Angela Aki - Tegami ~Haikei Juugo No Kimi E~

Skilled pianist and songstress Angela Aki's eighth single is packed with gorgeous songs.

A light melody on the right hand matches a wreath of deep tones played with the left in Tegami ~Haikei Juugo No Kimi E~ . Basking under layers of the soul, it lifts the weight off the shoulders and forces one to take a moment and reflect. No matter what the weight of one’s burdens, the song displays hope to those who crave it. It also questions one’s current journey in life and suggests the answer is in wondering where to travel next, as a section of the translated lyrics suggest: “If you continue asking what and where you should be going, you'll be able to see the answer.” It truly forces you to ask where your feet may lead you. Clapping like that found in a gospel choir fills the latter half of the track Indicates success as “keep on believing” echoes in the background. Tegami ~Haikei Juugo No Kimi E~ ends as ravishing as it begins, but it backs away modestly before fading into Final Destination.

Final Destination is less touching than Tegami ~Haikei Juugo No Kimi E~ because it gives off a lighter vibe, but it sounds just as beautiful. The composition throws light jazz into the mix as Angela’s voice remains pleasing.

The third song, Still Fighting It, is a cover by Ben Folds. It begins softly with the phrase, “Good morning, sun.” Noticeably, Angela Aki’s accent is perfect while singing portions of the song in English. Generally, when English lyrics are featured in Japanese music, they usually have no connotation to the actual meaning of the song. However, when Angela Aki uses English, it works in her favor as the English lyrics add to further the development of the track.

A string version of Tegami ~Haikei Juugo No Kimi E~ is included on the single as the final track. The orchestral strings evoke an entirely different feeling than the normal version does. Overall, Tegami ~Haikei Juugo No Kimi E~ is the most thought provoking track of the three, and a wide array of Japanese high school and middle school choirs have sung it. Tegami ~Haikei Juugo No Kimi E~ is also featured on her latest album, Answer, which makes the single truly worth owning.