Release Date: April 14th, 2020
Track Listing
Type A Edition:
- Aozora Moment
- Yume wo Katatte Ikite Ikuno
- Chronicle
- Aozora Moment (Instrumental ver.)
- Yume wo Katatte Ikite Ikuno (Instrumental ver.)
- Chronicle (Instrumental ver.)
Type B Edition:
- Aozora Moment
- Yume wo Katatte Ikite Ikuno
- Aozora Moment (Ichimiya Yui ver.)
- Aozora Moment (Instrumental ver.)
Type C Edition:
- Aozora Moment (青空モーメント)
- Yume wo Katatte Ikite Ikuno
- Aozora Moment (Kudou Mika ver.)
- Aozora Moment (Instrumental ver.)
Type D Edition:
- Aozora Moment (青空モーメント)
- Yume wo Katatte Ikite Ikuno
- Aozora Moment (Yokota Fumika ver.)
- Aozora Moment (Instrumental ver.)
Type E Edition:
- Aozora Moment
- Yume wo Katatte Ikite Ikuno
- Aozora Moment (Nagase Rimi ver.)
- Aozora Moment (Instrumental ver.)
Review
In their second physical release – and the first to be distributed nationally – four member unit Gunjou no Sekai paint a world of blue skies with their first single of 2020, Aozora Moment, an upbeat idol release that is perfect for Spring.
Reminiscent of the groups debut track, Unknown Planet, Gunjou no Sekai’s Aozora Moment is a cute pop tune that fits into the orthodox idol mould with its refreshing tone and youthful lyrics. It may not be the strongest track in Gunjou no Sekai’s catalogue of songs, but it’s still a memorable one that is in-keeping with the groups music style.
The accompanying music video isn’t one to write home about, though it does have some charming moments that fit with the lyrics, such as the addition of photo’s and the members posing. It’s bright and happy, as one would expect for a song like this, and a little bit generic. Regardless, it’s a cute, fun music video and does its job of promoting the title track.
Moving forward, Gunjou no Sekai have a small surprise in store with the addition of Yume wo Katatte Ikite Ikuno, an expressive track that has a much faster, more rhythmic pace. This is an impressive follow-up to such a pretty A-side, especially in terms of its contrast. Stylistically it’s different, and will probably be the favourite of the three individual tracks for casual listeners. It’s an interesting song to say the least, as well as the strongest track to come out of this single.
Finally we come to Chronicle, the last original song on the release and a return to that orthodox idol sound, though a much easier listen than Aozora Moment, admittedly. Gentle in tone, Chronicle serves as a happy medium between two much stronger tracks, though it doesn’t aim to be forgettable, either. If anything, this final track serves as a much-needed break from the loud, power-driven instrumentals that both Aozora Moment and Yume wo Katatte Ikite Ikuno delivered.
Chronicle is a cute song that feels a lot more soothing, which could easily render it a great background track, but it ultimately acts as a nice end note for the Type A edition of this single.
Of course, there are the last four solo variants of Aozora Moment, all of which have their individual charms. Kudo Mika’s is an undeniable winner in terms of how well she sings, as well as how powerful her voice is when compared to the others. Of course, Ichimiya Yui is a pretty good idol singer, if a little bland at times, whilst Yokota Fumika and Nagase Rimi are notably weaker, though not in an ear-splitting or unattractive way.
The solo variants of Aozora Moment are a great way to offer the fans a chance at hearing their favourite sing the song in full, and to perhaps give newer fans of the group a chance to get learn their vocals. Regardless of why they were created, it’s a nice touch to the single, allowing us to hear the strengths and weaknesses of the idols in question, whilst also giving us more versions of the title track to binge if we so desire.
Overall, this is a pretty solid release. Whilst it may not appeal to some, it will certainly win over a few others and create a few new fans for the group with its bright, refreshing sound and cheery tone. What more could you ask for from an orthodox idol release?
