Takahashi Yu is a folk-pop singer-songwriter who grew up in Yokote, Akita. He started activities in 2002 with a self-produced album and several street lives. It is said that during his indie days, he used to rent a CD shop and only allow 30 people to enter for concerts. After moving to Tokyo in 2008, Takahashi was scouted by the label, Amuse and later, Tower Records, through which he released the single, Kodomo no uta. In 2009, he debuted under Warner Music Japan with Subarashiki nichijou and continued to release more work under the label.
The double A-side single Fukuwarai / Genjitsu to Iu Na no Kaibutsu to Tatakau Monotachi is Takahashi Yu’s sixth single which ranked 15th place on the Oricon Singles Chart and sold 14 000 copies.
The track Fukuwarai is a power pop ballad. Acoustic guitar and strong piano chords hold the weight of the song but the vocals are what draw attention to the track.Takahashi’s voice is fairly nasal and his youth shines through the melody. A piano verison of Fukuwarai is included on the regular edition of the single, and is a far gentler ballad than the original version.
The second A-side, Genjitsu to iu na no kaibutsu no tatakau to monotachi, certainly packs a punch with such a lengthy title, à la te'. The track holds similar elements to the first A-side; Takahashi's voice is just as powerful with a melody that bounces pleasantly between major notes.
The two A-side tracks include Takahashi’s signature power ballad style and definitely carries a folk sound immersed in piano-driven pop. The PVs for both tracks are interesting to watch as well.
Both A-sides are included on the album, Real Time Singer Songwriter. The limited edition of the single includes an extra track and bonus DVD content containing PVs of previous singles.
The PVs for both Fukuwarai and Genjitsu to iu na no kaibutsu no tatakau to monotachi are below. Both PVs look very similar and have onscreen kanji and kana text in a handwritten style. Enjoy!
