Ongaku Cafe (The 2000s): Haruna Ai – I・U・YO・NE～ (December 2008)

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1. I・U・YO・NE～
2. 艶桜フジヤマ・ナデシコ
3. I・U・YO・NE～ (instrumental)
4. 艶桜フジヤマ・ナデシコ (instrumental)

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Originally reviewed back in December 2008

I have to admit that when I first saw the CD single cover for Haruna Ai’s “I・U・YO・NE～”, the first thing that came to my mind was…here’s the label again, going after an artist because of her boobs. After all, I have seen how the label has made Tanimura Nana a star and how all the press is reporting is more about her breast size than her music.

So, I figured, let’s give Ai’s “I・U・YO・NE～” a try and see if this artist can sing. And immediately, I was surprised because her vocals were quite nasal and it sounded like a guy’s voice.

I was not aware at the time that Haruna Ai is a transexual talent and music artist, a popular one who is known for her imitations of Matsuura Aya’s dance moves and has been on television quite a bit.

As for Ai’s music, “I・U・YO・NE～” is a pop track that utilizes the original Avex style that was popular back in the early ’90s via the “Juliana Tokyo” years. An upbeat, synth-driven, Euro pop track.

The coupling track “艶桜フジヤマ・ナデシコ” (Fujiyama Pink Cherry Glaze) is a pop track that sounds more like a seiyuu cover but again, that is the style and vocals of Haruna Ai, which I believe her vocals would be great for anime soundtracks. But it’s a very cutesy style that I’m sure some fans will dig!

The two remaining tracks are the coupling songs.

As for the DVD, it’s the music video for “I・U・YO・NE～” and features Ai dancing and also sitting and being surrounded by women while singing and then dancing with both the guys and women on stage.

The CD insert features the lyrics to both tracks and production credits.

Overall, Ai Haruna’s “I・ U・YO・NE～” is an OK single. I did enjoy the music as it was nostalgic of Avex of old (early ’90s). The vocals, I was not digging as much as it is a bit nasally for my taste but Haruna does exhibit an anime-like cutesy style that I’m sure her fans will really dig. If you are a Haruna Ai fan, this debut single is for you!

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