Search - Hideki Saijo :: Golden Best

How a popular J-Pop idol turned into a international super s

Digit-pc | NJ | 10/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Saijo Hideki is a hugely popular Japanese singer, many of his songs were copied by other Asian stars. This CD covers from his teenage years through his young adult period. We can literally hear him growing up through the singing. The first 3 or 4 songs, he sings with the earnest of a choir boy, pure and clear. Each song was treated like a movie, with slow beginning, climax, and gradual ending. He sings dramatically without restrain, shouting excruciating and spitting out each word demanding the listener's attention. And it perfectly fits his wild teenager image.



Later on from song #7 "kimiyo takarete azukunare", he starts to show more control of his wide vocal range. From gentle whisper to powerful high tone, he hits all the notes effortlessly. He also beings to sing very rhythmically, as showcased in "Young Man" (YMCA by the village people).



By listening to these songs, you'll get a sense why he has lasted more than 3 decades as Japan's top performer and an international superstar respected by many singers all over Asia. Saijo Hideki may have started his career in music as an idol due to his good looks, but it's his powerful vocal that makes him, as they call him in China, "an evergreen singer". He is definitely not just a pretty face. And if you were in Japan in 70-80's, probably you have heard most of the songs in this CD. Reallt worth the money!"