Aigakikoeru: Listen for the Love
Encyclopedia
Aigakikoeru: Listen for the Love is Kokia
's fifth album. It was originally released under Wasabi Records in France in November 2006, however was eventually released in Japan six months later. "Aigakikoeru" (standard Japanese ) means "Love Can Be Heard."
Two songs from the album feature on Kokia's 2009 greatest hits collection Coquillage: The Best Collection II
: "Atatakai Basho" and a previously unpublished version of "Nukumori (Aigakikoeru)" featuring stringed instruments.
. However, when the album was released in Japan, it was still distributed under Victor.
In July 2006, Kokia created 47 Stories, which was a concept theme for her musical activities. The project intended to "deliver songs to the 47 Prefectures
of Japan," as opposed to just the central metropolitan areas where concerts are generally held. A new song of hers, "Inori ni mo Nita Utsukushii Sekai," was made the theme song for the intended concerts. This would eventually make its way onto the album. Kokia, however, did not manage to reach all 47 wards of Japan. At the second date of her Kokia 2006 Keep Moving tour, Kokia gave out 100 Birthday Present EPs for the earliest people at the venue in celebration of her 30th birthday. The CD featured "Inori ni mo Nita Utsukushii Sekai" and another song that would be put onto the album, "Itsuka Dareka o Ai Shita Toki." Many of the songs performed at 47 Stories concerts made it onto the album, such as "Ahiru no Kokoro," "Atatakai Basho," "Inochi no Hikari," "Kakusei (Open Your Eyes)" and "So Sad So Bad."
Many of the songs were stock songs written by Kokia at earlier points. "Uchū ga..." was originally performed in concerts in late 2002, however, rearranged for the album release. "Cocoro" was the opening number from her second solo concert, Your Side: Motto Soba ni, in 2003. "Futari no Musume" was also originally performed in 2003. "Yasashiku Sareru to Yasashiku Nareru Hana" was written as one of the possibilities for the ending theme of the film Origin: Spirits of the Past.
Kokia took her inspiration from many places. "Inori ni mo Nita Utsukushii Sekai" was written in the vein of hymns she heard at church when she was young. "Nukumori (Listen for the Love)" was written for her grandfather, when Kokia was spending time nursing him at his bedside in hospital, before his death. "Ahiru no Kokoro" is based on the fairy tale The Ugly Duckling
by Hans Christian Andersen
.
in early 2006. The French edition was released with an English booklet, as well as a bonus track: "Remember the Kiss (World Edition)
." This version was a piano-backed English lyrics version of the song.
The eventual Japanese release, six months later, also featured bonus tracks: "Inochi no Hikari" and "Arigatō... (from Kokia 2007)." "Inochi no Hikari" was an original song Kokia has performed at concerts in 2006, while the other track is a re-recording of Kokia's Pony Canyon
-era single.
The album was re-released in France as a part of a 3CD set called Kokia Collection, on the 22nd of October 2008. The album also featured 2008's The Voice
and Christmas Gift
, and features a cover similar to the Christmas Gift photoshoot cover.
albums charts, selling 6,000 copies. The album was not reviewed heavily by critics. However, one of the few reviews (by CDJournal) praised the album for its "mystery world of deeply emotional lyrics" and Kokia's vocals.
Kokia (singer)
is a Japanese singer-songwriter, who performs under the stage name Kokia . She is best known for her songs and "The Power of Smile." She is also recognised for her numerous contributions to anime/game soundtracks, the most notable being "Ai no Melody/Chōwa Oto " for the film...
's fifth album. It was originally released under Wasabi Records in France in November 2006, however was eventually released in Japan six months later. "Aigakikoeru" (standard Japanese ) means "Love Can Be Heard."
Two songs from the album feature on Kokia's 2009 greatest hits collection Coquillage: The Best Collection II
Coquillage: The Best Collection II
Coquillage: The Best Collection II is Kokia's second greatest hits album, released on December 2, 2009.-Background:...
: "Atatakai Basho" and a previously unpublished version of "Nukumori (Aigakikoeru)" featuring stringed instruments.
Background
This album is Kokia's first to be managed by her own company, Anco & Co., after desiring greater creative autonomy from Victor EntertainmentVictor Entertainment
is a subsidiary of Japan Victor Company that produces and distributes music, movies and other entertainment products such as anime and television shows in Japan. It was formerly known as...
. However, when the album was released in Japan, it was still distributed under Victor.
