I just recently got the new single Senno Yoruto Senno Hiru in the mail. It was released in Japan June 11th, and is the forth single from the ever more popular Chitose Hajime of Amami-Oshima (island south of Japan). Chitose's unique vocal style based on Shimauta, which is a traditional singing style inherited in remote southern islands of Japan, has caught the attention of millions of listeners and made her the best new Japanese selling artist of 2002. Her relationship with Deep Forest began around the same time, when she was asked to sing Will you be Ready on their latest album Music Detected.

The single was nicely packaged with some beautiful photos of Chitose, violet and silver CD art, and information on her upcoming tour. There are three featured tracks, track 2: Byakuya being of most interest. Byakuya was recorded during Chitose's visit to France in 2002, and produced by Eric Mouquet. Similar to the sound of her recent album Hainumikaze, Byakuya has electric guitars, live drums, a strings section and even a couple ethereal vocal effects thanks to Eric. Overall an uplifting piece.

Official Site of Chitose Hajime

If you are thinking about ordering this single from Japan let me tell you a little more about the other two tracks. The third track is a cover of True Colors (Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg) a classic song with a beautiful melody and equally beautiful lyrics. Chitose sings this one in English, with just the acoustic guitar in the background. Though I enjoy Chitose's singing, I think this is the first song I have heard her sing in English, and her accent is a bit thick, taking away some of the song's elegance.

The opening song is Senno Yoruto Senno Hiru for which the single was named. This in another new composition similar to Byakuya, with live drums, electric guitars and strings section, but without the subtle vocal manipulations and 'multi-vocal' effects arranged by Eric. The new single will undoubtedly keep this Japanese star burning bright.

 

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Special thanks to Sony Music Japan and Augusta
Some background information was obtained from Sony Music Japan's site,
photos from Chitose's official site and Senno Yoruto Senno Hiru single