10 Masterpieces That Moved My Heart (Western Music Edition)

Since we've had some serious topics, let's take a short break here. I apologize for the grandiose title, but this time I will introduce "10 Masterpieces That Moved My Heart."

"You raise me up"
- Martin Harkens

The original song was released in 2002 by the Irish/Norwegian group Secret Garden.

While many artists have covered it, in Japan, the cover by the Irish female group Celtic Woman was used in a Panasonic Viera commercial, so many of you may find it familiar.

The PV above is a cover by the Dutch singer Martin Hurkens. His feelings for the precious people who support him close by, combined with his profound singing voice, draw the passersby into a whirlwind of emotion.

"The Rose"
- Christopher Malone

This video features Christopher Maloney, who was an amateur at the time, singing on the British audition program "The X Factor." It was also introduced on the Japanese TV show "Unbelievable" in 2016.

He was very nervous when he got on stage, and the audience and judges watched over him with concern, but as soon as he started singing, everyone was overwhelmed by his vocal ability.

Originally, this song was sung by Bette Midler in 1979, and it is a masterpiece that reached number one on the Billboard charts in 1980. It is a very deep song that asks, "What is love?"

"Reflection"
- Christina Aguilera

This song is from the 1997 Disney animated film "Mulan" and was released as the debut single by American singer Christina Aguilera.

While "reflection" generally means a mirror image, it also carries the meaning of "introspection."

As the protagonist Mulan sings this song, she asks her reflection in the water (her external reflection), "Who are you?" Eventually, her inner self (internal reflection) is also revealed, and she begins to realize her true self...

"Smile"
- Nat King Cole

This song was composed by Chaplin and was used as an instrumental in the 1936 film "Modern Times."

Years later, in 1954, John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons added a title and lyrics, and Nat King Cole sang it. It is a masterpiece that has been covered by many artists since, including Michael Jackson.

As long as you keep smiling and doing your best, a bright tomorrow awaits. It is a song that encourages you in that way.

"He lives in you"
- Lebo M.

This song was sung by South African singer Lebo M. as an insert song/ending theme for the 1995 Disney animated film "The Lion King II."

It is a story depicting the cycle of life and the setbacks and growth of Simba, the young king who rules the Pride Lands. The lost great king Mufasa lives within him... The word "reflection" is used here as well.

Listening to this song reminds me of the three years I spent in the magnificent Africa, and it prompts introspection (reflection) on how to live...


Now, the latter five songs are love songs.

"Time to say goodbye"
- Sarah Brightman & Andrea Bocelli

This song was released in 1996 by British soprano Sarah Brightman.

The original song is the 1995 track Andrea Bocelli by the blind Italian tenor Con te partirò (I will leave with you).

It has an atmosphere that feels somewhat like a farewell, but in reality, it is not; it is about two people in love saying goodbye to where they are now and setting off to live together in a new place.

The Japanese translation of the lyrics is also very beautiful.

I will leave with you... on a ship across the sea

I know... of seas that exist no more

I will revive them with you... I will leave with you
"You're Still My Man" - Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston was someone I listened to often during my student days.

Released in 1987, this song is not necessarily one of her signature hits, and it wasn't used in the 1992 film "The Bodyguard," so many people may not know it, but it is a ballad that sings of devoted and deep love.

"She"
- Elvis Costello

Originally released in 1974 by French singer Charles Aznavour, this song was covered with English lyrics by Elvis Costello as the theme song for the 1999 American film "Notting Hill."

Whether awake or asleep, my mind is full of "her."
It is a song that straightforwardly sings of a man's passionate heart.

"Shape Of My Heart"
- Backstreet Boys

This is a signature song by the Backstreet Boys released in 2000.

Repenting for the pain caused by being self-centered, the song is sung with the wish that the loved one will know the true "Shape of my Heart."

It is a superb ballad with impressive passionate melodies and choruses.

"How Long Will I Love You"
- Jon Boden, Sam Sweeney & Ben Coleman

The original song was released by The Waterboys in 1990, and it was covered by Jon Boden, Sam Sweeney & Ben Coleman as an insert song for the 2014 film "About Time."

Through the questions of "How long will we be together?" and "How long will we love each other?," this is a song that makes you want to cherish the time you spend with the person by your side right now.


That concludes my 10 masterpieces that moved my heart (Western Music Edition). Good songs never fade, even after decades. I will post a "Japanese Music Edition" when I feel like it.