A few days late but here is the latest round of The Battle of the Songs. I am continuing the trend from last year that the first battle of the new year will include the words “new” and/or “brand new”. Last year, I featured the keyword “Brand New Day” with a battle featuring Sting and LITTLE GLEE MONSTER. This year, I am featuring Polish singer-songwriter BASIA and Japanese dance-pop group TRF. Check out the battle below and vote for your favorite in the comments!
By the way, make sure you check my playlist to inspire your a-has for 2020. This is such an inspirational playlist filled with songs from around the world that will inspire your day and you to go after your goals!
BASIA – “A New Day For You”
I first heard about this Polish singer-songwriter about a few years ago with the song “Cruising for Bruising”. Actually, I never knew she was Polish until I research about BASIA for this post. I always thought she was an American or English. Nevertheless, “Cruising for Bruising” made me fall in love with BASIA’s discography as her songs are laid-back and soothing. And BASIA has a very relaxing yet talented voice.
“A New Day For You” was suggested to me by Spotify about two years ago. I couldn’t stop listening to the tune for days. I kept on playing this song over and over, especially when I was getting ready for work in the morning, as the tune is pleasant-sounding and calming. The lyrics are also seemingly inspirational. Inspired by a poem given by Peter Ross of Immaculate Fools, the words talk about how one should think of the future as an opportunity to make anew.[1] What kind of message do you get out from the lyrics of “A New Day For You”?
An interesting fact is that “A New Day For You” was used as a peace anthem for South Africa during the Apartheid era. It is also a popular tune here in Japan as it is commonly played in the PARCO department store. However, I would never know that because I rarely go to PARCO.
Check out this Japanese-language cover of the song by Japanese idol-turned-enka singer Yoko Nagayama. Featured on the 1988 album Tokyo Menu, it is one of many Western hits that Nagayama covered during her short idol career. Now she just sings Japanese enka songs.
TRF – “BRAND NEW TOMORROW”
Aaah, good ol’ TRF. If you are a fan of Japanese music, you will most certainly know about TRF and/or about the group’s creator Tetsuya Komuro. TRF was a staple in the early 90s for Japanese listeners as their music was widely popular. A group with members who were singers, DJs, and dancers, the group was all about club music and making people want to dance! Although “BRAND NEW TOMORROW” is a bit more subtle than dance-crazed tunes like “Overnight Sensation ~Jidai wa Anata ni Yuneteru~” (I leave the era up to you), “BRAND NEW TOMORROW” will have you wanting to dance away those sorrows.
The Translated Lyrics for “BRAND NEW TOMORROW”
Here are the translated lyrics for the song, translated by me:
(Let’s get BRAND NEW TOMORROW)
(Let’s get BRAND NEW TOMORROW)
I won’t say goodbye
Because I believe in tomorrow.
I will spend a night alone,
No matter how much I want to escape it.
Memories of a distant days
with a boy crossing the fence.
I will regain my personality
for a voice to exchange with my real face.
Even when I talk to friends on the phone,
I feel empty.
Every time the phone rings,
the feeling creeps on my face.
(UH… Loneliness)
With the days I wish I could dance
(UH… Holding onto it)
in exchange for those
(UH… Gentleness)
It’s gonna be a dAnce tonight
(will disappear)
Wow Wow Wow…
I can get myself back
from the swaying thoughts.
I don’t need comfort
even if I want more time.
Anytime, anywhere,
(Let’s get BRAND NEW TOMORROW)
I want to fall in love.
Style, pride, even rules
(Let’s get BRAND NEW TOMORROW)
Everything has come together.
One habit increases
when the season changes.
As many as the men I met,
these habits should be beautiful.
(UH… heartbeats)
The live show inside the car
(UH… even if you search for them)
I sang alone with tears
(UH… little by little)
It’s gonna be a beautiful music tonight
(will disappear)
Wow Wow Wow…
I can hear it from the radio:
the relaxing DJ Talk & Song.
I don’t need comfort
even if I want more time.
I won’t say goodbye
(Let’s get BRAND NEW TOMORROW)
Because I believe in tomorrow.
I will spend a night alone,
(Let’s get BRAND NEW TOMORROW)
No matter how much I want to escape it.
Be with you Be with you tonight
Be with you Be with you tonight
I can get myself back
from the swaying thoughts.
I don’t need comfort
(Let’s get BRAND NEW TOMORROW)
even if I want more time.
I will spend a night alone,
(Let’s get BRAND NEW TOMORROW)
No matter how much I want to escape it.
Be with you Be with you tonight
(Let’s get BRAND NEW TOMORROW)
Be with you Be with you tonight
I won’t say goodbye
(Let’s get BRAND NEW TOMORROW)
Because I believe in tomorrow.
I can get myself back
(Let’s get BRAND NEW TOMORROW)
from the swaying thoughts.
I will spend a night alone,
(Let’s get BRAND NEW TOMORROW)
No matter how much I want to escape it.
(Let’s get BRAND NEW TOMORROW…)
