EMMA single review

Happy 2017! Well, we're practically done with the 'New Year' celebrations now; but as this is my first post for the new year I'll be starting with a music review, one I have missed doing so much.

Last year, I skipped writing for 恋を知らない君へ (Koi wo shiranai kimi e) when halfway through my review of the single the text file was corrupted. What a loss, it was an interesting time for NEWS--it was their busiest schedule in their whole career so far! In the middle of bustling activities the music they've released was quite a successor for January's ballad ヒカリノシズク--essentially a ballad single (3/4 of the single are slow songs!), Koi wo is the sound you were silently longing for in NEWS.

But they've built their image around concepts that are apt for the bold... thus, they keep coming back for it. The newest single, EMMA, straightforwardly tells you that they're not done with チャンカパーナ and KAGUYA and チュムチュム’s bombastic sound yet. Putting aside the Classical, the ballads, and the sports tracks, NEWS' real strength in their discography lies in the way they make controversial A-sides coupled with hidden treasures that are the B-sides. EMMA, like the older successful singles, does it again.

►L-R: Limited Edition (LE) A, LE B, and Regular Edition covers◄

General comments:

The paragraphs above are considered part of the general comments, but hey, let's make this section more specific. EMMA is the OP for the TV adaptation of 嫌われる勇気 (Kirawareru Yuuki), and in which Shige is one of the main characters. /Thank you Shige for constantly giving NEWS themes songs for singles!/

This is my first time to talk about the jacket covers, the second most controversial bit (yeah, the single is that controversial that we even have a plausible rank). At first glance of the covers they're totally unrelated to NEWS; look in any way and they're still random pieces of material which would've been done better by the fans. Not to be rude, really, but it was the general consensus. Judging a book by its cover is still prevalent; especially that we judge an idol group's jacket covers by the idols' faces, not the face of someone else.

The title EMMA itself was a mystery, and the costumes, choreography and lyrics are controversies. In spite of the discernible similarities with the past singles, EMMA has a unique and striking presentation--bolder than ever, it keeps NEWS on the relevance, but with a more matured viewpoint as all of them will be now in their 30's this year.

What's the most important thing in EMMA? Arguably not the title track. There are always hidden gems found in the B-sides, extra special this time around. Whether to satiate fans with a good throwback or just another way of being innovative, remakes are often anticipated especially if done by the same artist. NEWS did a remake of two of their most popular songs pre-4nin: さくらガール (Sakura Girl) and I · ZA · NA · I · ZU · KI; so yes, it's not really arguable that this is the most important thing in the single.

Still to throw in the already wild blend are the "Snow" songs. Although not religiously, NEWS have Season-themed tracks and for this winter there are two--a very generous move, since usually there is only one Season song per release. That way, I feel like EMMA (the single) isn't actually rushed as opposed to how EMMA (the song) appeared (from the jacket covers to the fact that the PV was shot a little before the new year). Rushed or not, in terms of the quality of the music the single is extensively thought-out. It is approached in a polarizing manner; age-old tricks for the new songs and new quips for the remakes.

Song by song comments:

QUARTETTO album review

I realized there's a reason why I do my reviews late, aside from the fact that I'm the best procrastinator you'll ever know! (LOL).

I like comparisons. I like to find a common ground between the things I perceive, and I like to note the differences. I like to know which is better than the other, or which are on the same level; or how things turned out in the past and I use that as a basis for the present. Even if it takes time, it is through comparison and contrasting that I believe I could write my reviews effectively and in detail. In other words, these reviews aren't founded on first impressions alone. I wish I could write by my first impressions though, as most (if not all), reviewers do!

This is my first serious NEWS album review. I didn't make one for last year's WHITE because... I kept putting it off. xD

Title: QUARTETTO
Artist: NEWS
Release date: March 9, 2016
Tracks: 16 (12 + 4 solos)

 

►L-R: Limited Edition and Regular Edition covers◄

General comments:

QUARTETTO is an album I was too excited to write my first impressions about. (Now you know why I explained myself above!). It's an album that blew me right away, that I hadn't even finished listening to it and I already commented about how it could make former NEWS fans regret leaving the fandom. It had such a huge impact; surely, it's NEWS' release. Every NEWS release is literally mind-blowing for me (duh, Paana!). Of course I could hear what I don't like from the first listen, but I can't impart these properly in the height of excitement. It is only through a longer period of listening that I could make a fair judgment.

