Welcome back! This is the still very much alive series of posts where I skim through my expansive CD Collection and report my impressions back to you. This time around I am finally going to be giving Ultraman CD Singles some attention. I really could start at the beginning, but I thought I would change things up a little bit by cutting right into the middle-ish of the list and reviewing the CD singles from Ultraman Tiga, Dyna, and Gaia!
As a quick reminder, this series of posts is designed for research purposes only. I'm doing this to help your physical music collection, not your digital one. So please, please don't ask for anything that I have listed anywhere on my site. Save yourself the disappointment when I never reply to you.
With all that said...let's get into some Ultraman CD Singles!
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V6 TAKE ME HIGHER / Coming Century Suki sa sukkyanen
AVDD-20143
1996.09.16
Oh...my God...
It really is no secret that I despise this song. The very core of my being seethes hatred for every note of this cheesedick diddy. Yet, there is quite a lot for me to say about it...so here goes...
Ultraman Tiga marked the Ultraman franchise's big return to television after only a smattering of activity since the end of Ultraman 80. I like to think of Tiga as Kamen Rider Kuuga before Kamen Rider Kuuga...it's different, but oh so familiar. The biggest departure, however, comes in the form of it's theme song TAKE ME HIGHER by an upcoming pop group called V6. There isn't a single mention of Ultraman in the entire thing and it feels like the backing track was smuggled out of the worst Italian cruise liner disco on the planet. It's just so damn.......avex (See also: Initial D).
I can see the appeal of the song, but I just don't have it in me to like it. It doesn't need six singers shouting through the entirety of the song. It doesn't need the shrillest setting on the synth. The guitar work is pretty sweet at least. As this is the most covered song in Tokusatsu history, there is likely a more suitable version out there for you. I personally prefer the "Dave Rodgers" version, which is actually a self-cover by producer Giancarlo Pasquini (Ha! My Italian cruise liner theory isn't all that whack afterall!). The singing is pretty awful on that one too, but it's less in-your-face and is structured more like a real song. As for the original, I'm going to invoke a little American into this Italian with a hearty "fuhgeddaboudit".
Oh yeah, I have to talk about the other song on this piece of shit I guess.
The coupled song on this single is by Coming Century, who is the younger half of V6 (the elder half recorded as 20th Century). The funny thing about V6 is that in their 22 year run the lowest charting single they've had was #4. 4th! When you break the group down into half, you can see where the weak links are.
If V6 really were a V6 engine, Coming Century would be the dead cylinders.
Nevermind TAKE ME HIGHER--this song is the real shit on this godforsaken CD. Not only is the music pretty much the blandest mid-90s drivel, but the singing is unbelievably bad. Maybe the whole six-singers-shouting-through-the-song spiel was used to mask the under-performance of individual members, but then why does Coming Century even exist at all (outside of tripling record sales by turning one group into three...OK, I just answered my own question)? Also, why is there a (probably illegal) sample of Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock's It Takes Two throughout the duration of the song? You know this song is bad when you no longer consider Action 52 to be the worst thing to happen to It Takes Two...
Karaoke tracks for both of the aforementioned songs are included if you're into doubling the pain.
It really is no secret that I despise this song. The very core of my being seethes hatred for every note of this cheesedick diddy. Yet, there is quite a lot for me to say about it...so here goes...
Ultraman Tiga marked the Ultraman franchise's big return to television after only a smattering of activity since the end of Ultraman 80. I like to think of Tiga as Kamen Rider Kuuga before Kamen Rider Kuuga...it's different, but oh so familiar. The biggest departure, however, comes in the form of it's theme song TAKE ME HIGHER by an upcoming pop group called V6. There isn't a single mention of Ultraman in the entire thing and it feels like the backing track was smuggled out of the worst Italian cruise liner disco on the planet. It's just so damn.......avex (See also: Initial D).
