finetune artist: Dreams Come True

An oddball but appealing Japanese indie pop act, observed by some to be "an oriental Parliament", Dreams Come True released their first English-language album in 1997 after a decade of popularity in their native country. Masato Nakamura (bass), Miwa Yoshida (vocals/lyrics) and Takahiro Nishikawa (keyboards) formed the band in 1988, releasing nine albums in the ensuing decade and amassing a sales tally of over 25 million units. The Swinging Star (1992) broke all Japanese sales records to become the best-selling album in the country's history. The band enjoys unprecedented popularity as a live act, and are regulars on Japanese television shows, domestic films and video game soundtracks. The band's music, built on Western influences ranging from classic soul to R&B, and from rock 'n' roll to disco and funk, became omnipresent in Japanese cultural life throughout the 90s. By 1998 they had moved from long-standing label Sony to Virgin Records, who were keen to promote the band to an international market, especially America. The move was hailed as the first time a major Japanese band had moved from a domestic imprint to an American-owned record label. The band confessed to frustration at Sony's insular marketing regime, although Dreams Come True had previously collaborated with American star Maurice White of Earth, Wind And Fire (for the single "Wherever You Are") and appeared on "Eternity", the theme for the US animation feature The Swan Princess. Following the disappointing reception received by other Japanese pop acts such as Toshi Kubota and Seiko Matsuda, Virgin were taking a major gamble on their new act (who reportedly cost them $25 million to sign). They believed that Dreams Come True could follow the success of more left field or avant garde Asian artists such as Pizzicato Five, Buffalo Daughter and Cornelius.

Listen to Dreams Come True at Finetune.

(2008) Sing Or Die
(1997) Sing Or Die

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Song of Joy
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