Makihara was first discovered by 坂本龍一 (Ryuuichi Sakamoto) in November 1985 on his radio show, Sound Street during a segment where he played demo tapes submitted by aspiring music makers. Upon winning the Axia Music Audition '89 in March 1990 with his song "NG", he signed with Warner Music Japan and made his debut in October 1990. His first album was a moderate success, peaking at top 50 on the Oricon Weekly Album Charts. With the breakout of "Donna Toki Mo." selling more than one million copies in 1991 alone, he gained his first appearance on the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen. Achieving his first million-seller in 1992 with "Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono" and making even more hits like "No. 1" and "SPY" into the mid-1990s, he has became one of the most popular singer-songwriters in Japan. Being arrested for possessing amphetamines in 1999, his career's success came to a standstill and despite making a comeback the subsequent year, his sales dipped and he entered a career slump. In 2003, upon writing the massive three-million-seller hit, "Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana" for SMAP, he had a second career breakout and has stayed successful ever since. He was subsequently put under arrest in 2020 for possessing stimulants but made a successful comeback in October 2021 with "Yosoro" and has recently concluded a 2-month tour around Japan for the album. Pulling through public opinion and homophobia after being forcibly exposed to having a male partner, he is currently the third best selling male solo act in Japan and has a stable and relatively big fanbase.
One could arguably compare him to Western pop stars such as Elton John, both in terms of musical ability and talent, and continued longevity despite playing to an intensely fickle industry. The two also seem to have shared something of a similar career path in terms of personal ups and downs, public scrutiny and survival through the years in spite of it all.
Makihara has managed to endure and maintain a healthy level of popularity in Japan and other nations worldwide, due to his soothing, appealing voice quality and flair for catchy melody. Not just your average manufactured pop star, real talent can be found in Mackey's work to this day.
It's interesting to note how, as the years have passed, the quality of Makihara's voice has deepened, bringing him into a soulful, velvety range that might remind one of Barry White or Luther Van Dross. Much of his music's lyrical content has revolved around the subject of romantic love, though themes of profound joy, reminiscence, gratitude and deeper spiritual aspects of the human condition have become predominant in recent years. When not more slowly paced and romantic, his tunes are bright and upbeat, and though certainly dated, even his albums from the 90's are still enjoyable and worth a listen. Remarkably, the cheesy, early 90's pop style lends an immortal charm to his early work, though he has been known to update and bring back old hits, such as "Donna Toki Mo.", which can be found currently as a B-side to his 2007 single, "Green Days."
To sum it up, Macky's an extremely good vibe, quality artist. The messages in his music are extremely positive, which only adds to the beauty of his arrangement and vocal appeal. If you haven't already, check him out! You won't be sorry.
You Are So Beautiful
槇原敬之 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
頑ななまでに自分に素直で
言葉は迷わず まなざしは強く
その先には 必ず誰かの幸がある
You are so beautiful 美しい人に
You are so beautiful僕は出会った
生まれた訳を日々に感じて
うれしさ 悲しさ 全てを受け止め
遠慮がちに涙をこぼしている
You are so beautiful 美しい人に
You are so beautiful僕は出会った
あなたのそばにいると僕はこんなに
薄汚れて見えるけれど
いつか あなたのように
なりたいと思う
Yeah...
You are so beautiful 美しい人に
You are so beautiful僕は出会った
These lyrics are from the song "You Are So Beautiful" by 槇原敬之 (Makihara Noriyuki). The lyrics express the importance of being true to oneself, not hiding or deceiving one's own heart. The singer emphasizes the need to have a strong and unwavering attitude, with clear words and a determined gaze. The lyrics also suggest that beyond these qualities, there is always happiness waiting for someone.
The repeated line "You are so beautiful" conveys the singer's deep admiration and appreciation for someone who possesses beauty, not only in their physical appearance but also in their inner qualities. The singer reflects on the impact this person has had on their life, acknowledging the joy and sadness they have experienced together. Even in moments of deep sorrow, the singer finds solace in the presence of this person and sheds tears in their company.
The lyrics convey a sense of longing and aspiration, as the singer admits feeling inadequate compared to the person they admire. Despite feeling imperfect and worn out, they express a desire to become more like the person they look up to. The overall message of the song is that beauty lies in being true to oneself and in the transformative power of love and admiration.
Line by Line Meaning
心に嘘をつくことはなく
I never tell lies to myself
頑ななまでに自分に素直で
Being stubbornly honest with myself
言葉は迷わず まなざしは強く
My words are unwavering, my gaze is strong
その先には 必ず誰かの幸がある
Beyond that, there is surely someone's happiness
You are so beautiful 美しい人に
You are so beautiful to me
You are so beautiful僕は出会った
I have met someone so beautiful
生まれた訳を日々に感じて
Feeling the reason why I was born every day
うれしさ 悲しさ 全てを受け止め
Accepting all joy and sadness
それでもどうしてもやるせない夜は
But no matter what, on nights when I am restless
遠慮がちに涙をこぼしている
I shed tears hesitantly
あなたのそばにいると僕はこんなに
When I am by your side, I become
薄汚れて見えるけれど
Dirty and worn-out in appearance
いつか あなたのように
But someday, I want to become like you
なりたいと思う
I aspire to be
Yeah...
Yeah...
You are so beautiful 美しい人に
You are so beautiful to me
You are so beautiful僕は出会った
I have met someone so beautiful
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: 敬之 槇原
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind