The sense of word choice that brings out the unique melody and rhythm of Southern All Stars
I think the first time I heard Southern All Stars was when I was in the fourth grade of elementary school and my mother was playing a cassette tape of their special album "Suika SOUTHERN ALL STARS SPECIAL 61 SONGS" in the car.
Even as a child, I thought the lyrics "What time is it now?" in "Katte ni Sindbad" sounded strange (laughs). But I vividly remember thinking that the melody was so cool and exciting that it instantly wiped away any image of those words.
After that, when I entered junior high school, I started following Southern All Stars around the time of their album "Yo ni Manyo no Hana ga Saku Nari," and when a friend invited me to "Chigasaki Live 2023," I ended up going all the way to Chigasaki.
The latest album was also incredibly wonderful, with a wide variety of songs. It's simply amazing how Kuwata's voice has remained so beautiful throughout, and I felt happy while listening to it. As with the opening of "Kureyuku Machi no Futari," the lyrics "Natsu no Kedai" (Summer Slackness) and the mere mention of "summer" instantly change the scenery, which is what makes Southern All Stars' songs so special.
In "On the Wind Time Machine," the word "Enoshima" instantly evokes the same ocean scenery that is unique to Southern All Stars. This is because Southern All Stars have been singing about Enoshima and Shonan for many years. There have been many place names that I have only just learned about through the lyrics, such as "Wakae" that appears in this song.
Another characteristic of Southern All Stars' songs is that they use English-sounding lyrics to accompany their melodies, and this time too, the interesting Japanese expressions were impressive. The lyrics of "Sakura, Hirari" really struck me, but the closing line "Ryuan Kamei" (Bright Willows and Flowers in the Dark) also sounds interesting and mysteriously English. The same goes for "Hatou wa Hokusai" (The Waves are Hokusai) in "Kaze no Time Machine ni Notte."
Also, I wonder if "Raijin-san" from "The Most Terrifying Monster in History" is also "Rising Sun." The first line of "Sadness is Beyond the Boogie" - "If it doesn't rain..." - sounds incredibly good. What's more, the power of these opening lyrics is incredible.
The word "eternity" (towa), which I'm likely to have learned from Southern All Stars, often appears in Kuwata's lyrics, and this time it was in "Utae Nippon no Sora." The reason it appears so frequently is probably because it fits well with the melody and rhythm when sung, and it's addictive. I also like yankees and UFOs, and I often include them in my manga, and even if I hesitate a little, if I think it's the perfect fit, I've learned to draw them without thinking.
The final song, "Relay ~ Mori no Uta," also looks at the redevelopment issues surrounding Jingu Gaien and other areas. It's reassuring to see such a great musician as Southern continue to sing songs with messages like this: "Can someone please explain this in simple terms?"
They have been the same band since I first discovered my love for music as a child, and I'm happy that I still discover new things about them.
Hit Me Lyric
If it doesn't rain, we can't eat rice. If we don't go to bed early, we can't dream.
From "Sadness is Beyond the Boogie"
My Favorite Southern
Love is a Misunderstanding (1979)
"I've loved this song since I was in elementary school. It reminds me of the seaside scenery of my hometown, Gamagori City, Aichi Prefecture. I don't think I've ever been able to sing that fast-paced part well at karaoke."
Sha La La (1980)
"It's a double A-side single with 'Gomen ne Charlie'. I'm particularly drawn to the lyrics of the part sung by Hara Yuko. I also like the covers by Tsuji Ayano and Okuda Tamio."
The Town Where Turtles Swim (1992)
"Everything is cool from the beginning. It's one of the songs on the album that includes 'Love', and I think the word 'love' in the lyrics was essential for the sound."