Listening to it for weeks (edit: months!) now, I won't take the statement back--QUARTETTO is good and it'll make former NEWS fans regret leaving the fandom. Better than the disheveled WHITE album, QUARTETTO is solid and easy on the ears. For these reasons:


• Familiarity. It helped that three singles were released before QUARTETTO. Less new tracks, but doesn't need compensation because of the singles B-sides. This album housed the three recent singles, plus a few new songs, and the compulsory solos. It created a balance between the new and the old--in a way, it's like a "best of" album.
• Playing safe. In this context, playing safe is not bad. WHITE was known for its variety but the over-diverse album only made one or two tracks stood out and the rest became forgettable. Here, some tracks have similar vibes with others. It is less experimented, but at least it helps giving the album a solid image. Which is exactly what it needs.
• The 'boys next door' are back! When I was a new to the fandom (and I already loved reading blogs) I read a post about what makes NEWS different from other JE groups. The blogger said her friend couldn't appreciate NEWS because the group is simple, doesn't have gimmicks, and no permanent image to help them stand out--while these reasons indeed make NEWS an underrated group, the blogger justified it's because NEWS are the 'boys next door' in Johnny's... which I believe, bias aside, is true. NEWS have the image of the sometimes nice sometimes silly but always pretty boys in the neighborhood. I can't even expound this without diverging from this review LOL. Anyway, when they became four that image got sort of dissolved. Until this album happened.
• Clear objective. I gave up on the Classic sound because it is probably only specified to Yonjuushi and the subsequent releases would have little to zero traces of Classical music. QUARTETTO is an intriguing concept, at the same time the message is very clear. The album follows a series of "4" themed songs and that they're still cementing their image of a four member group. I personally find this appealing; it gives a heightened awareness of the ongoing momentum and new opportunities NEWS experience as four. Have you even realized that the name "NEWS" is turning 14 this year and 4nin is almost in its 5th year? It does not feel old, because 4nin is making 4nin new over and over again.

And these are the negatives, the stuff that could have been polished, etc (placed subjectively, just to be objective):

• Playing safe. I am contradicting myself here. To put it in another context: The new tracks are on the safe side, which is good for the whole album. But it is far too safe, which is sad for most of these new tracks, which compositions always follow the pop example of Touch. In the end, it is the singles that are likely to retain and the others will be pushed to the far side. While it's always the case for album tracks, it would probably help if there's more variety. The point is, the right blend of familiarity and diversity makes anything perfect; the album is more on the familiar side and lacks the latter.
• Lacking in 'Quartet' material. What's striking about WHITE album is the occurrence of the word "White" in many of the songs. In QUARTETTO, I'm expecting NEWS to step up their game by utilizing one of their strengths--harmonization--since Tegomass are among the best in Johnny's. The title suggests that, too. But we get very little of this (albeit very important), and like it's always been, majority of the tracks have predictable member parts.
• The solos are nothing but ordinary... this is the biggest disappointment I have in the package. The only consolation is it helped solidify the album, but it would've been more competent if the solos weren't the usual. I do admit I like the new solos better than WHITE album solos, though.

Song by song comments:

ヒカリノシズク (Hikari ni Shizuku) / Touch single review

Title: ヒカリノシズク／Touch
Artist: NEWS
Release date: January 20, 2016
Tracks: 4

►L-R: Regular Edition, Hikari no Shizuku Edition (LE A) and Touch Edition (LE B)◄

General comments:

NEWS' first single of 2016, a double A-side single, is released roughly 2 months after their last single of 2015. The first of the A-sides,Hikari no Shizuku, serves as the theme song for the drama adaptation of Shige's book Kasa wo Motanai Aritachi wa which also includes Shige in the cast! The other A-side, Touch, is used for NEWS' newest product endorsement, Nissen Touch 'n'. At the time of writing this review, we're counting hours to the new album QUARTETTO's release (Edit: upon posting, QUARTETTO is already out), added to the news of a regular show *FINALLY!* that keeps the fandom in a feast for days.

Or for months. Definitely, for months.

So what's the point of these italics--I mean, good news in here? The management is gearing the previously unnoticed NEWS again. In other words: we're unbelievably active just when we thought we're starting to lose our shine. Whatever the long-term plan for us is, we are certain that we're staying because of 1) World Cup 2) *possible* Bra CMs, and 3) Classic sound. This latest single, according to the sources, is headed in the latter direction. Music-wise, it seems NEWS has finally found its niche.

Curiously enough, Hikari ni Shizuku/Touch is a single you'd be careful before listening. Classic sound is no joke; Yonjuushi and its enigma gives a clue that at least one of the songs would give another Rachmaninoff--or whichever classical composer one would think--vibes off. And of course, the more curious matter is the 'Touch' song. Looking at NEWS' discography, touch is the title of their very first album... When there were still 8 members and their musicality wasn't a priority then.Turns out, this single is appreciation-guaranteed! Pulling off the charms in unexpected ways, the single finally fills what has been missing from the group since they became four: a legit ballad, and a legit feel-good song. Steering away from the too energetic and commanding A-sides NEWS has shown since the group's comeback, Hikari no Shizuku/Touch brings the "less is more" style back into play.

