ZARD TODAY IS ANOTHER DAY

ALL WORDS BY IZUMI SAKAI

JBCJ-1009

My Friend ...... Their 17th single, it aired from October 1995 as the ending theme for TV animation "SLAM DUNK". Released on January 8, 1996, it ranked #1 first week on the Oricon chart, and it became a million hit.

Kimi ga ita kara ...... Released on May 15, 1996 as FIELD OF VIEW's debut single. Aired as the theme song for the TV drama "Kagayaku kisetsu no naka de" from April to June 95. This ZARD version was originally made per request of the producer of the same TV program, and actually aired in the drama in the original form. Although at first there were no plans of release, after airing enquiries flooded in, and it was decided that this version be included on this album.

Sayonara wa ima mo kono mune ni imasu ...... It was used as the theme song for the theartre version (opened Summer 1995) of the drama "Shiratori Reiko de gozaimasu", which has sponsored ZARD's works "Makenaide" and "Kitto wasurenai". It was released on August 28, 1995 as the 16th single, but the vocal is recorded over for this album. Composer Kuribayashi Seiichirou participated as guest vocalist. Just like "My Friend", it ranked #1 first week on the Oricon chart.

LOVE -Nemurezuni kimi no yokogao zutto miteita- ...... Cover version of the 2nd single (released June 9, 1996) by Barbier, a unit ZARD participated in as lyricist and guest vocalist. It was made so that it cannot be thought of as the same song. It implements sounds that closely resemble middle period of Beatles, but the ending is intertwined with chorus and various instruments like an overturned toy box.

DAN DAN kokoro hikareteku ...... Song released on March 11, 1996 as FIELD OF VIEW's 4th single. Aired since February 96 as the opening theme for TV animation "DRAGON BALL GT".

Nemuri ...... Written and composed by Sakai, the arpeggio played by the 12-string acoustic guitar in the intro creates a vivid impression of the song. Here, ANDY JOHNS (mixing engineer for Led Zeppelin / Van Halen, etc.) is in charge of the remix.

Kokoro wo hiraite ...... Aired from April 1996 as the CM song for Pocari Sweat. ZARD's 18th single, where ANDY JOHNS is in charge of the mixing. This song also ranked #1 first week on the Oricon chart.

Totsuzen ...... This ZARD version is faithful to the original arrangement of the 2nd single by FIELD OF VIEW which became a million hit, but it is accomplished by embarking various ideas. The original piece of music that has a Scottish image is made anew by sounds that smell of West Coast.

Kyou mo ...... Telecast sounds that have a touch of British flavor. Its resemblance to songs from the first album is startling. This arrangement, which reminds one of simple garage rock, brings a new understanding of ZARD's origin.

Today is another day ...... Title tune whose Southern rock arrangement reminds one of the stage accompanied by brass section. It became the theme song for the animation "YAWARA! Supesharu -Zutto kimo no koto ga", which put Altanta on the stage. This song was at first titled "Kyou ga kawaru."

Ai ga mienai ...... ZARD's 15th single released in 1995. Danceable uptempo tune aired as the "SEA BREEZE" CM image song. Music by PAMELAH's guitarist Ozawa Masazumi.

Mitsumeteitaine ...... From reading a fan letter in the studio during the production of the album, Sakai learned of a certain high school student who was killed in a bike accident and of the existence of his classmates and the teacher in charge. A big fan of ZARD, he was nicknamed "keeper" and was a popular person in his class. The letter writes about the feelings of the students who faced the sudden death right in front of them, and the person in charge who worries about his family... One day towards the end of recording, a copy of the graduation album was delivered. Hopes and anxieties of everyone in the 3rd year G class, and the three years of high school life that was spent with "keeper", was condensed in here. In the lyrics, the line "3G no kiipaa" symbolizes he who did his best to outrun his short youth. (3G stands for 3rd year G class.) Along with "Today is another day", it was aired on "YAWARA! Supesharu".


Helena Yan / hyan@cs.stanford.edu