L'Arc en Ciel, "Eine" (Smile, 2004)
L'Arc en Ciel, "Eien"
When "J-pop" tries to imitate contemporary Western trends, some of it sounds absolutely ridiculous. But when these rock stars push certain tried and true sounds, it's almost like they are reminding Americans and Europeans what could have been. I always thought it was strange how certain American songwriters I liked survived pitching to Japanese audiences during a few slim years when everything had to be "alternative", but strange in a comfortable way. In truth, I would hold the best J-pop to be the stuff that reminds me of some of the (ahem!) "better" Top 40 from the 1980s.
To the other, I couldn't affirmatively trace everything that goes into "Eien", by L'Arc en Ciel. I almost want to say I hear a mix of post-grunge guitar rock and Rufus Wainwright in this track from 2004, but that can't possibly be right.
Perhaps it might be better to simply say that Smile is an "album of singles" that I actually enjoy listening to.
Approximate English translation:
L'Arc en Ciel, "Eien"
When "J-pop" tries to imitate contemporary Western trends, some of it sounds absolutely ridiculous. But when these rock stars push certain tried and true sounds, it's almost like they are reminding Americans and Europeans what could have been. I always thought it was strange how certain American songwriters I liked survived pitching to Japanese audiences during a few slim years when everything had to be "alternative", but strange in a comfortable way. In truth, I would hold the best J-pop to be the stuff that reminds me of some of the (ahem!) "better" Top 40 from the 1980s.
To the other, I couldn't affirmatively trace everything that goes into "Eien", by L'Arc en Ciel. I almost want to say I hear a mix of post-grunge guitar rock and Rufus Wainwright in this track from 2004, but that can't possibly be right.
Perhaps it might be better to simply say that Smile is an "album of singles" that I actually enjoy listening to.
[video=youtube;zGykCFcVeRE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGykCFcVeRE[/video]
Approximate English translation:
The waves come in and go out under my feet; in the distance, your boat frolicks with the moon, gently swaying towards me.
I feel so much it's painful, so why? I can't put this love into words; I'm sure this love is forever.
I touch your sweet skin as your blood flows, tinged with a gentle fever; it fills the bottom of my heart.
I always want to fill you with so much love; now I pray for forever
The starry skies bless us, shining down on our meeting. They're so beautiful.
The swirling stars leading me are a magic spell; who should I thank? I will offer you this love forever. I will offer you—
I feel so much it's painful, so why? I can't put this love into words; I'm sure this love is forever.
I touch your sweet skin as your blood flows, tinged with a gentle fever; it fills the bottom of my heart.
I always want to fill you with so much love; now I pray for forever
The starry skies bless us, shining down on our meeting. They're so beautiful.
The swirling stars leading me are a magic spell; who should I thank? I will offer you this love forever. I will offer you—
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