Song by song comments:

四銃士 (Yonjuushi) single review

Title: 四銃士 (Yonjuushi)
Artist: NEWS
Release Date: November 25, 2015
Tracks: 4

►Limited and Regular Editions jacket covers◄

General comments:

Yonjuushi is NEWS' first-ever DVD single. I don't know its difference from an ordinary single (What's the point of a DVD for a single? Enlighten meee). Regardless, it deserves its whole upgraded packaging. I honestly didn't expect this year-end release to be good--having the group release songs in an unusually fast pace I was a tad worried if the last of NEWS' 2015 spectacle would be spectacular too.

Subjectively, it is! I love the whole package. It's my new favorite. I am charmed by the tracklist, and the PV couldn't be more sophisticated. Musically, level-headedly, the tracks are hit-or-miss. Luckily they are all 'hit' to me; I can't even choose a favorite because all tracks are my jam! Like KAGUYA and チュムチュム, NEWS prioritized variety here. But I think the assortment is less apparent in this single due to having four tracks instead of the past singles' five. Three out of four are upbeat; two out of four are 'party'; four out of four have the beginning parts sung by Tegoshi! (Am I that observant, or just biased?)

Yonjuushi the single is innovative, albeit only in certain angles. Otherwise it could bring about a generic sound impression. NEWS is still an idol group with the same league of composers and same 'ol lyrical themes. Even so, if we focus on the innovative angles, this single is more than a Johnny's pop puppetry. Theyactually explored music, especially the title track. Let's now look into each of the songs.

Song by song comments:

チュムチュム (Chumu Chumu) single review

NOTE: Originally, this review was omitted from my fandom projects list--for the usual reason, busy in RL and all. I began re-working on it months after its release, reckoning I still got time to do it! Can't deny that this single is too awesome to be ignored.

Title: チュムチュム (Chumu Chumu)

Artist: NEWS
Release date: June 24, 2015

Tracks: 5

►L-R: Regular, LE A and LE B jacket covers◄

General comments:

While the previous and the first NEWS single in 2015, KAGUYA, was as fresh as the new years could be, Chumu Chumu is a summer single, and I expected 'freshness' on a summer scale.

Well, as far as the seasons are concerned, Chumu Chumu doesn't belong to a particular season; instead it's a storehouse of seasonable tunes. We get grandiose, instrumental-heavy tracks, and a smooth flow from one genre to another; giving all the five songs a near equal significance in the single. The cohesiveness I was finding in KAGUYA? I've found it here. It isn't as powerful as my overall perception of ONE -for the win- single; although it is not the power I am noting this time, but the needed balance of the tracklist. Standalone and steady, Chumu Chumu is a quality package. NEWS' musicality still soars up high.

The only discord that has made me unsettled is the choice of Chumu Chumu as the carrier track. I know NEWS is creating a pattern of strong lead singles, and the India-themed song has the ultimate bragging rights... but I wonder if it would've been better for the group to deviate and rather chose the less upbeat tracks? As I said, almost all the songs in the single are standalone, meaning they're great on their own. With some exceptions I will discuss later, I find it a little unwise that the other great songs are just B-sides. Don't get me wrong, I looooove Chumu Chumu and its choreo and the costumes. However, other tracks have just-as-huge potential.


Song by song comments:

MR. WHITE short film review

Title: MR. WHITE
Artist/Actors: NEWS
From: WHITE album LE DVD
Release Date: February 25, 2015


Honestly, MR. WHITE is the first film/short film by a Johnny's group that I've watched so I have no point of comparison. But I can say that the short film could have more potential if the financial effort is done. The story is good (looking past the cliche part--there's a section for that later), the costumes are good, considering the story is cyber-themed and it involves kids; and NEWS' acting skills are quite polished already. The only major setback is the production, I think they got too cheap on that... Whereas a more costly production could make the film very satisfactory.

Why is this important? The majority of the filmviewers are NEWS fans, of course, and we can't really complain about this film because it's the first time the four of them did a thing like this, together. But the group has a lot more to showcase as actors, and the individual contributions (such as Shige's story-writing and Massu's costume-making) could've been maximized. There's much passion and hardwork in NEWS' part. Yet they get less than they deserve. The slacking is not to be blamed on them, really.



In one word, MR. WHITE is: Exciting. The transformation is not so apparent--even in that Ghostbusters-like suit and apparatus they're pretty much like themselves, only geared towards an entirely different mission. And that's what makes it exciting, the rescue mission that need no exaggerations (um, flying capes and extraordinary strength) which would make it absurd, in my opinion, if they used that instead.

