't on her be your girl single. If you now keep reading on, you'll find another reason.

Lyrics:

You're the only person I understand
This is the only real thing I know
You're always alone, hiding
You're always afraid, and emotional.

Everyone goes out of their way to ignore it
What are you going to do to stop this
Your heart just wants to reach those people
But they aren't accepting

"I won't do this anymore"
I can't see or hear your voice anymore
This thought is strange
Even if you're the only one crying keep going

Finally, there is a song that isn't about love! I think it's about someone who's very shy. I recognize a lot of it in myself. A few years ago, I was also a "crybaby" like Chieco sings. Now, not anymore. But I think this is THE song for al crybabies in the world.

Overall rating:

5 hearts. Yep, beautiful. Lyrics are great. The best I ever saw. These, are lyrics with a real message in it. I don't know what the lyrics of Little wing are, so for so far, it's just five. If we ever going to review Little wing, I'll get back on this.

Kuroki Mio - Kara

TONE/MOOD:

This is a LOT better than what I've been hearing from Chieko lately. She needs to keep to these songs with the odd chords. Her voice makes incredible use of them. I like that this managed to be downbeat without feeling too depressing. And is it just me, or does it sound really late-Beatles-esque?

PLACEMENT:

From Kawabe Chieko's Shining.

MEMORABLE:

This is my favourite of this month's batch. I've already latched on to it. So I suppose you could consider that a yes.

LYRICS:

This is another of Chieko's songs that sort of hits home for me. I'm not sure if the ability to relate to them is personal, or if they're really that open to people.

I can't see or hear your voice anymore
This thought is strange
Even if you're the only one crying, keep going

Not the most direct lyrics, and yet something hits about them. The fact that it manages to fall somewhere between a love song and a string of advice set to music still fascinates me.

OVERALL RATING:

Five out of five. Yes. I like it that much. It just gets under my skin in some inexplicable way. I'm mad about her high D towards the ending - and the ending as a whole, which sounds like a mix of 'A Day in the Life' by the Beatles and 'Komm Susser Tod' from End of Evangelion. Amazing stuff.

Sailor Neptune - Ruth

Tone/Mood

Slow at first then it picks up. Not too sure what catagory this would fit under. It's not a slow ballad and it's not something one would dance like crazy at a club. It's like right in the middle. @__@ I don't really feel anything while listening to this song and again, it's not one I'd listen to over and over.

Placement

Not used in the show.

Memorable

Err...not really. Not a song I like but others may like it. I don't know why, but it just doesn't scream at me. I'm really picky I guess.

Lyrics

"I won't do this anymore"
I can't see or hear your voice anymore
This thought is strange
Even if you're the only one crying keep going"

Just because I don't care for the song doesn't mean it isn't full of lovely lyrics. That has to be the only thing I like about the song-the lyrics. From the above mentioned lyrics, I see some girl crying but continue to move on with her life. It hurts to not be with the person she loves or hear his voice, but she'll live. I like that. It states that even though a person is gone, she'll continue to live her life. ^^

Overall Rating

2/5! Not my favorite out of this bunch. I gave it 2 hearts because of the lyrics. I'm trying to be nice here! Good thing Chieko sang other songs that I adore!

Princess Serenity - Elly

Tone/Mood

Right off the bat Kawabe is singing. There's not a whole lot of room to determine tone or mood until you've already heard the song a few times. The song is soft and builds on voice and harmony a lot. Very pretty and feminine.

Placement

Not used in the show.

Memorable

Oh yeah. If this doesn't scream 'ballad', nothing will. This is your typical love song, albiet the lyrics make it go a little off the beaten path. When I think of Kawabe's slow songs, this immediately comes to mind, as does Little Wing...but alas, we'll get to that next month =)

Lyrics

"I won't do this anymore"
I can't see or hear your voice anymore
This thought is strange
Even if you're the only one crying keep going

Am I the only one who really understands this song as being really deep? I think that what the lyricist was trying to portray is that continual cycle of dissapointment and trying over and over with no change that many of us go through but never talk about. Maybe I'm just overly emotional, but I think most people have come to the realization that in one way or another, they will continually repeat one action or emotion for the rest of their lives, without any kind of change being possible. Empathy is an example of this. Trying to deny that you have sympathy for others, or that you are able to "feel their pain" won't change the fact that you do. I think this is what the song is about, this person trying to break from a loop they can't escape. Kawabe's part in the song as the lover who understands and accepts is what every person should be looking for in a partner for a relationship. If your partner isn't consoling, understanding, and most importantly accepting of who you are, then your relationship most likely won't work out. If it does, one or both parties won't be happy. Damn, I sound like a dating advice column.

