Ongaku Cafe (The 2000s): Tohoshinki – T (2008)

GROUP: Tohoshinki

ALBUM: T

LABEL: rhythm zone

CATALOG #: RZCD-45797 (2CD+2DVD), RZCD-45799 (CD+DVD), RZCD-45800 (CD)

DURATION: 1:10:04

RELEASE DATE: January 23, 2008

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[Special Version]1. TRICK
2. NO?
3. Purple Line
4. Forever love
5. Summer dream
6. Ride on
7. DARKNESS EYES
8. Lovin’ you
9. Rainbow
10. SHINE
11. LAST ANGEL -TOHOSHINKI ver.-
12. CLAP!
13. Love in the ice
14. Together
15. Song for you
16. Day moon -haru daru-
17. Beautiful life
18. You’re my miracle
19. Kiss Shita Mama, SayonaraThis limited first press version has the most tracks at 19. Comes with the same DVD as the CD+DVD version and also live footage from “Soul Power Tokyo Summit 2007”, “Tohoshinki -2nd LIVE TOUR ~Five in the Black” Special Edition” and “PREMIUM MINI LIVE @YOKOHAMA BLITZ 2007.9.23”[CD+DVD]
This version has tracks 1-14 and contains music videos for “Lovin’ you”, “Summer Dream”, “SHINE”, “Forever Love”, “Together” and “Off Shot Movie”. These two songs are only on this album version.[CD]
This version has tracks 1-14 but contains the following two bonus tracks (16 tracks total): “Forever Love -a cappella version-” and “Lovin’ you – Haru’s “deep water” mix-”

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Reviewed back in 2008

Exciting, well-balanced and a definite home run would best describe their 3rd album. Tohoshinki, the group that hails from Korea has done it with their latest Japanese album, ‘T’.

The third album features the group’s 11th CD single “Lovin’ you” up to their 16th chart topping CD single “Purple Line”. The album also features a Tohoshinki version of “LAST ANGEL”, the song which they joined forces with fellow rhythm zone artist and pop diva, Koda Kumi.

Also, in a Johnny Jimusho-esque move, the group released multiple versions of their “T” album.

With a CD and CD+DVD version, the special limited edition first press version would feature much more songs than the other two versions and come with an extra DVD that should satisfy fans if they were able to find it or purchase it in time.

As for the album, the production values changed compared to their previous albums.

Where the previous albums had a feeling of Korean and Japanese pop influences, “T” is different.

To tell you the truth, “T” sounds like it had a dose of some Timbaland, Dallas Austin and other Western pop R&B mega producers.

One may think that they would find some similarities in some of their songs. It may be their ballads and even some of their faster tracks from “Heart, Mind and Soul” and “Five in the Black”. But with “T”, the fans are in for a pleasant surprise.

One of the things I noticed is the multiple collaborations on this album and a very frequent collaboration is with lyricist, H.U.B.

The first track, “TRICK” pays homage to Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” and old-school pop bass lines. AKIRA does justice by giving the group multiple transitions that should be exciting for choreography enthusiasts. The second track “NO?” is a collaboration of Western musicians and producers. In this case, a collaboration with Sean Hosein (who wrote/produced for Kelly Rowland, JessicaSimpson, 98 Degrees, The Corrs) and Dane DeViller. DeViller and Hosein form a writing and production team, Banana Toons.

The third track “Purple Line” was the song that reached #1 on the Weekly Oricon Charts and the collaboration was with well known SM Entertainment bigwig and mega producer Lee Soo Man. Definitely a surprising musical move and calculated to perfection.

Tohoshinki is known for their ballads, especially in Korea and Japan. They have hada few cool ballads such as “Begin”, “Asu wa Kuru Kara” to name a few.

But this album features a double punch with two very well produced ballads, namely “Forever Love” with a beautiful arrangement by Nakamura Jin and “Love in the Ice” by Suzuki Daisuke.

Also, another music deviation from past songs is their seventh track “DARKNESSEYES” with a collaboration with singer/ producer Tommy Henriksen (solo artist and member of The Audio Club).

The list of collaborations on this album goes on and on. It is a combination that definitely shows teamwork and it has really worked well for this album.

With Tohoshinki albums, for CD single owners, you either bought the album for the DVD or you were a big fan. But with “T”, there are newer songs that fans and casual listeners will be happy with. All songs are well sung, with a vast improvement in their pronunciation of the Japanese lyrics. The music arrangements and production values are top notch.

All in all, this overall combination is what makes “T” a definite, must buy pop album.

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