W (Double U) - Duo U&U

Duo U&U, W's debut and first cover album, was released in 2004, making it their second release of that year. The combination of 60-80’s j-pop and modern musical techniques make this album a fun, summery collection of songs.

Koi No Vacance starts off the album with a splash of colour. The Peanuts’ original is extremely different; their version is a lot classier and very jazzy. The vocals of Tsuji and Kago, while both quite different, work together in perfect harmony. Their high-pitched singing sets the scene brilliantly, rising beautifully over the backing instruments and synthesizers. After the first chorus, a skilful guitar solo, which has a perfect lightness to it, gives a pleasant break from the dominating vocals.

The second track, South Paw, is very different stylistically in comparison to the first. The difference between this version and the original by Pink Lady is very small; the only notable difference is that this version has all of the backing instrumentals electronically produced. It has the same element of colour as the first track, however their vocals don’t work as well together as they have done previously. Tsuji’s vocal work is much more dominant than Kago’s and this lets the song down.

Nagisa No [.....] and Shiroi Iro Wa Koibito No Iro are slower and calmer. In Nagisa No [.....] you can easily hear the 70’s and 80’s influences from the original. They set a nostalgic mood, particularly Shiroi Iro Wa Koibito No Iro. The first few seconds of Shiroi Iro Wa Koibito No Iro are almost the only difference to the original, the other being that Tsuji and Kago are the ones singing it! The lack of change from the original composition works in the song's favour; the tenderness of this track should be left untouched.

The fifth track, Osaka Rhapsody, combines that of a marching band and a heavy Mediterranean influence to make a very unique track. Alas, the vocals let this song down, in the same way that they let down South Paw as Tsuji’s voice dominates the song.

Matsu Wa is easily one of the best songs on this album. This, much like Shiroi Iro Wa Koibito Iro, has practically no difference when compared to the original by AMIN, however this cover is much more satisfying than the original as Kago’s and Tsuji’s voices are simply much more pleasant to listen to. The calm instrumental opens dramatically, but it is not at all over the top, which suits this track. Kago’s and Tsuji’s voices soar and harmonize perfectly.

Samishii Netaigyo, Kakemeguru Seishun, Nagisa No Sinbad, Koi no Indian Ningyo and Suki Yo Captain are all hyper, pop-y, and ridiculously catchy. They are all very well sang and are all-rounded good tracks. Samishii Netaigyo remains quite true to its original, however it seems Nagisa No Sinbad differs due to the vocals being much higher. Koi No Indian Ningyo has a strong western-movie feel to it, whilst maintaining a classic j-pop sound.

Senti.Metal.Boy, the twelfth track, also has a massive 70’s and 80’s influence, which is reflected mainly through the skilfully played bass guitar. Tsuji’s and Kago’s vocals are brilliantly matched, which makes this song very well balanced.

The thirteenth track, Otsurae Muki No Destiny, sounds much like an anime opening or perhaps a sample from a game soundtrack, which is a pleasant diversion from the rest of the album. This song stays quite true to the original by Kirara To Urara.

The last two tracks, Give Me Up and Jounetsu No Hana (PASSION FLOWER) are both the catchiest on the album! Give Me Up is almost indistinguishable from the Original by BABE! Jounetsu No Hana (PASSION FLOWER) is quite different to the original, this version being a huge update; Tsuji’s and Kago’s voices are much more girly and cutesy.

Duo U&U overall, has the classic, girly, j-pop sound that nearly everyone likes to hear every once in a while. If you want a change of scene, your daily fix of catchy, upbeat music, or just a quick listen to updated classics, then I highly recommend that you give this album a listen!