[VTBL-2] ユメノツバサ (yume no tsubasa)

(Refrain)

The original yume no tsubasa was sung by Yui Makino, a wholly inappropriate decision that was nevertheless made, in all likelihood because the lead voice actress had to sing something. And so she gets a song that she is totally ill-suited for.

For you see, Yui Makino does not rock out.

If you don't believe me, you can hear Yui make her own case at Japan Expo 2009, starting at 1:08.

Anthemic rock numbers only require three things: a strong bass line, a wailing guitar, and a voice to match. Which means, singing yume no tsubasa like a slightly louder ballad is strongly discouraged. Perhaps there are songs or instances where Yui packs plenty of power, but this is not one of them.

Kaori got the English version, simply titled tsubasa, and acquits herself pretty well. But in Everlasting Songs she formally takes yume no tsubasa from Yui and makes it her own.

The live version can't be beat in terms of all the little details, both audio and visual, that create an atmosphere of earnestness and enthusiasm. My only misgiving is that a show is being put on at the expense of intonation on Kaori's part. Particularly in the final reprise of the chorus, where she's running counter-melody, there are awkward seventh intervals that get really noticeable when she's on the flat side.

Yes, it's an encore and there are antics and fun to be had, but basics are basics. Ultimately I let encore transgressions slide, like Utada Hikaru's shaky performance of Keep Tryin' during the encore of Utada United 2006. It's the moment that matters, but I won't ever claim that the singing was outstanding.