It’s that time of the month again! It’s the Battle of the Songs! This battle is on the song “Wishing On The Same Star”, penned by Diane Warren. It is between the Australian girl band Girlfriend and Jpop artists Namie Amuro.
If you haven’t check it out yet, you should check out my Autumn Songs Playlist. It features the best songs for autumn from all over the world. You could find your new favorite tune and/or artist there today!
Namie Amuro: The Everlasting Queen of Japanese Music
Namie Amuro is my idol since I was in middle school. She is one of my favorite Japanese artists. I have written about Namie Amuro before here on this blog. I wrote a review when she released a really great album called _genic. I also wrote up a 20-year anniversary post. And then on the day when she retired from the entertainment industry, I wrote a farewell post.
But, this post is different. It is to celebrate! Finally, Namie Amuro’s discography was uploaded on Amazon Music and Spotify last week. It was a dream come true! I have been listening to all her songs nonstop since last week!
Wishing on the Same Star
This Battle of the Song is about the song “Wishing on the Same Star”. It was originally recorded by Keedy. It was on her 1991 album Chase in the Clouds. The Australian girl band Girlfriend released their own version two years later. It appears on their album It’s Up to You. Then, Namie Amuro recorded her own version in 2002.
An interesting fact is that this Amuro’s last single as a pop artist. After this, she transitioned into R&B and hip-hop music. Another fact that is that this single was planned to be her last for a while. The plan was for her to go to New York for artist development. But, that plan never happened.
“Wishing on the Same Star” was written by Diane Warren. She wrote songs for Celine Dion (“Because You Love Me”), Leann Rimes (“How Do I Live?”), Aerosmith (“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”), Taylor Dayne (“Love Will Lead You Back”), and others. She also wrote a lot of theme songs for countless films. Some of the most famous movie songs were “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” (Mannequin), “Music of My Heart”, “For You I Will” (Space Jam), and others. If you were living in the 80s and/or the 90s, then you know at least one song that was written by Diana Warren.
Girlfriend or Namie Amuro?
So here it is: the “Wishing On The Same Star” of the Battle of the Song. Who will win? Namie Amuro or Girlfriend. Please listen to each song and vote for your favorite one in the comments below!
Girlfriend’s Version
Girlfriend was your typical 90s girl group. The members were Robyn Loau, Melanie Alexander, Lorinda (Rindy) Noble, Siobhánn Heidenreich, and Jacqueline (Jacqui) Cowell. Their pop songs were about girl power waaaaaay before the Spice Girls. Also, they were about typical topics like romance. Yet, they weren’t only about music, but also for their fashion sense! The group released their own fashion line during the height of their careers.
Their version of “Wishing On The Same Star” features Siobhánn as the lead vocals. The other four members provided harmony. Girlfriend’s version is a typical 90s’ girl band ballad. It features a basic synthesized instrumental track, a sweet female vocal, rich harmonies, and the 90s’ keyboard. Whenever I listen to this song, I usually end up singing the harmonies as they are interesting. They are also very rich as they add some depth to the main vocals.
Girlfriend’s rendition of “Wishing On The Same Star” is very sweet yet a typical 90’s ballad. It is a great listen though, especially for those who lived through the 90s like me.
Namie Amuro version
(Note: This is a one minute abbreviated version of the official music video. You can find the original full version here.)
Namie’s “Wishing On The Same Star” is more down-to-earth than Girlfriend’s version. Amuro did have some high-pitch, girl band-like vocals back in the 90s. But, by 2002, her vocals were more down-to-earth as the singer used more of her lower ranges. Also, she was transitioning to R&B which focus more on the singer’s lower ranges. Yet, she does make use of notes in the higher register and in a beautiful way.
Namie Amuro’s version is very soothing. It is a mid-tempo ballad that features the singer’s rich and deep vocals. It is a great listen anywhere, at home or at work, as it is relaxing.
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.
Pin This!
Renee
2 Oct 2019I love learning about new music! Thanks for sharing!
aisasami
14 Oct 2019Thanks for stopping by!
Ashli Ferguson
3 Oct 2019OH I have never heard either of these before but I like Girlfriend the best… I think! haha
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Joan
3 Oct 2019I think I will go for Namie, they are both good but I loved hers a bit more.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Lori Bosworth
3 Oct 2019Diane Warren has written so many great songs! I think I prefer Girlfriend’s version of her song!
aisasami
15 Oct 2019What is your favorite Diane Warren-penned song? Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
GiGi Eats
3 Oct 2019I really don’t know!! I am so bad at choosing!
aisasami
15 Oct 2019It is ok to choose both! Thanks for stopping by!
Cyndi Buchanan
3 Oct 2019I haven’t heard of either of these. I find it funny that the picture reminds me of the show Blossom. The 90’s are coming back.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Hahaha! That was such a great show! Floral hats!
