[selfish] A note written about my thoughts on the new song 'Ajisai' (Hydrangea)

Introduction

The music video for selfish's new song, 'Ajisai,' was released on March 27th. This is a note where I've organized my thoughts and favorite parts after listening to and watching it dozens of times.

'Ajisai' Music Video

Note from the day of the announcement

Writing down everything I love about it

・Opening vocals: Ruka-san -> Mashiro-san

The opening vocals for 'Ajisai' are by new member Ruka Tamashiro. Ruka-san also handles the final part, so you could say she is the face of 'Ajisai.' And following Ruka-san's opening vocals is fellow new member Mashiro Segawa. Starting with the new member duo really makes me feel the start of the new lineup and the high expectations for the new members.

・Mashiro-san's hands

Mashiro-san's solo part basically involves choreography where she places her hands on her chest and then spreads them forward. I usually see Mashiro-san giving her all at live shows, so I love seeing this softer, more enveloping expression and singing style, as it feels like seeing a different side of her.

・Nanami-san's presence

Nanami-san's solo in the MV features her sitting on the stairs, looking exactly like a gorgeous hydrangea flower. While she is sitting during her solo part, she is dancing during the unison parts, which really highlights the length of her limbs and her great figure. I also like how it seems to contrast with Ruka-san, who has a similar type.

・Nako-chan appearing in the chorus

Having Nanako Kazuki hold back at the beginning and then come out in the chorus is exactly the same pattern as in 'Toumei Mujin' and 'Overheat.' I love this pattern! As a Nako-chan fan, it makes me happy to see her used in a way that shows how much she is trusted! The footage of her in the MV is also irresistibly cute. If I were to listen to Nako-chan singing powerfully to 'convey' in 'Ao no Yohaku' or 'Overheat,' and then listen to her singing gently to 'let the listener hear' in 'Ajisai' on the same day, the sense of satisfaction would be incredible.

・The choreography and expressions are soft overall

Since many of selfish's songs feature sharp, high-energy dancing, a song with a more relaxed dance style feels fresh. The expressions are gentle from start to finish, and I feel like I'll make new discoveries when I see it in person at a live show.

・Rei-san's "Hydrangea" at 1 minute 35 seconds

Rei-san moves forward while singing, with choreography that involves spreading her arms like wings. I think seeing this from the stage left would be incredibly powerful...

・Yuri-san's fingertip choreography

Yuri-san's second vocal part. There is almost no movement during the first one, but the choreography around her face in the second one is truly cute. The skill of making fingertip movements look cute, like in the chorus of "Stardust," is Yuri-san's signature style. Yuri-san has two solo vocal parts. She has plenty of presence.

・Two beats like gentle rain

There is a two-beat clapping motion after the first phrase of the chorus. It's like gentle rain. The lyrics and music were written by "Gensei Ishihara," who is well-known for "Applause."

・The final chorus lead-in, Rei-san → The grand chorus, Nako-chan

Rei-san's gentle, enveloping singing voice and the final chorus of "Hydrangea" are a perfect match. After that, Nako-chan's powerful grand chorus comes in, followed by Mashiro-san and Nanami-san, and finally, Ruka-san brings it to a close.

・"Nana x Ruri" add the finishing touch at the end

The dance part after the singing ends. Nanami-san takes center stage and dances. It's closer to a graceful dance than just dancing. Nanami-san taking center stage to dance is a classic pattern. And the end features the duo of Ruka-san and Nanami-san. The way these two captivate the audience reminds me of "Bouquet."

There are so many highlights just in the MV.
I want to see the whole thing live soon...

In conclusion

While selfish has laid-back songs like 'Free' and 'Natsuzora', I feel this is the first time they've had a song this close to a slow tempo.

I quoted a post by Gensei Ishihara.

Yesterday, while wandering around the internet, I found a site that looks up the past lives of idol groups.

selfish is listed on that site as well.

Seeing that, I felt that the group selfish is truly a collection of people who have come together after many twists and turns and long journeys. This is surely true for other groups as well.

The fact that the current six members are in the same place is truly a miracle.

While watching the MV, I think of the color of the hydrangeas blooming at the watershed.