A few days late but here is the latest round of The Battle of the Songs. I am continuing the trend from last year that the first battle of the new year will include the words “new” and/or “brand new”. Last year, I featured the keyword “Brand New Day” with a battle featuring Sting and LITTLE GLEE MONSTER. This year, I am featuring Polish singer-songwriter BASIA and Japanese dance-pop group TRF. Check out the battle below and vote for your favorite in the comments!
By the way, make sure you check my playlist to inspire your a-has for 2020. This is such an inspirational playlist filled with songs from around the world that will inspire your day and you to go after your goals!
BASIA – “A New Day For You”
I first heard about this Polish singer-songwriter about a few years ago with the song “Cruising for Bruising”. Actually, I never knew she was Polish until I research about BASIA for this post. I always thought she was an American or English. Nevertheless, “Cruising for Bruising” made me fall in love with BASIA’s discography as her songs are laid-back and soothing. And BASIA has a very relaxing yet talented voice.
“A New Day For You” was suggested to me by Spotify about two years ago. I couldn’t stop listening to the tune for days. I kept on playing this song over and over, especially when I was getting ready for work in the morning, as the tune is pleasant-sounding and calming. The lyrics are also seemingly inspirational. Inspired by a poem given by Peter Ross of Immaculate Fools, the words talk about how one should think of the future as an opportunity to make anew.[1] What kind of message do you get out from the lyrics of “A New Day For You”?
An interesting fact is that “A New Day For You” was used as a peace anthem for South Africa during the Apartheid era. It is also a popular tune here in Japan as it is commonly played in the PARCO department store. However, I would never know that because I rarely go to PARCO.
Check out this Japanese-language cover of the song by Japanese idol-turned-enka singer Yoko Nagayama. Featured on the 1988 album Tokyo Menu, it is one of many Western hits that Nagayama covered during her short idol career. Now she just sings Japanese enka songs.
TRF – “BRAND NEW TOMORROW”
Aaah, good ol’ TRF. If you are a fan of Japanese music, you will most certainly know about TRF and/or about the group’s creator Tetsuya Komuro. TRF was a staple in the early 90s for Japanese listeners as their music was widely popular. A group with members who were singers, DJs, and dancers, the group was all about club music and making people want to dance! Although “BRAND NEW TOMORROW” is a bit more subtle than dance-crazed tunes like “Overnight Sensation ~Jidai wa Anata ni Yuneteru~” (I leave the era up to you), “BRAND NEW TOMORROW” will have you wanting to dance away those sorrows.
The Translated Lyrics for “BRAND NEW TOMORROW”
Here are the translated lyrics for the song, translated by me:
(Let’s get BRAND NEW TOMORROW)
(Let’s get BRAND NEW TOMORROW)
I won’t say goodbye
Because I believe in tomorrow.
I will spend a night alone,
No matter how much I want to escape it.
Memories of a distant days
with a boy crossing the fence.
I will regain my personality
for a voice to exchange with my real face.
Even when I talk to friends on the phone,
I feel empty.
Every time the phone rings,
the feeling creeps on my face.
(UH… Loneliness)
With the days I wish I could dance
(UH… Holding onto it)
in exchange for those
(UH… Gentleness)
It’s gonna be a dAnce tonight
(will disappear)
Wow Wow Wow…
I can get myself back
from the swaying thoughts.
I don’t need comfort
even if I want more time.
Anytime, anywhere,
(Let’s get BRAND NEW TOMORROW)
I want to fall in love.
Style, pride, even rules
(Let’s get BRAND NEW TOMORROW)
Everything has come together.
One habit increases
when the season changes.
As many as the men I met,
these habits should be beautiful.
(UH… heartbeats)
The live show inside the car
(UH… even if you search for them)
I sang alone with tears
(UH… little by little)
It’s gonna be a beautiful music tonight
(will disappear)
Wow Wow Wow…
I can hear it from the radio:
the relaxing DJ Talk & Song.
I don’t need comfort
even if I want more time.
I won’t say goodbye
(Let’s get BRAND NEW TOMORROW)
Because I believe in tomorrow.
I will spend a night alone,
(Let’s get BRAND NEW TOMORROW)
No matter how much I want to escape it.
Be with you Be with you tonight
Be with you Be with you tonight
I can get myself back
from the swaying thoughts.
I don’t need comfort
(Let’s get BRAND NEW TOMORROW)
even if I want more time.
I will spend a night alone,
(Let’s get BRAND NEW TOMORROW)
No matter how much I want to escape it.
Be with you Be with you tonight
(Let’s get BRAND NEW TOMORROW)
Be with you Be with you tonight
I won’t say goodbye
(Let’s get BRAND NEW TOMORROW)
Because I believe in tomorrow.
I can get myself back
(Let’s get BRAND NEW TOMORROW)
from the swaying thoughts.
I will spend a night alone,
(Let’s get BRAND NEW TOMORROW)
No matter how much I want to escape it.
(Let’s get BRAND NEW TOMORROW…)
Who Will It Be?
Now it is your turn to vote! Who will be the victor? Tell me in the comments below! I can’t wait to hear what you guys think!
