So this post, then, is not for you who are generally up-to-date and conversant with everything that this fandom has to offer - from singles, albums, to stages, TV/film, social media and photoshoots. (I'm looking mainly at you, Twitter-folks). Much rather, this is a post directed at those who may have either just joined the fandom, or who have relegated themselves to having only been exposed to the more "mainstream" singles/albums libraries of the group and concluding that that "is it". Because there really is so much more to offer beyond the mere 30 major label single and 2 original studio album releases that AKB48 has to offer.
I will choose 10 songs that are not as widely known throughout the popular fandom that I not only like, but I think deserve a bit more recognition than they have now. These songs might not necessarily be significant ones within the fandom proper in some way or another, but more of a personal take of a few lesser-known songs that strike a chord with me quite greatly. A bit of a personal perspective and "journey", if you like. And you definitely will not find these in "mainstream" singles/non-stage album collections. Without further ado...
1. RUN RUN RUN - Himawari-gumi 1st Stage; Team 4 1st Stage
My current favourite "get up and go" morning song, for many reasons. I love the interplay between the rhythmic back-beat of the verses and the more constant, boomier chorus line. The verses speak of "running...", "flying...", moving forward "...at full speed", embodied in a fully dynamic arrangement and hopeful melodic line. Great for those days where you feel groggy, down and lethargic - i.e. most mornings - and you want something to pick you up and get you going filled with a bright optimism for the day ahead. Truly a song of youth.
And a pro-tip: if you are a diehard Team 4 fan, the Team 4 version of this song has an even greater emotional impact. I need not say more; you should be already holding this dear to your heart. With tears shedding down your cheek.
2. Tadaima Renaichuu - Team A 4th Stage
Gutsy, sassy - words that spring into my mind whenever I listen to this, especially (again) in the morning. The opening and ending are simply great - the "question & answer" style, complete with depth provided by (presumably) male back-vocals works wonderfully here, almost inviting you to join in the love. The chorus, a near-earworm with its multitude of "Uh-huh uh-huh"s. Strong downbeats coupled with lightweight yet assertive syncopation, without being bogged down in heavy synths and beats. All wrapped in a package that makes it the whole catchy and incredibly hard-to-resist,
3. Renai Kinshi Jourei - Team A 5th Stage
On a personal level, I had two levels of appreciation with regards to this song. The first, naturally, came about listening to it. The opening, off-beat synth line that serves as a "theme melody" of sorts throughout the rest of the song was, quite frankly, a glittery yet warm & fuzzy affair. The vocals, a mixture of depth (Takamina) and girliness (Miichan, Myao), whilst not what you call "vocally superb", working well in this instance to accentuate the entire melodic package. Instantly, I fell in love.
Then I watched the original stage performance of this song. "Captivating" was the first that came into my mind. You just gaze at the members, like you are in a daze; the moves sharp yet with a sense of form and finesse. Really, it served to highlight what was a glittery, sparkly yet rich package. Like the first time you ate a rich chocolate cake from a top-tier French patisserie of sorts. And proof that some songs work even better with the stage performance than without.
4. Inochi no Tsukaimichi - Team B 3rd Stage
This is an affair with the mystical, the mysterious, the slightly unsettling Opens and ends with a section filled with echoes, and a dark mood ensues, setting the theme throughout the rest of the song. Strong beating throbbing like a heart, the chorus and especially the bridge section really adding to the illusion of fear - the lone voice (of Mayuyu, if you listen to the studio recording version) creeping out of the shadows of abrupt silence. The choreography and stage lighting adding on another synchronised layer and form of mystique to this visceral experience. Before the "cool" of RIVER, there was this. And from the supposedly "cute" Team B of all places.
5. Ookami to Pride - (SKE48) Team S 3rd Stage
Kuumin and Yuria (or if you wish to go back even further, Sayuki Mori)'s signature song. But to me, there's something about this song that, every time I listen to it, makes me all warm & fuzzy inside. From the background arpeggio of synths (those elements get me every single time) coupled and contrasted with the riffs of the electric guitar and a moderately laid-back rhythmic beat setting an atmosphere of wonderment and (sorry, Disney) a "magical experience", to the cutesy, child-like vocals and lyrics adding another dimension - its entirety makes me feel like a kid again. There's so much classical idol character to it, yet with a very cute, childish touch. One for those times (and I have many of those) when you just want to kick your legs back and relax, and let the sound encompass you. Usually the mid-afternoon.
