Suzuki Ami has outdone herself with FREE FREE/SUPER MUSIC MAKER, which offers two incredible dance numbers plus remixes!
FREE FREE/SUPER MUSIC MAKER - Ami Suzuki joins YASUTAKA NAKATA (capsule) is one of Suzuki Ami's later singles, released in August 2007, and like much of her recent music it features a plethora of electronic elements. Its energetic style feels a bit like a mix of pop, techno, eurobeat and trance. For those who haven't heard Suzuki before, her vocals are really enjoyable, not super high or nasally, and lately they are often distorted electronically. She tends to incorporate a physicality and futuristic sensibility in her music that would lend itself well to a soundtrack for a runway fashion show. This release was a collaboration with neo-Shibuya-kei artist Nakata Yasutaka (capsule), and was featured in the Fuji Television drama Liar Game.
Suzuki's ultra modern sound is at full force on the first track, FREE FREE. That modern feel can mainly be attributed to Suzuki's digitized vocals and the electronic instruments that support it. The low electronic bass in particular contributes greatly to the mood, sounding a bit disco-like at times, while glittering digital sounds scamper above. But what really moves the song is a potent beat that seeps in until you feel it pulsing beneath your skin. The vocals in the verses are distorted, as though under water, but become clearer as the song progresses. There are also some interesting whispered vocals. In general, the song has a fun, trance-like techno sound, evoking a nocturnal scene of a cityscape with its flashes of color and neon lights. With its catchy refrain and danceable rhythm, FREE FREE is the perfect song to get lost in, as the lyrics indicate: "Set me free. I wanna be free now."
SUPER MUSIC MAKER has a similar club feel and heavy dance beat, and is even more in disco style than the previous song. While the first track is more cathartic, this one boasts Suzuki's trademark modern feel with electronic vocals and bass, making it hot and physical. It feels tangible and thick, and while the driving force of the number is its thudding beat and physicality, the melody is extremely catchy as well. As exciting as the opening track was, Super Music Maker may be even stronger.
Track three, the extended mix of FREE FREE, seems like some other track altogether in the opening. It includes a segment with a different beat and sound preceding the shower of digital synths - where the original track begins. While the original version ends abruptly, this one prolongs the song, playing a less interesting beat after the track 2 version concludes. In other words, the extended bits don't do anything to enhance the song.
On the other hand, the radio edit for SUPER MUSIC MAKER may be a bit more enjoyable than its original version, as it goes right into the song without the intro segment of repetitive beats and exchanges it for a fun disco beat instead. Similarly, for the conclusion, rather than extending the track with an uninteresting, out of place beat like the original version does, this radio edit version ends abruptly with the vocal part.
Overall, FREE FREE/SUPER MUSIC MAKER is an excellent single and demonstration of Suzuki Ami's sound and appeal. Any party, event or show with these songs in the line-up will be a memorable one.
