Say New Message

Refer to this Message

Cancel this message

Hi everyone,

After checking out the video clip for the new Seiko-Hiromi Go song, a few 
observations: Yes indeed, it is strange that it's a passionate love song sung a man and woman who do not touch each other or establish eye contact. 

I know there are Hiromi Go fans, and I respect them, but what I heard was a very nice song sung in very fine, powerful form by Seiko, with a male singer. No offense intended...I see and hear Seiko's gift, Hiromi's is lost on me. 

Seiko looks and sounds better than ever...for me, the "Forever" / "Sweetest Time" turning point was the most significant moment in her career since "1992 Nouvelle Vague." It's not that she's "aging gracefully"...because despite the perception of age in the world, to me 38 is still young. It's not that she is now "acting her age"...because I don't think anyone can give a true definition of how a 38 year old woman should "act." I just see less of "The Japanese
Madonna" and more of a human being who is at peace with herself, her life, and
her gift. She no longer has a point to prove, because it was proven long ago.

It's also nice to see her trying new things. It would be very, very easy to 
turn out one "formula" album after another, and I respect her decision to not
do that. I'm more interested in the Richard Carpenter collaboration, because he
is known as a composer, arranger, musician, and there will be no "former lovers
reunite" hype surrounding that project...while there will be expectations, they 
will center around the music and not idle speculation over "what happened" 
between them while recording. None of that "what does this mean" rubbish...what
the Seiko-Hiromi duet "meant" was that both singers saw an opportunity to have
a successful single by collaborating. That's what it meant. They make a living
by selling music. They made a record. Now they'll hope that you buy it, and if
you do, they might make another one. If you don't, they won't.

Richard Carpenter's unique gift during the many years of chart success with Karen was that he made all the right choices. He knew Karen the person as well as Karen the singer, he wrote and selected exactly the right songs, and when the songs were played on the radio they seemed real, genuine, and heartfelt. 

Let's hope that his insight and talent allowed him to "know" Seiko. It's all 
about the voice...as I say on SMF, "20 years, one unforgettable voice"...

Best regards,

Mike