R&B albums by Asian singers - such as Taiwan's David Tao Zee and Jay Chou Jie-lun - have been selling like hotcakes. Filling the niche in Japan is Ken Hirai, who burst on to the Asian music scene in 2000 with his hit single LAKuEN. Hirai's 10th Anniversary Complete Single Collection 95- 05 is a compilation that tracks the singer's career over the past decade. The first four years was far from successful, as his early pieces - such as Precious Junk, Stay With Me and Heat Up - merely adhere to J-pop standards. Only when Hirai incorporates western R&B does his music stand out. There is nothing particularly innovative in Hirai's songs, but his songwriting talent makes up for the lack of creativity. Miracles and Missing You - It Will Break My Heart are wonderful and touching ballads with pure and simple melodies. If you find the time to plough through the album's 22 tracks, you'll find some gems that are exceptional and beautiful.