I can see the appeal of the song, but I just don't have it in me to like it. It doesn't need six singers shouting through the entirety of the song. It doesn't need the shrillest setting on the synth. The guitar work is pretty sweet at least. As this is the most covered song in Tokusatsu history, there is likely a more suitable version out there for you. I personally prefer the "Dave Rodgers" version, which is actually a self-cover by producer Giancarlo Pasquini (Ha! My Italian cruise liner theory isn't all that whack afterall!). The singing is pretty awful on that one too, but it's less in-your-face and is structured more like a real song. As for the original, I'm going to invoke a little American into this Italian with a hearty "fuhgeddaboudit".
Oh yeah, I have to talk about the other song on this piece of shit I guess.
The coupled song on this single is by Coming Century, who is the younger half of V6 (the elder half recorded as 20th Century). The funny thing about V6 is that in their 22 year run the lowest charting single they've had was #4. 4th! When you break the group down into half, you can see where the weak links are.
If V6 really were a V6 engine, Coming Century would be the dead cylinders.
Nevermind TAKE ME HIGHER--this song is the real shit on this godforsaken CD. Not only is the music pretty much the blandest mid-90s drivel, but the singing is unbelievably bad. Maybe the whole six-singers-shouting-through-the-song spiel was used to mask the under-performance of individual members, but then why does Coming Century even exist at all (outside of tripling record sales by turning one group into three...OK, I just answered my own question)? Also, why is there a (probably illegal) sample of Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock's It Takes Two throughout the duration of the song? You know this song is bad when you no longer consider Action 52 to be the worst thing to happen to It Takes Two...
Karaoke tracks for both of the aforementioned songs are included if you're into doubling the pain.
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Chikyu Boei-dan Brave Love, TIGA
AYDM-120
1996.10.21
I'm not sure what to say about this one. The ending song to Ultraman Tiga is this little song called Brave Love, TIGA. I can honestly say I'm not much of a fan of it, but I kinda dig what they were doing. The group behind it, Chikyu Boei-dan is a bit of a super group consisting of 2/3 of my beloved...OUR beloved TM Network among several others. Proceeds from the single went to fund AIDS research, which is pretty noble. On one hand you have the flashy JPOP group singing the OP, on the other...charity.
Considering how many people worked on this song, it's surprisingly hollow. If Tetsuya Komuro were involved it wouldn't have been, that's for sure. It isn't terrible, but the Ichiro Mizuki and Takayuki Miyachi Columbia Cover is far more enjoyable.
The second track is the Karaoke version of the song.
Considering how many people worked on this song, it's surprisingly hollow. If Tetsuya Komuro were involved it wouldn't have been, that's for sure. It isn't terrible, but the Ichiro Mizuki and Takayuki Miyachi Columbia Cover is far more enjoyable.
The second track is the Karaoke version of the song.
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Ultraman Dyna c/w Take Off!! Super GUTS
TYDY-2103
1997.10.08
Things very much pick up here. Making his Ultra series return is Tatsuya Maeda who previously sung the theme songs to Ultraman Powered, the Metal Hero series Blue SWAT as well as several other Ultra series songs and even the random Carranger IN song.
I love the hell out of this theme song. It's hard to speculate why they decided to go JPOP for Tiga, but the return to the traditional anison was very much welcome. This one manages to be upbeat and kinda glum at the same time. Cautiously optimistic, I suppose. It almost feels like it copies TAKE ME HIGHER and corrects ALL of it's sins while keeping the great guitar work.
Take Off!! Super GUTS is the coupled song and it's pretty cool, to be honest. I never cared for many of these "Wandaba" songs from the older shows, nor do I like anthems that have crept into various Tokusatsu series soundtracks since 2000ish, but this one is actually really engaging and quite majestic in parts. I like it.
Tracks 3 & 4 are Karaoke versions of the previous two.
I love the hell out of this theme song. It's hard to speculate why they decided to go JPOP for Tiga, but the return to the traditional anison was very much welcome. This one manages to be upbeat and kinda glum at the same time. Cautiously optimistic, I suppose. It almost feels like it copies TAKE ME HIGHER and corrects ALL of it's sins while keeping the great guitar work.
