Double (Japan Version)

Opening song "Paparazzi" (Track 1) is a meanderingly playful mid-tempo track written and composed by ASKA. Both the lyrics and singing style carry a mockingly mischievous edge that adds to the fun of the song. What really stands out though is Sawachika Taisuke's fabulous arrangement. I tend to prefer a more stripped down sound, but here the layered programming and instrumentation work very well with the song, particularly the percussion and brass (flugelhorn!). ASKA's other new composition "Alien From Earth" (Track 3) is equally whimsical and likable. A mix of guitar-plucking folk and some old-time pop, the song moves at an unhurried place, carried along with perfect ease by that relaxed, expressive voice.

Co-written by CHAGE, the upbeat Bokura no Kakera (Track 4) has an energetically dreamy quality and infectious whistle-along tune which, combined with the duo's signature vocals, just channels happy feelings. Again the arrangement (by Murata Tsutomu), from the instrumentals to the background vocals, is simply great; I really think more artists should start bringing in the trombones and trumpets. Of course, the veteran group has no trouble rocking without the fanfare. Wasting Time (Track 2) is a straightforward, crowd-pleasing rock number with solid hooks, heavy beats, and a catchy melody.

Double comes with a new version of CHAGE & ASKA's 2004 hit single "36 Degrees - Summer 1995" (Track 6). The song itself actually dates back ten plus years, musing about moving forward in the constantly changing environment (and rising summer temperature) of modern Tokyo. While I still prefer the original's buoyant energy, this new softer album version certainly brings out a different feeling of carefree with a light, lingering tropical atmosphere. The other big single of 2004, Boku wa Music (Track 7), also makes it to this release, along with album versions of B-sides Hikari no Compass (Track 8) and Crossroad - Ima wo Ikiru Boku wo (Track 9). Rounding out Double are CHAGE & ASKA's latest singles, Here & There (Track 5) and Man and Woman (Track 10), which were released just two weeks before this album. Where Here & There is smooth and soulful, Man and Woman is deep and classic; though less catchy than other tracks on the album, both songs bring out the mature and mellow side of CHAGE & ASKA's music.

Given the distracting deluge of singles and albums the Japanese music industry churns out on a daily basis, it's easy to overlook this release. What with the rise of younger stars and the group's on and off pairing in recent years, I had almost forgotten how much I enjoy listening to the duo's music. It may feel like CHAGE & ASKA have been around forever already, but Double shows they still have a lot more to offer.