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.
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I love learning about new music! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by!
OH I have never heard either of these before but I like Girlfriend the best… I think! haha
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
I think I will go for Namie, they are both good but I loved hers a bit more.
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Diane Warren has written so many great songs! I think I prefer Girlfriend’s version of her song!
What 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/
I really don’t know!! I am so bad at choosing!
It is ok to choose both! Thanks for stopping by!
I 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.
Hahaha! That was such a great show! Floral hats!
OMG 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.
Wow, 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/
I actually like the old crackling music in Girlfriend with the vocals of Nami.
Is that a valid vote?
That is alright! Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
So interesting! I hadn’t hear of these!
Thanks for stopping by! What was your favorite song?
I have never heard of these people before, but this is a pretty cool write up!
Thanks for stopping by! Did you listen to the songs? What was your favorite song?
Me too! I also love Namie Amuro. She’s great. I have one of her albums from way back. sadly she doesn’t sing anymore
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
I’ve never heard of either prior to this post. I really enjoyed Namie’s version!
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
I honestly like the version of the Japanese artist better. I got so bored with the Girlfriend’s version, I almost fell asleep. HAHAHA.
I 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
Thanks for stopping by! Which one was her favorite?
I 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!
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Wow.. Am already looking forward to be there. Thanks for telling me how beautiful it is.
Thanks for stopping by! Which one was your favorite?
I love getting to know if new songs thanks for sharing this
Thanks for stopping by! Which one was your favorite?
I’ve never heard of these artists so this “vs” series has given me some new music to listen to!
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I’d never heard Namie’s version before, and I love it! So I will vote for her.
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
I’ll have to vote for Namie, though I was not previously familiar with this song. Thanks for sharing, and introducing me to something new.
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
This isn’t really my kind of music but I would say Namie sounded better. Her voice had a lot more gravitas!
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
I am fascinated with her beautiful face and of course she has an amazing voice too.She has my vote !
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
I 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.
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Hands down, Namie Amuro! Oh man, this reminds me of childhood. I also like “Toi et Moi”.
Did 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/
I have never heard these artists name/songs but surely i guess both are awesome in its own way. Very nicely written though.
Thanks for stopping by! Which one was your favorite?
I DIDNT KNOW ABOUT THIS . THANK YOU FOR SHARING I LOVE ADDING NEW MUSIC TO MY LIST
Thanks for stopping by! Which one was your favorite?
I 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.
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
I 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!
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Wow, this is quite interesting! Loved both the versions but my vote goes to Namie Amuro one ☺
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
I loved Namie’s version. She also has a very pretty face. I’ve never heard of her before, but I love her style.
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
I have not heard either version before but I like the Namie Amuro better. It sounds a bit more contemporary.
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
I have not heard them personally but my daughter asked where have I been as she always knows all the songs you shared.
Thanks for stopping by! Which one was her favorite?
I love Japan so I say I’m quite biased. So Japan wins haha
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
I really love your blog because it exposes me to all kinds of music I’d never encounter otherwise! I actually like both of these!
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Both versions are nice, but Namie Amuro wins for me. Her voice is so nice to listen to.
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
I have not heard both of them…will sure check out both thanks for bringing this !!
Thanks for stopping by!
I have never heard of either of these artists. I think Namie was my favorite.
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
I’ve been into KPOP lately, but Namie may be the gateway into getting into JPOP! I vote her.
What 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/
This 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.
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Hey,
Sounds Good. The article is really awesome and it really well contents.
Thanks For Sharing.
Aashirvad Kumar
Youtube Name Generator Online
Thanks for stopping by! Which one was your favorite?
I love both versions, they both sound pleasant and I’d like to listen to them a couple of times.
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
The 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.
She does! Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
My opinion remains the same, Namie Amuro 100%!!! 😀
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
I have never heard this song before but the Naime Amuro version is my favorite
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
I 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.
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
I 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.
Thanks for stopping by!
I love learning more about music and new artists, thanks for sharing! x
Sophie
Thanks for stopping by! Which one was your favorite?
I haven’t heard either of these before. Sometimes it’s so hard for me to pick a favorite.
My vote is for namie. I always look forward to your posts.
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
It is ok to choose both! Thanks for stopping by!
Oh wow both are so good! I had never heard either
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This is such a good post! Reliving some good memories! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by! Which one was your favorite?
Oh my gosh Blossom! I had completely forgotten about that show. Oh the 90s!
Thanks for stopping by! Blossom was a great show!
AMY ~
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
Hey 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/
I don’t think I’m familiar with either of the songs. Thank you for sharing these with us x
Laura
Pink Frenzy
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Since I’m a fan of Japanese music I choose Namie Amuro HAHAAHAHA! But I would love to check this two 🙂
What 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/
Namie 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.
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
Namie Amuro is such a great artist, he has a beautiful voice.
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
I would have to say I like the Namie Amuro’s version a bit better, it is quite beautiful.
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
They are both really great artists I loved both versions of the songs.
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
I am learning Japanese language, and that includes listening to Japanese. It is lovely to learn new music from new artists.
頑張ってください！ If you need any help in Japanese, let me know! I am fluent!
I never heard of these two before, but they are both very talented. I love Japanese music by the way and the language too. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by! What is your favorite Japanese songs?
I’m not sure which to vote for!
It is ok to choose both! Thanks for stopping by!
Never heard of these but they look good in their own way.
Thanks for stopping by! Which one was your favorite?
Is 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.
She is actually a quarter Italian from her mother’s side.
You have a unique taste in music really. Thanks for sharing. I love the classic vibe with the music videos lol
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have never hear either, thank you for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by! Which one was your favorite?
Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular post!
It’s the little changes that produce the greatest changes.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by!
I like the Girlfriend’s version of the song.. I think it’s sweet and relaxing to the ears.
Thanks for your vote. You can check out the results here: https://ailovemusic.net/wishing-on-the-same-star-battle-results/
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