Superfly -- Gifts

Whenever I think of Superfly, I am always reminded of that wonderfully cheerful student with the worst post-nasal drip who came in for that model lesson around a decade ago, since she's the one who first introduced me to singer-songwriter Shiho Ochi（越智志帆）, aka Superfly. Back then, Ochi and her former partner, Koichi Tabo（多保孝一）, were making that mix of alternative pop and music from the late 60s and early 70s.

I think since then, Superfly has swung herself to become a more conventional pop singer with that powerful voice who can still rock it out. I hadn't heard from her all that much recently, but then a few months ago, I was catching NHK's "Minna no Uta"（みんなのうた）between programs when a new Superfly song came on accompanied with some mesmerizing animation.

This would eventually become her 24th single, "Gifts", released a few weeks ago on October 10th. For those who might be feeling the blues, I think this ballad, written and composed by Ochi with Koichi Tsutaya（蔦谷好位置）also helping out in the music, is an inspiring one as the singer encourages listeners to remember that everyone has their friends and family supporting them and places to explore, so they ought to get out of their shells and go for it.

The music video for "Gifts" seems to be a combination of Ochi's performance and visits to a number of high schools in Japan seeing what inspired and encouraged students can do. At this point, the song has reached No. 7 on Oricon.

Not surprisingly, the message behind "Gifts" has gotten it performed by various school chorus groups according to YouTube, such as this performance by the Koriyama No. 2 Junior High School in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture. I think it wouldn't be out of the ordinary if "Gifts" became (or has already become) a standard to be sung at the annual chorus group contests. And I certainly wouldn't be surprised if Superfly gets to appear at the Kohaku Utagassen again at the end of the year.