File Index

L’Arc-en-Ciel

The Back Horn

Bonnie Pink

The Brilliant Green

B'z

Chara

Cocco

CORE OF SOUL

Dir en grey

fra-foa

Gackt

GLAY

globe

GO!GO!7188

GOING UNDER GROUND

hide

Judy and Mary

Malice Mizer

Mr. Children

Onitsuka Chihiro

Penicillin

The Pillows

Shiina Ringo

T.M.Revolution

Thee Michelle Gun Elephant

Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra

X Japan

Yaida Hitomi

The Yellow Monkey

Kaori Asada

Vocals, Guitar, Piano


One of the most touching voices I have had the pleasure of hearing in my life. I started listening to her songs around the same time as Judy and Mary. Since hers were not as catchy, I will admit I failed to quickly acknowledge her remarkable talent. But the more I listened to her heart-warming voice, the deeper it got under my skin. Now, I can without a doubt say I value her to her true worth. 

It does not matter if she sings in English or Japanese, the lyrics reach your soul whether you understand them or not. English-singing from a Japanese artist is not always a great combination but Bonnie Pink is fairly bilingual and besides, her small accent gives her even more charm… if that is even possible; her girl-next-door style already does so much for me.

 

Bonnie Pink is, of course, much more than just a pretty voice with a pretty face and pretty hair: She is a consummate songwriter and musician to boot! All the powerful lyrics you hear in her songs are hers. Such poignant words in such a soft tone are a treat and the jazzy, bass-heavy music that goes with them only make things better. Bonnie also actively participates in the music writing and, boy, does she have flair for that, as well. It has so many coatings of passionate notes and beats it just makes you want to close your eyes and stop whatever you are doing, which makes it very hard for me to write this profile. 

The mood is, more often than not, that of a hot bath: The kind of tunes you listen to when you are alone at home one evening. Not to say they are depressing; even if some express sadness many of Bonnie’s songs are about moving on and enjoying life. So, sad, happy or any shade of grey, I always find the suiting piece for my mood in any of her albums. 

You may have unknowingly heard a song of hers before. Have you ever wondered whom that beautiful voice interpreting the ending theme, It’s Gonna Rain, in the animated series Rurouni Kenshin belonged to? Even if this not a personal favourite of mine, it was a great addition to the show and a great way to reach more fans. Hey, it worked for me, hasn’t it?

 

Kaori Asada always had a knack for music. She was still in college and playing her guitar here and there when she was approached by recording companies. Her nickname, Bonnie Pink, came from her then pink hairdo and musical influence. 

Her first album, Blue Jam, did not shatter records but caught the ear of more influential producer who eventually financed her second album two years later. This second album, Heaven’s kitchen, was not only as good as the first but got the recognition it deserved, making Bonnie Pink one of Japan’s most acclaimed solo artists. Many other works (she now has eight original albums), showcasing her immense flexibility, has helped her keep her fanbase, while various collaborations, which recently included Ryo of The Brilliant Green on the track Above the Clouds, has made it expand tenfold.  

Bonnie has grownup quite a bit since I first discovered her touch. Old-school pink seems to be what is best tailored for my taste but I cannot deny she has written and performed tunes recently that truly deserve praise. Sampling of the singles off of Golden Tears and Even So, will quickly determined if established Bonnie Pink is still a-ok in your book. 

 

Favourite Album:

Heaven's Kitchen

Winning by a hair over Evil and Flowers and Blue Jam, this album is an arrow to my heart. Not only does it include songs such as Heaven's Kitchen, Get in my Hair and Do You Crash? But the overall result produces the perfect ambiance.

 

Favourite Songs:

1. Senaka
2. Inu to Tsuki
3. Building a Castle
4. Scarecrow
5. Eve's Apple
6. Get in my Hair
7. Evil and Flowers
8. Thinking of You
9. Heaven's Kitchen
10. Shadow

Why Senaka?

It may not be her most emotional song, but is certainly her grooviest. It gives my feet a life of their own.  The high notes in the chorus are hit right on the spot and, matched with an awesome double bass line, represent how even Bonnie's simpler songs can still have huge impacts.

 

 

Official Site: http://www.bonniepink.jp/

(Tip: use AltaVista's Babel Fish translator)

 

English Fan Site:

Little Comfort -Bonnie Pink Side-: http://www.lc-site.com/bp/index_e.html