Shinozaki Ai – Love/Hate Review

Release Date: March 22, 2017

Disc 1

1. Peppermint
2. True Love
3. Itoshii
4. Yukiataribattari no Koi
5. Warui Neko
6. Kuchi no warui Onna

Disc 2 (Limited Edition Only)

1. Last Chance
2. Saigo no Ame
3. Tattoo
4. Anata ni Aitakute Missing You

Review

Shinozaki Ai is a Japanese gravure model and former member of the idol group AeLL. LOVE/HATE is her first EP release, and it features the previously released songs TRUE LOVE, Itoshii and Kuchi no Warui Onna.

This album comes in 2 versions. The regular edition is just the single disc 6-song EP. The limited edition adds a second disc containing 4 cover songs. The first disc contains 3 new songs. Peppermint, Yukiataribattari no Koi and Warui Neko. The first two tracks fall into the dance music category, with Peppermint being the pop-oriented song and Yukiataribattari no Koi having a slightly edgier club feel.

Warui Neko takes the approach of a jazzy, piano-driven number. It is a stark contrast to the rest of the material on the first disc and brings about a small change of pace from the pure pop numbers surrounding it.

The second disc contains 4 covers:

• • something else – Last Chance
  • Nakanishi Yasushi – Saigo no Ame
  • Nakamori Akina – TATTOO
  • Matsuda Seiko Anata ni Aikute ~Missing You~

Shinozaki’s covers are very faithful to the original versions, with only a few minor updates to the arrangements and instrumentation. So if you were concerned there might be a few bastardizations of your favourite old-school J-Pop songs, there is no need to worry. These songs are probably not going to appeal to everyone. If you like the nostalgic J-Pop or want to hear an adult contemporary version of Shinozaki, you should give this disc a quick listen.

Given that this EP is rather short, it would be best to pick up the limited edition version of LOVE/HATE to get the most value for your money. Otherwise, cherry-pick the songs you like if you are streaming or purchasing via digital download.