This week’s featured releases come from Nogizaka46 and S/mileage.
Nogizaka46 release their new single “Girl’s Rule” this week, marking the first time that Ikoma Rina hasn’t been center for a single since the group’s conception. This time Shiraishi Mai finally gets her chance to lead the group and we’re presented with a song that wouldn’t look out of place being associated with a certain 48 group from Nagoya. While not exactly the kind of music that fits the group’s perceived image, critics and fans alike should hopefully enjoy this a lot more than some of the group’s previous offerings. B-sides “Hoka no Hoshi Kara” and “Sekai de Ichiban Kodoku na Lover” are also both very solid and worth a look.
S/mileage – “Yattaruchan / Atarashii Watashi Ni Nare!“
S/mileage are my other featured release this week with their double a-side single “Yattaruchan / Atarashii Watashi Ni Nare!”. “Yattaruchan” has some Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku vibes going on which is something I never really expected from S/mileage and they pull the song off really well so props for that. “Atarashii Watashi Ni Nare!” is a more serious sounding song with some pretty bratty lyrics that those of us who were a teenager at one point can probably relate to. Overall I think this is the best single that Hello!Project have released this year and if you don’t check it out then you’re really missing out.
ALSO THIS WEEK:
“Kimi No Heart Ni Tokihanatsu!” by Doll Elements
“Yumekana!” by PLC
“Natsu Matsuri” by Sunmyu
As for everything else coming out this week, Doll Elements supply us with a peppy song, Pearl Lady Club give us something with a bit more innocent charm and Sunmyu provide yet another cover of a classic idol song. You can’t really go wrong with any of these so make sure you check them all out and report back.