Idol Defense Team Hummingbird -- Sisters

IDOL DEFENSE TEAM HUMMINGBIRD - SISTERS

Toshiba EMI
TYCY-5471
¥3000

— by Keith Rhee

1. Setsunai Omoi (Super Remix) 4:32

2. Love Wing (5 person version) 4:22

3. Jounatsu (Passion) 5:13

4. furareta Nante Omotte Naikara 4:47

5. Koibitotachi no Crying Rain 4:50

6. Shitsuren Zenya 4:59

7. Rainbow Forces 3:42

8. Yume no Basho e
(To The Place Of Dreams) 4:38

9. Yappari Daisuki 4:12

10. Message 7:39

11. Setsunai Omoi 4:36

12. Love Wing (Super Remix) 5:03

Unlike many other shows with strong vocals, HUMMINGBIRD doesn't even pretend to have a serious plot; its outlandish story serves only to showcase the seiyuu and their singing. The background music is also somewhat of a mixed affair; some may like it, but I personally prefer the depth and sophistication of most of Kanno Yoko's orchestral works. As a show featuring five idol singers however, emphasis is placed on its vocals, and this is where Hummingbird excels.

"Sisters" is a collection of some of the more popular Hummingbird songs, including their first hit "Love Wing", "Jounatsu;" and "Setsunai Omoi," among others. At twelve tracks the CD feels a bit short, even for a "best collection," especially since two of the tracks are "Super Remix" versions of the same songs ("Love Wing" and "Setsunai Omoi"). But with few exceptions the quality of the tracks remain high.

The style of the songs vary from the cheerful and upbeat to slower and more sentimental, but the overall tone of the CD as a whole is pretty lighthearted, and many of the songs are great for dancing. What the vocals may lack in sophistication they more than make up for in their infectious quality and sheer energy. The five singers all have very pleasant voices, ranging from mature and deep to young and husky, and the slight differences in singing ranges (which seems to correspond to their characters' respective ages in the show) compliment each other very nicely, especially when they sing in unison. The version of "Love Wing" included on the CD is the 5-person version, with each seiyuu soloing in turn and everyone singing in unison at the chorus. Though I personally like the solo version by Kusachi Fumie better (though only by a small margin), the 5-person version comes across as equally well-done.

If "Love Wing" has a somewhat child-like quality to it, "Jounatsu" ("Passion") feels more mature. This is the last Hummingbird song in the OVAs, and the singers literally sing their hearts out in this number. With its fast pace, energy, and passion, "Jounatsu" is my second most favorite song on the album. "Setsunai Omoi," which was featured in the ending of the first OVA as the group's debut song, comes in a close third with its infectious dance beat and melody.

My most favorite track on the album, surprisingly, isn't characteristic of the upbeat, cheerful qualities that make most Hummingbird songs. "Yume no Basho e" (To The Place Of Dreams) is Hummingbird's only ballad, and a very good one at that. Slow and moody, "Yume no Basho e" is a very emotional song.

My only complaint with the CD is with the Super Remix version of Love Wing. Whoever arranged this remix tried to make it sound "heavy" by adding a lot of distorted guitar riffs and synthesizers. If you liked the original Love Wing for what it was, do yourself a favor and avoid the last track.

Other than this single complaint, I've found the CD to be thoroughly enjoyable. If you're considering purchasing a Hummingbird CD for the first time, and if you don't care much for the background music of the show, the Sisters album is probably your best choice. Finally uniting most of the vocals on one disc, this CD is the best Hummingbird has to offer.