Well, I was pretty wary of this single at first, considering that I thought the first one was DOA. However, I'm glad I changed my mind.

Not only was I was really quite amazed at how well Junko Noda (Kinjou Nanaho) could sing (a part of me is still caught up on her playing Reki from Haibane Renmei sometimes..), but Kaori Shimizu (Ginga Kuon) surprised me quite a bit. No offense to Miss Shimizu, but she has always sort of left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth when it comes to her songs, ever since I was first introduced to her singing voice from the ending theme to Strange Dawn. Maybe some people know what I'm talking about... Or maybe some of you want to skin me for saying that. In that case, then bring it on, bitches.

Either way, this time around, she sounds great. *sigh of relief* At least now, I feel a little more confident for the upcoming final Maria-sama ga Miteru Image Album (that will be released on 9/22)...

The songs really fit the characters as well... It's always best when songs do that, don't you think? I mean, singing about random crap is fine too, but not the same.. But anyway, the upbeat (but not too ubpbeat) jazzy rhythm of Kuon's song Dragon Hane suited her wonderfully, and an extra flair was added with the rather sophistocated lyrics, that sounded like something she herself would write.

..can you tell that that one turned out to be my favorite yet? I'll give the lyrics to Nanaho's song to make up for the lack of attention (and because it's just easier on me..)

Oh, and the mini-drama was funny, too. What more could you ask for?

Endless Way (Japanese Version) 果てないこの夢を乗せて輝く風を この胸に抱きしめて 手探りの中　真っ暗な闇で　 かすかにきらめく光がある 誰も知らない君の足跡　 追いかけてはまた失う 目覚めたばかりの翼に 地平の果ては密かに誘いかけてる ささやき合う海風よ どうか飛び立てる勇気と力を…fly　high 心に舞う優しい景色　そこにはいつも 君がいて微笑む どこまでも　そう海を、　森を、　砂漠を越えて きっと辿りつける 彷徨いだした真昼の月を　 探し出す君の夢見たよ どこか遠くで呼んでいる声　 道しるべにまた佇む あらゆる悲しみも憎しみも 包み込むような瞳を守っていたい ひとりにはさせないから もう二度と離れたりしないよ…trust　me 見上げた空　虹の向こう　広がる未来 ひたすらに愛しい 特別な理由なんてなにも必要ないから ただ　そばにいたい 新しい季節が始まる　生まれ変わるように．．． 眩しいこの夢を乗せて輝く風を 今　胸に抱きしめ いつまでも　そう君を、　夢を、　愛を信じてく この想いよ強く舞い上がれ

Endless Way (English Version) I will ride this endless dream and embrace the sparkling wind to my chest As I fumble about in the pitch darkness there is a faint, glimmering light I recognize no one but your footsteps and run after them less they slip away I summon wings and the edge of the horizon secretly gives me encouragement its whisper merges with the sea breeze "Somehow, fly with all of your strength and courage...fly high" You always exist in the kind, dancing scenery in my heart Smiling at me I'll cross the ocean, woods, desert, it doesn't matter where I'll always keep going The aimlessly wandering midday moon seems to be searching for the you I saw in a dream A voice calls from afar and stops me in the middle of this familiar path All of your sadness and hate is there, wrapped up in those eyes I wish to protect you'll never be alone again because I'll never leave you... trust me I look up at the sky and beyond a rainbow lies a vast future that is genuinely precious I don't need a special reason or anything I just want you by my side A new season is beginning and it feels like I'm born again... I will ride this dazzling dream Now, I embrace the sparkling wind to my chest Now and forever, I will believe in you, in that dream, in love.. These feelings mightily soar

Labels: Gokujou Seitokai, Music

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