[Kayo Legend] Seiko Matsuda’s Ever-Shining Masterpieces: Songs That Move the Heart

uniformMatsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda school uniform

Despite being the B-side of ‘Akai Sweet Pea,’ this song is also used as a graduation song and is a work from Seiko Matsuda’s early debut period.

Like the A-side track, it features lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and composition by Kureta Keiko (actually Yumi Matsutoya).

Hold OnMatsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda “Hold On ~English Version~” Official Music Video

This piece is a cover of Wilson Phillips’s classic that became a global hit in 1990, placed as the opening track on the album “Eternal,” released the following year in 1991.

It’s known as an ambitious work in which Seiko Matsuda, with an eye toward a serious international debut at the time, deliberately took on the challenge in the original English lyrics.

Without diminishing the original song’s powerful message and uplifting spirit, Matsuda’s characteristically rounded vocals infuse the track with a new gentleness.

The way the emotion builds toward the chorus brims with a warmth that feels like a gentle push for anyone facing a challenge.

It’s a superb fusion of the polished sound of Western pop and Matsuda’s resolute vocals, making it a perfect listen when you need a boost of energy or are ready to take a new step forward!

Eyes Are DiamondMatsuda Seiko

Hitomiwa Diamond (Diamond Eyes)

Hitomi wa Diamond is Seiko Matsuda’s 15th single.

It was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Ao ga Chiru.” Around this time, Seiko Matsuda still had a youthful, cute vibe.

But as expected, her singing is outstanding—far better than other idols♪

The season of bare feetMatsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda Barefoot Season

This song was Seiko Matsuda’s debut single.

There’s a story that, although she failed the audition to be the commercial model for Shiseido’s “Ekubo Facial Wash,” she was instead chosen to sing the commercial jingle.

The Wind RisesMatsuda Seiko

The Wind Rises

This song is one of Seiko Matsuda’s early works and the first track provided by the late Eiichi Ohtaki.

It was used as the commercial song for Glico Pocky, in which Seiko Matsuda herself appeared.

It’s said that she initially found the song difficult to sing.

The wind is autumn-colored.Matsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda - The Wind Is Autumn-Colored

Kaze wa Akairo (The Wind Is Autumn-Colored) is Seiko Matsuda’s third single.

From this song onward, it feels like there were more song titles that used colors.

It was used as the commercial song for Shiseido’s “Ekubo Milky Fresh.” Seiko Matsuda, who wasn’t yet very used to being on TV, is so cute in it!

Tanned MermaidMatsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda “Sun-Tanned Mermaid” (from Seikoland Budokan Live ’83)

This song was a big hit too, wasn’t it? I personally think “Shiosai no Memory,” which Kyoko Koizumi sang in the NHK morning drama Amachan, is a complete rip-off of this song.

Accusations of imitation are all the rage now, but it seems Seiko Matsuda’s side chose to watch quietly from the sidelines♪