5 out of 5

Label: Avex Trax

Produced by: (unable to read kana or grab them kana from anywhere)

Two new songs – some of Vicke’s best work – showcasing both his pop chops and balladry, and then an excellent, and absolutely worthwhile, alternate take on ウララ from Wizard.  Also: instrumentals, or ‘karaoke versions’ of the two new tracks, but consider those as bonuses to the three required listens.

Ca Va? is delightfully awesome piano pop, on par with any of Vicke’s best singles, but with a perfectly interwoven production flourish of effects topping his keys.  Having the karaoke version of this is actually a boon in that sense, as the song is different kinds of fun as just a beat versus something to sing along to.

Lucky Ending – which is what got me in to Vicke, playing over the 2019 Fruits Basket end credits during the first part of season one – is probably the most mature song of this type the artist has yet done, eschewed completely of boy bandry for minimalist piano plunkings and a voice.

ウララ’s ‘acoustic version’ (it’s still fairly plugged in to me, just more stripped down) showcases how damn good that song is, and gives it a slightly less bonkers flavor in its presentation here.  You can listen to both the original and this back to back and experience different things, so it’s another excellent addition.

J-Pop loves its singles, and I often pass them by to pick up whichever featured track on, hopefully, a full length disc.  But this set packs a definite punch, and is a must-have addition for Vickeblanka fans.