Cover for both CD & CD + Blu-ray versions
1) Kasumi Biyori
2) Starry Smile Story
3) Message Card
4) Kasumi Biyori (Instrumental)
5) Starry Smile Story (Instrumental)
6) Message Card (Instrumental)
Kobukuro's last double A-side single release was 2013's One Song From Two Hearts / Diamond while their last physical CD single release was 2023's Envelope .
Both A-sides were each released digitally prior to their latest single release :
Kasumi Biyori ; released digitally on 10th July
Starry Smile Story ; released digitally in March ; was used in the ads of JR West group's Ugoke, Kokishin.
Despite being a double A-side single , only a video was made for Starry Smile Story .
This year marks 25 years since Kobukuro made their music debut & Kasumi Biyori / Starry Smile Story is testatment to what they do best .
Both A-sides are equally good & compliment each other extremely well while the B-side Message Card ain't bad either . To me I wish that Kobukuro would have made a video for Kasumi Biyori as it highly deserves it , not that Starry Smile Story does not .
Many artistes have come & go but Kobukuro is still here which says a lot on how timeless their music is . Here's to the next musical chapter of the duo .
CD
CD + Blu-ray
1) STAR EXTRA
2) Ring
3) Twist & Shout
4) Snow Ghost (Special ver.)
4 songs are included in Kokokara no Uta EP , inclusive of a special version of Snow Ghost .
Kokokara no Uta EP expresses the will to sound out from where flumpool stands now & move forward from there while carrying hesitation , dreams & a sense of incompleteness .
STAR EXTRA which's 1 of the 3 new songs included in Kokokara no Uta EP was 1st released digitally on 3rd June before Kokokara no Uta EP physical release .
Videos were made for both STAR EXTRA and Twist & Shout but they're not included in the physical release of Kokokara no Uta EP .
I enjoyed flumpool's 6th album Shape the water & Kokokara no Uta EP felt like a nice musical follow up from it . Despite the mini album having only 4 songs , each of them compliment each other .
Also I thought it's nice for flumpool to include a different take on Snow Ghost in Kokokara no Uta EP as the new version doesn't sound as emo depressing as compared to what was released last year .
It reminds to be seen what will flumpool released next . I don't think they will release anymore new music this year but if they could release a new song before year end I of course will not say no to that .
BENI's latest new song release is described to be perfect for Summer that has a light groove & addictive melody .
On 1st listen , JILI JILI is a fun upbeat song that sounds hot & cool together at the same time which's a contrast against BENI's previous released song snow willow .
It's heartening to see BENI is back to releasing new music & I do wish she can release a full studio album in the future as it has been a long time since she last released 1 .
If that happens I most definitely will welcome that .
Hey ! Say ! JUMP's latest new song was chosen to promote the 3rd Grade Ashibe QQ Goma-chan anime which airs as part of TV Tokyo's Animori! segment . CUE CUE CUTE is described as a heartfelt & playful tune that complements the anime's lighthearted atmosphere .
CUE CUE CUTE is a feel good track that combines infectious lyrics & an energetic band sound . Despite it being a digital release , a video was made for CUE CUE CUTE .
Even before hearing CUE CUE CUTE it's quite evident what type of music direction it will take . Surprisingly I didn't mind CUE CUE CUTE that much & I think in part is due to the video which plays up the comical aspect side of the members well , something that definitely works in their favour .
Hey ! Say ! JUMP DOME TOUR 2025-2026 S say DVD/Blu-ray will be released on 2nd Sept .
BENI's previous digital song release was last March's Escape .
Promo wise , snow willow was used to promote the movie Kozanchu which BENI starred in .
Personally snow willow is pleasant sounding but this mid tempo ballad is only ok for my liking . The song's no doubt a grower but to me BENI has other better of such sounding songs in her discography .
BENI's next new song JILI JILI was released digitally on 1st July & it will be reviewed soon .
CD + Blu-ray
1) Hikari
2) Hikari -TV Size-
3) Hikari -Instrumental-
Mika's last physical CD single release was 2024's UNFAIR .
Promo wise Hikari was used as the ending theme song to promote the anime Awajima Hyakkei .
Before the single's physical CD release , the A-side was 1st released digitally on 15th April .
A video was made for Hikari but it's not included in the physical release of the single .
This year is Mika's 25th anniversary in the business & she has set another milestone by releasing her 50th single Hikari .
Personally I find Hikari only ok for my liking as compared to Mika's other ballads that're more memorable sounding . However there's a certain charm factor surrounding Hikari which I think it goes well in promoting Awajima Hyakkei .
Mika's next new song Inori, Owareba will be released as her 51st single on 26th Aug .
Promo wise , Kanzen Muketsu was chosen as NTV's coverage song on the current ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 .
Frankly on 1st listen Kanzen Muketsu is not catchy & oddly I did not pick up any sports related influences from the song . However the more I listen to the song the more it grows on me .
Considering it's not often B'z's songs been chosen to promote such a high level global sports event it speaks volume how much respect B'z still commands to date .
