For reasons I’m still not entirely clear on, J-pop idol group Keyakizaka46 has renamed and rebranded itself as Sakurazaka46. Apart from some member changes earlier in the year, the reboot hasn’t really affected their general sound. Ahead of their first single release in early December, the girls are blitzing fans with multiple music videos. They’re all pretty good, but as the main promotional track, Nobody’s Fault stands as the instant highlight.
When it comes to groups within the Sakamichi Series, my interest tends to peak and wane depending on the moment. They have such a specific sound, and rarely stray from it. Whatever the group name may be, you kind of know what you’re going to get from an act like Sakurazaka46. And, the songs rarely disappoint. You’ve just got to be in the right mood for them.
In the case of Nobody’s Fault, the group’s ornate, layered performance is supported by driving guitar and brass. In this way, it’s not too dissimilar to Sexy Zone’s incredible Run from earlier in the year. But like most songs in the Sakamichi Series, the mixing just isn’t as clear and crisp. This is an aesthetic choice, and probably a necessary one given the amount of elements squeezed into the track. Still, the bounding instrumental acts as a great springboard for Sakurazaka46’s chorus of voices. I especially love when the guitar takes charge, transforming into more of a percussive force to puncture the flow of the track. There’s a raw intensity to these moments that really compliments the cathartic vibe of the song.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Funny, I just reviewed this song today (https://108ent.blogspot.com/2020/11/mini-song-reviews-bae173-sakurazaka-46.html). My thoughts are quite similar to yours really.
Thanks for the review Nick!
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Oh Nick, what is your thoughts on Brooklyn’s Imagine? I personally found it to be a surprisingly competent EDM track if you remove the trap beat section in the second verse.
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It’s pretty good! Nothing particularly unique, but a solid dance track for sure.
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True, it is more of a producer’s credit deserved song than the artist (sorry Brooklyn). Also, what do you think of the new TVXQ single Small Talk?
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Man, I love this track very much. Surprisingly, it really feels fresh and original; they really changed the vibes of the song to fit their image.
I may miss keyakizaka46, but sakurazaka46 is a very good start in rebranding themselves.
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First song review of Sakamichi, right? Little bit surprise for me that you would write your thought of Nobody’s fault lol
The rebrandring actually not bad even their ‘debut’ title wasn’t strong like Silent Majority. I’m more biased toward Naze koi that reminds me one of YUI’s songs.
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The song’s ok, every keyaki title was better though. Speaking of which, how do you rank their Silent Majority to Kuroi Hitsuji singles run?
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