In July 2006, Kokia created 47 Stories, which was a concept theme for her musical activities. The project intended to "deliver songs to the 47 Prefectures
Prefectures of Japan
The prefectures of Japan are the country's 47 subnational jurisdictions: one "metropolis" , Tokyo; one "circuit" , Hokkaidō; two urban prefectures , Osaka and Kyoto; and 43 other prefectures . In Japanese, they are commonly referred to as...
of Japan," as opposed to just the central metropolitan areas where concerts are generally held. A new song of hers, "Inori ni mo Nita Utsukushii Sekai," was made the theme song for the intended concerts. This would eventually make its way onto the album. Kokia, however, did not manage to reach all 47 wards of Japan. At the second date of her Kokia 2006 Keep Moving tour, Kokia gave out 100 Birthday Present EPs for the earliest people at the venue in celebration of her 30th birthday. The CD featured "Inori ni mo Nita Utsukushii Sekai" and another song that would be put onto the album, "Itsuka Dareka o Ai Shita Toki." Many of the songs performed at 47 Stories concerts made it onto the album, such as "Ahiru no Kokoro," "Atatakai Basho," "Inochi no Hikari," "Kakusei (Open Your Eyes)" and "So Sad So Bad."
Recording
Kokia started forming Aigakikoeru in late August 2006, and finished recording in October. Kokia gave the album a theme of warmth, with Kokia using many of her songs that had kind and tender lyrics.Many of the songs were stock songs written by Kokia at earlier points. "Uchū ga..." was originally performed in concerts in late 2002, however, rearranged for the album release. "Cocoro" was the opening number from her second solo concert, Your Side: Motto Soba ni, in 2003. "Futari no Musume" was also originally performed in 2003. "Yasashiku Sareru to Yasashiku Nareru Hana" was written as one of the possibilities for the ending theme of the film Origin: Spirits of the Past.
Kokia took her inspiration from many places. "Inori ni mo Nita Utsukushii Sekai" was written in the vein of hymns she heard at church when she was young. "Nukumori (Listen for the Love)" was written for her grandfather, when Kokia was spending time nursing him at his bedside in hospital, before his death. "Ahiru no Kokoro" is based on the fairy tale The Ugly Duckling
The Ugly Duckling
"The Ugly Duckling" is a literary fairy tale by Danish poet and author Hans Christian Andersen . The story tells of a homely little bird born in a barnyard who suffers abuse from his neighbors until, much to his delight , he matures into a beautiful swan, the most beautiful bird of all...
by Hans Christian Andersen
Hans Christian Andersen
Hans Christian Andersen was a Danish author, fairy tale writer, and poet noted for his children's stories. These include "The Steadfast Tin Soldier," "The Snow Queen," "The Little Mermaid," "Thumbelina," "The Little Match Girl," and "The Ugly Duckling."...
.
Release
The album was originally released in November 2006 in France, through Wasabi Records (primarily a distributor for anime-related music and DVDs). Kokia had previously performed a successful concert in ParisParis
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
in early 2006. The French edition was released with an English booklet, as well as a bonus track: "Remember the Kiss (World Edition)
The Power of Smile/Remember the Kiss
"The Power of Smile/Remember the Kiss" is Kokia's 10th single, released on September 24, 2003. It is currently Kokia's most commercially successful single, after being used as the Kao Essential Damage Care shampoo commercials in 2003, featuring actress Yūko Takeuchi.-Background:This single was the...
." This version was a piano-backed English lyrics version of the song.
The eventual Japanese release, six months later, also featured bonus tracks: "Inochi no Hikari" and "Arigatō... (from Kokia 2007)." "Inochi no Hikari" was an original song Kokia has performed at concerts in 2006, while the other track is a re-recording of Kokia's Pony Canyon
Pony Canyon
is a Japanese company, established on October 1, 1966 , which publishes music, DVD and VHS videos, movies and video games. It is a subsidiary of Japanese Media Group, Fujisankei Communications Group.-History:...
-era single.
The album was re-released in France as a part of a 3CD set called Kokia Collection, on the 22nd of October 2008. The album also featured 2008's The Voice
The Voice (Kokia album)
The Voice is Kokia's sixth studio album, released in February 2008. It is the first of four album releases in 2008 celebrating her 10th anniversary as a singer....
and Christmas Gift
Christmas Gift (album)
Christmas Gift is Kokia's eighth studio album, released in October/November 2008. It is her first full-length Christmas album, though she had released a special Christmas EP for fans, A Piece of Christmas, in November 2006...
, and features a cover similar to the Christmas Gift photoshoot cover.