Overall Rating

I like the song, but something is missing. It falls just short of a five. Good song though.

Tuxedo Mask - Kero-chan

Tone/Mood:

A strange and different song from Chieco; it is like a ballad, but some parts (especially at the end) go from ballad to a completely different kind of music but I like it, don't get me wrong. Is just like being different from shining and quiet riot, cry baby took a bit for me to actually like it, and now I just LOVE it, my favorite part is at the end, where the high tones, the music and the conversion of everything, makes me feel something inside I just don't know what.

Placement:

Chieco's shining single. This song is really different from Quiet Riot and shining I love Chieco because she is so versatile. XD

Memorable:

Yes, it took me some time to really like this song, but after a while, I listened carefully to it and I found it was really mellow and tranquil (in some strange way).

Lyrics:

Different from the others as it is not a love ballad, Chieco shows s in this song a different point of view (and yet with the same meaning) of the popular words "Cry Baby":

It turns into morning, and you still want to be an adult one day
You won't grow up this fast, time is too slow
You're still being petty. This and that
None of it will get you anywhere; you need to find these things out for yourself

Even though they are a bit confusing, I like this part of the lyrics, they are so true, and I think there was a time in my life I thought that way (the first paragraph). You know, sometimes, we want to be adults, so we can be noticed and for adults to count with us, make us part of their group and interact with jokes, comments, politics etc, but there's a time for everything. Since I was like 13, people told me (and they still do that, even though I'm turning 19 soon) that I was to mature for my age, I was centered in my thoughts and that I always was thinking twice everything. For years, I think that was cool, but really, that thought (and that image) couldn't let me be 100% myself it was always Guillermo the serious guy I thank God for the friends that I have right now, that even though they are few, they have seen beyond that portrait society has put upon me well I think I got carried away by the feeling of the song hehe XD

Overall Rating:

5 stars, nothing more to tell; excellent song!

Princess Sailor Moon - Kaitlin

TONE/MOOD:

Wow I almost could have SWORN she stole the tune from an Ayumi Hamasaki song at first! Changed it just enough though. It's a really plesant tune ^^ I like the way it makes me feel. This could be the best song on the album. Oh... more instruments! PRETTY!

PLACEMENT:

Kawabe Chieko's Kizunairo

MEMORABLE:

Yes, for me.

LYRICS:

"You're the only person I understand
This is the only real thing I know
You're always alone, hiding
You're always afraid, and emotional."

Wow... this really reminds me of a previous relationship I had. I can completely sympathize here.

"I won't do this anymore"
I can't see or hear your voice anymore
This thought is strange
Even if you're the only one crying keep going"

Hmmm seems like her new BF is a bit of an emo-kid. Cares about other people and crys and such. But she's supportive. Good girl!

"It turns into morning, and you still want to be an adult one day
You won't grow up this fast, time is too slow

You're still being petty. This and that
None of it will get you anywhere, you need to find these things out for yourself"

This brings me back to that relationship. The first part being me at the time, the second being him.
I really like the end of this song... "Cry baby cry"

OVERALL RATING:

4 - Not a must-hear for me, but very good!

Zoicite - Ephie

Tone/Mood:

First listening to this song makes me think a little of my favorite Japanese band (ELT), the way it's styled. I feel like I could really relax and listen to this song on loop. It's slow and laid back, yet has a somewhat upbeat feeling to it, even though it really is a sad song, I just love the switch between flats and natruals during the chorus.

Placement:

On Cheiko's CD.

Memorable:

I can definately see myself humming this song all during my long days at work and even in classes. This song has jumped to be one of my favorites already.

Lyrics:

"I won't do this anymore"
I can't see or hear your voice anymore

Those two lines, not only does it hit my favorite part of the song, but I find it hits a little close to home in thoughts I've had once or twice in my own relationship, as long distance ones are very hard, but managable. I find, even with these lyrics, without listening to the words, it gives almost a feeling of triumph at the end.

Overall Rating:

I'd have to give this song a five. I've just fallen in love with this song, and Cheiko is a wonderful singer.

Sailor Luna - Emo-chan

Tone/Mood

I like the tone to this peace. It sounds like a good song to slow-dance to! Her voice sounds so pretty in the song too. It has a longing feel to it, with the way she holds her phrases when she sings.

