Jackson Vibe - LIFE

In 2007, Jackson Vibe decided to release six singles in six consecutive months. The third in the lineup is LIFE, which came out on April 18th. Like all of their other singles, LIFE features three songs.

The first track, LIFE, is an incredibly upbeat song with a positive message. The refrain of "stand up baby, stand up for your life" is sung by Yoshikazu Grover in such an encouraging way that one can't help but want to heed his words. The song starts off simply, with Grover's voice accompanied by uncomplicated guitar chords, then breaks open with Hashitani Kouichi displaying his talent at picking. The piano in the background softens the song and the effect is fairly soothing. It's no wonder this uplifting song was used by NNN News Realtime to open their sports segment.

The second song is titled Peter and sounds like a song for an old friend. The song is certainly nostalgic as it opens in minor key, and it weaves a psychedelic and somewhat wistful atmosphere. However, while a song about parting, Peter is not overtly sad or regretful; it merely reflects the passing of memories.

The third track, Jitensha Dorobou, seems to tie in with bii-taa in that both songs invoke feelings of nostalgia. Despite the title, which translates as 'bicycle thief', Jitensha Dorobou is a happy and easygoing song. The fondness for this bicycle thief is apparent and the song is so smoothly catchy, it's hard not to sway along and be taken by it.

With their characteristic blend of folksy country rock, Jackson Vibe's seventh single proves that the band is staying true to their style, and why not? It's a style that works. And as this is only the halfway point of the year's scheduled releases, there's sure to be more great music coming from them.