Rina Aiuchi's 'Ruby Stars'' and "A Song for XX"

[RoboNyanya]

Maybe this is just a result of engaging in far too much unhealthy Ayu-fangirling behavior, but I just had to point this out. Pardon me if this is not the most suitable place for this topic.

After about a year, I downloaded Rina Aiuchi's song 'Ruby Stars' from her 'Over Shine' single after having heard it on SongJapan. The first time I listened I thought it reminded me of something...something particularly Ayu-esque. Upon download, it hit me how eerily similar 'Ruby Stars' is to 'A Song for XX'.

You can have a listen to Rina's song here on YouSendIt

The melody of course is different. However, the structure of both songs seem to develop the same way, to the point where I wonder if it was simply coincidence. Listen section by section of each song to understand what I mean. While I'm sure a lot of songs have even the 'lalala's (or 'lalaLAI's a la Ayu) at the end, the effect seems to be about the same. The length of each section in one song also closely correlates with the other. And the songs are only four seconds different in length, and only because 'Ruby Stars' drags the ending out a little more. If these songs were played on the same key, the similarities would be even more apparent. I definitely feel there is more to it than typical pop song formulas. Besides neither song has an especially cliche arrangement.

It gives me, as well as the few friends I brought this up to, a little chill up our spines! Whoo.

And now I ask. Is it possible that the composer was blatantly inspired by 'A Song for XX'? Perhaps the insert in the Rina album 'Ruby Stars' belongs to clearly indicates this and I'm just not aware. Otherwise, it's just uncanny!

[immel]

Did you check up on the composer/arranger of the two songs? Maybe it's the same? When was those two songs released in relation to eachother?

Downloading it right now, I'm gonna listen and see if I find it similar.

[Calico]

Ruby stars was released about four years later than ASFXX.

I've listened to both songs dozens of times, and have never heard such similarities.

Currently I can't find the composer for Ruby stars. Didn't really expect to, either ^^;

[*Petit*]

Thanks! I like rina a lot. =)

immel, that's highly unlikely, Rina Aiuchi is on GIZA.


edit.

Actually there are certain similarities in the melody in the beginning I think (not trying it out on the piano.) The firrst four notes, except ayu's in minor.. I think.

And I definetly get what you mean, allthough I think that if you haden't pointed out Asfxx to me before I heard this I probably woulden't noticed as much. THese are two totally different songs. Rina's is much brighter. =)

[RoboNyanya]

Originally Posted by immel

Did you check up on the composer/arranger of the two songs? Maybe it's the same? When was those two songs released in relation to eachother?

Downloading it right now, I'm gonna listen and see if I find it similar.

A friend of mine told me they weren't the same already. Yuri Godai was responsible for 'Ruby Stars' and though I don't remember the one for AsfXX, I'm pretty sure that wasn't the same person. I thought that was possible but yeah, Rina is GIZA and Ayu is Avex, so it's unlikely, as Petit said.:O

Originally Posted by *Petit*

Thanks! I like rina a lot. =)

Actually there are certain similarities in the melody in the beginning I think (not trying it out on the piano.) The firrst four notes, except ayu's in minor.. I think.

And I definetly get what you mean, allthough I think that if you haden't pointed out Asfxx to me before I heard this I probably woulden't noticed as much. THese are two totally different songs. Rina's is much brighter. =)

Yeah, exactly. Didn't notice it the first time around either, only that it vaguely reminded me of Ayumi. Even with all their similarity, they're still distinct enough that I like both songs for different reasons.

[ame-no-koe]

yeah i can see what you mean.

[explodingbird]

The opening is a bit similar (the first three notes Rina sings on each phrase are similar to Ayu's) but the last note is much higher - not near the note Ayu sings at all.

The feel of the songs - a bit similar, but the production does differ greatly. I mean, when she hits the chorus, the feel is there, but not there at the same time - it's still more slowed-down while Ayu's is more frantic. The verses are pretty different (again, except when Rina sings the opening three notes of each phrase).

The "la la lai's" have their similarities too.

I do notice a few minor similarities, but that's it. Nothing extremely big.

Both songs are very good though. I just heard Rina's for the first time, just now - and it's very nice.

And *Petit*, I'm pretty sure the opening of A Song for xx was major, not minor. The progression of notes in a minor chord is very different.

[immel]

I also felt the similarity in the two songs, but only because I already knew about it I think.

[truehappiness]

Originally Posted by ame-no-koe

yeah i can see what you mean.

HEY! Where've you been? omg!

[*Petit*]

Originally Posted by explodingbird

I do notice a few minor similarities, but that's it. Nothing extremely big.

Both songs are very good though. I just heard Rina's for the first time, just now - and it's very nice.

And *Petit*, I'm pretty sure the opening of A Song for xx was major, not minor. The progression of notes in a minor chord is very different.

Ok. I Diden't care to check it out. And since I remembered the song as kind of "depressing" I assumed. =P Allthough melancholic songs can be in major too...

[stardusties]

hey cool! i've been looking for this everywhere! thanks XD (oh the irony >>;;

p.s. i'll get back to your comment after i listen :3

edit: LOL!!! wow the similarities...i think it's more the composition rather than the arangment that makes it seem this way -nod-