In
Arisa Mizuki’s (観月ありさ) debut album, “ARISA” (December 1991), I think she
went into a full cute aidoru look and sound, with singles like “Densetsu no Shoujo” (伝説の少女) and “Eden no Machi” (エデンの都市) giving a nice
idea of what I’m saying here. As for “ARISA II
SHAKE YOUR BODY FOR ME”, which was released in October 1992, the girl aimed for
a more edgy output, with the hit “TOO SHY SHY BOY!” serving as a prime example
of the new and fresh sound she was pursuing.
While half of “ARISA II SHAKE YOUR BODY FOR ME” was
composed by Tetsuya Komuro (小室哲哉) when he was experimenting with house music,
including a busy extended house remix of “TOO SHY SHY BOY!”, some of the other
songs by different composers are also great, as they give the album some
variety in sound, while also maintaining its overall dance and upbeat mood.
“WILD-ERS”, for example, was composed by Anri (杏里) and it really shows, since I can’t help but think of
Miho Nakayama’s (中山美穂) marvelous
“VIRGIN EYES” or even her own “BOOGIE WOOGIE MAINLAND” when it starts playing.
The funky groove and horn arrangement are just irresistible, and I always find
funny how the background vocalists sound like the ones in Mariah Carey’s
“Emotions”. In the end, Komuro’s sound may be a good treat for any pop lover,
but Anri’s “WILD-ERS” offers a breath of fresh air in the middle of his house
party.
“ARISA II SHAKE YOUR BODY FOR ME” reached #6 on the Oricon charts. Lyrics for “WILD-ERS” were written by Yumi Yoshimoto (吉元由美), while music was composed by Anri. As for the arrangement, Yasuharu Ogura (小倉泰治) was the responsible.
Yup, I totally agree with you and Brian. This is definitely Anri circa late 1980s-early 1990s. That Anri-Ogura-Yoshimoto triumvirate is in high gear on "WILD-ERS" especially with the tight horn section.
ReplyDeleteHello, Brian and J-Canuck.
DeleteI don't usually listen to Anri, besides some of her well known hits, like "Cat's Eye", "Kanashimi ga Tomaranai" or "Kimama ni Reflection", but I'm aware of her late 80s R&B sound thanks to Nakayama's "VIRGIN EYES", which I always play in heavy rotation.