True (stylized in all caps) is the debut album by Japanese recording artist Mika Nakashima. The album's lyrics were written by a team of songwriters including Nakashima herself, Yasushi Akimoto, Minako Yoshida, Kenn Kato, Takashi Matsumoto, among others. In contrast to the typical Japanese J-pop and Western pop artist at the time, True was one in which Nakashima established a sound that would become her trademark for future albums: a mature, adult contemporary-influenced mixture of smooth jazz and soft pop.
Upon its release, True received favorable reviews from music critics. Many of those highlighted the singles as some of her best work, and complimented the album's production and Nakashima's vocals throughout. Commercially, the album was a success in Japan, reaching the top of the Oricon Albums Chart and eventually sold over one million units nationwide, earning it a million certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ). It won Nakashima the Album of the Year Award at the 2003 Japan Gold Disc Awards.
To promote the album, Nakashima released five singles. The first and final singles, "Stars" and "Will," both peaked at number three on the Oricon Singles Chart, with "Stars" becoming her highest-selling single based on Oricon Style's database. The singles "Crescent Moon," "One Survive" and "Helpless Rain" were limited to 100,000 copies each. Furthermore, two video collections titled Film Lotus and Film Lotus II were released, which included all of the album's music videos.
Background and composition
When Nakashima was 15 years old, she moved to Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture, and shared an apartment with several people; she often traveled back and forth between Fukuoka and Kagoshima.[1] At this time, she had accepted some auditions, but as a model, not a singer, but she failed in all the auditions. In the fall of 2000, while accepting some modeling auditions and determined to become a singer, she decided to send a demo tape to Sony Music Entertainment.[1] In 2001, after hearing the demo tape sent by Nakashima, a record company employee recommended her to appear in "Sony Audition," a joint audition held by Sony Music Japan and Fuji TV, in which she was selected.[1] Later, she was selected for the lead role in a dorama, and out of 3,000 applicants, she was qualified to be the lead role in the Fuji TV series Tainted Love Song,[2] where she made her debut as a singer by singing the theme song "Stars," and made her debut as both a singer and actor.[1]
For the album True, Sony Music Japan hired an array of musicians to work on it such as Yasushi Akimoto, Minako Yoshida, Kenn Kato, Takashi Matsumoto, among many others.[3] The album was mastered by Stuart Hawkes at Metropolis Mastering in London.[3] The opening track "Amazing Grace" is a cover of the famous Christian hymn by John Newton.[3] The power ballad "Will" is a romantic number depicting the love and friendship of young people.[4] "One Survive" is a dance tune with light keyboards and taut choruses.[5] "Heaven on Earth" is a funky, upbeat tune with a touch of acid jazz.[6] "Destiny's Lotus" is an upbeat tune with pure lyrics about continuing to sing for your dreams.[6]
"Helpless Rain" is a collaboration with the sister unit Heartsdales, and is a somewhat melancholic medium-tempo ballad.[6] "I" is a medium tempo number that combines a hip-hop-infused melody with folky vocals.[6] "Tears~Konayuki ga Mau You ni...~" is a ballad that served as a B-side song to her debut single "Stars."[6] "True Eyes" is a disco and dance-pop song influenced by R&B that talks about how trusting each other has many more benefits than expected.[6] "Crescent Moon" is a groovy dance number with an 80's flavor.[7] "Just Trust in Our Love" is a pop number with a four-on-the-floor beat.[6] "Stars" is a romantic and grand love ballad.[8] The closing track "A Miracle for You" is a pop ballad.[6]
Singles
Nakashima's debut single, "Stars," was released on November 7, 2001. It served as the theme song for the Kansai TV/Fuji TVdoramaTainted Love Song. Despite being her debut work, the single debuted at number three on the Oricon Singles Chart, boasting her highest sales to date with over 469,000 copies sold and being certified platinum.