6. Darui Kanji / Takeuchi Senpai - Team A 4th Stage / Himawari-gumi 1st Stage; Team 4 1st Stage
What I like about the 48-group song library, especially if you compare them with other artists (both Japanese and otherwise) is there's a vast breadth of musical styles on offer. I bundled these two together as they both give me a similar feel, but one that is quite, well, "different" from the usual 48-group idol fare. Quirky, eccentric, almost "experimental" and decidedly irregular in harmonic arrangement. Darui Kanji has a hint of "70s-80s funky soul", whilst Takeuchi Senpai is just a little sensual, following in the spiritual footsteps of the classic Dear my teacher (and because of this, I'd recommend the original; the Team 4 version's vocals don't quite bring out that same lusciousness). But if there's one commonality, they both offer an aural experience that is different from the usual norm of MIXes, classic sparkly idol synths and crowd-cheering affair. An acquired taste, no doubt, but definitely worth a listen. Or many.
7. Junjou Shugi - Team B 3rd Stage
My personal "go to" song for evening rides, drives and walks. Funky, groovy and, especially if you watch the live stage performance, sensual (this, I reckon, is the defining Haachan-led unit). The hints of distorted, nee autotuned, vocal elements, are well-crafted here within the context of the whole tone of the song, further accentuating the slightly complex melodic lines and on the whole, resulting in a fairly classy and "trendy" feel. If I had to make a comparison, like going for an intimate night out for dinner in a more trendy and vibrant (nightlife-wise) part of town. And your partner sensually licking the spoon from the dessert plate, the sugar and hormones just starting to kick in.
8. Mori e Ikou - Himawari-gumi 2nd Stage
This is an interesting song to listen to. Has a very decidedly "experimentalist" feel: the opening few passages of grandeur string sections, pulsating and scales of synths littered throughout speak almost of an 80s film from Hollywood, an irregularly shaped melodic line (particularly during the chorus) with its differing key, tonal and chord shifts, a fairly moderate and pedestrian rhythmic (but not lethargic) back-beat. This is a song with a slightly unconventional character, yet it all comes together beautifully (especially when you think about the lyrics). A highly underrated, yet incredibly charming composition. And I love every bit of it.
9. Idol Nante Yobanaide - Himawari-gumi 1st Stage; Team 4 1st Stage
Within the 48-group song library, there are quite a number of "classically idol"-esque songs. This stands head and shoulders on top of that list. (Of course, with Acchan - and nowadays, Paruru - leading, you'd expect as much, but I digress...). It's appeal, for me at least, lies in the chorus: a wonderfully concocted and memorable melodic line, really hearkening to the essence of Japanese pop idol music styles. Matching it, a charmingly syncopated rhythmic beat arrangement and the essential bright, sparkly synths at the top - there is even just a hint of American pop culture-ness when "tasting" the whole, yet it's still a classically Japanese pop idol affair at heart. Here, I prefer the original version - Paruru's (and to some extent, Miorin as well) vocals make the melodic line a tad too draggy, thin and over-legato-ed that isn't quite as effective for the poppy and sprightly mood of the song.
10. Sougen no Kiseki - Team K 3rd Stage
Team K always had some great closing songs to their stage performances. This song, Sasae, To be continued, Hikkoushimashita. But I'd arguably say this one works the best out of all of them. The entire arrangement and melodic composition is a sweet balance of hope, accomplishment and closure without being overly dragged down by emotional tendencies that reduce you to nothing but tears (I'm looking at you, Sasae), all neatly wrapped in the good ol' Team K character. Friendly, warm, approachable, yet looks forward without the emotional burdens when looking back at the memories made. Like saying goodbye, without the need to feel incredibly saddened by the occasion.
Elaborate, and often waffly, descriptions you may think, but I do hope that most importantly, you get a sense of feeling that there really is so much diversity in style and character out there if you look beyond the usual Oricon chart-topping and heavily media-promoted stock of singles/albums. Now the ones I have chosen may not be the most recognised, or indeed popular, of stage songs out there (the seasoned readers may notice the lack of mentioning classics like Kareha no Station or 16-nin Shimai no Uta, for example), and in fact I don't even expect agreement with my opinions, but that was not my original aim. It is, really, more about discovery and appreciation outside of the mainstream box - much more than any popularity contest or ranking will ever give you.
*All lyric translations credited to Studio48 and its various contributors.
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