Otsuka Ai - Rocket Sneaker / One x Time

Rocket Sneaker / One x Time is Otsuka Ai's latest single to date, and it demonstrates just how expansive her talent really is. Her vocals are so different in each song, it would be difficult to describe her sound to someone if you'd heard only this single.

We start off with the upbeat, inspiring Rocket Sneaker. Full of motion, the song keeps a galloping pace while the piano lends it a sprinting feeling. The vocals sound a little cutesy, like you'd expect from an anime opening, and the chorus is catchy enough to get stuck in your head all day.

In contrast, One x Time has a relaxing, slow pace, giving off lazy seductive vibes. The vocals are also quite different from the previous track, offering a mellow, mature sound. That singing style and the soaring violins make for a lovely ride through the clouds, and the piano adds just a hint of a jazzy night club feel.

From its first notes, Sora to kujira stands out on the CD as it opens with an acoustic guitar, where the piano has been so prominent in the previous tracks. It doesn't have the glittering feeling of many pop songs; instead, it embraces a 'less is more' concept. Like the guitar, Otsuka's vocals are simple and clear, in contrast to the anime character-styled singing of the first track. The melody in the chorus is lovely, accompanied only by guitars and the soft beat. As the song progresses, the guitars become a little heavier, and Otsuka's singing powers up as well, leaving you with an emotional but unadorned ballad.

The instrumentals for the first two tracks are also included on the single, and both are successful even without vocals, due to the active piano in the first and sliding violins in the second. Which song is the best on the CD is really up to the listener's preferred style because each track is strong, but drastically different in purpose. From a motivational, fun anime feel to a more adult, mellow sound, and finally a light acoustic rock track, this time Otsuka Ai delivers something for everyone.