The storyline is common. Shige might have had other ideas (vampires and such? LOL) but this was easy and probably less complicated to do. Actually, I like it, because of the Internet theme + children. It's a very good contrast to the recently released KAGUYA in which NEWS showed their sexiness and maturity against an age-old backdrop (a folklore). This time, it's very modern to somehow futuristic, and refreshing because of the costumes and the action scenes that show a new character to the group.

Still on the storyline, if it is typical, the overall plot is not. I very much appreciate the concept used--children are downloaded into the internet, for the purpose of extracting their imagination, using it as energy and foundation for building evil on the Internet. A mind-opening theme that stresses the importance of young people, and the capabilities of the modern technology. The existence of MR. WHITE and Team White, in my interpretation, are not to totally oppose this kind of technology but to take away its negative effects.

At first I have doubts on the costumes. When I watched the whole thing it eventually made sense; it fits the story and the song MR. WHITE itself. Still, I can't help but think of Ghostbusters... But aren't theyWeblack busters too? ★

Scene by scene review:

Single review: KAGUYA

Only did it after three weeks. I'm not that late, am I?

Title: KAGUYA

Artist: NEWS

Release date: January 7, 2015

Tracks: 5

►L-R: Regular Edition and Limited Edition B jacket covers◄

General comments:

This deserves to be called a comeback single.

JPop and KPop groups have different connotations of/for the term comeback. 'Comeback' in JPop means coming back from a significant hiatus, usually accompanied by problems in the group or of an individual member, and so it is considered a big word. 'Comeback' in KPop is less severe; K-ent companies have their groups releasing material commonly after a year or less of receded activities. In short, it happens regularly in KPop. Nonetheless, comebacks are important and are always much-awaited on both of these pop music cultures.

When I said KAGUYA deserves to be called a comeback single, I am pointing to the Korean connotation. Just like KPop groups' comebacks, KAGUYA radiates this vibe of "I'm back after some rest, get your grooves again!" This is true since NEWS wasn't active doing group work last year.

However, it doesn't mean that the single has a KPop feel to it--it is actually the very opposite. The tracks in KAGUYA are very different from each other; it's a crazy variety that you can only find in JPop. The song KAGUYA itself sounded the way I had imagined Japanese pop music to be when I wasn't still a fan!

So far, in all my reviews, the score or rate of the material is put at the end of the post. In this case, I'm giving my numerical judgment now: 3.5 out of 5. KAGUYA deserves to be called a comeback single, yes; it's a single to be celebrated, absolutely! But I see some loopholes in it to not give a perfect score, even the excellent number four. Three means average, and KAGUYA is above that, which is the reason for the decimal.

How the single gets its love from me is the exact problem I see. Variety. The tracks are so unique from one another that it's almost impossible to connect them in a musical basis. To put it simply, think of a medley. KAGUYA's five tracks are hard to combine together in a medley without producing friction in any way. Random is good and I love randomness, but in most objects, even randomness has its proper order. That's what I observe in the single's setlist: there is not enough organization. It bugged me for some time until I realized this major "mistake" of the single.

The upside of being over varied is, it is fun! It is unseasonal. It could stir up different moods. It is like a full-length album in one single. Therefore, as much as I have rants on KAGUYA's inconsistency I could give endless praises on its spontaneous, crazy chaos.

KAGUYA got an 'above average' score but I prefer to change it to 'above normal'--abnormal! It will be later expounded when we get to the track-by-track review. As far as the whole single is concerned, there is a lot going on. It has a lot of restless energy. But I don't forget that in it are two ballads, in spite of my comments that make the single appear full of craziness and just craziness. It has ballads that can make you slow down, close your eyes, and cry.

Compared to NEWS' preceding single, ONE -for the win-, KAGUYA has toned down, literally. It has no belting; I'm not used to this anymore! So it is where another 'loophole' is found. Although never wrong and never will be, I could not give a perfect score on a single without hearing high notes from Tegoshi.

This is not being biased. This is just my personal standard in NEWS songs.

But why need the belting when there are lots of good parts? Yes, there are lots of them. Good vocal execution from all the members. I applaud everyone, especially Shige, for vocally pulling off these tracks in one pack. He melded along the versatility of the single. He's at its peak in the fastest songs, and holds consistent until the slowest track. Noting this... He should do a ballad for his next solo. (PLEASESHIGEPLEASE)

If you're gonna dissect the songs into each member's parts, the one who gets the most part is--apparently Tegoshi, with his adlibs and extra notes--and the least, is Koyama. I've found a loophole again. They don't have an equal footing this time, as opposed to the solo sections in the previous 4-nin singles. Three out of five songs in KAGUYA I barely hear Koyama's voice in clarity. Because it's either Tegoshi does a second voice or Koyama just have little parts in these songs. Not fair. Moreover, I don't see the point when in the previous singles Koyama had already proved his vocal powers. It drives me into thinking there will be more KoyaTego/TegoKoya harmonization in future songs. While it's good that it is not Tegomass who does a 'Tegomass' in NEWS tracks, Koyama needs to have more prominent solo parts. Anyway, he still did a great job in this one!

