Memories II Hiroko Kasahara Best Selection

MEMORIES II
HIROKO KASAHARA BEST SELECTION
Copyright © (P) 1995 Warner Music Japan Inc.
WPC6-815
Available now in Japan
¥2900
Where to buy

—by Ivevei Upatkoon

1. Suteki na Yoru ni ~In the Snow Land~ (4:57)

2. Tea for Me (4:47)

3. Aozora no Orange (3:28)

4. Tooi Natsu no Kyuujitsu (4:57)

5. Shiroi Page no Naka ni (Single Version) (5:15)

6. Himawari (4:15)

7. Ashita e no Kaze (5:00)

8. Shiokaze ni Sayonara (6:06)

9. Yuki no Furu Gogo ni (5:19)

10. Taisetsu na Jikan (5:09)

11. Sayonara ga Kureta no wa (4:50)

12. Millions Star ~1,000,000 bun no 1 no Hoshi no Anata e~ (5:38)

13. Koi wa GET UP!! (4:34)

Even though you are probably unfamiliar with the name, if you are an anime fan who watches in the original Japanese you have most likely heard her work. Kasahara Hiroko is a veteran voice actress who has performed roles ranging from Maron in ASSEMBLE INSERT to Hououji Fuu of MAGIC KNIGHT RAYEARTH, and Armitage from ARMITAGE III. Rather than her voice acting roles, however, she perhaps better known for theme songs and image songs. "Condition Green" and "Miraiha Lovers" (PATLABOR), "Sora e..." (ROMEO'S BLUE SKIES), and Ishtar's songs from MACROSS II are all performed by Hiroko. While other voice actresses like Hisakawa Aya or Miyamura Yuuko have gone on to become idols, in her ten years in the profession, Hiroko has been content to stay out of the limelight, singing simply for a small but fiercely loyal group of fans.
With 17 original singles and 25 original albums to her name, though, it is obvious that Kasahara Hiroko has kept her singing career foremost. She actually releases under two labels, Pioneer and Warner. Songs from the former rely on acoustic instrumentals and have a strong Baltic flavor, while albums from the latter are more or less conventional J-pop.
For those of you who have enjoyed Hiroko's distinct acting voice with its soft but clear tone, I would recommend Memories II, the second Kasahara Hiroko best selection from Warner. In addition to fan favorites from her previous works, it also includes 4 new songs. This cheerful album is composed mostly of medium-tempo J-pop which makes for easy listening.
It opens with a sweet song, "Suteki na Yoru ni," which brings to mind scenes of Christmas and caroling. This sets the image for the rest of the songs in this album; all of them are ordinary love songs given that extra element of loveliness by Hiroko's delicate vocals. "Tooi Natsu no Kyuujitsu" is a personal favorite. A simple tune with a minor variation, the occasional insertion of bells, and the trumpet solo during the refrain and at the end turn it into a nostalgic, bittersweet melody.
Of the new songs, "Shiokaze ni Sayonara" has more of a modern beat, and "Koi wa GET UP!!" is a very bright piece that is a fitting close to this CD. Unlike most of the other songs, which are a little on the quiet, mellow side, this track is a fast-paced arrangement in which drums, electric guitar and synthesizer feature prominently—guaranteed to give your spirits a big lift!
The above might tempt to you dismiss MEMORIES II as just another fluffy J-pop collection, but that is not the case. There are two beautiful ballads, "Himawari" and "Millions Star," that impart a depth to balance out this album. It is here that Hiroko excels and her voice is shown off to its potential.
Some people complain, and not without good reason, that Hiroko's original songs tend to boring. To be honest, there are several songs on even this album that I just skip over. In particular, if you prefer the harder stuff like techno or rock, then, sadly, you would be advised to give Hiroko a pass. But if you like her voice and are looking for something warm and comfortable after a long day, then this might just be it.