Baby Don't Cry / Amuro Namie

11 April 2007

安室奈美恵 Amuro Namie
Baby Don't Cry

24.1.07
37th single
AVCD-31176

tracklisting
1 Baby Don't Cry
2 Nobody
3 Baby Don't Cry (TV-MIX)
4 Nobody (TV-MIX)

purchase date 23.3.07

review
8 long months has passed since the release of the excellent "CAN'T SLEEP, CAN'T EAT, I'M SICK / 人魚" single; Namie is finally back with an all new single "Baby Don't Cry". This is the longest interval between single release, excluding her 13 months maternity break between "Dreaming I was dreaming" and "I HAVE NEVER SEEN".

The title track is a very typical Namie-styled medium tempo R&B Ballad that is similar in style to "GIRL TALK". But do keep in mind that being typical does not mean it is bad. In fact, I think every artist should build up an unique style of their own before branching out to experiment other music genre. After years in the R&B scene, Namie has created an unique style of her own, which is evitable in this song. "Baby Don't Cry" has a spring-themed melody and encouraging lyrics; something Namie hadn't been doing much since her classic "NEVER END". I really love this heart-warming song, especially lines like "rainy morning Baby don't cry", "You'll see the sunshine", "you've been tryin' alone" etc...

However, I'm a little disappointed with the B-side. "Nobody" is the continuation to her first winter ballad "White Light", which was released in 2005. Both songs have the same melody but different words and slight deviation in arrangement. Comparing both versions, I think "White Light" is a better version for its seasonal theme and joyful atmosphere. In fact, "Nobody" was supposed to be the B-side of "White Light / Violet Sauce", before it was replaced by the excellent remix " Violet Sauce ". It is not that "Nobody" is really bad, but I think it is more of disc filler. I would really prefer a brand-new B-side (or remixes) to be coupled with "Baby Don't Cry".

recommending #1 Baby Don't Cry
rating 9/10 very good

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