Back to the lack of belting. To be honest, I'm not demanding of this and I understand the fans who already want to take a break from Tegoshi's belts. However, I expected at least one high and mighty note in any of the songs, yet there wasn't any! Don't include KAGUYA's bridge, I don’t consider middle A a high note for Tego.

Now this could classify as a rant or praise: My biggest expectation failed. Before the previews were out we're only aware that KAGUYA is a song derived from a tale. The description says it's a love song. I'm sure everybody who saw that info imagined a Cherish-like tune with a happier version of Sakura Girl PV, vice versa. Who would've expected it to be Chankapaana 2.0.?...

...BUT WHEN I HEARD IT FOR THE FIRST TIME, I LOVED IT. See, this could classify as a rant and a praise. It is the primary reason why I call it a comeback single. And the PV isn't even a 2.0., of anything. It is something else, a daring interpretation of a playfully dramatic concept. I'll try to post a brief PV review when I get the time.

Song by song comments:

A tribute post: NEWS 11th' anniversary - Interview with Chankapaana all over the world!

How fast does time fly? Fast enough for our beloved group to celebrate its eleventh year of existence before we can even move on from the tenth!

NEWS' 9th anniversary was grand, because it was its first anniversary as a four-member group. NEWS' 10th anniversary was majestic, because the group was obviously in its 10th year. I started making this post, thinking, "What will everyone do for NEWS' 11th year? What will members do on their anniversary? Is there a way to make this September 15 just as memorable as the past NEWS anniversaries? Of course I couldn't contribute much to the fandom and I have always been like that (Sorry I was an inattentive fan back then!)... But I thought I had to keep doing my 'tradition' whenever the fated day of the year comes, and that is to have my own little gift: A blog post dedicated to NEWS.

But wait, there's a twist to this. Unlike my previous anniversary posts, this tribute comprises other fans' thoughts, feelings, and a little bit of their fandom history.. In other words, I did an interview to Chankapaana around the world! (you could imagine me flying to all the countries mentioned in ONE -for the win- *kidding*) Thanks to social networking sites and blogs, I somehow made this a success LOL. The interview consists of three (3) basic questions about the "Life of NEWS Fans"--or simply, what made these people like NEWS, love NEWS, and stay with NEWS. Think of it as the interviews you read in Myojo, Popolo, etc... But instead of NEWS you'll read the fans' words! Yes, this is our Ai Kotoba. #てずてってとってNEWS ♫

Single review: ONE -for the win-

Super late post but I still wanna do it! I have a lot to ramble about this single xD

Title: ONE -for the win-
Artist: NEWS
Release date: June 11, 2014
Tracks: 5

►L-R: the Limited Edition A and B jacket covers◄

General comments:

This single... Is one of NEWS' most powerful releases, because--and not just because--three of its songs were used in the World Cup. Musically speaking, here are the reasons why.

• Dominantly fast-paced. Even the obligatory ballad is moderately upbeat!

• Contemporary sound. It's obvious in the included remix. But there are other elements in each of the songs that show this single sounds new, fresh, and evolved in terms of style.

• No prominent use of traditional instruments; it's more on technical mixes, effects and experimental beats. This is in relation to bullet #2--contemporary, which is what I'd like to emphasize throughout the review. Read on, I hope you grasp what I mean.

• Flexible member parts. Ever since NEWS became four there has been a more noticeable pattern of how and where the members sing their solo parts. But I've observed that this single breaks the pattern and therefore, it's more unpredictable and unconventional (yes, regardless of the fact that the single has three songs of the same team--I mean, theme!)

• Talking about the members' vocals... Damn, I never knew NEWS would still improve greatly. First of all we get to hear more of Massurap goodness! I approve of Massu becoming the resident rapper in NEWS. His rapping style is unique: his raps are sung. Rap is meant to be spoken with a certain rhythm but Massu coolly sings his rap and you'd still consider it rap. Aaaand I really like the way he does it. Way to go Massu!

• Tegoshi's high notes is the norm in NEWS songs.  But even the norm becomes 'upgraded', with him belting more complicated melodies. Before this single he'd only scream one note flawlessly. (Example: "Chankapaanaaaaaa!" *the last note, which is B flat*) Yet in this single, he belts more than a single high note, sparking out series of high-Cs arranged in the manner of an obbligato* instead. In my mind I have always used the term soprano obbligato for Tegoshi (yeah soprano is for females but I just love calling it that way :p) but it is now that he has finally shown how much of an effective obbligato he can be.

