[WORLD GROOVE] Currently listening to ASUKA – Shiro Tsubaki Beni Tsubaki
January 18, 2008 by Dennis Amith
ARTIST: ASUKA
CD SINGLE: Shiro Tsubaki Beni Tsubaki
LABEL: avex trax
CATALOG #: AVCD-31313/B
DURATION: 18:28
RELEASED ON: November 14, 2007
- Shiro Tsubaki Beni Tsubaki
- Tanpopo
- Shiro Tsubaki Beni Tsubaki (Instrumental)
- Tanpopo (Instrumental)
DVD: Region 2, 4:3, Duration: 4 minutes
- Shiro Tsubaki Beni Tsubaki (Music Video)
One of the latest artists to debut on the Avex label, ASUKA is a 23-year-old who has beautiful vocals but instead of the J-Pop label pushing her towards a more pop sound, the label has combined her with the piano man Takebe Satoshi known for his soothing piano songs and work for Kawashima Ai and the film “Saiyuki”.
Not much is known about ASUKA at this time, other than the singer has been playing the piano since she was 3-years-old and that she was a big fan of R&B stars Whitney Houston and Chaka Khan. So, what makes it more interesting is that her music has no sign of soul R&B, it’s more ballad-based with good vocals while utilizing traditional Japanese instruments to give it that enka style of sound.
The title track “Shiro Tsubaki Beni Tsubaki” first gave me the impression of Hirahira Ayaka and a bit of Kiroro. ASUKA has beautiful vocals and with the traditional Japanese music combined with a mid-tempo song, the song is actually very soothing and I enjoy it.
The coupling song “Tanpopo” is almost similar to the title track and the song happens to be written by ASUKA, who showcases her songwriting skills for this song.
The CD insert is a simple bi-fold with the lyrics on one side and photos on the next.
The collaboration with Takebe works nicely for ASUKA as her vocals and his musical style lend to a serene and relaxation music. Mission accomplished on that.
As for Asuka, I wonder what direction her music will be headed with the next CD single or if the collaboration with Takebe will continue because I can see a Okamoto Mayo and Kiroro type of potential because by looking at Asuka, she’s a normal girl that has a beautiful voice.
But it remains to be seen with only one CD single out the door.
All in all, ASUKA has a beautiful voice, the music is definitely relaxing and I look forward to seeing how her music will progress in upcoming releases.
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