Kimi Ga Suki* Raifi

Matthew Sweet | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 20, 2004)
• Original Release Date: January 20, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: RCAM Records
• ASIN: B000172LQ8
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #235,331 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Dead Smile

2. Morning Song

3. The Ocean In-Between

4. I Love You

5. I Don't Want To Know

6. Warning

7. Spiral

8. Love is Gone

9. Hear This

10. Wait

11. Tonight We Ride

12. Through Your Eyes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Has moments that compare to his best work 4 1/2 stars, July 22, 2004

By 

WTDK "If at first the idea is not absurd, the... (My Little Blue Window, USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Kimi Ga Suki* Raifi (Audio CD)

"Kimi Ga Suki" finally makes its stateside appearence on CD and, although it's not Sweet's best album, it can more than hold for the most part. The most melodic songs on the album like the rocking "Dead Smile" or "Through Your Eyes" will remind you of the best material from Sweet's "Girlfriend" or "Altered Beast". The production is a bit thinner and not as splashy or slick but that's no surprise given that Sweet recorded this at home. "Ocean in Between" recalls "Girlfriend" the most with an infectious hook, killer harmony vocals and a melody that ingrains itself into your brain almost from the first verse. As a result, everything from the best songs to some of the lesser ones have a flow unlike some of his previous albums.

The good news that many of his usual collaborators appear here including Television guitarist Richard Lloyd. His guitar work adds much needed bite to some of the weaker material which gives it a bit more substance. The home recording approach actually works in the album's favor making it difficult to pigeon hole the album's sound. While much of it does recall his previous material, the best songs tend to build on rather his other albums rather than standing at the same level. Adding to the charm is the fact that Sweet wrote the album straight through vs. accumulating songs over time and recorded them in a rush of activity over a week or so. This approach (like McCartney's on "Driving Rain")only adds to the quality of the songs and charm. There's no second guessing here as there wasn't much time to do it.

"Kimi Ga Suki" may be an imperfect album but it's an imperfect album packed with ingenious melodies, sharp playing and singing as well as musical ambition. Unlike another reviewer here, I actually did like "Thorns" and "In Reverse" as they both showed a willingness to step away from a sound that made him successful and take risks outside the power pop genre.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW., June 17, 2004

By 

Quinn (Oakland, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kimi Ga Suki* Raifi (Audio CD)

Girlfriend is widely regarded as one of the best albums of the 90's. To my ears, this one is just as good, if not better. Sweet hooks galore, Richard Lloyd's blistering guitar solos, a rhythm section that will make you bob your head uncontrollably, and luminous production equal a classic in the making.

Now that it's been released for domestic consumption, there is no excuse not to buy it. Hit the 1-Click button now, you won't regret it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars pure sweetness!, February 10, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Kimi Ga Suki* Raifi (Audio CD)

I bought this CD from amazon as an imort back in April 03. Since then it has not left my C.D. player! Mr. Sweet has hit the nail on the head with this one. By far one of his best C.D.'s ever. Catchy songs, catchy guitars, wonderful musicians such as the great Richard Lloyd and the best drummer in the world, Ric Menck. If you don't have it, GET IT!