Too many good songs to pick!
There are some that I really, REALLY wanted to vote for. "Song for the Date" has become one of my all-time favorite Mano songs and comes with a surprisingly deep and meaningful music video. "Cat's Eye" was a pretty good remake of a cheesy '80s anime theme, had everyone looking good in the tight black outfits, and featured an awesome breakdown rap by MC Shimizu. I love the steady midtempo beat of "Samui ne", "Shining Butterfly" showed that the old crew can still hang, and "Renai Hunter" was memorable with that kickass intro and for marking the end of an era (also: CRABDANCE).
Alas, I made this poll to only accept 5 votes (just to keep consistent with last year's poll), so here are my picks in no particular order:
One Two Three / The Matenrou ShowThis track's the Indian dance that brought Morning Musume's reign/rain back! At least for now. The hard-hitting funk/hip-hop groove, elaborate dance routine, and an overall big sound that can pump up a crowd...hearing that synth organ intro still gives me chills on occasion. "The Matenrou Show" is also pretty good, showing that H!P and disco still work well together. What a way to celebrate a milestone! Well-deserving of being the biggest-selling single in ten years.
Wakuteka Take a ChanceAnother banger with a somewhat similar sound to its predecessor; I sometimes find myself unable to decide if I like this one more. The arrangement has a bit more variety to it and the electronic vocal effects aren't as overbearing, but being a follow-up means not having the same impact. Still, it joins "One Two Three" on my list of recent Momusu songs good enough to be mentioned with my all-time favorites.
Cha Cha SingThe original Thai song is catchy as hell, and this Japanese remake is no different, fitting in well with Berryz Kobo's reputation for crazy silliness. The b-sides are also memorable: despite my initial disappointment with it, "Loving You Too Much" is also fun to listen to, especially with the crazy rapping from Captain and Miya...and of course Momochi's workout song is hilarious.
Want!Speaking of initial disappointment, I went from "not sure if want" based on a radio preview to "DO WANT" after hearing the whole thing, and it's now one of my favorite all-time Berryz songs, easily winning me over with the high-energy synths and funky rhythms. The girls looked pretty damn sexy in the video, and for a short while Risako wasn't my least favorite Berryz member, rocking that red hair and high ponytail like a boss (she's back to "normal" now, sadly).
Cho Happy SongThe end result of some very clever songwriting and marketing on Tsunku's part. I can't help but feel happy myself when listening to this, especially with the buzz surrounding it happening around the same time as my New Jersey trip; Berryz themselves were surprised when we attempted to sing C-ute's half of the song as they performed their half on stage. An excellent way to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Hello Project Kids.
Looking back, it's been a great year to be a Hello Project fan.
Topic: Best Hello! Project singles of 2012 (Read 5997 times)