Ongaku Cafe (The ’90s): TWO-MIX – BPM “BEST FILES” (1997)

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1. White Reflection
2. JUST COMMUNICATION
3. RHYTHM EMOTION
4. Rhythm Generation
5. INNOCENT DANCE
6. Believe
7. Love Revolution
8. SILENT CRUISING
9. BECAUSE I LOVE YOU
10. DIVIN’ TO PARADISE
11. MEETING ON THE PLANET
12. ENDLESS LOVE
13. TRUST ME
14. T-R-Y -RETURN TO YOURSELF-

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Reviewed back in March 1997:

I have to admit that I never expected anime voice actress Takayama Minami  (Nabiki of “Ranma 1/2″, Conan of “Meitantei Conan”, Kiki/Ursula of “Kiki’s Delivery Service) to become a full-fledged music artist outside of the anime/seiyuu realm. But she proved to us that she has a career outside of anime voice acting as one part of the music group TWO-MIX alongside musician Nagano Shiina. It’s been two years since the group released their two “MS Gundam Wing” hits “Just Communication” and “Rhythm Emotion” and here we are now with a best album from TWO-MIX.

Although some may feel it’s a bit too early for the group to be releasing a best album, it is common in Japan, even for a group who has not released many singles. But in the case of TWO-MIX, you do get their first six singles “Just Communication”, “Rhythm Emotion”, “T-R-Y Return to Yourself”, “Love Revolution”, “Rhythm Generation” and “White Reflection” (the theme for “Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz” OVA). The other tracks included on the album are coupling songs of those singles and songs released from TWO-MIX albums “BPM132”, “BPM143” and “BPM150MAX”.

For those not familiar with the music from TWO-MIX, the majority, if not all of their songs from these last three years have been upbeat, electronic music.   Their music has been consistent and rarely strays away from the electronic music formula.  You do get songs such as “Divin’ to Paradise” which may be more mellow in vocals but for the most part, the music is nearly all upbeat synth-driven electornic music and if you loved their songs thus far, then there is no doubt that you will enjoy this album.

So, if you haven’t purchased a TWO-MIX album thus far, you really can’t go wrong with this release as you do get the first six singles, coupling tracks and songs from their previous albums.

One thing you will expect from this release is that it’s slightly thick and that is because there is a  bonus disc is also included. This allows people to watch the “White Reflection” promotion clip, single TV spots and discography.

Included is the lyrics booklet featuring various photos of both Takayama and Nagano, also an insert promoting TWO-MIX’s “BPM DANCE” and a TWO-MIX BPM sticker.

Overall, it may be a little to early for a best album from TWO-MIX but if you are a new fan that has yet to purchase a release, this is a good starting point as you get their first six singles and also a pretty cool bonus CD with music videos, TV spots and more.

A pretty solid release and a TWO-MIX album worth recommending.

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