Take Off!! Super GUTS is the coupled song and it's pretty cool, to be honest. I never cared for many of these "Wandaba" songs from the older shows, nor do I like anthems that have crept into various Tokusatsu series soundtracks since 2000ish, but this one is actually really engaging and quite majestic in parts. I like it.
Tracks 3 & 4 are Karaoke versions of the previous two.
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Kimi dake o mamoritai c/w Love & Peace
AYDM-140
1997.09.20
Kimi dake o mamoritai is the first ending song from Ultraman Dyna. Awesome, awesome song. Man, Ultraman Dyna is really bringing it to make up for Tiga's themes. This song is one of only two Tokusatsu credits by Fumiaki Nakajima (both of which reside on this disc). I really don't know much about the singer, but the music was composed by The Alfee, who released their own self-cover version (that was the thing to do in the 90s, I guess...write a super-popular song for someone else and then record a far less popular self-cover). This song feels like it could've come out in 1981, but manages to compliment the opening theme song perfectly. It even includes a little "SHUWATCH!".
The second track is an IN song called Love & Peace. It's pretty painful...and kinda in the same vein as Tiga's Coming Century abomination, but I wouldn't say it's that bad. Overbearing children...that's all I'm going to say... I mean, the title kinda serves as a warning.
Karaoke of each song rounds out the disc.
The second track is an IN song called Love & Peace. It's pretty painful...and kinda in the same vein as Tiga's Coming Century abomination, but I wouldn't say it's that bad. Overbearing children...that's all I'm going to say... I mean, the title kinda serves as a warning.
Karaoke of each song rounds out the disc.
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Imakoso Flash
TYDY-2105
1997.12.22
Before I get into the songs, I just want to point out the bullshit of putting out three CD singles on the same day with only one song each on them. What the hell, Toshiba EMI...
Imakoso Flash is an IN song by Tatsuya Maeda. It is pretty similar to the OP song, but isn't quite as grand. Still a pretty solid song. Not enough to warrant an entire CD, but good.
The Karaoke version is also included.
Imakoso Flash is an IN song by Tatsuya Maeda. It is pretty similar to the OP song, but isn't quite as grand. Still a pretty solid song. Not enough to warrant an entire CD, but good.
The Karaoke version is also included.
What in the world is going on here?
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Miracle no kaze ni nare
TYDY-2106
1997.12.22
Another Dyna IN song here, and definitely not one worth it's own CD. Here it is, though. It's...alright. The singer is Fumiichi Miyashita...who may not even exist based on how little information I have on him.
Again, it isn't a great song. I would probably skip this one unless you're after a full set.
Oh yes, and there is a Karaoke version on it.
Again, it isn't a great song. I would probably skip this one unless you're after a full set.
Oh yes, and there is a Karaoke version on it.
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Dyna no akai kagayaki ni
TYDY-2107
1997.12.22
This time I am willing to give them song slack for releasing a single song on a single. When it's Shinichi Ishihara, it's suddenly alllll OK.
It's actually a really damn good song too. I would say it's very much on par with his GoGo Five work in terms of passion. In fact, I would say that this is probably his earliest song where he just became a belter. The early 90s Ishihara was focused on being sex-ay. Once he broke free from B-Fighter he really went all-out whenever he stepped up to the mic.
Even if the song is great, sadly there is only one of it...unless you count the Karaoke version, which is included.
It's actually a really damn good song too. I would say it's very much on par with his GoGo Five work in terms of passion. In fact, I would say that this is probably his earliest song where he just became a belter. The early 90s Ishihara was focused on being sex-ay. Once he broke free from B-Fighter he really went all-out whenever he stepped up to the mic.
Even if the song is great, sadly there is only one of it...unless you count the Karaoke version, which is included.
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LAZY ULTRA HIGH c/w EVERYBODY WANTS LOVE
AYDM-146
1998.03.21
YES!
For the uninitiated, LAZY is the band that Hironobu Kageyama cut his teeth on. LAZY formed in 1977 and lasted only until 1981. Kageyama broke out on his own and became...Kageyama. However, in 1998 they regrouped to release the single for the second ending song from the latest Ultraman series. Yes, THIS is the first single from the legendary band in seventeen years. It took Ultraman to bring this band back together.
