Kago’s crappy man story

Aibon poster

Kirakira Majocco Cluv (キラキラ 魔女ッ娘 Cluv)

キラキラ 魔女ッ娘 Cluv

‘Kirakira Majocco Cluv’ is a cover album of magical-girl anime theme songs.

Various artists sing the club-oriented songs, including Kago Ai.

Kago’s songs are Lum no Love Song (from Urusei Yatsura) and Himitsu no Akko-chan.

Download these re-make songs by Kago Ai here.

You can also take a listen to the originals below.

Music Review and Download: AI KAGO meets JAZZ

The cover

Years in the making, Kago Ai’s first solo album has arrived!

Perhaps a jazz album was not what many of her long-time fans were hoping for. However, it’s plain to see that Ms. Kago has put her all into this work. And it IS a gorgeous piece of work. 

Overview:

AI KAGO meets JAZZ is complete departure from any other musical style that we’ve ever hear from Kago Ai. Consisting of hand-picked tracks of American jazz standards and one re-recording of an obscure W song, the album flows champagne. Smooth, elegant, mature, and frankly heartbreaking at time. These are words I’ve never been able to apply to Kago. Now, I can do so without an reservations. 

Save for the last track, the entire album is in English. As Ms. Kago is not a native speaker, expect her accent to show. However, her mis-pronunciations are not distracting. In fact, in spots, it’s extremely charming. Endearing. That’s a word I’ve always been able to apply to Kago.

Track review:

• How high the moon

A lovely, upbeat song. A great way to open the album, Kago’s vocals blend well with the playful instrumentals, creating a sense of hopeful longing.

• Night and Day

Strong piano work leads into Kago singing in a lower register than what fans are used to from her. This song may very well be the most sexy on the album. In this track, Kago lets us now she’s an adult now, with grownup needs.

• Blue Moon

A song that starts out gentle and picks up intensity, Kago’s smooth vocal delivery pulls fans into a fantasy of smoke-hazed jazz hall slow dancing. Inspiring an image closer to a young Amy Winehouse than MiniMoni, Kago proves she has the singing ability to do whatever she damn-well pleases.  

• Sunny

Quick-tempo with a celebratory air, this track stands out on this album in a wonderful way. Kago’s voice worships her (perhaps) imaginary knight-in-shining-armor and his no-nonsense ways. The sincerity in her singing would lead one to believe that this song is auto-biographical, not the simple crooning of an idol. 

• You’d be so nice to come home

Featuring some of the best instrumentals on the album, this song is pure gold in Kago’s hands. Her accent is endearing, mixing with a sadness in her voice that’s unmistakable yet undefinable.

• Someone to watch over me

A lovely song, I must say that some of Kago’s pronunciation-stumbling takes the edge off the seriousness in the lyrics. Kago’s voice is almost pleading at time. But what person could resist her request?

• When you wish upon a star

Cute and playful, Kago’s old persona shines through on this track. However, she’s quick to remind the listener that she now has the vocal ability far beyond ‘Aibon’. The last note is pure and lovely. 

• Fly me to moon

A much more quiet rendition that one would expect, Kago’s dabbling in the alto range is a sweet treat for any music lover.

• Over the rainbow

Once again, Kago almost transforms back into ‘Aibon’. Almost. Sweet and soaring vocals, Kago holds the notes hostage with a sort of power she did not posses a few years ago. Charming, free of diva-like pretensions, Kago’s voice reminds us briefly of the childhood she has lost to the idol industry. It’s heartbreaking.

• All of me

As if to pick up the listeners from a terrible breakup, Kago sweeps in with a song of lovely and sexy innuendos. Her voice plays across the ranges flawlessly well, as if sing us into a happy future with her. Only as her fans, of course. 

• 17才よさようなら 

After listening to an entire album of Kago in English, this song is like a bucket of cold water across the face. More upbeat than her original recording of this song, Kago re-invents  it with a new flare that will endless please her long-time fans. Cha Cha Cha!

Conclusion

This album is great buy. If you’re a Kago-fan, jazz fan, or just a music lover. Buy it. Now. I dare you. You won’t regret it!

Buy it here from YesAsia.

Download the first track ‘How High The Moon’ here.

Kago Ai – Sunny (AI KAGO meets JAZZ)

Sunny, yesterday my life was filled with rain.
Sunny, you smiled at me and really eased the pain.
The dark days are gone, and the bright days are here,
My sunny one shines so sincere.
Sunny one so true, I love you.

Sunny, thank you for the sunshine bouquet.
Sunny, thank you for the love you brought my way.
You gave to me your all and all.
Now I feel like I’m ten feet tall.
Sunny one so true, I love you.

Oh Sunny, thank you for the truth you let me see.
Sunny, Sunny, Sunny thank you for the facts from A to Z.
My life was torn like windblown sand,
And the rock was formed when we held hands.
Sunny one so true, I love you.

Oh Sunny, thank you for the smile upon your face.
Oh Sunny, thank you for the gleam that shows it’s grace.
You’re my spark of nature’s fire,
You’re my sweet complete desire.
Oh Sunny one so true, I love you.

I love you.
I love you.
I love you.