author: anna

Just as summer is starting to hit its stride, Arashi comes out with Everything, a relaxed single to calm you down after the heat of the day. Everything is also a nice set up for their best of album, which will be released in a few weeks.

The title track is a soft, typical Arashi song: a blend of synthesizer, guitar and piano create a swaying, mid-tempo ballad. For the first half of the song, the focus is on their singing. The instrumental track is pared down a bit and relegated to the background while the boys sing in practically a single voice. It takes skill to harmonize so perfectly, and Arashi shows they’ve got what it takes. The second half gives each of the members a turn to shine as they sing their solo lines. Overall, Everything is a nice song, but it’s not as memorable as some of the other singles the group has put out and will probably fade from your mind the moment it’s done.

The second song, season, follows the same format as the first. It might have done better if it were a faster track or had different elements involved, but unfortunately, it feels like a placid reflection of Everything. Something about the melody also makes the song seem out of season – it feels more like a winter song than one for the summer. Technically, there is nothing to complain about; season just isn’t a very interesting song.

The karaoke versions for both songs are included on the single.

Everything is definitely soothing after a long day, and if Arashi’s intentions were to serenade you to sleep, then they could count it a success. However, this single won’t end up a summer anthem by any means, and it’s best to look forward to what the group will come out with next.