I first learned about Chihiro Onitsuka when I heard "Gekkou," the theme song for the drama "TRICK."
The simple, quiet piano accompaniment and the expressive singing voice left a lasting impression on me.
Back then, I was really into playing J-POP on the piano, so I often bought piano solo sheet music by Onitsuka and played it a lot.
Initially, their music often consisted of vocals accompanied by piano, but from their third album onwards, they started incorporating more rock-style songs.
I was particularly surprised to hear a surprisingly powerful side of them in "Tiger in my Love" from their 3rd album.
This time, I'll be focusing on albums and introducing songs that I'd like to write a brief comment about.
I'll write based on whether I like it or not, rather than whether it's widely known.
Insomnia
moonlight
Just by listening to the intro, the line "I am..." comes to mind.
The song features a classic chord progression and a memorable, repeatedly recurring chorus melody.
It's quite moving to think that if it weren't for this song, I might never have listened to Chihiro Onitsuka's music.
The song builds up steadily in the second half, and finally reaches its climax with a higher key.
When singing karaoke, the accompaniment is simple, so it becomes a pure test of vocal ability; therefore, you need to be careful.
We can go
For Chihiro Onitsuka,UnusualIt's a bright and positive song.
It's certainly not typical of them, but perhaps that's precisely why it feels so refreshing.
Shine
This is my debut song.
Just listening to a little bit of it, you can tell it's a very dark and heavy song.
However, it's not sad; despite being a dark song, you can feel an incredible energy in it.
While "Moonlight" might be more generally appealing, I think this kind of song truly showcases her talent.
Cage
It's a surprisingly fast-paced song.
It's not a chorus that feels like it's suddenly launched into, but rather one that comes in seamlessly from the preceding measure, creating a sense of urgency.
The chorus melody, which feels like it's being released into the vast sky, is particularly memorable.
This Armor
Sea of Thorns
This is a hidden gem of a song, starting with a somewhat orthodox-sounding intro.
Chihiro Onitsuka's songs often have a key increase in the chorus towards the end, but in this song, it goes up not just by a semitone, but by a whole tone.
The final chorus of the song evokes a sense of liberation and liberation, as if one has been freed from something and let go of their inhibitions.
Shadow
This song has a similar atmosphere to the relentlessly dark song "Shine."
It's probably a coincidence, but the titles are similar too.
While it doesn't have the same intense energy as Shine, it evokes a more subdued, darker emotion.
infection
I think this is one of Chihiro Onitsuka's finest songs.
Although it's less well-known than "Moonlight," it showcases the "dark energy" that is characteristic of her music.
The song gets progressively more intense towards the second half, and the pitch rises by a whole tone.
This is a song I never get tired of listening to.
Sugar High
Tiger in my love
It's an intense, rock-style song.
Although the main accompaniment is piano, the drumming style is dramatically different from previous accompaniments, being much more intense.
However, even with the change in musical style, the dark energy that is characteristic of the band remains.
However, this is quite a different direction from what we've done before, so I think many people were surprised by this song.
castle imitation
This song was the ending theme for the extremely difficult PS2 game "Breath of Fire 5".
The song itself is calm and didn't seem to fit the atmosphere of the game.
The lyrics, with "Venus" and "Nervous," rhyme in prominent places, making them memorable.
I don't usually pay much attention to lyrics, but this song, with its repeated use of the word "live," is one of the rare instances where the lyrics left a strong impression on me.
Drifting Feathers
The phrases flow like a barcarolle, at a relaxed tempo based on three beats.
(Some scores may be written in 6/8 time, or in 4/4 time with triplets as the base.)
The piano-based arrangement is reminiscent of early Chihiro Onitsuka, but the overall feel seems subtly different.
I consistently feel a certain kind of melancholy.
In the second half, string instruments are added, and the intensity increases.
It's one of my favorite songs, right up there with "infection."
BORDERLINE
This song stands out for its simple piano accompaniment.
(String instruments are also included at some point.)
That allows me to concentrate on my voice as an instrument.
While the song has an atmosphere somewhat reminiscent of "moonlight," the latter half becomes more divine and escalates into a desperate mood.
I think this is a great song that directly showcases the singer's exceptional vocal ability.
LAS VEGAS
Our Rosy Days
It's simply a dark and sad song, but it's not the kind of darkness like "Shadow," but rather a powerful darkness like that of Miyuki Nakajima's songs.
It is precisely because of this title that the contrast with the content becomes all the more apparent.
This is a song that really touches the heart.
A Horse and A Queen
This song features a distinctive jazzy saxophone and has a cool, bouncy feel.
It has a similar vibe to Mika Nakashima's "Rocking Horse," but without the somewhat vulgar feel.
You could say it's like a slower-tempo version of "Tiger in my Love."
This might be considered one of Chihiro Onitsuka's rare songs that could be described as "cheerful."
DOROTHY
X
This is a refreshing, band-style song from her discography.
The powerful vocals in the chorus are unforgettable.
Storyteller
This song is memorable for its swinging, melancholic melody.
I can't help but hum along to the intro and interlude.
I might get in trouble for using such a simplistic analogy, but this song has a similar vibe to Miyuki Nakajima's music.
Her distinctive singing style features a lot of vibrato.
蛍
This is a rare and beautiful song by Chihiro Onitsuka.
The word "hotaru" in the chorus is memorable and sticks in your mind.
This is a great song that I could listen to over and over without getting tired of it.
Sword and Maple
blue bird
This song has a pleasant 6/8 time signature.
Perhaps due to the instruments and rhythms, it has a distinctive ethnic feel.
It somehow reminds me of the melody of Akiko Shikata's "Roma Girl."
IRIS
Their sound is classic band-style, but the swinging, bouncy melodies are particularly striking.
Unusually, she sings lightly with a voice that isn't particularly heavy.
This song has a similar feel to Maaya Sakamoto's "honey bunny."
Sword and Maple (Rakuten Market)
syndrome
String Funeral
As the title suggests, this song features string instruments.
The lyrical and heartfelt lyrics somehow evoke the title.
The word "string" doesn't seem to be related to the lyrics, so it appears to be simply because stringed instruments are being used.
others
Dance the waltz with me
This is a familiar song from the drama "TRICK".
This song has an early-era feel to it, reminiscent of "Moonlight."
Growing weeds
It's a fast-paced, rock-style song.
The dark melody is typical of the artist, and it's reminiscent of Maaya Sakamoto's song "Scrap."
The chorus ends with the striking phrase, "I am dead now," making it very memorable.
This Silence 『Mine
This song was apparently used in the game "Drakengard 3".
The song features a striking melody, like a cold raindrop falling, that quietly repeats over and over in the background of the song, making it incredibly captivating to listen to.
The quiet, almost strained singing voice gradually grows louder.
It conveys a sense of loneliness and coldness that sends shivers down your spine.
I heard that the lyrics and music were written in just 5 minutes, and I think it's truly amazing that a song like that can just come to you.
lastly
In writing this article, I took the time to listen to Chihiro Onitsuka's songs again.
Listening to it, I was reminded once again of the incredible power in her singing voice.
I hope you can relate to the energy that comes from this "awesomeness."
Also, since I have a preference for minor key songs, I think there are probably many songs that I like.
This is probably one of those artists whose new songs I'll continue to buy as they come out.