Never Giving Up!

This was the 4th time MAL has notified me about this MV, so I'm now compelled to write a review to give few of my thoughts before the clock strikes at 2AM...

So, visual-wise, it's got a lot of illumination and bokeh going on throughout as each scenes changes from a typical modern residential block you'd see in Japan to what seems to be a prequel to Cyberpunk 2077 with transitions done in a montage-y fashion that wouldn't be so out of place in a K-Drama, which looks kinda weird when you contrast it to a chibified Chika (which looks almost a caricature of Momo ... Kawamoto from 3-gatsu no Lion) just doing kawaii shit like it's nobody's business, but I didn't mind the text/typography, because I need the lyrics too if I want to sing along.

I can't say I didn't like nor dislike it. Just thought they're onto something here.

Now, the song went for a swing/Broadway vibe, as you would expect, and Chika's singing all her heart out with a message something about determination, so it's pretty decent. Nothing much to say other than the solo could've been a bit longer enough to hear those cascading notes if that'll bring out the song more. You know, just to make it a little more interesting; not that I'm suggesting it should've included shredding a soprano sax, or that would've completely ruined it, no.

Anyhow, even if this is personally a 6, this is still a good listen for the fans of the Love Live series who don't want to miss any content, especially from their favorite characters they've grown fond with.

Just like what General Grievous says that one time in that relatively well-known movie released back in 2005 by Lucasfilm (and multiple times in the animated show); this will make a fine addition to my collection.

"Never Giving Up!" is the 14th, and latest, instalment of the ever-growing Love Live! music collection that was released on the Love Live! YouTube channel, and added here on MAL. This song was featured on Chika Takami's first solo album "One More Sunshine Story".

The song is quite nice, as it gives that upbeat jazz feeling, very similar to "Jump Up, Super Star!" from Super Mario Odyssey. If you don't ... mind the high pitch vocals that match the chibi character design of Chika, then you'll probably enjoy this.

The artwork isn't all that impressive and neither is the animation, probably best to describe it as "simple". The video mostly consists of Chika just skipping all happily as the song plays, including some shots of her twirling around whilst scenes of out-of-focus neon city lights and shop fronts scroll by in the background. The whole video was created to reflect the cuteness of the singer's voice.

Overall, this is a decent song, though there's isn't anything to be impress in terms of visuals, which lower the score slightly.

6/10.