Recently, I’ve noticed that I don’t really listen to much Japanese music. I surfed Hongfire’s music torrent forums, but most of them seemed unappealing (on the basis of names?) One group name seemed very appealing, though. Even though I had never heard of them, ROUND TABLE featuring Nino seemed to catch my eye.

The album I downloaded seemed to be called Nino. The tracklist is at the bottom of this post. I downloaded it about a week ago and can’t stop listening to it, particularly パズル-extra hot mix- and Sunny Side Hill. Nino’s voice is hard to let go of.

パズル (Puzzle)-extra hot mix- was used as the 2nd opening for Welcome to the NHK. It’s upbeat sound is very fitting for the series. It sounds pretty good, especially since Nino’s voice is accented by the male voice in the background.

Groovin’ Magic was used as the ending for Diebuster. It’s contrasts with the rest of the songs on the album because of its slightly groovier style. 夏待ち also offers a change of pace from the rest of the CD, being much slower than any of the other songs. I wasn’t surprised that it was the ending song for ARIA: The Natural given its calm nature.

Sunny Side Hill, the ending theme for Mujin Wakusei Survive, is probably the second catchiest theme in the album. It’s a bit “heavier” (I use that word lightly) than the rest of the songs.

I really need to find something else to listen to now. I’ve been listening to this album for a week. Anyway, here is the tracklist.

  • Nino
    1. Be Your Girl
    2. Groovin’ Magic
    3. パズル（extra hot mix）
    4. 夏待ち
    5. Message
    6. Just For You
    7. 潮騒
    8. ハローグッバイ
    9. Sunny Side Hill
    10. Stay With Me
    11. Rainbow
    12. Just A Little