For the general public, Yuiko Tsubokura（坪倉唯子）is probably best known as the squeaky-voiced vocalist of B.B. Queens responsible for the No. 1 hit of 1990, "Odoru Ponpokorin" （おどるポンポコリン）, the ending theme song for Season 1 of "Chibi Maruko-chan"（ちびまる子ちゃん）. But then, for fans who knew of her soulful self back in the 1980s and those decades-later City Pop enthusiasts such as myself, "Tsukanoma Yotogi Bito" （一瞬夜伽伴侶）was just the introductory catnip from her 1986 debut album "Always in Love". My first reaction on hearing this gem after knowing her days with B.B. Queens was "She really sounds like this?!". Wow!
But even before "Always in Love", she did release a debut single in November 1985. Titled "Cry for the Moon", it's an 80s power pop ballad that also showcases that wonderful voice of hers. I mean, it's so 80s, it hurts. With those strings and the electric guitar/synth combination in there, "Cry for the Moon" straddles between the sophisti-pop and rock sides of the urban contemporary. Classy with an edge, I guess.
Lyricist Asato Izumi（泉麻人）took care of the words while Daisuke Inoue（井上大輔）and Mitsuo Hagita（萩田光雄）worked on the melody and arrangement. "Cry for the Moon" peaked at No. 50 on Oricon and it's also part of "Always in Love".
I actually came across "Odoru Ponpokorin" recently and I believe it was video of when they performed it at Kohaku Utagassen and props to Yuiko for keeping her composure singing while genuine chaos was happening around her.
ReplyDeleteHi there. Yeah, I think that Kohaku footage of B.B. Queens used to be there on the "Odoru Ponpokorin" article before YouTube took down the video.
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