First off, ULTRA HIGH is amazing. Like even if it weren't an Ultraman theme song, this song would be a remarkable return of a beloved band. Between the pre-ruined Kageyama vocals and that signature guitar work, this is the return of LAZY.
How do you go from 'amazing' to 'even better'? Boom. The second track on this is called EVERYBODY WANTS LOVE. Man, you can tell these guys genuinely loved getting back together. Their reintroduction to the public sounds as if they never missed a beat, yet they all honed their craft in their years apart.
Karaoke versions of both tracks are included.
For the uninitiated, LAZY is the band that Hironobu Kageyama cut his teeth on. LAZY formed in 1977 and lasted only until 1981. Kageyama broke out on his own and became...Kageyama. However, in 1998 they regrouped to release the single for the second ending song from the latest Ultraman series. Yes, THIS is the first single from the legendary band in seventeen years. It took Ultraman to bring this band back together.
First off, ULTRA HIGH is amazing. Like even if it weren't an Ultraman theme song, this song would be a remarkable return of a beloved band. Between the pre-ruined Kageyama vocals and that signature guitar work, this is the return of LAZY.
How do you go from 'amazing' to 'even better'? Boom. The second track on this is called EVERYBODY WANTS LOVE. Man, you can tell these guys genuinely loved getting back together. Their reintroduction to the public sounds as if they never missed a beat, yet they all honed their craft in their years apart.
Karaoke versions of both tracks are included.
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Ultraman Tiga & Dyna Hikari no hoshi no senshitachi Shudaika
CODC-1484
1998.03.21
It has truly been a long time since there was an Ultraman team-up, so why not give the latest two series a go of it. It's GUTS and Super GUTS! The Ultraman Tiga & Dyna film has a brand new theme song called SHININ' ON LOVE by Hironobu Kageyama and Tetsuya Maeda--an excellent combination! It's the catchy and upbeat song that you really want your movie to have, Wooowooo~wooooo!
The image song, Kimi no ai to boku no yuuki~mo kanashimi nankanai is a duet/ballad by the same duo. It's a bit of a generic borefest, but pretty decent when you stand it next to songs of similar weight. I mean, you might as well listen to this if you want a novelty ballad. Granted, I think Kageyama and Maeda might have better chemistry than those two.
The image song, Kimi no ai to boku no yuuki~mo kanashimi nankanai is a duet/ballad by the same duo. It's a bit of a generic borefest, but pretty decent when you stand it next to songs of similar weight. I mean, you might as well listen to this if you want a novelty ballad. Granted, I think Kageyama and Maeda might have better chemistry than those two.
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Ultraman Gaia! c/w Gaia no chikara
TYDY-2120
1998.09.23
Another flippin' awesome theme song! Ultraman Gaia's theme song is purely meant to pump you up. It would even say it's on par with Ultraman 80's theme song in cheeriness, while updating it to a late 90s horn-fest. It's actually a duet between Masayuki Tanaka (who you know from Kamen Rider Kuuga's theme song as well as .......THIS) and Kazuya Daimon of the future Project DMM. Without looking, I think I have this one on my Top 7 Ultraman theme songs. If not, it's definitely Top 10 worthy.
Gaia no chikara is the second track on this disc. Despite being an IN song, it is painfully obvious that this was intended to be the ending song. If there was ever a paint by number ending song, it's this one right here. It complements the Opening song perfectly, and is even sung by the same duo. It's a really good song, but maybe a little bit boring. I like it well enough.
If there is one Karaoke track you have to listen to on any of the CDs mentioned here today, it's the Gaia theme song. It's included here, as well as Gaia no chikara.
Gaia no chikara is the second track on this disc. Despite being an IN song, it is painfully obvious that this was intended to be the ending song. If there was ever a paint by number ending song, it's this one right here. It complements the Opening song perfectly, and is even sung by the same duo. It's a really good song, but maybe a little bit boring. I like it well enough.
