Mitchie M - Virtual Popstar

Release date: 11/6/2019
Genre: EDM, electropop, future funk, R&B, symphony
Featuring: Hatsune Miku, Kagamine Rin & Len, Megurine Luka, MEIKO, KAITO (vocals), OSTER Project (track 10)
Runtime: 17 tracks, 1:06:21

Mitchie M's second studio album, a compilation of his work from 2014 to 2019. The gap between his first and second albums shows how meticulous and careful he is. I own the limited edition release, which includes a DVD with all relevant PVs, a keychain illustrated by Haruhiko Mikimoto, and a preorder pin of a random Seraphim on the Ring design (I got Miku).

While the package is of high quality and a technical marvel as far as VOCALOID tuning goes, its compilation style doesn't allow the songs to coalesce meaningfully. The listener bounces from playful story tracks with specific character roles, to upbeat dance music consistent with works featured in The Greatest Idol (2013), and unsubtle promotional tracks ("Welcome to Snow Miku!")... some are more successful than others, and the track order doesn't help. I still like the album in spite of its clumsiness.

Links

Notes

Track 2 (Suki! Yuki! Maji Magic) was written for the 2014 Sapporo Snow Festival
Track 6 (Amazing Magician) was commissioned for the Japanese social game Quiz RPG: The World of Mystic Wiz for which only a short version was available online
Track 10 (Uta no Sumu Ie ～Maison Hatsune～) was a collaboration between Mitchie and OSTER to commemorate Hatsune Miku's 10th anniversary
Track 13 (Mirai Jokyoku) was commissioned as the theme song for Miku Symphony 2016. All six Cryptonloids are present in the song but the physical release credits Miku alone
Tracks 14 and 17 (Girls' Friendship) were written for Miku Symphony 2018-2019
Track 16 (Cute Medley ～Idol Sounds～) was a special remix of hits from The Greatest Idol for Project DIVA X
Tracks 2, 3, 5, 6 (game edit ver.), 8, and 12 were originally featured in 39D, a mini album sold at Comiket 89

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