Hayley Sings Japanese Songs [IMPORT]

Hayley Westenra

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 4, 2008)
• Original Release Date: June 4, 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Universal Japan
• ASIN: B0017SVGUW
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #84,214 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Special limited SHM-CD remastered edition pressing of the Japanese-only 2008 release from the New Zealand vocalist features one additional track 'Irolro Ha Koibito No Iro'. Hayley Meets japanese Songs is a collection of classic Japanese songs covered in English. Also includes the bonus track, 'Amazing Grace', a duet with singer Honda Minako. 12 tracks. Universal.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hayley Sings Japanese Songs, August 8, 2008

By	Aurora Borealis "(Morningside)" - See all my reviews

This CD is amazing! Here's the track by track review!

1) Amazing Grace Duet With Minako Honda 7/10
Beautiful! Those who loved her solo version should definately hear this! Hayley sings in Japanese (although it's just one verse.)

2) Hanamizuki 9/10
I LOVE the chorus! I know it was originally written in Japanese but the lyrics flow so smoothly. "The Dreams that shine like rosen gold" has to be one of the most beautiful lines I've heard Hayley sing.

3) Yuki No Hana 8/10
This means 'Snowflowers'. One of the love songs in this CD and it's definately VERY good! The melody and lyrics are just perfect even in English and I'm so going to learn how to play this on the piano.

4)Shiroi Iro Ha Koibito No Iro 6/10
The literal translation is 'White is the colour of sweet true love'. And yes, its a love song too. This time it is a song about first loves, sweet true loves and memories. It has a more folky melody and sound but it's still good!!

5)I Am A Thousand Winds 8/10
Sad sad sad!! About this lady singing to her loved one about how she's not sleeping in her grave but she's flying about as wind and that he should not cry for her anymore. Beautiful melody and story.

6)Blooming Flower 7/10
A song in a flower's point of view. Interesting and I think I've heard it before (in the Japanese version) but I definately like Hayley's more. There's nothing wrong with it and I love the name but trust me, there are better songs on the album. (To me, anyway)

7) Nada Sousou 10/10
THE BEST SONG ON THE ALBUM EVERR!! It was the song that convinced me to get it instantly! It's so beautiful and the melody matches the song PERFECRLY.

8) Tsubasa Wo Kudasai 8/10
Love it too! Not much to say about this but it's really great! That's for sure!! The title translation is 'To the Sun that lights the day'.

9) Sotsugyou Shashin 8/10
Another good one! The chorus is great! These few songs can't be described very well until you hear the beauty and simplicity of them. This one strangely has a more 'jazzy' feel.

10) Time Goes Around 7/10
An interesting fact to note: Hayley translated this song herself.
The lyrics are good but the melody is a little choppy. Not flowing like her other ballads.

11) I Believe 8/10
Another great song! The opening chords were enough to make me decide that. A greaattt way to end a beautiful album!!

12) (BONUS TRACK) Japanese version of track 4.
Yes, Hayley sings in Japanese! She sounds beautiful as always and only proves that she can sing anything and make it work. Lucky her.

THE CD:
It's an extremely beautiful (okay how many times I have used that word) album that comes with a lyric booklet and a picture booklet. For the lyric booklet, a FEW songs (not all) have Japanese and English translations. The rest are in plain English. For the picture booklet, there are many pictures that you can easily find on her website under the 'Celtic Treasure/Treasure' photoshoot. There is also Hayley's bio in Japanese on a piece of paper.

SONGS:
Very good selection. Hayley translated 5 songs with Suzi Kim and 3 songs by herself. And that only proves not only can Hayley sing, she can write gorgeous lyrics too. Life's not fair.

VOICE:
As always, beautiful. I give up, you can't beat Hayley.

OVERALL:
GET THIS ALBUM!! It's worth everything. If I had to, I'd compare it to 'Pure'. Don't know why, I'd just would.

~ Aurora B

PS: Although Amazon says it's Hayley Westenra MEETS Japanese songs, on the cd cover it says Hayley Westenra SINGS Japanses songs. Just in case you think they are different.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the best, August 19, 2008

By	S. Gezley - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

At first glance you will find that this c.d. package is mainly written in Japanese. As you listen from the first few seconds of Amazing Grace to the ending bonus track, your tastes will be satisfied. You'll be singing along for certain. This is one of those c.d.'s that you want to turn the volume up so to surround yourself with the singer(s) voices and the quality recording. BRAVO!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SPECTACULAR IN ANY LANGUAGE!, June 27, 2008

By	John A. Jodell "Jack Jodell (Richfield, MN)" (Richfield, MN United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have just now opened this collection of beautiful ballads, most of them Japanese gems sung in English (mainly). As with all Hayley efforts, this is melodically rich and gorgeously arranged. Hayley's voice, as ever, is delicately delicious; a kissable treat for the ears and spirit. Don't let the brief forays into Japanese or the lack of English song titles scare you off: This CD includes an English lyric booklet, and the soothing gentle beauty of Hayley's voice transcends all languages! The disc opens with a very nice rendition of "Amazing Grace" in English and Japanese. My personal early favorite is track 4, a pleasantly lilting little number which I believe would translate as "White Is The Colour Of Lovers." Get this disc NOW before it disappears---you'll never tire of scrumptious ear candy like this! Love ya, Hayley! :)