The Japanese version of soft rock.
Singer Tomiko Van covered mostly pop songs on VOICE~cover you with love~, but for her second cover album, she has chosen some rock ballads. The other interesting fact about this album is that all of the songs were originally sung by men.
The first tracks are similar to each other in style - even if Cherry can be described as a light and romantic rock hymn, and track two is more swing - both songs still have a calm character. You’re the Only created very touching emotions with the rushing of the waves, the melody of a jukebox and a very dynamic, short electric guitar solo before the end. The next number is another yearning ballad, so it's a nice break to have the following song, It’s Only Love, break up the routine with its catchy beat. However, the vocal interpretation of Tooku Tooku will sound a little off, and possibly even a bit silly to foreign ears. However, the rock and roll character of the song and the musical background are well-rounded and captivating.
The next songs are contemplative in character and give the listener plenty to enjoy. There are some nice solos by an electric guitar and piano, respectively. A real surprise was Zoo, a melodic rock melody that is L’Arc~en~Ciel like, with its lively vocals and a fine distorted solo. At the beginning of Aisubeki Hito yo, it seemed to be a sad song, but pretty soon the track became a mid-tempo, rousing rock ballad. The very last track on the album, Oh Pretty Woman, is very well-known to most. The catchy beat and the melody remain unaltered, and that’s why the song remains highly recognizable. The only difference from the original, other than the fact that this time a woman is singing this song, is that Tomiko sings the English lyrics a bit slower, but this doesn’t detract from the song at all.
Tomiko didn't make a poor choice with this second cover album, even if the most of the songs on this compilation are unknown in the Western world. This album is the right choice for all the people who love to reminisce, or the people who are looking for something romantic. It’s Only Love and Zoo are of particular note and should be listened to for sure!