If there is one Karaoke track you have to listen to on any of the CDs mentioned here today, it's the Gaia theme song. It's included here, as well as Gaia no chikara.
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B.B.WAVES Lovin' You Lovin' Me
AYDM-158
1998.09.21
Oh boy...
This is TAKE ME HIGHER all over again. OK, maybe not that bad. Clearly there was a decision somewhere that they needed to shoehorn in some more of the sweet JPOP synergy into the Ultra series. Project DMM wasn't ready yet, so they took on B.B.WAVES, who...never really took off.
Lovin' You Lovin' Me managed to sneak solos in, but is like a thousand other songs I've heard from groups of similar annoyance to me. I begrudgingly have to make this relationship work, however, since it is an Ultraman song. Feh.
This CD is rounded out by a lousy remix and a Karaoke version of the original. I suppose it's better than just two tracks like the Dyna IN songs singles...
This is TAKE ME HIGHER all over again. OK, maybe not that bad. Clearly there was a decision somewhere that they needed to shoehorn in some more of the sweet JPOP synergy into the Ultra series. Project DMM wasn't ready yet, so they took on B.B.WAVES, who...never really took off.
Lovin' You Lovin' Me managed to sneak solos in, but is like a thousand other songs I've heard from groups of similar annoyance to me. I begrudgingly have to make this relationship work, however, since it is an Ultraman song. Feh.
This CD is rounded out by a lousy remix and a Karaoke version of the original. I suppose it's better than just two tracks like the Dyna IN songs singles...
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Tomohiko Kikuta Beat On Dream On c/w Aoi okami
AYDM-166
1999.03.21
Despite the title that makes me snicker every time I see it, Beat On Dream On is an incredibly decent song. It also happened to be the second and final ending theme song from Ultraman Gaia. I definitely buy this one over the previous ending song. It has that feeling of "well, that was enough adventure for this week...see ya next time". I really dig it. It has a lot of momentum and some pretty solid singing.
The IN song, Aoi okami, is an incredibly smooth track. It kinda peters out at points, but it is a very chill song. It might be a few years late (I'm getting a very 1996 vibe) but very enjoyable.
Naturally there are Karaoke versions of both songs.
The IN song, Aoi okami, is an incredibly smooth track. It kinda peters out at points, but it is a very chill song. It might be a few years late (I'm getting a very 1996 vibe) but very enjoyable.
Naturally there are Karaoke versions of both songs.
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Recommended Pick: LAZY's ULTRA HIGH......easily. It's a multipurpose single that really should have a place in the collection of all Tokusatsu and metal fans. This is really the only time they got the whole crossover appeal thing right, IMO. Sure, TAKE ME HIGHER sold a bajillion copies, but I bought ULTRA HIGH much earlier in my collecting for a reason.
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Thanks for sticking with me during my break from the CD Collection series. There is much more to come. For the second post in March I plan on doing a small CD post based on...let's just say "current events".
See ya!
-CC
Nice to see you cover Heisei Ultraman “Trilogy” music!
ReplyDeleteAs I’ve mentioned before on other blog topic and video comment, I was huge fan of Ultraman in the 90’s, watching almost every episodes of Showa (Ultraman~Ultraman 80s), OVA, movies, etc.
Back then, my priority of tokusatsu were Ultraman, Sentai (Dairanger, Kakuranger), Metal Hero (Blue SWAT, B-Fighter), then Kamen Rider (BLACK, BLACK RX).
Tiga, Dyna, and Gaia were series I was really into when it was airing.
I enjoyed all those series almost equally; if I had to rank from best to worst, it would be Tiga, Gaia, and Dyna.
I pretty much lost interest in franchise after Nexus (Max was meh and I really didn’t like Mebius); I’ve seen few episode of Orb, which was quite decent.
Now that I’ve discussed my brief thoughts on franchise, on to the music!
Ultraman Tiga was a great start for returning to TV after long deserving break.
I really like the OP, “TAKE ME HIGHER”, where it still holds up to this day and I understand why some people don’t like it. Even back then, it was criticized by some, due to not sounding like “Ultraman” theme and not heroic. I can totally understand those who hate it.
