[Cool & dandy]
No.126 "Darling" by Keisuke Kuwata
Hi. Today's song is "Darling" by "Keisuke Kuwata".
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Song data
| Title | Darling |
|---|---|
| Artist | Keisuke Kuwata |
| Album Title | |
| Catalog Number | VICL-64000 |
| Track No. | D2-1 (or 16) |
| Duration | 4:37 |
| Released | 2012 |
| Publisher | |
| Lyricist | |
| Composer | |
| Arranger |
About the creators
Keisuke KuwataSongwriter&arranger
All by one
Lyric writing, composition, and song arrangement for this song was completed by "Keisuke Kuwata".
"Keisuke Kuwata" is a well known music artist as a leader of a prominent rock band "Southern all stars".
But in parallel, he has also attracted many listeners for a long time as a solo singer "Keisuke Kuwata".
According to some interview articles, solo activity is an opportunity to express "Keisuke Kuwata" himself more.
In the band activities, whatever song they perform, it will emit characteristic band sound, no matter who wrote the song.
But solo activities like this song, he can control everything. Naturally, the outcomes will be different.
That maybe why, both fans and himself are looking forward to see solo time as well as his band time.
Cover art today
Song image & Lyrics
Open
Link to the lyrics
Copyright notice on the lyrics link
Sound impression
Cool & dandy
This seems to be a sunny pop ballad in a middle tempo, in moderated & bouncy 16th-note rhythm.
This is a typical rhythm pattern of the '70s hit songs in Japan.
Thrilling & festive
The bass, drums, electric guitar, percussions and keyboard initiate an thrilling introduction, then horn section and strings quickly join, and man melody starts.
This is fairly gorgeous and festive music. From the beginning to the end, horn and strings section fully participate, and create a party atmosphere.
And "Keisuke Kuwata"s "only-one" tasteful vocal makes this song inspiring.
TV ad & Hommage
"Keisuke Kuwata" has been acting on a TV advertising campaign for Asahi Beverage's canned coffee. And this song was originally created for it.
And this is not particularly mentioned by him, but we imagine this is a nice hommage for a '70s big hit song "Mata au hi made" (English title: Lovers & Fools) by "Kiyohiko Ozaki".
If you like, please check.
Mata au himade
Kiyohiko Ozaki
Earlier album
By the way, today's song "Darling" was first launched as a single CD, then included in his 2008 album (Live DVD + CD set), "Kuwata-san no o-shigoto 07-08, Miwaku-no AV marriage" (Works of Mr. Kuwata 07-08, Enchanting AV marriage".
But this DVD-set is not yet sold in a digital format, so, we selected today's album as a first choice.
Reference
About Google translate
About the artist
Keisuke KuwataRock hero
"Keisuke Kuwata" is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and a band master of a popular rock band "Southern all stars" active since 1978.
He's been a prominent rock star for a long time, and regarded as one of the most influential artist in the J-pop.
As a solo singer, Keisuke Kuwata released his first single "Kanashii-kimochi - Just a man in love" (Sentimental feeling) in 1978.
Since then, 17 singles, and 5 original, 10 live, and 3 best albums have been released until now.
As a band "Southern all stars", the year of debut was 1978, with a single "Katte-ni Sindbad" ([On its own, Sindbad]. Word play. Splicing 2 hit-song titles into one. Title is a kind of joke, but song itself is a challenging, but decent rock.). After that, they have released 55 singles, and 15 original, 15 live, and 7 best albums to date.
And the band just celebrated its 40 years anniversary in 2018.
(Ref: Wikipedia-en, Keisuke Kuwata)
Forming a band
Apparent music activity of "Keisuke Kuwata" began in 1974 when he joined a music circle at a University.
After a while, he formed and scrapped several bands. Then in 1977, he finally teamed up a rock band "Southern all stars" with 4 other members. And in the end, this group turned out to start his professional career.
Debut
In 1978, "Kuwata" & his band "Southern"(shortened form) debuted with their first single "Katte-ni Sindbad".
The song was a really out-of-box, and therefore divisive pop rock. But at the end of the day, it was sold more than satisfactory.
And in 1979, in such an early season of their career, the band released an epoch making rock ballad "Itoshi-no Ellie" (Ellie My Love) as their 3rd single.
Eventually, this song became a big & long hit. And, it has been admired as a masterpiece.
By this success, "Kuwata" & his band established their names.
Solo activity
Since then, "Kuwata" and "Southern all stars" became a top star, and achieved dramatic success until around 1985.
In 1985, the band went into a short time break. "Kuwata" formed a 1 year only unit called "Kuwata band" in 1986, and launched some challenging rock numbers.
Then in 1987, he started solo activity for another 1 year. And released first single, and the first album "Keisuke Kuwata".
And lucky enough, this solo album was also welcomed by fans. It quickly topped the chart, and sold well like his band's albums.
Scheduled solo activity
His first solo activity this time only lasted for 1 year.
But from this point, to switch solo and band activities regularly, has come to a set program for all band members.
Actually, "Kuwata" has had solo activity period for another 5 times to date.
In most cases, (except 2007s), he released a solo album. And surprisingly, all those albums were rightly topped the chart.
Excitingly talented
In 1978, when he and "Southern all stars" debuted with an evolutionary new pop rock "Katte-ni Sindbad", reactions were various. Some became crazy about them, and some were not.
But when we heard his (or their) beautiful rock ballad "Itoshi-no Ellie" (Ellie My Love) in 1979, everyone was amazed, and even some professionals praised their talent highly.
Since then, every single song, they, or "Kuwata" release became a hit song.
And now a days, their names are understood as a most trusted hit song maker.
On the other hand, they, particularly "Kuwata" is releasing "homeboy" like radical, experimental, and instinctive rock or pop music fairly continuously since debut.
This wild side of "Kuwata", is actually attracting core fans a lot. (In fact, at least 1 song was once banned from broadcasting, because of its too erotic lyrics.)
And in recent 10 years, it seems he is focusing more energy on reviving '70s popular music of Japan, which were free, healthy, and Mr. Kuwata believes he had been most influenced from them.
You can also watch some of his recent promotion video on Youtube. There are full of respects and hommage for '70s hit songs and cultures. And, Kuwata's showman ship appearing on each video is simply surprising.
As seen above, his level of talent is not normal, but amazing. Whatever he does, it generates excitement among people.
Great musician, and an entertainer.
(Ref: Wikipedia-en, Keisuke Kuwata)
(Ref: Wikipedia-en, Southern all stars)
Video clip
Finally, here is a video clip of today's song "Darling" Uploaded by "Keisuke Kuwata" in 2012.
On this video, a setting of the song (Yokohama bay) is nicely visualized. You can see the story of the lyric in a short drama style.
If you like, please have a look.
* "Darling" by "Keisuke Kuwata"
Music Samples
D2-1 or 16
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Apple Music(jp)
D2-1
Japanese Letters
| Song Title | ダーリン(Darling) |
|---|---|
| Artist | 桑田佳祐(Keisuke Kuwata) |
| Album Title | I Love YOU -Now & Forever- [Disc 2] |
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