Nakashima Mika - ALL HANDS TOGETHER

Mika Nakashima has only been around the pop world since 2001 but has still managed to release an impressive amount of material nonetheless. It’s usually relaxed, consisting of acoustic guitars or jazz elements. This single follows the same formula, however it comes off feeling… uninspired. Sure, it’s still good listening, but you just can’t help but wonder if there could’ve been something more to this release.

01-All Hands Together
This single is a charity single, with all proceeds going to help victims of Hurricane Katrina last summer. It was an extensive collaboration between Japanese and American musicians, which is why it's a shame the song came off feeling uninspired. It sounds very… generic. I can’t think of a better word to use; it just sounds like it’s been done before (We Are the World, anyone?). Granted, it is pop music so originality will never be the name of the game. Another problem is that it runs a bit on the long side, something a pop song should never do. It’s almost six minutes! You lose interest fast.

Although it has some problems, the song does manage to send out those happy vibes Mika fans have learnt to appreciate. It’s a fun little song that should put a smile on your face.

02-What a Wonderful World
A cover of the song made famous by Louis Armstrong. It has always been a slow, peaceful song that makes you feel all snug and cozy at home while enjoying an afternoon drink and this song remains true to the original formula. However, Mika’s version has added even more jazz elements such as brushed drums, some jazz guitar and even an accordion.

A quaint little number that will please fans of the original and newcomers alike. A jazzy tribute to the New Orleans victims.

03-All Hands Together COLDFEET REMIX
Electronica takes over this time around as the title track remixes itself. This makes the song sound even more pop-ish, which might please more mainstream fans. Although I still think it’s a tad too long to remain interesting.

Cool to listen to, but your finger might be tempted to wander over the “skip” button.

04-All Hands Together INSTRUMENTAL
I know that in Japan, it’s a big thing to release “karaoke” versions of a title track on a single. It would be great to sing along to your favorite, catchy song and impress your friends. However, this song is nowhere close to catchy or fun. I don’t see why anyone would need/want to listen/sing along to this.

Pure filler.

As you can see, this album comes off as a cash-in. Sure, the title track does a decent job of making you feel all happy-like, but barely so. It feels like a cookie-cutter song; they took a winning formula from past pop songs and cloned it. They then changed a few notes here and there, added some fancy lyrics and voila! A new single. The cover song is quite good but once again comes of as uninspired. You think they could have sandwiched in another track and removed the useless remix or instrumental tracks.

Let’s just hope her next single cooks something better up!

Stay wild, pups!

OVERALL RATING: 5/10 for lack of inspiration. Decent songs save it from falling into the abyss, although it’s teetering on the edge.