Double Happiness [Japanese Import]

Remastered

1xLP pressed on Black Vinyl

Asuka Ando has become one of Japanese leading Lovers Rock singers after releasing her 1st album, ''mellowmoood'' (2015), and her 2nd album ''Amai Hitokuchi'' (2018). Her 3rd album, ''DOUBLE HAPPINESS,'' has finally been released after 6 years wait!

The first album contained several sad love songs, such as ''Yume de Aimasho -see you in my dreams-,'' won enthusiastic support from women of the same generation. The second album was sweet and lovely, featuring classics such as ''Amai Hitokuchi'' and ''Tonight is Tropical''. This 3rd album is an impressive work that sings and writes about ''the joy that is born of layering (DOUBLE HAPPINESS)'', thanks to the mature expression of love that comes with age, experience, and mastering both the sour and sweet sides of life.

The album contains various notable tracks, including the joyful song ''??,'' co-written with Thai reggae master Ga-Pi, the smooth and sultry ''Wait Till Dawn,'' ''Amai Kemuri,'' the Lovers x Ragga collaboration featuring Professor Chinnen, and new original songs such as ''Abuku,'' ''Sore nanoni,'' ''Yureruwa,'' ''BRBR,'' and 'Watashi ga nemutteiru aidani.' All songs are ''Lovers Rock,'' which incorporates sophisticated and intricate emotional nuances while still maintaining their delicate freshness. The songs shine in gradations of pale pink to violet.

Even her cover of Miki Imai's 'Ame ni Kissu no Hanataba wo' feels as familiar to the audience as if it were her own song. In other words, her original songs are so well-crafted that they make us wonder if they are someone else's covers. This is undoubtedly a testament to her songwriting and melody-making abilities. The beautiful artwork by KANAT, which is truly DOUBLE HAPPINESS, makes this album one of the best releases of 2024.

TEXT BY NOOLIO (ARRROUND Wicked Sound Maker)