Album: Ms. Vocalist

Introduction
"Ms. Vocalist" is the ninth studio album from American singer-songwriter and actress Debbie Gibson. Launched in 2011, the album is a collection of covers of popular Japanese songs that have been translated into English by Gibson herself. This marked a brand-new direction for the artist, who is best known for her teen pop hits from the late 1980s and early 1990s like "Only in My Dreams", "Foolish Beat", and "Lost in Your Eyes". The album was produced by Gibson and Japanese singer-songwriter Tatsuro Yamashita, showcasing their integrated talents and unique musical styles.

Concept and Recording
"Ms. Vocalist" was visualized as a collaborative project between Debbie Gibson and Tatsuro Yamashita, whose structures dominate the album. The idea was to admire Japanese pop music while likewise providing a fresh and modern take on these familiar tunes. To do this, Gibson equated the initial Japanese lyrics into English, making sure that the new variations maintained their original feelings and meanings.

The recording process occurred at Studio Q and Sony Music Studios in New York City, with Gibson co-producing the album alongside Yamashita. The singer specified that she desired the album to sound "ageless", taking inspiration from traditional American vocalists such as Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee. This led to a collection of lush, romantic ballads which showcased Gibson's singing capability and variety.

Track Listing and Highlights
"Ms. Vocalist" includes ten tracks, all of which are cover variations of Japanese tunes. Some of the standouts include:

1. "Say Yes" - Originally by Chage and Aska, this song was an enormous hit in Japan throughout the mid-1990s. Gibson's variation is a faithful and faithful rendition that remains real to the original's spirit.

2. "Eien No (Eternal)" - Written by Mariya Takeuchi, "Eien No" is a genuine ballad that showcases Gibson's emotive vocals.

3. "I Love You" - Originally by Yutaka Ozaki, this tender ballad explores the feelings of love and longing for a lost partner, and Gibson's authentic performance captures the emotions perfectly.

4. "Wishing on the Same Star" - Previously taped by American vocalist Keedy and later on by Japanese pop star Namie Amuro, this song is a memorable and buoyant pop tune that is amongst the most positive on the album.

5. "Stay" - A touching ballad written by Kenichi Kurosawa and originally released as a single in 1997, "Stay" highlights Gibson's capability to connect with the lyrics and make them her own.

Vital Reception and Success
Although "Ms. Vocalist" did not amass considerable attention in the United States, it was popular in Japan, where Debbie Gibson has long enjoyed a devoted fan base. The album was praised for its strong singing performances and the intriguing option of cover product, giving Japanese audiences a new way to enjoy their favorite tunes.

"Ms. Vocalist" also reignited Gibson's recording career, advising listeners of her skills as a vocalist and showing that she could still deliver unforgettable and emotive performances. Overall, the album stands as a testament to Gibson's musical versatility and a remarkable homage to the world of Japanese popular song.

Conclusion
Debbie Gibson's "Ms. Vocalist" from 2011 is an ambitious and fulfilling project that highlights both her skill as a singer and her ability to adapt to different musical designs. The album's option of tunes and their English translations use listeners a special perspective on an underexplored side of Japanese pop music and function as a pointer of the universal styles and emotions that music can communicate. As a tribute to the Japanese artists she appreciates and as a display for her own skills, "Ms. Vocalist" is a remarkable and compelling addition to Debbie Gibson's discography.

Artist: Debbie Gibson

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