Credits

I would like to give credit where credit is due. Videos are from YouTube and other sources such as NicoNico while Oricon rankings and other information are translated from the Japanese Wikipedia unless noted.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Mariko Takahashi - Runner (ランナー)


I decided to go for the trifecta. After profiling two other songs by the same title: one being the end theme for the anime "Macross" by Makoto Fujiwara(藤原誠) and the other being the big hit by Bakufu Slump, I thought it time to bring in the third, the sweet and inspirational one by Mariko Takahashi(高橋真梨子).

"Runner" was never released as an official single but was a track on Takahashi's 3rd album, "Monologue" in 1980. Although I eventually got the album, my first time with the song came when I received an audiotape of her concert album, "More 5th Love Affair" which came out in the mid-80s. Written by Akira Otsu(大津あきら)and composed by Kisaburo Suzuki(鈴木キサブロ), it starts off like a Carpenters song, has a bluesy bridge and ends nearly like a rock gospel song. The lyrics talk of trying to dig oneself out of trouble and then run for one's life with support at his side.

Not surprisingly, "Runner" has been a favourite tune to finish off a Mariko Takahashi concert. It's a fine song for the chanteuse to leave the stage on.

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