I am also part of the “Battle of the Bands” blog collection. After you vote, please visit the other battles:
🌞 Visit TOSSING IT OUT by clicking HERE.
🌞 Visit MIKE’S RAMBLINGS’by clicking HERE.
🌞 Visit CURIOUS AS A CATHY by clicking HERE.
🌞 Visit THE SOUND OF ONE HAND TYPING by clicking HERE
🌞 Visit JINGLE JANGLE JUNGLE by clicking HERE.
🌞 Visit ANGELS BARK by clicking HERE.
🌞 Visit THE DOGLADY’S DEN by clicking HERE.
🌞 Visit CHERDO ON THE FLIPSIDE by clicking HERE.
🌞 Visit STMoC PRESENTS BATTLE OF THE BANDS by clicking HERE.
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Reference
[1] “From Matt Bianco to Basia: The Story of ‘Time and Tide.’” Superdeluxeedition, https://www.superdeluxeedition.com/feature/from-matt-bianco-to-basia-the-story-of-time-and-tide/.
I bought the Basia album back when it first came out, but I probably haven’t listened to it in over 20 years. It really is a great album and her “New Day” song is excellent.
An easy vote for me for Basia.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Amy,
Thanks for the introduction of both of your featured artists. I clearly preferred Basia in this round and am giving her my vote. Great song pick to rock in the new year with, my friend. Here’s to God’s blessings of good health, happiness, and success in all you do! xx
I’d never heard the song nor heard of BASIA before. But I thought her version was nice. It reminded me of some other female singers who emerged in the ’80s with a similarly mellow, pleasant style. Sade being the first example that comes to my mind.
Anyway, a slam-dunk vote from me for BASIA.
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC Presents BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Thank you so much for sharing these lovely songs. Heard them both for the first time. I liked the basia better.
I have never heard of either of these artists before, and I had a listen and the winner for me was BASIA! I really enjoyed that song and actually really reminded me of other women artists from the 80’s!
Such a fun concept! Basia also wins for me!
I have never heard of both songs but the second one seems to be more meaningful in my opinion. It seems to be more inspiring based on the lyrics.
Basia totally wins for me. This is such a fun introduction. Thanks so much for sharing this with all of us!
Never heard it before, but loved the one from BASIA. Thank you for sharing.
These are both new to me, but I really like the first song, New Day For You. It’s a perfect song for starting off the new year.
Happy New Years! I’ve never heard of either song, but I think I like the song from BASIA best.
Classic songs never go old. Happy new year! How did you celebrate it?
I’ve never heard of this! Great read!
I have never heard of either one of them! but I like the BASIA one the best – I think! LOL
Honestly I never ever heard of them. I listen a bit , Basia is okay 🙂 Hope you had a lovely holidays!
I haven’t heard of these songs before. So thank you for introducing me to new songs x
Always fun to visit your blog and learn about new music.
Always fun to visit your blog and learn about new music.
I like Basia better, but thank you for translating the lyrics to Brand New Tomorrow. It’s good to be exposed to some different types of music.
Never heard of these artists before, but I like Basia as she reminds me the 80’s so much x
I haven’t heard of either of these artists before! I actually enjoyed listening to both of them!
I love it when songs have a deeper meaning – those lyrics are great 🙂
Lol, I have never heard of any of these songs
a new experience and a good one
I have never heard of either the artist or song before! I’ll be checking them out now – I’m always interested in new music!
Basia one is the best. Haven’t heard of these before but you did a good job introducing them lol.
I’ve never heard of either one of the artist but I also agree that Basia is better. Great post!
Wow. Thanks for a new playlist.
My first time hearing these song. These are interesting to start the new year off.
I am hearing both these songs the very first time.
This is one of the reaon, why I keep visiting your blog. loved it
This is a great post! It’s so fun being able to find new artists and music. 🥰
Music is enjoyable and can hold a different meaning each time a song is heard based on the setting.
I have never heard of either artist or song. Thank you for introducing them to me.
Happy New Year to you. I cannot wait to learn more songs from you this year.
This is the first time that I’m hearing these songs. Thanks for sharing them
OMG I used to love Basia and I have an awesome story with her CD
I love music and I really appreciate having to listen to new ones. Thanks!
I will be honest, both I’ve never heard before, I am so happy that you shared them. They’re awesome!!!! My pick mmmmmm Basia
Both of these songs are new to me. My vote does to TRF! Happy New Year!
Both of the songs are new to me. If I had to pick one it would be Basia.
Basia seems to be the preferred choice among commenters, but I’m going to rebel and say TRF. Really like the lyrics of the song..
I love Basia simply because she’s unique. Her voice isn’t the most powerful nor pristine yet she liked the lyrics work. I believe what she’s singing out. The other rendition is good, but I didn’t feel any projection. The lyrics tell a story and the depiction wasn’t believable with their rendition.
I love how you always introduce songs that we have never heard of. I always find one or two that is very intriguing and I end up listening to it the whole day.
I didn’t know either song so it is hard to choose. I would go for Basia though, I like it better.
This is so much fun!
Ahh! I can’t decide which one!
wow! lovely songs. Thanks for sharing.
Great song choice. I never heard it before, a very nice song to listen to after work. Thanks for the share.
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