Devy - Thousands Of Miles Away
3 Oct 2019OMG you remind me of my young days when I was in Japan. I vote Namie definitely. I can’t remember her songs though. But I remember watching her interview on TV when she just started her music career.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Wow, you lived in Japan? And you saw her debut? How lucky! You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
F-P
3 Oct 2019I actually like the old crackling music in Girlfriend with the vocals of Nami.
Is that a valid vote?
aisasami
15 Oct 2019That is alright! Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Kendra E Schneider
3 Oct 2019So interesting! I hadn’t hear of these!
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for stopping by! What was your favorite song?
Melissa
3 Oct 2019I have never heard of these people before, but this is a pretty cool write up!
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for stopping by! Did you listen to the songs? What was your favorite song?
Lorita
3 Oct 2019Me too! I also love Namie Amuro. She’s great. I have one of her albums from way back. sadly she doesn’t sing anymore
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Lisette
3 Oct 2019I’ve never heard of either prior to this post. I really enjoyed Namie’s version!
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Crickette, The Things I Have to Say
3 Oct 2019I honestly like the version of the Japanese artist better. I got so bored with the Girlfriend’s version, I almost fell asleep. HAHAHA.
Samantha Donnelly
3 Oct 2019I am going to have to show this to my Daughter she has always had a facination for Japanese culture, music etc and will see which she prefers
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for stopping by! Which one was her favorite?
Annemarie LeBlanc
3 Oct 2019I would give my vote to Namie. I love the smooth way she sang the song, and her voice is so relaxing. I could play this song over and over and won’t get tired of listening to it!
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Jackson Cyprian
3 Oct 2019Wow.. Am already looking forward to be there. Thanks for telling me how beautiful it is.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for stopping by! Which one was your favorite?
SHADRACK BIWOT
3 Oct 2019I love getting to know if new songs thanks for sharing this
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for stopping by! Which one was your favorite?
Komal
3 Oct 2019I’ve never heard of these artists so this “vs” series has given me some new music to listen to!
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for stopping by!
roxy
3 Oct 2019I’d never heard Namie’s version before, and I love it! So I will vote for her.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Kimmy Mason
3 Oct 2019I’ll have to vote for Namie, though I was not previously familiar with this song. Thanks for sharing, and introducing me to something new.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Jade Braham
4 Oct 2019This isn’t really my kind of music but I would say Namie sounded better. Her voice had a lot more gravitas!
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Elena Toma
4 Oct 2019I am fascinated with her beautiful face and of course she has an amazing voice too.She has my vote !
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Joanna
4 Oct 2019I haven’t heard about any of these singers before. After hearing the song performed by both, I tend to like more the Namie Amuro version, as her voice makes it very soothing.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Polly
4 Oct 2019Hands down, Namie Amuro! Oh man, this reminds me of childhood. I also like “Toi et Moi”.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Did you that Namie herself hates “Toi et Moi”? I think it was because it was a forced sound.
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
sonali
5 Oct 2019I have never heard these artists name/songs but surely i guess both are awesome in its own way. Very nicely written though.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for stopping by! Which one was your favorite?
SONYA
5 Oct 2019I DIDNT KNOW ABOUT THIS . THANK YOU FOR SHARING I LOVE ADDING NEW MUSIC TO MY LIST
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for stopping by! Which one was your favorite?
Erica (The Prepping Wife)
5 Oct 2019I like the Namie version the best. I had never heard either one until reading this post. I love learning about something new, especially when it comes to music. I’m looking forward to reading more and finding new artists to listen to.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Stephanie
5 Oct 2019I haven’t heard either of these before, but I really like the sound of Namie Amuro. And knowing her music is on Spotify is great, I’ll have to look for it!
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Natural Beauty And Makeup
5 Oct 2019Wow, this is quite interesting! Loved both the versions but my vote goes to Namie Amuro one ☺
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Liz Cochico
5 Oct 2019I loved Namie’s version. She also has a very pretty face. I’ve never heard of her before, but I love her style.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Rhonda Albom
5 Oct 2019I have not heard either version before but I like the Namie Amuro better. It sounds a bit more contemporary.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Marjie Mare
5 Oct 2019I have not heard them personally but my daughter asked where have I been as she always knows all the songs you shared.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for stopping by! Which one was her favorite?
Neil Alvin
5 Oct 2019I love Japan so I say I’m quite biased. So Japan wins haha
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Liz Bayardelle
6 Oct 2019I really love your blog because it exposes me to all kinds of music I’d never encounter otherwise! I actually like both of these!
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Joanna
6 Oct 2019Both versions are nice, but Namie Amuro wins for me. Her voice is so nice to listen to.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Ruchi Verma
6 Oct 2019I have not heard both of them…will sure check out both thanks for bringing this !!
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for stopping by!
Junell DuBois
6 Oct 2019I have never heard of either of these artists. I think Namie was my favorite.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Jazmin Williams
6 Oct 2019I’ve been into KPOP lately, but Namie may be the gateway into getting into JPOP! I vote her.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019What are your favorite Kpop groups? Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Celebrate Woman Today
6 Oct 2019This is a really cool post. You’ve shaken up the memories with the music I grew up with. I like both versions of the song, as both artists put different energy and emotions into the same skeleton of the song. But the unique interpretation makes them both true artists.
