The Melancholy Melodies of the Gipsy Kings

Gipsy Kings

Around the end of the 80s, there was a trend in the world for "world music."

It was a time when songs with a different feel than before were becoming mainstream, such as Los Lobos' "La Bamba" and Kaoma's "Lambada" becoming huge hits, and even in Japan, Ryuichi Sakamoto's incorporation of Okinawan folk songs becoming a hot topic.

Gipsy Kings were a group that appeared dashingly in the midst of all that.

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I first became aware of them when this Gipsy Kings song was used in the ending of the TV period drama "Onihei Hankacho," and it became a topic among my friends, who said, "It's too cool!"

"Inspiration"

Oh man, it's poignant.
The melody of the flamenco guitar? makes you cry.
In the ending of "Onihei Hankacho," scenes of the four seasons are shown, and somehow, it fits perfectly with Japanese scenery too—it's mysterious.

It's quite bold to use the Gipsy Kings for the ending of a period drama.
But I think it's because there was something that touched the sensibilities of the Japanese people, and after that, Gipsy Kings songs were often played in commercials and the like.

Kirin "Tanrei <Nama>" CM

The Gipsy Kings have remained popular since the 90s, but there's also the question of which album to start listening to...
Well, a greatest hits album might be the safe choice, but personally, I recommend their early original albums.

Gipsy Kings are centered on vocal tracks, but there are quite a few instrumental songs like "Inspiration", and I feel that the original albums have a better balance.
For someone like me who got into them through "Inspiration", I find myself wanting to listen to the sad-sounding guitar of their instrumental tracks (especially in autumn...), so the original albums are perfect.

"Gipsy Kings" 1988

The first album to be released worldwide, titled after the group's name.
In addition to the famous "Inspiration" and other hits like "Bamboleo" and "Djobi Djoba", as well as a cover of Presley's "My Way", it is a masterpiece that also includes "Bem, Bem, Maria", which is well-known from the Soramimi Hour lol.

"Djobi Djoba"

"Bem, Bem, Maria"

Gipsy Kings were often featured on the Soramimi Hour segment of Tamori Club. This song in particular was very famous!

"Mosaique" 1989

This is the album that includes "Volare," used in the Tanrei Nama commercial.

"Volare"

I often sang "Volare" at karaoke too! Even if no one knows the lyrics, everyone can sing it with enthusiasm lol

These two are my favorite albums. The jacket designs are different from when I first listened to them, but they are still masterpieces nonetheless.

I listen to them because of the charm of the guitar melodies, but while searching on YouTube and such this time, I found that their live performances also look quite fun.

"Bamboleo"

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