*obbligato =  a prominent countermelody, often written to be played or sung above the principal theme (in a higher pitch range) [cr: Wiktionary]*

• Shige's vocal power has become vital in 4-nin songs because obviously, the texture of his voice is entirely unlike the three. That texture is what's especially needed in this single, with its generally fast and intense rhythms that gonna have some spunk and guess where would you get it? Definitely, by the coarseness of Shige's voice. It doesn't take long for one to realize that even though his voice is the "odd one out", it has the needed balance for NEWS. It was already heard in the last two singles; but so far in all of the 4-nin releases, the balancing deed is done very well here. In other words, his parts in this single, long or short, adds adrenalin to the excitement initiated by the songs' contemporary feel.

• If Massu improved his rapping, Tegoshi improved his belting, and Shige improved his balancing, Koyama, to be frank, didn't improved in this single... Because I saw his improvement earlier than the rest, in the previous single and album! He has no stand-out moments here, however I realized one thing: he's good with ballads. He isn't the main 'ballad guy' in NEWS but between fast and slow songs, Koyama's tone color is more suitable for the easygoing, relaxing type.

Song by song comments:

Concert review: NEWS 10th Anniversary in Tokyo Dome

(crossposted on LiveJournal)

above: NEWS singing their self-composed anniversary song Ai Kotoba ~te wo hiite~
below, L-R: Having fun and bowing to the fans

Long ago I was already thinking of doing a review of NEWS MAKES YOU HAPPY! MAKES THE WORLD HAPPIER! concert. Then March 19, the DVD release date, came; and with all of excited NEWS fans I watched the con immediately... Not forgetting my plan to write a review. I watched it 2 times, 3 times, 4 times, 5 times, preparing my cellphone just in case I can think of something to put in the review! But after a week of watching I gave up. Conclusion: I am forever lazy. Or I was just dumbstruck by the awesome concert, maybe.

After a few weeks the LJ comm for Singaporean Paanas, sg_paanas, held a contest. A giveaway that greatly inspired me to do the review--at least in a spontaneous way. So I did! I'm proud that it's my most spontaneous analyzation ever. Most importantly, I never expected that this spontaneity would turn into a beautiful post. I'm very proud of my work okay. *teary-eyed*

This is gonna be long but crammed because the more I want to edit it the more I get lost XD I'll be talking about the concert itself. (excluding the cut scenes)

--

NEWS10th, for me, is NEWS' best concert so far, even better than the incomparable UtsuCon. The concert's aim to embody the 10 years of NEWS experience, I think they highly succeeded in that. Because unlike their past concerts this one has the most clear division of each parts.

Going deep into each 'part'. The first part is from the intro *compass* to WORLD QUEST, Chankapaana, 4+FAN to the others that followed before they changed into the cute ball-sy costumes. The first three songs show they're in a Johnny's group, obvious from the striking red costumes they're wearing. Yes they're Johnny's; they wouldn't be here without JE anyway. They showed that "NEWS is a Jyanizu group existing for 10 years already and we are so damn proud of that." The concert nailed it with a glorious start.

Then they changed into the black and white costumes and moved on. Moving on from the Johnny's appeal, they showed what NEWS is all about--simple happiness, as obvious at the simple black and white costumes, and the performances themselves. I mean, everyone would agree that Koi Matsuri perf is a favorite! Everybody's having fun, and there are lots of subtle (and not so subtle) member ai moments in this perf and in the previous and preceding performances. This part really shouts NEWS!! all the way.

Opinion post: Depriving NEWS from fans--tragedy or strategy?

One month ago NEWS released its 10th anniversary concert DVD, which is merely half a year after the said concert. Johnny's groups, as far as I know, release concert DVDs in a span of 1 month gap minimum to 6 months gap maximum after their concerts. NEWS' latest DVD is no exception, as it is in the 6-month gap mark. Logically there is nothing to worry about.

But the fandom, who has experienced the highs and lows of the group, has some little rants going in our heads...

NEWS always seems to be on standby. The members have their own activities, of course, so does the subgroup Tegomass; but isn't it saddening that their last single was released in 2012? They only had one release in 2013, and so far, after a month since NEWS10th DVD came out, we're still not seeing any upcoming release yet.

It is never normal for an idol group to release materials in a veeery slow pace, unless that group undergoes a break, a shift, or a problem of some sort. When NEWS became four it was their biggest issue but the biggest improvement afterwards; the four of them, along with the fandom, became stronger and inseparable. They became more natural and constant again in their activities.