Thank you for the great memories.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Aashirvad Kumar
6 Oct 2019Hey,
Sounds Good. The article is really awesome and it really well contents.
Thanks For Sharing.
Aashirvad Kumar
Youtube Name Generator Online
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for stopping by! Which one was your favorite?
tweenselmom
6 Oct 2019I love both versions, they both sound pleasant and I’d like to listen to them a couple of times.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
David Elliott
7 Oct 2019The very same songs with two very different moods. Although one has to incorporate the whole girl band element with multiple women. I think Namie’s is a lot more powerful. She’s definitely got a stronger voice.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019She does! Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Polly
7 Oct 2019My opinion remains the same, Namie Amuro 100%!!! 😀
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Jessica A
7 Oct 2019I have never heard this song before but the Naime Amuro version is my favorite
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Eric Rafael Gamble
7 Oct 2019I too haven’t heard of either of these groups which shouldn’t shock anyone since I am a Gen X kid and know so little about KPOP or JPOP (I just learned about that one!) But after listening to both renditions I would have to say I like Namie Amuro the best.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Simon Starchevsky
7 Oct 2019I am not a big follower of this genre of music, but have to admit your range of the styles you love is pretty extensive. Bravo, and thank you for a great analysis.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for stopping by!
Sophie Wentworth
7 Oct 2019I love learning more about music and new artists, thanks for sharing! x
Sophie
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for stopping by! Which one was your favorite?
Christa
7 Oct 2019I haven’t heard either of these before. Sometimes it’s so hard for me to pick a favorite.
Arun Dahiya
8 Oct 2019My vote is for namie. I always look forward to your posts.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
aisasami
15 Oct 2019It is ok to choose both! Thanks for stopping by!
Neely
7 Oct 2019Oh wow both are so good! I had never heard either
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for stopping by! Which one was your favorite?
Sushmita
7 Oct 2019This is such a good post! Reliving some good memories! 🙂
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for stopping by! Which one was your favorite?
Patranila
7 Oct 2019Oh my gosh Blossom! I had completely forgotten about that show. Oh the 90s!
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for stopping by! Blossom was a great show!
Stephen T. McCarthy
7 Oct 2019AMY ~
I will cast my vote for Namie Amuro, as the vocals seemed a bit punchier giving the lyrics a bit more immediacy.
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC Presents BATTLE OF THE BANDS
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Hey Stephen, it was nice to see again! I hope you are doing well! You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Laura
7 Oct 2019I don’t think I’m familiar with either of the songs. Thank you for sharing these with us x
Laura
Pink Frenzy
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for stopping by!
Maysz
7 Oct 2019Since I’m a fan of Japanese music I choose Namie Amuro HAHAAHAHA! But I would love to check this two 🙂
aisasami
15 Oct 2019What is your favorite Japanese song? Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Dalene Ekirapa
7 Oct 2019Namie Amuro’s version is so beautiful! I haven’t heard much of Japanese music but with how she sings it, I am loving it. Her voice is really sweet making the song really soothing.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Lina Melo
7 Oct 2019Namie Amuro is such a great artist, he has a beautiful voice.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Luna S
7 Oct 2019I would have to say I like the Namie Amuro’s version a bit better, it is quite beautiful.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Kristal
7 Oct 2019They are both really great artists I loved both versions of the songs.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Blairvillanueva
8 Oct 2019I am learning Japanese language, and that includes listening to Japanese. It is lovely to learn new music from new artists.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019頑張ってください！ If you need any help in Japanese, let me know! I am fluent!
Quin Cl
8 Oct 2019I never heard of these two before, but they are both very talented. I love Japanese music by the way and the language too. 🙂
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for stopping by! What is your favorite Japanese songs?
Adventures with Shelby
8 Oct 2019I’m not sure which to vote for!
aisasami
15 Oct 2019It is ok to choose both! Thanks for stopping by!
Hackytips
8 Oct 2019Never heard of these but they look good in their own way.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for stopping by! Which one was your favorite?
Kemi
8 Oct 2019Is Namie half-Japanese? If so, it’s good to see them being *somewhat* accepted by Japanese society, even though they deserve full acceptance. I like her.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019She is actually a quarter Italian from her mother’s side.
Michael
8 Oct 2019You have a unique taste in music really. Thanks for sharing. I love the classic vibe with the music videos lol
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for stopping by!
My Vegetarian Roots
9 Oct 2019have never hear either, thank you for sharing!
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for stopping by! Which one was your favorite?
urea fertilizer wholesalers
10 Oct 2019Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular post!
It’s the little changes that produce the greatest changes.
Thanks for sharing!
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for stopping by!
Elizabeth O
12 Oct 2019I like the Girlfriend’s version of the song.. I think it’s sweet and relaxing to the ears.
aisasami
15 Oct 2019Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/