Kimi wa Boku da
Maeda Atsuko's new single
Maeda Atsuko continues her venture into solo singing with her second single, Kimi wa Boku da. Slated for a 20 June release, it is the AKB48 ace’s last release before she graduates. As she seeks to explore her career paths post-AKB, is being a multi-talent on the cards?
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| Cover for Act I |
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| Cover for Act II |
Maeda has not said much about her singing career after graduation. She has stated multiple times that she wants to make her mark as an actress, and few have really balanced the role of actor and singer well. This single seems to be a mutually beneficial parting gift for both parties: she will be associated one last time with the AKB family, and at the same time gets to satisfy the fans.
Kimi wa Boku da as a track will probably not wow anyone. The song veers away from the usual AKB song formula of hooks strung together, instead focusing on the entirety of the song. This takes away any sort of punch from the song, and as a result, no lines in the song really stand out. While this may seem counterintuitive, it does make for a pleasant song, and is mellow enough to not get on anyone’s nerves.
Kimi wa Boku da as a track will probably not wow anyone. The song veers away from the usual AKB song formula of hooks strung together, instead focusing on the entirety of the song. This takes away any sort of punch from the song, and as a result, no lines in the song really stand out. While this may seem counterintuitive, it does make for a pleasant song, and is mellow enough to not get on anyone’s nerves.
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| Cover for Act III |
Essentially, Kimi wa Boku da is elevator music sung by one of the most popular singers in Japan. The song is definitely tailored for mass appeal, and by moving away from an AKB-esque image, serves to differentiate the new Maeda from the old. One can even see this attempt at doing so from the single jacket; in each, two copies of her pose in various positions in an elegantly decorated, modern room.
The promotional video is interesting as well. It follows the relationship of two budding comedians, an unnamed man and ‘nabeko’, played by Maeda. As they go through the usual troubles of uninterested audiences and spartan living conditions, viewers get to see a Maeda Atsuko that’s the polar opposite of how she is on TV. There are even shots of her drinking, and posing in different outfits as she tries to find a suitable gag.
The promotional video is interesting as well. It follows the relationship of two budding comedians, an unnamed man and ‘nabeko’, played by Maeda. As they go through the usual troubles of uninterested audiences and spartan living conditions, viewers get to see a Maeda Atsuko that’s the polar opposite of how she is on TV. There are even shots of her drinking, and posing in different outfits as she tries to find a suitable gag.
All in all, Kimi wa Boku da is a single poised to endear the public to Maeda Atsuko as she leaves the protective sphere of AKB48 and into the real world of Japanese entertainment. How effective it will be however, remains to be seen. Nevertheless, the song is pleasant enough, and the fact that it’s the last single before she graduates AKB48 should make purchasing this single a sufficiently easy decision.
