Release Date: June 1, 2016
Track Listing
Type A
- Tsubasa wa Iranai
- Set me free (Team A)
- Koi wo Suru to Baka wo Miru (Team B)
- Tsubasa wa Iranai (off vocal ver.)
- Set me free (off vocal ver.)
- Koi wo Suru to Baka wo Miru (off vocal ver.)
Type B
- Tsubasa wa Iranai
- Set me free (Team A)
- Kangaeru Hito (Team 4)
- Tsubasa wa Iranai (off vocal ver.)
- Set me free (off vocal ver.)
- Kangaeru Hito (off vocal ver.)
Type C
- Tsubasa wa Iranai
- Aishuu no Trumpeter (Team K)
- Yume e no Route (Team 8)
- Tsubasa wa Iranai (off vocal ver.)
- Aishuu no Trumpeter (off vocal ver.)
- Yume e no Route (off vocal ver.)
Theater Edition
- Tsubasa wa Iranai
- Aishuu no Trumpeter (Team K)
- Kimi wa Doko ni iru? (NGT48)
- Tsubasa wa Iranai (off vocal ver.)
- Aishuu no Trumpeter (off vocal ver.)
- Kimi was Doko ni iru? (off vocal ver.)
Review
AKB48’s 44th single is Tsubasa wa Iranai. A retro Japanese pop song centred by Mukaichi Mion. Normally one would expect a high-energy, faux horn-driven disgusting bikini song for AKB48’s summer single, but this bucks the trend. This year’s song is mid-tempo and hipster thrift store fully clothed.
As far as AKB48 a-sides go, it still has that summery feel and is most likely suited for a relaxing drive or sitting on the patio with an alcoholic (or non-alcoholic) beverage in hand. Yup, put the light sticks away for this one; you will not need them.
The b-sides have teams A, K, B, 4 and 8 represented on each of the various versions of the single. The only sister group to get a new song is NGT48, available in the theatre edition. If you’re looking for new songs from the other sister groups, you’re out of luck this time.
There isn’t necessarily a deviation from the typical AKB48 sound for the most part when it comes to these tracks. The contributions from Team A (Set me free) and Team K (Aishuu no Trumpeter) tend to stand out the most or at least leave the most lasting impression once the song is over.
Besides the a-side, there isn’t much that hasn’t been heard before from AKB48. It’s business as usual from them. If you’re an AKB48 fan, this is a moot point for you. Otherwise, decide what version(s) suit you based on your taste.