Placement

N/A

Memorible

I don't personally think I'll remember this as one of her best songs, but it is definatly a good song to play from time to time.

Lyrics

It turns to night and you're dreaming Who doesn't know of this kind of happiness You want to see the stars Do you think you're the only one like this

I like that verse of the song. The words are very pretty with the descriptions that she says. I LOVE when she says Cry Baby Cry at the very end.

Overall

4! I like this song so I think it diserves it

Sailorasteroid - Sailor Pluto

Mood:

I think this is Chieco's only song that doesn't follow the general "verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-final chorus" pattern. There are breaks, but it all sounds like one big mass. Or maybe one big mess. I kept waiting for something to happen, and it didn't.

Placement:

On the Island of Misfit Songs.

Memorable:

It will be, for a reason we will see in a later month.

Lyrics:

It seems to be a diatribe against someone whining and being a crybaby. Feh, a much better one was done in the game Vib Ribbon.

Overall:

Yeah, I'll be crying baby. Let's just pretend that we didn't hear this and listen to Shining! again, huh? One.

Sailor Mars - Akarui

Tone/Mood

Is mellow correct to describe the emotion that's part sad, yet part happy cause the song is beautiful ? If yes, then put mellow for me, cause I'm a mix of that when I listen to this song.

Placement

Nope, wasn't placed on the series.

Memorable

I try to sing along this song whenever I can, but part of what makes it memorable it, oddly enough, the other version. I never thought there could be two versions of the same song (the same tune, in this case) with two different arrangements and lyrics on the same album XD . But I prefer this one, I don't know why.

Lyrics

(didn't remember the lyrics enough at the time)

Overall Rating

4 hearts. Chieco, I looooooove you, but as I said with other songs, this one isn't my favorite sooooo... I still rate this good because you deserve it :)

Sailor Pluto - Ciao

Tone/Mood

This song seems rather reflective and slow to start with. It's very relaxing to listen to so I skip it in the car *grins* altho my son loves it. He loves anything by her tho. The tune and melody is the same as Little Wing which kind of confuses me as to why they recycled it so much.

Placement

Not in the the series.

Memorable

The song is a bit memorable because of the fact that it's so similar to Little Wing, and vice versa. The tune is nice, don't get me wrong, but having two songs the same?

Lyrics

The lyrics fit with the tune, the slightly mournful, reflective melody. There's nothing that really jumps out at me except for the fact that it sounds remarkably similar to a Beatles tune (any given slow one....).

Overall Rating

I give it a 3/5, mainly because it's been recycled, even tho it's not exactly a stellar song. It's good and relaxing, but that's about it.

Sailor V - Jessica

Tone/Mood

The tone seems is soft and the mood almost nostalgic, keeping to a slow pace that gets a little repetitive and drags out for a lot longer than expected. The tone just has an air of futility about it that also makes the song rather despairing to listen to.

Placement

None

Memorable

I don't find this song particularly memorable because I don't find the lyrics at all inspiring. I only find it memorable because of its counterpart song that uses the same beat and melody. The notes are too drawn out for me to listen to and enjoy it as a particularly memorable piece.

Lyrics

Everyone goes out of their way to ignore it
What are you going to do to stop this?
Your heart just wants to reach those people
But they aren't accepting

I think these lyrics have the most meaning out of the whole song. Most people can relate to them in some way and they seem more poetic than the rest of the lines. The lines are more angst ridden than the rest and seem to provoke more of a response.

Overall Rating

2/5

Nephrite - Frosted_Rain

Tone/Mood

So calm. It starts with a semi-whispering voice of a woman telling her beloved telling the truth of his negative things. Pretty sad to hear though... She sings as if she's telling someone (preferably her boyfriend, for example).

Placement

Nothing at all.

Memorable

Too sad and feeling guilty. OUCH...

Lyrics

You're the only person I understand
This is the only real thing I know
You're always alone, hiding
You're always afraid, and emotional.

Hazukashii... too emotional to explain. The lyrics serves as evidence. These are the times when i feel alone, emotional due to strees from work, and of course, making my girlfriend lonely.

"I won't do this anymore"
I can't see or hear your voice anymore
This thought is strange
Even if you're the only one crying keep going

Too emotional and too painful for my part. Relationships ending sourly really hurts. It's like piercing your heart with a nail.

Overall Rating

With all the hardships of broken relationships and emotional sadness, i give a 4 out of 5 hearts. Not bad, Chieko. Cry hard but listening to Brillance makes one happy again yo.