Upbeat cheerful songs. Personally, I like the Night Version of "Setsunai egao" better though; it has more feeling. That and "NEVER NEVER" are both on Respiration. Still, as Hekiru's first single, I think it's worth checking out.

There are only two Hekiru songs I really can't stand. One of them is track 6 on Baby blue eyes. The other is "Lucky Day", also on No Make Girl. The other track on this CDS is nothing special either. At ¥200, though, it was too good to pass up. It's not something I would recommend paying much more for.

This version of "Me o samase, otoko nara" is slightly different from the one in with a will. The second track did not leave any impressions on me, so I wouldn't rush out to get this one.

I love "Sora o akiramenai", which is also on with a will, so I wasn't that disappointed to find that the second track is what my friends and I call the "bowling song" (see the Starting Legend 96 Summer Special concert LD to get the joke!). Still, if you have with a will, there's really no reason to get this CDS since these two versions of "Sora o akiramenai" are identical. And track 2 is, well... it's not that bad, but it makes me giggle hysterically. ^^

"Dame yo! Dame yo! Dame yo!!" is the ending theme to YAT Anshin!, an anime Hekiru plays a role in. This song is not found elsewhere, so I definitely recommend this CDS. It is very well sung with a lot of control, but I was a little disappointed that it did not match the energy of her live performance version. The second track is on with a will. I like this song too. Did you know it was written by Joey Carbone, who composed Tamura Naomi's Rayearth songs?

While I usually prefer Hekiru's fast songs, "Anata ga kureta mono" isn't a bad ballad. The singing leaves a little something to be desired, but it's a lot better than No Make Girl. Personally I don't like the first track that much, and it can be found on with a will. I'd say this CDS wouldn't be bad to pick up sometime along the way, but there are better buys out there.

"Moon Light" is another song from YAT Anshin! and I definitely recommend it as well. This original version of "Todoketai omoi" is also pretty good, not inferior to the one found on Baby blue eyes.

God, I love "Phoenix"! It is a fast song, sounds very similar to some other songs on Baby blue eyes, but I do really like this song a lot. "Kaze ga fuku oka" is the same version as the one on Baby blue eyes, but I think this CDS is still an excellent buy. For some reason I like the karaoke version of "Kaze ga fuku oka" better than the actual song. ^^

At long last, "Graduater" has finally been released, and in a new version that is more moving and powerful than before. This trademark Hekiru song is also on Baby blue eyes. The coupled song "Harenochi I Miss You" is a light, very sweet song that I quite enjoy, probably because of the associated clip in the Legend 1997 LD.

The lyrics to "Dakishimete" were written by Hekiru. The song itself was written by DAITA (who played the guitar for "Graduater") by request of Hekiru. To be honest, I like "Just my love" better. I was disappointed that Hekiru is still not very good at singing, but I was very surprised at how high she can go now. Both songs are close to hard rock and, while they don't make my favourites list, are nonetheless very good.

Note: First press CDs come with a pinup card. There are 2 types and 100 other autographed cards, 3 of which have drawings of Hekiko.

"Everlasting Train" is the first release since Hekiru's producer of two and a half years was dismissed. The quality of the composition is good, but the sound leans closer to digital pop than rock, with some orchestra throw in. "The Rain" is a song completely unlike anything from Hekiru before, sounding similar to enka (traditional Japanese folksong) in its slow, despairing melody. Still, Hekiru sings it with great feeling, and it grows on you.
Note: "Everlasting Train" is not included in any of Hekiru's albums.

I really like "Akai hana", despite some opinions that it is not "Hekiru's sound". It's a fast song, but the lyrics are the main draw. The coupling song is a midtempo pop number, such that I was reminded (perhaps unfairly) of with a will, but it really is a good song in its own right. Although at the time of its release I found it difficult to accept this new image of Hekiru, this single holds a high place in my collection.
Note: RIGHT BESIDE YOU contains a different arrangement of "Akai hana".

Hekiru's first maxi single, containing three versions of the song BESIDE YOU - the first arranged by Masao Akashi (B'z), the second by the original composer, and the third a live arrangement by Hekiru's band.
I liked this song when Hekiru sang it during CHANGE, but tired of this CD quickly. The Akashi version is definitely the best sounding in terms of instrumental composition, but I like Version U better because its sad tones echo the lyrics. The live arrangement differs yet again from that of the CHANGE tour, and feels nostalgic.

This maxi single features, for the first time, a song written by Hekiru herself. Both the music and the lyrics to "Dive into you" are composed by Hekiru - out of several songs that she wrote at the beginning '00 this was the one that made the cut, albeit rearranged by Akashi Masao. "live to love" is, like "BESIDE YOU", a song by UCO also rearranged by Akashi. Since, in honesty, neither is to my liking, I recommend this single only on the grounds that it marks the fulfillment of one more of Hekiru's dreams.

Hekiru sang "Taisetsu na Page" during the SL 1999 CHANGE tour as an unreleased song. The version on this single is arranged by Akashi Masao and differs considerably from the previous band arrangement, which was along the veins of a classic rock ballad. This dramatic single version isn't terribly bad, but it isn't terribly good either. And at only one song, it's not really recommended.

Like Taisetsu na Page, this single is another song that Hekiru sang during her concert tour as an unreleased song. Again, this version is very different from the band arrangement. Piano and flute and a Beatles-like interlude make for a rather nostalgic flavour. And in incredible contrast, the coupling song (composed by Hekiru) is a hard rock number sung with intensity. An interesting combination, and well worth it if you like Hekiru's heavier songs. Those interested in the band version of "Anata mo shiranai koi no hate ni" should check out Hequil IV.

Notes: First pressing contains "another jacket".