Reception
The album reached #67 on the Japanese OriconOricon
, established in 1999, is the holding company at the head of a Japanese corporate group that supplies statistics and information on music and the music industry in Japan. It started as , which was founded by Sōkō Koike in November 1967 and became known for its music charts. Oricon Inc...
albums charts, selling 6,000 copies. The album was not reviewed heavily by critics. However, one of the few reviews (by CDJournal) praised the album for its "mystery world of deeply emotional lyrics" and Kokia's vocals.
Track listing
All songs written and produced by Kokia. Translations given are official English titles listed in French edition (except for track #6, tracks #14, #15 (Japanese Ed.)).Japan Sales Rankings
| Release | Chart | Peak Position | First Week Sales | Sales Total | Chart Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oricon Daily Albums Chart | |||||
| Oricon Weekly Albums Chart | 67 | 2,878 | 5,749 | 4 weeks | |
| Oricon Yearly Albums Chart |
Personnel
Track numbers relate to the French edition of the album.- Katsuhiko "Chara" Asano – mixing engineer
- Eco – piano (#6)
- Takako Fujieda – harpHarpThe harp is a multi-stringed instrument which has the plane of its strings positioned perpendicularly to the soundboard. Organologically, it is in the general category of chordophones and has its own sub category . All harps have a neck, resonator and strings...
(#2) - Masayoshi Furukawa – acoustic guitar (#6), classical guitarClassical guitarThe classical guitar is a 6-stringed plucked string instrument from the family of instruments called chordophones...
(#4) - Nobuo Furukawa – cello (#11)
- Yoei Hashimono – mastering (at Aubrite Mastering Studio)
- Tetsuya Hayakawa – fretless bass (#6), washtub bassWashtub bassThe washtub bass, or "gutbucket", is a stringed instrument used in American folk music that uses a metal washtub as a resonator. Although it is possible for a washtub bass to have four or more strings and tuning pegs, traditional washtub basses have a single string whose pitch is adjusted by...
(#4) - Shigeyuki Hirano – director
- Masami Horisawa – cello (#5, #9)
- Noriko Inose – photographer
- Atsushi Kawahata – keyboards/piano (#8, #12)
- Crusher Kimura – violin (#5, #9)
- KokiaKokia (singer)is a Japanese singer-songwriter, who performs under the stage name Kokia . She is best known for her songs and "The Power of Smile." She is also recognised for her numerous contributions to anime/game soundtracks, the most notable being "Ai no Melody/Chōwa Oto " for the film...
– arranger (#1, #3, #7, #14), art work design, producer, programming (#7), songwriter, "ugly ducklin'" sound (#3), vocal chorus arrangement, vocals, violin (#7) - Maiko – violin (#5)
- Hiroshi Matsubara – percussion (#2-3)
- Kazuhiro Matsuo – acoustic guitar (#2-3, #5, #10, #12, #14), electric guitar (#7), classical guitar (#9)
- Shoko Miki – viola (#5)
- Kyoko Ohsako – keyboard (#3)
- Hiroyasu Okada – sikuSiku (panpipe)The Siku , is a traditional Andean panpipe. This instrument is the main instrument used in a musical genre known as the Sikuri. It is traditionally found all across the Andes but is more typically associated with music from the Kollasuyo, or Aymara speaking regions around Lake Titicaca...
/quenaQuenaThe quena is the traditional flute of the Andes. Usually made of bamboo or wood, it has 6 finger holes and one thumb hole and is open on both ends. To produce sound, the player closes the top end of the pipe with the flesh between his chin and lower lip, and blows a stream of air downward, along...
(#4) - Haruhiko Saga – morin khuurMorin khuurThe morin khuur is a traditional Mongolian bowed stringed instrument. It is one of the most important musical instruments of the Mongol people, and is considered a symbol of the Mongolian nation. The morin khuur is one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity identified...
(#4) - Toshiya Shioiri – arrangement/piano (#11, #13)
- Taisuke Sawachika – arranger/programming (#2, #5, #9), piano (#2, #5),
- Ataru Sumiyoshi – electric bass (#3, #7-8, #12)
- Gen Tanabe – additional arrangement (#6, #8, #12), acoustic guitar (#6, #12), electric guitar (#6, #8, #12), noise design (#6), ukuleleUkuleleThe ukulele, ; from ; it is a subset of the guitar family of instruments, generally with four nylon or gut strings or four courses of strings....
(#4) - Yasuhisa Yamamoto (Usatrene Records) – arranger (#4, #6, #8, #12), keyboard (#6, #8), percussion (#4, #6, #12), programming (#6, #8, #12), strings arrangement (#4)