DEVOTION
KICS-890 ¤ 2001.08.29 ¤ 3,059 yen

Review written by Teresa Ko.

Overall : Forget about the songs for a moment -- this CD album is absolute eye candy. Someone obviously poured much time and thought into designing--really, decorating--the CD itself, its jewel case, and the lyrics booklet. The grainy and unexceptional pictures which sometimes plagued Makkun's earlier albums are non-existent here; every page and surface is cleanly and beautifully actualized. The new visual standards of this CD package certainly compelled me to have higher expectations of the songs within, and thankfully, "DEVOTION" does not disappoint.
This is perhaps my favorite Okui Masami CD so far (as of the writing of this review), not only for the wonderful maturity of sound that has been developing since "NEEI" and, I hope, will continue to develop, but in the sheer stand-alone enjoyment factor of each and every track. "DEVOTION" is a remarkable production debut for Okui Masami, and certainly one of her best albums to date.

01. Sora ni Kakeru Hashi
lyr & mus: masami okui, arr: Toshiro Yabuki
Makkun's albums excel when it comes to opening tracks, as this piece shows. The opening theme to the anime adaption of "Tales of Eternia", this was, to my surprise, written by Makkun herself; it sounds much like something Yabuki would write. Yabuki here also tries something a bit different and uses a distinct rock sound... A little unusual, to say the least, but in a (very) good way.

02. Chou
lyr: masami okui, mus: D.R.Y, arr: Yugo Maeda, D.R.Y
Um... the rock style here is just a little too heavy for my tastes, but I love the lyrics. They're very mysterious, and in a certain way almost painful in their depiction of an injured, battered butterfly. The imagery fits the theme of the 'DEVOTION' album perfectly, however, painting a broad canvas of misty blue skies and lush, colorful scenery. Also features some very powerful, and even raw, vocals from Makkun.

03. Shounen
lyr & mus: masami okui, arr: Yugo Maeda
Again, very strong and lucid vocals from Makkun. I like this track for its sense of atmosphere and for the imagery in the lyrics. It's very similar to 'Chou,' I think.

04. Jounetsu
lyr & mus: masami okui, arr: Yugo Maeda
This track begins with an fantastically understated accoustic guitar intro, and I could easily imagine it playing in the background of a scene in a romantic film where two lovers must part... That must sound very mushy and lame, but as a big fan of romantic movies, I stand by my opinion. 'Jounetsu' has a very dramatic, angst-y sound to it, and the chorus is especially powerful and... well, passionate. A song with a very fitting title, and one that is worth many, many plays in your CD player.

05. DEPORTATION ~but,never too late~
lyr & mus: masami okui, arr: topbeam
Picking up from the moody feverishness of 'Jounetsu,' 'DEPORTATION' rocks it up with a light, happy melody. This is also Makkun's first (and, as of the date of this writing, only) song to be featured on a Japanese drama, and I hope she continues to explore this avenue to improve her exposure. This is truly 'fun rock' at its best.

06. Shuffle
lyr: masami okui, mus & arr: Toshiro Yabuki
One of the opening themes to the card-game-turned-anime-series (or is it the other way around?), Yu-Gi-Oh!. When I first heard this track as part of the 'Shuffle' promotional video, it really didn't do much for me; the song seemed to have a heavier rock element than I'm used to. But the melody certainly grew on me, and the lyrics had a charming Yu-Gi-Oh! twist, so I actually like this track quite a lot now.

07. Train
lyr & mus: masami okui, arr: Yugo Maeda
This is one of the first tracks I ever heard from 'DEVOTION,' and I instantly loved it for its catchy melody, its happy lyrics, and its fun, rolling pace. It begins with an interesting electrical guitar intro that just makes you want to just hop on a train somewhere and let it take you through a beautifully green countryside. I think it also has a nostalgic feel to it for me; trains are no longer the mainstream mode of transportation in America, but that just makes the memory of my past train trips that much more enjoyable. Good song.

08. lotus
lyr & mus: masami okui, arr: Yugo Maeda
The dark, heavy rock overtones of this track remind me of 'CHAOS' from "NEEI," and Makkun's powerful vocals here strengthen the correlation, although this one is just slightly more subdued. A turbid melody with lyrics that might make you feel a ghostly tinge of claustrophobia.

09. Ano Hi no Gogo
lyr: masami okui & mus, arr: Toshiro Yabuki
Like many other anime ending themes 'Ano Hi no Gogo' is slower in pace than its opening counterpart, but that factor doesn't detract at all from this wonderful, relaxing rock ballad. I especially like the opening instrumentals and the final chorus.

10. I'd love you to touch me
lyr & mus: masami okui, arr: system-B
Another ending theme; this one is to "Tales of Eternia." Very quiet, subdued song, and the choral back-up accents the melody just perfectly. One of those somewhat rare Makkun songs that you can very easily fall asleep to.

11. Sayonara
lyr & mus: masami okui, arr: Yugo Maeda
Another of my absolute favorite songs from "DEVOTION," and it's easy to understand why. A medium-paced rock ballad with beautiful lyrics and a meaningful message for those who have already had to say good-bye to one or many of their important people.

12. DEVOTION
lyr & mus: masami okui, arr: Yugo Maeda
My all-time favorite album ender will always be 'Dareka ga Dareka wo' from Makkun's 'Do-can' album, but this song is without a doubt a very, very close second. First of all, the first half of the song is pure a capella goodness, and if you know how well Makkun sings, then you know her a capella bits are just pieces of pure heaven. The second half of the track introduces a very light instrumental background, which thankfully doesn't draw away from Makkun's vocals at all. The lyrics are terrific, personal and honest; a very touching message. If Makkun has ever written a masterpiece, many fans would probably say this track is it.

13. Megami ni Naritai ~for a yours~
lyr: masami okui, mus & arr: Toshiro Yabuki
Like the 'NEEI' album before it, 'DEVOTION' concludes with a Di Gi Charat theme song that doubles as an album bonus track. This one is another infectious Di Gi Charat song with a fun dance-party melody from Yabuki and cute lyrics by Makkun. One of my absolute favorites from this old cooperative duo, and a fitting end to a milestone CD.