To be honest, listen to it now in adult perspective, it still bizarre that Tsuburaya hired Johnny’s popular group V6. I guess mid-90’s was the time, J-POP/avex really start to take over TV shows music; now defunct SMAP started to become really popular that same era, so no surprise.
I shared “Dave Rodgers” version before and I admit, I like that version better.
It still bizarre to listen that song in English; I can imagine Ultraman is driving sport car.
“Brave Love, TIGA” was also decent as ED, but it does sound redundant; I’ve never been huge fan of ED song of Ultraman (with few exceptions).
Ultraman Dyna is a nice continuation/direct sequel to Tiga, expanding the universe and mythology of the series. Despite this is “weakest” of trilogy (especially with controversial ending), it still does have solid song.
ReplyDeleteThe OP was a nice comeback for traditional Ultra theme, which is very important after somewhat controversial J-POP theme in previous year. It’s very solid, strong, and DYNAmic!
I got to admit, I didn’t like the song when it was airing back then, since I was really into Tiga, but as I grew older and listen to lot of classic toku song, I appreciate/like this song more and more and become my favorite. Such a shame Tatsuya Maeda hasn’t sang Sentai or Kamen Rider song.
“Take Off!! Super GUTS” is another song that I like. It was a nice return to “Wandaba” song I enjoyed for Showa series.
“Kimi dake o mamoritai” is definitely a step of ED from previous series. It has an energy that fit the atmosphere of the series. Even the title is awesome. Best ED of trilogy IMO.
While I do prefer first ED, “ULTRA HIGH” was also solid ED. It’s still bizarre to hear Kageyama in Ultra series, since he was mostly known for Sentai (Changeman, Maskman, Jetman). I haven’t listened to many LAZY songs, but it’s an interesting story of how they reunited to make this song.
“SHININ' ON LOVE” is not only best crossover song for Ultraman, but one of the best crossover songs EVER, with talent of Kageyama and Maeda! Very catchy indeed.
Best duo ever IMO.
Unlike previous 2 which took place in future (2007 and 2017), Gaia took place in different setting, taking place in modern era with no connection to previous series. While it’s technically not a part of “trilogy” per se, it does share similar elements; not to mention, there’s a 2 year gap between Gaia and Cosmos (2001).
While OP isn’t as strong as previous series, it’s still a solid song.
Hard to believe Tanaka get to sing Kuuga OP, 2 years later.
I agree that “Gaia no chikara” should have been an ED; even back then, I always puzzled why that wasn’t used as ED, instead we got…
“Lovin' You Lovin' Me”… never liked and never did. It felt really awkward and didn’t match the atmosphere of the show at all. I realized that Gaia songs are mix of Tiga (J-POP/idol) and Dyna (tradition); I guess you need variety to keep fresh.
For “female singer doing Ultra song”, I take STARLIGHT FANTASY (Ultraman Powered TV broadcast ED; not on VHS), I also take Nexus ED as well (I like 3rd ED “Akaku Atsui Kodou” by Aiuchi Rina https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_Ao6MYDHtA).
“Beat On Dream On” was a big breath of fresh air. It matched the atmosphere of the show perfectly, even though it sounds bit mellow and corny.
Strangely enough, I can’t find any information on the singer, Tomohiki Kikuta.
Such a shame he didn’t sing toku song for Sentai or Metal Hero; such an underrated and forgotten singer.
It’s really hard to pick my favorite, but if I had to pick one, it would be “SHININ' ON LOVE”.
While I’m not fan of Kageyama in later 90’s (and beyond), this is few exception that I really enjoyed it and it especially help that it’s a duet with Maeda.
Great topic.
Looking forward to see next CD topic.
"Shinin' On Love" and "Kimi dake o mamoritai" are both killer songs that kinda fizzle as singles thanks to lame coupling songs. If all three singles each had two great songs, I would probably have made my recommended pick "Kimi dake o mamoritai".
DeleteI almost added the Powered singles to this list...but I might wait until the 3-disc set comes out next month.