But... It seems the constancy didn't last long. Each fan has different takes on this matter; some think that it's fine because there's still the solo activities--at least we get to see the members active in their own ways, and because we've reached the highest level of confidence and trust we have in NEWS, we don't really worry about the pace of the group activities. In other words, nothing's alarming, everything's good.

However, there are people who say that NEWS has passed its prime. They've been around for 10 years and unfortunately, unlike Arashi or SMAP who still soars to the top and still has in-demand activities all the time despite their age, NEWS goes to the side of the senpai groups, which, though being there, are just there... and releases only when the company feels like it. One example is V6. They were once very famous too, but their popularity faded away with time. Maybe this is what's happening to NEWS. And don't forget about the RyoPi incident which honestly took a huge number of supporters away from the group. And what about the younger, fresh acts like Hey! Say! JUMP, Sexy Zone, etc? They're going up drastically. NEWS has no choice but to go to the far, barely seen sides of the Johnny's polygon.

Although there are others who think that the company is just protecting NEWS' statistics as a group with steady #1 releases. Releasing too often may break the stats--think of it, they said, if NEWS is always very active we won't really miss them, and we won't feel subjected to buy their every release--which can mean lesser buyers and lower ranking. In the contrary, when NEWS release their stuff once in a blue moon, we anticipate for that blue moon... With the will to buy everything they have for us.

Back to the original question, the title of the post itself. Is depriving NEWS from us a tragedy or a strategy? Tragedy, because we know that NEWS will never be as popular as they were before? Or strategy, going in a pace that is different from all the other groups? In my opinion, it's a mixture of both; now the suggested way of making things simpler is for them to have their own TV show. (With a good timeslot of course!)

I'm sure everyone agrees with this. Even NEWS say straightforwardly that they want to have a TV show of their own. We know how NEWS' chemistry works, now all that is left is for them to present it regularly on an outlet that fans and even non-fans will see. Seeing NEWS in a different light, we'll forget all the tragedy and boost the marketing strategy as well. This might not bring NEWS back to its highest peak again but we know for sure this is one of our biggest dreams come true.

Meanwhile, I hope to hear a new release from NEWS soon. I wanna feel what the group prepares for us this year, in its 11th year of existence. NEWS がんばってください！

A tribute post: NEWS' 10th anniversary - THE 10 MAJOR EVENTS IN NEWS' HISTORY

Well my original plan was to do a retelling of NEWS' great history, fangirl-style (an overly-detailed, emotional and too much flowery content as I loooove NEWS so much). But I don't have enough time to do that and even if the 'feels' doesn't fade, the fangirl-style explanation would be too much of a drag!

Now, for the old and the new, outdated or updated NEWS fan, or just a lurker who seems interested with the "news" that is NEWS, here's a numbered list of major events in the group's history. 

This may not be the one you need but at least this is easy to read!

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1. NEWS was formed as a 9-nin (nin means "member") group on September 15, 2003.

2. Their first single, NEWS Nippon, was released on November 7, 2003, only sold at 7-11 stores for a limited time. Not long after, in December, Takahiro Moriuchi left the group...

3.  ...Yet they made their official debut of 8 members on May 12, 2004, with their single 希望~ Yell~ (Kibou~ Yell~)

4. In July 2005, Hiroki Uchi was suspended from the group, caused by an issue of underage drinking. In January 2006 Hironori Kusano voluntarily retired from the group for the same issue.

5. Because of this NEWS were put to hiatus for a few months, starting in May 2006 until they reappeared as a 6-member group in early 2007: at the 2006-2007 Johnny's Countdown (JCD) and releasing 星をめざして (Hoshi wo Mezashite) on March 21. During the hiatus (particularly November 15, 2006) the sub-unit テゴマス was formed.

6. In 2008 they were at the height of their 6-nin career; they released their consecutive #1 single Happy Birthday on the first day of October.

7. Their last performance as a 6-nin group was in December 2010. Then they became inactive again--and that was later considered as another hiatus.

8. Tomohisa Yamashita and Ryo Nishikido withdrew from NEWS on October 7, 2011. The members were down from 9 to 4...

9. ...And the "new", 4-member NEWS appeared in 2011-2012 JCD, had the official announcement of their comeback on April 15 2012, and continuously released new material (with the song compilation album BEST, the comeback single チャンカパーナ (Chankapaana), amongst other things) up to date.

10. They held their 10th anniversary live event at Tokyo Dome last September 7, 2013. And today, September 15, we celebrate our "10ve anniversary."

(sources: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4)

Reading this, one may not feel the "emotional package" NEWS' history has. But I assure you that their history, though describable, has feels that are too sublime. This is one of the greatest factors why the love of NEWS to fans and vice versa are indestructible, as time goes by.

