D-51 - Forever Friends

Despite the fact that this duo is slowly gaining more popularity in Japan, it seems that there is very little attention paid to D-51 overseas. Forever Friends is the group's 9th single; it was released in winter 2007 and was used as the ending song to the TV show Ongakusenshi MUSIC FIGHTER.

The intro of Forever friends is mostly a cappella with only a little percussion added, already giving the summer vibe that most of D-51's songs have. As the instruments join in, the relaxed feeling stays, with the vocals remaining at the foreground and a little bass and percussion in the background. The vocals are, like always, alternated between the two vocalists Yu and Yasu. The vocal melodies of the song are a little cheesy, which can be expected from a song titled Forever friends.

Last scene, the second track of the single, is a slow R&B-like waltz with a very warm and romantic atmosphere to it. Again, the vocals are alternated between the two vocalists, although because their voices sound very much alike and flow together very naturally, it might as well have been one vocalist singing.

For both songs, there are also instrumental versions available for karaoke. It seems very suitable for the band, not only because karaoke is a common pastime in Japan, but also because they started their career with street performances singing karaoke.

Even though it didn't fare very well on the Oricon charts, the single is actually very enjoyable, giving a very good overview of D-51's style. Forever friends is also available on their best of album, which they released earlier this year, so if you like this single we definitely recommend that you check out BEST OF D-51 as well.