It's been 10 years ne? NEWS さいこう! ♥

A tribute post: NEWS' 10th anniversary - THE THINGS NEWS MADE ME (AND US!) REALIZE

You're a fan of NEWS. And you know that today, September 15, 2013, is a special day for you and the whole fandom because it's NEWS' 10th birthday. Probably you are spending the day with your fan friends, whether physically or virtually. Or you're probably alone, forgetting your diet as you eat lotsa sweets while viewing every NEWS material on your laptop, and flailing hard like the girl in this gif:

I'll give this young lady a HIGH TEN.

While I also celebrate their anniversary in my own way (specifically, I was spamming my Tumblr blog with NEWS-related posts *Tumblr-addict here fyeah!!*), I also made a list of things that NEWS made me realize; the things they shaped in me. Ever since I became a fangirl a lot of my principles and beliefs adapted some NEWS-y things.

Here are some of these things. You can relate of course. And this is not all seriousness, a pinch of humor is present in here too. (Hey, NEWS are funny dorks and I am influenced xDDD)

**note: if you see a  (♠) ,  it is a link (a reference or a picture).**

-Everything has an ending. Whether happy or sad, these endings always teach us a lesson in one or many ways. Well, in this fandom there were a lot of endings...

-...But there's what we call a never ending wonderful story. NEWS. How many times have they underwent complications because of hiatus, member withdrawals, issues, etc.? How many times have the fans worried if NEWS will still survive, and if they could continue on? There were lots of unanswered questions before, but NEWS put an end to these by declaring they would stay with us forever. That is the true meaning of a never ending wonderful story.

-(A long and complicated) history is never a bore. Some non-fans loathe, or laugh at, or take pity on NEWS because of their history. But I absolutely think that aside from making the group (and the fans!) strong, their history is an asset in itself. Only NEWS took this really difficult test, and the reward is fruitful than ever.

-History repeats itself. Hopefully now, the bad parts of NEWS' history would never happen again.

-A four-leaf clover is lucky indeed. Since the 4nin comeback, everything seemed right. Maybe becoming 4 is their destiny...

-...But, numbers don't matter as long as we're together. Whether 9, 8, or 6, what's important is we're with NEWS as NEWS is with us!

-Patience is a virtue. This is probably the number one thing I learned from this fandom.

-There's hope, in the form a yell! Do the best and get the glory. Afterwards, you go bounce bounce bounce with me. :p (♠)

-"Week" is so mainstream. We call it "weeeek". (♠)

-There's another happy birthday song other than the traditional birthday song; it's longer yet more meaningful. And the best part is, it is sung by our birthday boys. Hehee~

groove to it like Keiichan. xD

-My blood type is O. You tachi, nani gata?

-Soccer anthems sung by boybands are actually GOOD. Take WORLD QUEST for example. (♠)

-We can run for our health, but we can also run for the trees. NEWS did that! (And they proved that running together strengthen bonds. So aside from the health and the trees, we can definitely run for friendship and love.

-There's a miracle of two in 130 million people. (♠) In other words, no matter how many people comes our way there's this one precious person we'll meet someday. (In what context? You decide :p). This also tells us that we should believe in miracles, as meeting NEWS itself is a miracle.

-A mistake can be a craze. See the famous ima wa? ,-(^o^)-'  (♠)

-Bambina is NEWS' common love interest. They even want to make her forget 'him'. *grins*

-A fighting man is someone who doesn't give up, getting a grip. Now I wanna be a fighting man. (♠)

-Variety is the spice of life. Picture this: one's a food freak, one's a geek, one's got a sweet tooth and one's got a swift foot. 8D

-(Speaking of "variety") They need to have a variety show! Yeeees they friggin' need that!

-Pacific is not just an ocean. Diamond is more than a rock...

-...And Chankapaana is more than just a made-up word. It is us, the whole fandom. ☆

-Life goes on. Don't forget. (♠)

-The best of NEWS is not only found in the BEST album. Everyday of their lives they give all their best to us.

-They definitely give us the news. Good news, bad news, news we don't wanna hear and news we've been wanting to hear. But as they say in their song Good News, "everybody's gonna get good news!" Okay, we are assured~

-I am loved. I love NEWS for their love for the fans. We feel every fiber of their love, don't we? :")

-Behind every wonderful story there is a beautiful love that makes the world happier. This is self-explanatory already. ♥

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And there are many other realizations, I could go on forever counting those out (if not for lack of time I will really add moooore in this post!). As the days passed, I grew more and more in NEWS' love. And as the years pass, NEWS grew more and more in everyone's hearts. How happy for me to be in this fandom, how heartfelt every moment spent with NEWS.

Happy 10th anniversary. We'll have more beautiful love in the years to come.